Per Wikipedia, "As of 2000, the population was 152,061. Its county seat is Ravenna. 
Portage County is named for the portage between the Cuyahoga and Tuscarawas Rivers."
Per the official Portage County website, birth and death records can be acquired as 
follows:

* 1867-1908 - Birth and death records are located in Portage County Probate Court, 
              Courthouse, 203 W. Main St., Ravenna, Ohio 44266, Phone: 330-297-3870. 
* 1909 - Present - Birth and deaths occurring within Ravenna City limits (including 
              Robinson Memorial Hospital) are located at the RAVENNA CITY HEALTH 
              DEPARTMENT, 530 N. Freedom St, Ravenna, Ohio 44266. Phone: 330-297-2163 
* 1909 - Present - RECORDS OF ALL OTHER BIRTHS AND DEATHS IN PORTAGE COUNTY ARE FILED 
              AT THE KENT CITY HEALTH DEPARTMENT, 325 South Depeyster Street, Kent, 
              Ohio 44240. Phone 330-678-8109. 

Portage Co. - Miscellaneous Obituaries - 117