I want to express my deep respect and support for the students at Theodore Roosevelt High School who participated in the peaceful walkout during Governor Mike DeWine’s recent visit. In a time when youth voices are often dismissed or minimized, these students demonstrated courage, conviction, and a commitment to civic engagement.
PBS Western Reserve’s progress toward greater service to the region is under threat. A rescission package recently delivered from the White House to Congress proposes to eliminate already-approved federal funding for public media. This would have a devastating impact — not only on PBS Western Reserve, but on local public media organizations nationwide, particularly smaller stations and those serving rural communities.
- Staff Report.
Remembering those we’ve lost in Portage County
- Submitted.
Oh Spring. Trying our patience every day as we ride a roller coaster of temperatures. Not only that but we are up to our ankles in mud. Let’s talk about that mud or I mean soil. Did you know that your garden soil is a combination of dirt, organic material, water, and oxygen in air pockets? All of these components are necessary for your plants to grow and thrive. Currently in Portage County our soil is saturated with rain water, […]
Early voting for the May 6 primary election is ongoing, with Kent residents seeing the names of five Democratic candidates for City Council at-large seats.
- Theo Bednar.
Governor Mike DeWine visited Theodore Roosevelt High School in Kent on Thursday, April 24 to cut the ribbon on the addition of a major new career center at the school. Several students took the opportunity to protest.
A Kent man remains free on bond while he awaits sentencing for soliciting a minor to engage in sexual activity. Legally termed importuning, it is a third-degree felony. The alleged victim is a 12-year-old boy who attended a Kent parochial school.
Palmyra Township has been invited to meetings regarding the creation of a new joint fire district, which would cover an area of five townships. This new system would be more expensive, but supporters say it would result in faster response times to EMS and fire calls.
- Kathy Baker.
Life is a journey, as we’re often reminded. My own life has taken me to mountaintops of joy, valleys of despair, and everything in between. Recently, my internal journey, conversations with my authentic, interior self, has been a wild ride. One filled with twists and turns, unfamiliar passageways winding through darkness and shadows–and finally, the arrival of a moment of clarity.
An enduring and necessary virtue of cities, towns and villages across Ohio and America is the willingness of their voters to tax themselves to support their schools. Without such support, financial and otherwise, a community’s schools cannot reach their full potential to benefit each year’s students.
- Staff Report.
Remembering those we’ve lost in Portage County
The federal government’s efforts to remove immigrants seems to be gaining steam at Kent State University, which now tallies the number of international students whose visas have been revoked at 10.
- Violet Puin.
Road Supervisor Tony VanSteenberg reported that a fallen tree had also knocked down a telephone pole. The road crew patched holes in the park driveway over the past month.
On May 6, Ohio voters have the opportunity to renew a program that has been vital to the success and stability of our communities for nearly four decades. The State Capital Improvement Program (SCIP) provides crucial funding to repair and maintain local roads, bridges and water infrastructure — without raising taxes. This program has supported projects in all 88 Ohio counties, helping to improve safety, attract businesses and ensure residents have access to clean water and reliable infrastructure.
The Sip n Shop on Main is taking a few more artisans. We are happy to announce this year’s wineries: Laleure Vineyards, Feisty Broad, It’s your Winery, Salvage Winery, West Main Street Winery, and Winery at Versailles.
Don’t you love a book that has the power to pull you out of your seat and drop you in a whole other setting? These three novels do that! (And they’re really good!)
- Staff Report.
Remembering those we’ve lost in Portage County
An August 2023 traffic stop landed two Ravenna men in jail on felony drug charges. The charges were eventually dropped when the alleged cocaine in the car they had occupied turned out to be carpet cleaner, and the two men filed suit in federal court, claiming Portage County Sheriff Bruce D. Zuchowski and three deputies violated their civil rights.
- Cathy Klein.
Pirates Promise Community Night Fundraiser will be held on Thursday, April 24 at Southeast High School to raise funds for Phase II of the elementary school’s All-Inclusive Community Playground. Admission is $5 to watch Administration and Staff take on Adaptive Sports Ohio.
- Nicole Sweet.
April showers bring May flowers in Bomber Country. Unfortunately, thus far it has been a cold, rainy and snowy April. This old saying helps us remember: a period of discomfort or hardship can provide the basis for a period of happiness and joy. Looking forward to warmer days ahead. Spring is finally in the air and here are some exciting events and important information coming up in our little town: