Good morning, Kent.

Four parish churches in Portage County will merge on Jan.

1 without closing buildings. Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Aurora will join Saint Joan of Arc in Streetsboro while Saint Joseph in Mantua will merge with Saint Ambrose in Garrettsville as announced by the Diocese of Youngstown.

The Portage County Historical Society will rededicate the restored Ohio Historical Marker honoring Ravenna founder Benjamin Tappan Jr. on Oct.

17 at 2 p.m. at its facility (6549 N. Chestnut St.) in Ravenna.

LoveLight will launch its STAR Institute event at 335 West Main Street on Oct.

15 from 6-8:30 p.m. in Kent, offering programs for holistic learning and wellness while inviting attendees to help dedicate rooms and a bench honoring key community figures.

Windham High School Athletic Director Dougle Hankins has taken on a new role as the Bomber girls’ basketball head coach after Coach Jim Collins stepped down — he said his 20 years of junior high coaching experience will help the team build youth interest and achieve a quick start.