Portage County obituaries for Dec. 7-8
- Staff Report.
Remembering those we’ve lost in Portage County
Go back in time: Photos of the Kent mill through the years
- 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.
Op-ed: By helping and sharing, Kent formed stronger connections through tragedy
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.
Hardesty: Ravenna soccer coach lives the meaning of sportsmanship
- 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.
Kent Parks and Rec needs community feedback to guide upcoming investments
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.
State-funded demolitions throughout Portage County will make way for new development
- 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.
Ottrix family becomes recipient of property transfer in Skeels allotment
- 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.
Portage County obituaries for Dec. 5-6
- Staff Report.
Remembering those we’ve lost in Portage County
Been There, Done That: Make do and bail water
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.
Portage County obituaries for Dec. 2-4
- Staff Report.
Remembering those we’ve lost in Portage County
Kent mill fire extinguished, investigation will continue Monday
- 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.
Two firefighters sustained minor injuries in mill explosion, demolition expected to finish Dec. 3
- 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.
Rotting wheat in the mill tower ‘was a fire hazard,’ former employee says
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.
Watch a video of the moment the Kent mill exploded
- Ben Wolford.
Late Friday night, the owners of GRAZERS Restaurant in Kent, Stacey Lasher and Carl Bauer, submitted a video they took of the explosion from the third floor of their building across the street. (GRAZERS is closed Dec. 3 as crews continue to work on the fire.)
![The mill in downtown Kent is burning, city in shock and mourning [photos + video]](https://theportager.usereachout.com/assets/f1160443-5a5e-4281-8814-212a33fa5ad8.jpg)
The mill in downtown Kent is burning, city in shock and mourning [photos + video]
A fire broke out at the old Star of the West mill in downtown Kent around 9 a.m. Dec. 2, and multiple fire crews with a ladder truck were still battling the flames as of 11 a.m.
Ravenna Lions raffle will support health programs
- Submitted.
The Ravenna Lions Club is hosting a Trex Bench Raffle fundraiser. Proceeds support programs for pediatric cancer research, diabetes, hunger, environment and vision.
Referendum passed, but Kent police will charge marijuana offenses under state law, officials say
Portage County and Kent law enforcement officials say they will simply charge offenders under state law instead of under Kent law, which until the November election mirrored the Ohio Revised Code.
Assisted living facility staff awarded by Streetsboro Fire Department
Streetsboro firefighters presented Community Safety Award certificates to nine staff members at the city’s Gardens at Liberty Park assisted living facility Wednesday.
Garrettsville renames Youth Library to honor longtime librarian Terri Lawless
- Jala Forest.
For children who attended the storytime program at the Garrettsville Library, Terri Lawless created a safe space for them to be happy, spark their imagination and build their love for reading. The kids called her Miss Terri.
Portage County obituaries for Nov. 30-Dec. 1
- Staff Report.
Remembering those we’ve lost in Portage County