Longtime Fire Chief David Barnes retired in August. He was with the department for 45 years, and 20 of those years he was the chief. The city is undergoing a search using the Ohio Fire Chiefs’ Association to assist it and hopes to name a new chief early in 2023. The acting chief is Matthew McBirney.
My home was full of Christmas joy Saturday night when Santa surprised five excited kids with a special visit. I was hosting a family dinner when, chauffeured by the Charlestown Volunteer Firefighters, Santa and Mrs. Claus rolled up in a fire truck with the lights flashing!
- Submitted.
For the 17th year in a row, Portage County Amateur Radio Service (PCARS) has raised funds for the local food program, the Center of Hope, a program of Family & Community Services (FCS).
The new year is quickly approaching and there is no better time to start thinking about a healthier 2023.
- Staff Report.
Remembering those we’ve lost in Portage County
- Mark Baxter.
Vintage fashion lovers have a new destination in downtown Kent with the opening of Branded at Kent on Black Friday.
Home Instead Senior Care has one more place to put a giving tree and one more opportunity for Portage County folks to make the holidays a bit more cheerful for seniors.
- Staff Report.
Remembering those we’ve lost in Portage County
- Staff Report.
The Kent Historical Society provided several photos of the mill throughout its history. Built in 1879 and originally operating as the Williams Brothers Mill, it has been a part of the downtown landscape nearly as long as the city has been a city.
Last Friday, I left the informal Kent Environmental Council breakfast at Little City Grill at about 9 a.m. and immediately noticed smoke. As I turned south on Mantua toward downtown Kent, I could see that the Williams Brothers Mill was on fire.
- Tom Hardesty.
In the world of sports, the focus is on the player and their accomplishments, and often the coach is overlooked. After volunteer coaching for many seasons with Ravenna Parks and Recreation, I would like to recognize a coach that stands out among the rest: Eric Allen, with Kent Parks and Recreation.
The department will host a Community Engagement Survey from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8, at the Roy Smith Shelter House at 601 Middlebury Road in Kent. The purpose of the forum is to gain community input for Parks and Rec’s upcoming master plan.
- Staff Report.
The Ohio Building Demolition and Site Revitalization Program approved 17 projects in Portage County this month, as a part of its initiative to promote business development and to reduce blight.
- Submitted.
On Nov. 18, 2022, Louise Ottrix, a longtime resident of Ravenna, became the recipient of a piece of property in the Skeels Allotment off of state Route 59 near downtown.
- Staff Report.
Remembering those we’ve lost in Portage County
We’ve literally had plumbing issues at my house for years. It started gradually with the kitchen sink not draining well. The shower drained, but very slowly and only after allowing the water to get almost to the top of the rim. And eventually, I abandoned the washer altogether after having water pumped out all over the floor for the LAST time.
- Staff Report.
Remembering those we’ve lost in Portage County
- Staff Report.
The fire at the Kent mill was extinguished late Dec. 3 after burning for over 38 hours, the Kent Fire Department said in a statement Sunday. Access to nearby businesses is restored.
- Staff Report.
The Kent Fire Department released a statement Saturday with more details about the Dec. 2 fire at the Kent mill. The full press release is copied below.
Myers could provide no assurance that the buildings facing North Water Street could be saved. It could be unsafe to leave them standing. Once they could get in there, engineers would make that determination, he said.
