Good morning, Dev Test County. As winter tightens its grip on our community, it's not just the Judson Road Bridge feeling the strain. The sudden closure of this vital crossing due to weather-related damage serves as a stark reminder that Mother Nature still calls the shots, even in 2025. Meanwhile, inside Garrettsville's council chambers, the heat was on as officials tackled thorny decisions about police contracts and employee compensation.
Speaking of heated discussions, the food fight brewing at Orange School District would make any cafeteria food war look tame by comparison. With half a million dollars sitting unused in the food service budget while students struggle with "unappetizing" lunches, it seems some parents are ready to send the current menu straight to detention. At least they're passionate about putting better fuel in our future leaders' tanks.
🌤 Sky Skoop | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
0% 
☕️ What's Brewing Locally
🏛️ Small-town council kicks off 2025 with big decisions on pay and police. Garrettsville Village Council elected Tom Hardesty as president and tackled two major ordinances during their first meeting of the year. The council approved new compensation rates for village employees, though concerns were raised about street department salaries being higher than neighboring communities. A three-year, $43,590 annual contract with Portage County Sheriff's Office for dispatch services was also approved. The council also discussed a new state law allowing police departments to charge up to $75 per hour for video redaction requests, aimed at discouraging frivolous demands.
🌉 Cold weather forces sudden closure of vital Portage County bridge. Engineers discovered dangerous holes developing in the deck of Judson Road Bridge in Franklin Township, which spans the Wheeling Lake Erie Railroad. The Portage County Engineer's Office made the immediate decision to close the bridge Tuesday after evaluating the extent of the weather-related damage. Officials have posted detour information on their website to help redirect traffic during the closure. No timeline has been provided for when the bridge will reopen to normal traffic.
🍎 Parents revolt against processed school lunches in wealthy Ohio district. At Orange School District near Cleveland, frustrated parents are demanding healthier, less processed food options for their children. A surplus of $536,000 sits unused in the food service budget, while parents report their kids calling the current offerings "gross" and "unappetizing." Medical professionals, including a pediatric gastroenterologist, warn that the current menu items amount to "edible poison" rather than brain-supporting nutrition. Student athletes complain of hunger and fatigue, forcing coaches to keep emergency snacks on hand for after-school activities.
🏡 Real Estate Reveals |
| PRESENTED BY Amy Jackson, CENTURY 21 |
Versatile land perfect for dreams
This prime residential land in Kent is listed at $55,300 and offers 0.3331 acres of flat, level terrain, complete with mature trees for a touch of nature and privacy. With ready-to-go utilities and the potential for subdivision, it's a versatile opportunity for your dream home or an investment, conveniently accessible via Franklin Avenue.
Desirable investment opportunity awaits
This foreclosure property, available exclusively through Auction.com, offers a promising investment opportunity in a desirable neighborhood. Interested buyers can save this listing to receive important updates, including auction details and bidding information, as they navigate the potential for profit in the real estate market.
Luxurious private retreat near nature
This stunning 4-bedroom home, listed for $649,000, is a serene retreat nestled on 1.87 private acres at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, offering a beautiful blend of luxury and comfort. With 9 to 10-foot ceilings, honed hardwood floors, and a chef's kitchen featuring quartz countertops, it includes a spacious master suite, a finished lower level for entertaining, and serene outdoor spaces with a fenced yard, all while being conveniently close to amenities and nature.
🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla
🍞 Daily Bread Crumb |
| PRESENTED BY Northbend Church |
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
-Ephesians 4:2