Good morning, Kent.

After a football game on Friday, a Kent driver spotted a cat on Liberty St.—the animal was in danger near SkyLanes, so the driver swerved and later searched the area near a car wash and a soybean field but the cat was gone.

The writer hopes someone can safely capture the stray so that indoor cats SonnyBoy and Lily can share their porch.

The Experience Portage County Online Auction runs September 1 through September 30 — offering exclusive packages like a private tour of Camp James A.

Garfield, a Hiram Ghost Walk led by Robert Painley, and an artisan mead tasting at a local meadery. Every bid will benefit community scholarships and local projects run by the Portage Foundation.

Hometown Bank is hosting a free Business Fraud Survival Camp — a training event using interactive, scenario-based sessions — at Kent State University Hotel & Conference Center on October 1 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. to help local business owners learn practical skills to prevent fraud.

Maplewood Career Center’s Welding Technologies program is now Pell approved—letting adult learners use a grant to help cover the $6,425 tuition and materials—and will start its 36-week course on October 6, with classes held Monday-Thursday from 5:45 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Kent State University and the University of Cincinnati received a nearly $3 million NSF grant to start the SHARE program—an effort to build research networks that let schools share expertise and lower costs.

The four-year program will train new research leaders and help schools follow federal rules.

Brooklyn Jones, a freshman English major at Kent State from Fort Mill, South Carolina, uses her passion for creative writing to overcome dyslexia and help fellow students facing learning challenges.

She earned a teacher’s assistant role and credits her roommate Trinity for steady support—demonstrating that hard work and determination pave the way for success.

Ohio's hummingbirds will soon start migrating south to winter in Mexico and Central America — experts say to keep feeders up through October so the birds get enough energy.

Ohio State University Extension advises removing feeders only when the birds stop visiting to support the long journey.

The federal program that mailed free at-home COVID tests has ended, but Kent residents can still get tests free through health departments, public libraries, and community partners—insurance may cover some kit costs at retail pharmacies.

Ohio reported nearly 300 COVID hospitalizations in recent weeks, which has raised concerns about a rise in cases.

The Garfield G-Men girls finished second at the third annual Streetsboro Rockets Invitational at Streetsboro Middle School last Saturday with a 5—10—14—15—36 finish that gave them 80 points even though they were short-handed.

Sophomore Nora Yukich led the team with a fifth-place run and Coach Matt Pfleger said every runner set a season-best as the team gets ready for the Spartan Invitational at Boardman High School next Saturday at 10:30 a.m.

In a Week 4 football roundup, coach Tom Hannan recorded his 100th win as Portage County head coach with Rootstown's 48-8 win over Brooklyn—while Garfield improved to 3-1 after Ryder Cain scored three touchdowns and wins came for Crestwood, Mogadore, Streetsboro and Southeast.

Aurora Car Show

12-3 p.m. — Aurora Sunny Lake Park — Free to participate and attend — Showcase your vehicle and enjoy delicious food from Birdie's Food Truck.

Reiki Level One Certification Course

9 a.m. – 3 p.m. — SHINE Ohio — Tuition required — Become a certified Reiki practitioner and empower yourself with self-healing techniques.

Ohio Bobcats vs. Kent State Golden Flashes Women's Volleyball

6-9 p.m. — Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center — Ticket prices vary — Catch the thrilling showdown as the Ohio Bobcats face off against the Kent State Golden Flashes in women's volleyball.

Afroman Live Concert

9 PM – 12 AM — The Burnt Pickle — Tickets starting at $89 — Experience Afroman's unforgettable performance in Kent, OH.