Blog of Dave Ruller, Kent City Manager
The City Health Commissioner reports that over the next 2-3 weeks he will be visiting each tobacco retailer in Kent to make sure they are aware of the new 21 age limit for tobacco sales which will go into effect October 1, 2018.
The Health Department has prepared a series of informational pieces that he’ll be distributing — which he also asked me to share on the blog:
Jim Bowling reports that tomorrow, August 15th, should be the day that 2 way traffic on Summit Street is fully restored.
I think he’s been reluctant to over-commit to that date since it’s really up to the contractors to finish their work — but he’s confirmed for me this afternoon that it’s still looking good to re-open the new and improved Summit Street to traffic — so he have me the green light to spread the news.
There’s still contractor work that will be done, particularly the landscaping, but those activities should stay out of the street and not disrupt traffic too much.
A project of this magnitude and impact deserves some Olympic style “project ending ceremony” but for now it will be nice to pass this milestone — just in time for the students to return to campus.
Here’s some more details from the City/KSU Project Team
A couple of great PARTA related bus news updates:
And don’t forget, PARTA offers free fare Fridays in July and August so you still have some time to take advantage of the free service*.
It’s been a great summer to enjoy the Cuyahoga River in Kent and local volunteers are digging through their closets to pull out their waders to spend a morning returning the favor to the river as part of Kent’s annual Rive Clean Up event.
The 2018 City of Kent Cuyahoga River Clean-Up will be Saturday August 18, 2018 from 8:00 am until roughly 12:00 pm.
Eric from the City’s Water Reclamation plant leads the volunteer brigade every year and here’s the information he sent out this week for anyone that might be interested in helping.
The launch point will be at Tannery Park where KSU Crooked River Adventures livery is located next to the home at 326 Stow Street. Additional parking is located at Fred Fuller Park or Kramer Baseball Fields roughly 1/4 mile downstream of Tannery Park accessible via the Bike & Hike Trail. The take out this year will be just upstream of the Water Reclamation Facility adjacent to the southern end of Fred Fueller Park.
During the clean-up items like tires, railroad ties, couches and everything in between will be removed.
Anyone that wishes to bring or provide canoes, kayaks, row boats, or any other contributions are more than welcome to do so, your generosity is greatly appreciated. Please RSVP by email or phone at which time further details will be provided. Work gloves, sun screen, a light snack, and water will be available, however; on a first come first serve basis. Shoes or work boots capable of providing protection from rocks or debris are highly recommended as are loose fitting pants preferably not tight fitting jeans. It is also recommended that cell phones not join us in the river. A dry bag and box will be available for storage for either cell phones or car keys, but the City of Kent nor it’s staff will be responsible for lost or damaged items.
This year the City of Kent is requiring that the release/liability waiver be completed prior to participation.
Thank you for your interest and we hope to see you there.
Eric Gorczynski
Environmental Technician
Water Reclamation Division
City of Kent
(330)676-7245
I’m a little behind getting this story out as both the local newspaper and a regional news network picked it up earlier this week — but good news is always worth repeating.
If you had any doubts, here’s proof that good samaritanship is alive and while, even in the 10 and under crowd.
Here’s the email that I received from Fire Chief Tosko describing the circumstances:
Last Friday, the Kent Fire Department responded to a call for smoke coming from a house on the 500 block of S. Francis St. When we arrived, black smoke was coming from several windows and neighbors told us of a dog trapped inside. We quickly made entry and put out the fire in the kitchen. The dog was rescued and is doing well. The occupant was not at home at the time.
That, though was not the end of the story. A nine year old young man by the name of Brandon who lives next door was the one who first noticed the fire. He notified his neighbor Emily who was watching him. Emily called 911 and tried to contain the fire herself. Brandon then made multiple calls himself to insure that help was on the way.
Today, the Kent Fire and Police Departments recognized Brandon for his quick thinking and actions to get help on the way quickly. Brandon was given a challenge coin, a T-shirt and even a Dairy Queen gift card from dispatcher Becky Schneider, Captain Rich Lynn, Chief John Tosko, Lt. Mike Lewis and officer John Romanoski.
Watch Fox 8 news or Channel 3 news tonight for all the details. Thanks again Brandon for your quick thinking and for making all of us in Kent proud. Brandon is truly a hometown hero and one of the many reasons it’s great living and working in Kent.
John Tosko
Fire Chief OFE
Kent Fire Department
And here’s the story in the local newspaper, with some great photos of Brandon.
Knowing to do the right thing, and doing it …. fantastic.
Saving a dog … awesome.
That smile afterwards … priceless.