Good morning, Kent.

On Oct. 1, Hometown Bank hosted a Business Fraud Survival Camp at Kent State University Hotel and Conference Center to teach people how to spot and avoid fraud in their personal and business finance.

Bank officials said they will hold another event in March and offer training at local businesses—steps aimed at reducing fraud risks as more transactions go online.

Kent State University will celebrate homecoming on Oct.10 and Oct.11 with football, a new parade route along Summit Street due to construction on East Main Street, and a birthday celebration for Flash the mascot.

The events include a block party at 9 a.m. + various tailgates and a football game at 2:30 p.m. at Dix Stadium.

Akron Children's Hospital is ranked No. 5 in Ohio and No. 13 in the Midwest in the U.S. News Best Children's Hospitals 2025—2026 report, while Cincinnati Children's Hospital and Nationwide Children's Hospital tied for the top spot in Ohio.

Registration is open for the Portage Substance Abuse and Mental Health Conference at NEOMED's NEW Center ballroom in Rootstown on Oct.

30 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. — The free event, hosted by the Mental Health and Recovery Board of Portage County, will feature speakers like Dr. Nicole Labor and Mark Saunders discussing addiction, trauma, and self-care while offering continuing education credits and lunch.

OHSAA released its weekly high school football computer ratings today as the season heads into Week 8—ranking 708 schools into divisions to select the top 12 teams in each region for state playoffs beginning Oct.

26.

Portage County high schools recorded wins in soccer, volleyball, and golf from October 6 to October 12, 2025, with teams like Aurora, Ravenna, Lake Center, Southeast, Rootstown, and Mogadore posting key scores.

Coaches shared recaps that highlight local talent—driving sports excitement across the county.

After seven weeks of play, Portage County football teams—Mogadore, Rootstown, Garfield, and Streetsboro—have built strong postseason cases as official OHSAA computer ratings highlight Mogadore's four straight wins and Rootstown's key victory boosting their postseason chances.

Afroman Live Concert

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

Vintage Ceramic Tree Painting Event

11 AM – 1 PM — Acorn & Evergreen Floral Studio — Bring your own beverage — Create a unique vintage ceramic tree to add a festive touch to your home decor.

Danjo Jazz Orchestra Performance

7:30-9:30 p.m. — The Venice Cafe — Free entry — Experience the jazzy vibes of the Danjo Jazz Orchestra for a perfect weeknight outing.

Trick or Treat on the Farm

12-3 p.m. — Pure Passions Farm — $8/person entry — Enjoy a festive day with cider, candy stations, and face painting for kids in costume.