Op-Ed Contributor

Op-ed: Listen to our program about solving hunger in Portage County

Food is a basic human need. Yet here in Portage County, many neighbors still struggle to keep their pantries full. We’ve all seen the food drives and we’ve all read the statistics, but numbers alone can feel abstract. We wanted to meet the people doing the work— and understand what it actually takes to relieve hunger in our own backyard.

Rooted Ramblings: It’s spring bulb planting time!

Have you noticed the displays of bulb packages in home stores and garden centers? We see Tulips, Daffodils, and more. Now is a perfect time to prepare your bed and plant those bulbs. It may be hard to imagine as we head deep into fall colors and harvests, but these bulbs will bring you joy when very little is growing. Here are some tips to get started:

Op-ed: Nicotine, rebellion and the fight to do better for the next generation

I smoked my first cigarette the summer before high school, rolled with American Spirit tobacco a friend had swiped. We sat under the sun, curious and rebellious, and I got a buzz that felt delightfully lightheaded and pleasant— almost invigorating. By fall, I was posted up on “the hill” behind the school parking lot with the rest of the misfits, lighting up before first bell and again at lunch. I wasn’t trying to fit in—I never did. I was loud, dramatic, and voted “most unique” more times than I can count. But like so many others, my first act of rebellion turned into a chemical leash I’ve been dragging around ever since.

Op-ed: Some lessons from my Polynesian family

By Rick Feinberg, professor emeritus of anthropology at Kent State University Few topics stir more controversy — either in our local neighborhoods or around the country — than the existence of human diversity and the question of how we should engage with people who are different from ourselves. My perspective on the issue is atypical, as I was vividly reminded last month, when I got to see my Polynesian family for the first time in a dozen years. My connection […]

Op-ed: Council Member Chris Hook weighs in on marijuana conversation

I really appreciated the packed house at Wednesday’s Kent City Council meeting. Thanks to many many folks who came to speak in support of recreational weed in Kent. It was inspiring, especially to see many generations represented in the room. But I’d like to unpack the issue because, unfortunately, there was a lot of misinformation flying around that I feel needs addressed.

Op-ed: A painful accident with a dozen silver linings

After several chilly days, I thought I’d take advantage of some spring-like weather on the eve of our eagerly anticipated eclipse. My plan was to get in a 30-mile bike ride before setting up for an evening concert I’d helped organize. A few weeks ago, I bought a new pair of tires that promised high performance, combined with flat resistance. Everything seemed perfect.

Opinion: I’ve lived a full and productive life, but I’m one of the lucky ones

When ever I’m invited to speak, whether at a special program, a class, or a church group, I’m
often asked to provide a short bio to include in advertisements, program notes, or for the MC
to use in their introduction. I hate writing my own bio. I’m always afraid that I’ll sound
conceited on one hand, or under qualified on the other. But today I’m going to take a risk and
tell you a bit about myself.

Photo essay: From the towers to the underbelly of the Star of the West Mill

By Brad Bolton Downtown Kent was going to dramatically change in 2010, and I wanted to photograph that area before and after the construction. All the empty lots north of Haymaker Parkway were slated for new buildings in the next couple years, and the best place to photograph the change was from the top of the Star of the West mill. I knew the manager, Red Michel, through music. Luckily he agreed to take me up to a high window […]