Kent
Daily News
Thursday, January 22nd, 2026
Good morning, Kent. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 22nd of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Portage banker Eric Decker, aged 47, died on Jan. 9 at Hillcrest Hospital after complications from pancreatic cancer. He served as senior vice president at Portage Community Bank and was celebrated for his volunteer work with local charities & youth sports, leaving a lasting mark on the community. Record-Courier
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Indeed's Best Jobs for 2026 report, released Jan. 21, highlights top roles in healthcare, skilled trades and tech — offering strong pay and stability without a college degree; it notes Ohio is a hot market for data center technicians, indicating promising local opportunities for Kent job seekers. Record-Courier
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Kent homeowners are advised to open cupboards and let faucets drip — a simple but effective step — when temperatures drop to prevent frozen pipes during the coming winter storms. Homes are urged to cover outdoor spigots and maintain a thermostat setting of at least 60 degrees to guard against pipe damage. Record-Courier
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ The former Gugloz Brothers South End Market on Franklin Ave has been fully renovated by the Hometown Foundation and is now for sale. The $275,000 upgrade restored key details (historic windows and door adjustments) and modernized the space for future business (ideal for a salon or art gallery). Record-Courier
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Eight schools in Portage County are set to form a new athletic league for the fall 2027 season. Athletic directors plan a smooth transition from current conferences (including James A. Garfield, Southeast, Mogadore, Akron Springfield, Crestwood, Rootstown, Ravenna and Waterloo) to boost community sports. Weekly Villager
- ➤ Portage County high school sports recaps from Jan. 19–25 include Rootstown beating Berkshire (58-46) to take a conference lead and Roosevelt defeating Barberton (76-10) with Claire VanDamme scoring 25 points; Rootstown now has a one-game title chance pending next week's league finale. Record-Courier
- ➤ USA TODAY Sports released report cards for all 136 college football teams in the 2025 season, with Kent State earning an A- after improving from a 0-12 record last season. Other teams, including Clemson and LSU, received low grades while Indiana and Miami led the top marks. Record-Courier
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Mrs. Roper Romp
6-8:30 p.m. — Hot Pots Pottery — $10 plus project choice — Embrace nostalgia and creativity with a Three’s Company-themed create night featuring fondue and fun.
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Ohio Bobcats vs Kent State Golden Flashes Basketball
7-9 p.m. — Kent State – College of Education, Health, and Human Services — Free T-shirts — Participate in Coaches Vs. Cancer Night with giveaways and engaging community support.
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Free Lunch and Campus Safety Brainstorming Session
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. — Design Innovation Hub — Free lunch — Discuss and shape personal security tools for students over a free meal.
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Chocolate Walk 2026
11 AM - 5 PM — Kent State University Hotel & Conference Center — Tickets from $40 — Indulge in a delightful stroll sampling chocolate treats and participating in exclusive VIP tastings.
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Galentine's Bouquet Making Workshop
7-9 p.m. — Bell Tower Brewing Co. — Tickets required — Craft beautiful bouquets while enjoying drinks with friends at this fun floral workshop.
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Thai Yoga Massage and Reiki Workshop
6-7:30 p.m. — SHINE Ohio — Limited spots available — Experience a relaxing journey with Thai Yoga Massage and Reiki in a cozy setting.
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Tinsley Ellis Acoustic Concert
7:30 p.m. — The Kent Stage — Ticket prices vary — Experience the raw essence of blues with Tinsley Ellis' intimate acoustic performance featuring his new album 'Naked Truth'.
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Kent State Women's Basketball vs. Northern Illinois
2-9 p.m. — Kent State – College of Education, Health, and Human Services — Ticket prices vary — Watch the Golden Flashes take on the Huskies in an exciting women's basketball matchup.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
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