Good morning, Kent.

Leadership Portage County opened registration for its Level Up leadership conference at Kent State University Hotel and Conference Center, set for April 2.

Early bird tickets are $89 until Feb. 15 + general registration starts at $98 per ticket.

Main Street Kent invites design proposals for the downtown KENT sign, a public art piece on North Water Street that will get a fresh look in Spring (submissions, with vinyl artwork for each letter, are due by Feb.

28). The chosen artist will receive $1,000 and be notified by March 18 (each design change supports the sign’s evolving style).

Antajuan Hightower is an Honors College student and HR major from Boardman who works at Kent State Recreation and Wellness Center (coordinating facility operations) and serves as fraternity vice president.

He said his roles at Kent State help him grow as a leader while giving back to the community.

Hope Town — a nonprofit from Windham that provides recovery housing — is now offering virtual AI classes with AI Owl and has trained about 100 participants since September.

University Hospitals Portage Medical Center will host the free UH Heart Healthy Expo on Feb.

28 at NEOMED Education and Wellness Center in Rootstown from 9 a.m. to noon (doors open at 8:30 a.m.). The event includes a healthy breakfast, heart screenings and educational sessions on heart care.

Pet owners in Kent can get ready for the upcoming Valentine's Day celebration by exploring curated gift ideas for dogs+ cats featuring treats, toys, beds and personalized bowls at retailers like Petco, Amazon, and Chewy.

The guide highlights options to show love for fur babies this holiday.

Kent State head baseball coach Jeff Duncan signed a contract extension through the 2030 season today—announcement made by Vice President and Director of Athletics Randale L.

Richmond.

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.

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.

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.

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'.

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.