Good morning, Kent.

Main Street Kent is hosting its second Coffee Walk on Jan.

10 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Ticket sales begin at 8 a.m. Dec. 12 for one of 150 $30 spots; participants will explore 16 downtown coffee stops with check-in at the Sanford Building (154 N. Water St.).

Portage County agencies will host Portage County Cares Christmas—a free event for community members struggling during winter—Friday, Dec.

19 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Townhall II’s Ravenna office at 512 N. Chestnut St. It will offer meals, clothing, hygiene items, Narcan kits, and pantry supplies.

The Portage Park District & Western Reserve Land Conservancy have conserved 550 acres in Shalersville from a former sand and gravel mine for a future park.

The group will offer public nature programs as restoration and planning continue.

Ohio Gov. DeWine asked the state's pharmacy board to schedule synthetic kratom as illegal by emergency rule and to ban natural kratom through standard rulemaking.

He said the herbal extract poses an imminent public health risk, linked to over 200 overdose deaths from 2019 to 2024.

Experts say adults over 45 should use caution when shoveling snow to avoid heart strain from heavy lifting and cold air exposure; with up to 7 inches of snow predicted through the weekend, residents are advised to take breaks and use proper lifting techniques (especially those with existing heart conditions).

Greater Akron realtor Valerie Ursetta advised local homeowners that simple updates, like fresh neutral paint and decluttering (low-cost landscaping benefits curb appeal), can boost value and speed up a sale while cautioning against costly renovations that may not yield a return.

Aurora high school football players Xavier Board, Luke Bonnette plus Luke McGovern earned all-state honors Dec.

10 for the Division III Greenmen. Board received honorable mention while Bonnette and McGovern were named to the second and third teams respectively.

Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band Live

7:30-9:00 p.m. — The Kent Stage — Tickets available — Experience a night of rootsy, country blues from one of the greatest porch bands in the world.

Mocktail Mastery Class

3-5 p.m. — Bell Tower Brewing Co. & Kitchen — $ — Shake up your Dry January with a hands-on alcohol-free cocktail workshop.