Good morning, Dev Test County. In an age when many of us struggle to recall what we had for breakfast yesterday, Henry Corbett's crystal-clear memories of life in the 1850s serve as a powerful reminder of our not-so-distant past. Through his great-grandson Ramont Henry Wright's careful preservation of family photographs and stories, we're granted a remarkable window into a chapter of American history that must never be forgotten.
Meanwhile, our community bids farewell to Carol Olin, a 92-year-old force of nature who spent decades healing both bodies and spirits throughout Portage County. And speaking of county matters, the ongoing detention center dispute between Portage and Geauga has evolved from boardroom disagreements to courthouse drama, with $566,000 hanging in the balance. At least this time, nobody's threatening to build a wall.
🌤 Sky Skoop | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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89%☕️ What's Brewing Locally
🕊️ Beloved 92-year-old nurse and community pillar Carol Olin joins heavenly reunion. A lifelong resident of Garrettsville, Ohio, Carol passed away peacefully on January 17, 2025, joining her high school sweetheart and husband Donn. After graduating as an R.N. from St. Luke's School of Nursing, she dedicated her life to healthcare and community service, working at West Geauga Hospital and volunteering with the Portage County Health Department. Carol's legacy lives on through her three children, eight grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren, as well as her lasting contributions to the Garrettsville United Methodist Church, where she sang in the choir and served on numerous committees.
🔄 Great-grandson inherits powerful legacy from man born into slavery. Ramont Henry Wright keeps his great-grandfather Henry Corbett's memory alive through family photographs and stories in his Akron home. Corbett, who lived to be 107, worked as a house servant on a North Carolina plantation in the 1850s and later built a new life in Alabama. Despite receiving special attention from First Lady Mamie Eisenhower and local press, Corbett never celebrated Independence Day after witnessing his parents being sold at a slave auction on July 4th. Wright now ensures these crucial family stories are passed down to future generations.
⚖️ County commissioners clash in heated juvenile detention center lawsuit. Portage County is suing Geauga County over its withdrawal from their shared juvenile detention facility in Shalersville, demanding nearly $566,000 in unpaid costs and transition expenses. The lawsuit claims Geauga County had no right to exit the partnership without approval and failed to negotiate terms. Geauga's commissioners, led by Ralph Spidalieri, initiated the split to cut annual costs of around $500,000. While Geauga's prosecutor suggested mediation through the Ohio Supreme Court, Portage County initially proceeded with legal action before showing recent openness to negotiations.
🏀 Basketball Scoreboard (Girls)
Highland's perfect season keeps rolling as the undefeated Hornets (19-0) buzzed past Aurora 58-37, setting up a mouth-watering clash with 15-3 Copley this weekend. Speaking of Copley, they squeaked by Tallmadge 45-41 in a game tighter than a new sneaker, while Jackson edged Streetsboro 51-46 in non-league action that was closer than the polar bears they're named after.
| Team | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
Aurora (9-11) | ||
@ Highland | L 58-37 | |
Streetsboro (12-3) | ||
@ Jackson | L 51-46 | |
Tallmadge (12-6) | ||
@ Copley | L 45-41 |
🏡 Real Estate Reveals |
PRESENTED BY Amy Jackson, CENTURY 21 |
Impressive home on vast acreage: Located in the charming township of Randolph, this impressive 4,777 square foot brick home on 36.4 acres features 4 bedrooms, 4 full bathrooms, and energy-efficient geothermal heating and cooling, all for $800,000. Perfect for farming, hunting, or hosting family and friends, this property offers spacious living and close proximity to local universities.
Mid-Century Modern with potential: This charming Mid-Century Modern home in Kent, Ohio, listed at $330,000, boasts five bedrooms, a fireplace, and a nearly half-acre vacant lot, blending classic style with future potential.
Spacious ranch on expansive land: Charming ranch home at 4350 Rock Spring Rd is listed at $210,000. This 4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom gem sits on 1.7 acres, offering a perfect blend of country tranquility and convenient access to local amenities.🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla
💰 Financial Friday |
TIPS PRESENTED BY Farmers Bank |
Take a closer look at your subscriptions and memberships; canceling those you rarely use can free up extra funds each month, allowing you to redirect that money toward savings or fun experiences.
🍞 Daily Bread Crumb |
PRESENTED BY Northbend Church |
Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.
-Psalm 31:24