Good morning, Portage County. If Netflix made a documentary about our local recycling center, they might call it "Glass Wars: The Bin Strikes Back." Russell Township's recycling facility is drowning in a sea of broken glass and misplaced trash, leaving officials contemplating everything from new signage to a complete shutdown of the operation. It's a stark reminder that even our best environmental intentions need proper direction.
Meanwhile, in a plot twist worthy of Parks and Recreation, Moreland Hills is dreaming big with plans to transform 140 acres of forest preserve into a nature lover's paradise. And speaking of dramatic endings, a developer's $358,000 campaign to reshape Solon's landscape just hit a wall of community resistance, proving that sometimes grassroots really do trump greenbacks.
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0% ☕️ What's Brewing Locally
♻️ Russell recycling center drowns in trash and confusion. Township trustees are grappling with residents dumping non-recyclable items and glass at their local recycling center, forcing occasional closures due to overwhelming mess. The Geauga Trumbull Solid Waste District no longer accepts glass, yet residents continue to leave broken glass and debris scattered around overflowing bins. Officials are planning a public education campaign and new signage to clarify acceptable materials, while also considering a switch to curbside pickup services. If the misuse continues, trustees warn they may permanently close the facility, which they suspect is being used by non-residents as well.
🏛️ Small Ohio village plans big changes for historic forest preserve. Mayor Susan Renda of Moreland Hills aims to transform a 140-acre forest property by replacing a dilapidated house with a new outdoor pavilion. The village is seeking a $150,000 NatureWorks grant to fund the project, which would create a freely accessible public space for passive activities like birdwatching. The mayor also plans to conduct the first salary study in over a decade, addressing stagnant wages for village officials who earn as little as $1,500 annually. With a recently passed safety services levy bringing in nearly $800,000, the village hopes to overcome recent budget deficits and tackle delayed maintenance projects across departments.
💰 Developer burns $358,000 on failed rezoning campaign in Solon. The Yes 110! campaign, led by developer Yisrael Harris, heavily outspent the opposition in pushing for a $200 million mixed-use development project on Bainbridge Road. The opposing grassroots group, Residents for Reasonable Zoning, spent just $64,792 but ultimately prevailed when voters rejected the proposal in November. The project would have transformed 103 acres from single-family residential into a complex featuring retail, restaurants, housing, and a spa. Adding to their troubles, Yes 110! now faces scrutiny from the Ohio Elections Commission for missing crucial filing deadlines.
🏒 Hockey Schedule
| Team | Opponent | Date/Time |
|---|---|---|
 Aurora Greenmen | ||
| vs Avon | 12/27 @ 5:00pm | |
| @ CVCA | 12/28 @ 7:30pm |
🏡 Real Estate Reveals
This charming 1870 farmhouse is listed at $150,000 and sits on 2.25 acres. Featuring a cozy living room with a fireplace, an open kitchen, and a bright dining room, the home also includes a master suite, two additional bedrooms, and a full bath upstairs. The property comes with a large outbuilding, a three-car detached garage, and a barn, and is being sold as-is, so serious buyers should be pre-approved or show proof of funds.
A vacant .185 acre lot is listed for $65,000 in a charming cul-de-sac community filled with newer homes and mature trees. With no HOA fees, public utilities available, and just minutes from downtown Kent and Kent State University, this is the perfect spot to build your dream home with your chosen builder.
Colonial home with cozy spaces
This charming colonial home is listed at $310,500 and features a welcoming foyer that leads to a spacious living room, dining room, and a cozy family room with a gas fireplace. With three sizable bedrooms, an owner’s suite with dual walk-in closets, and finished basement rooms for versatile use, it offers ample space and storage, complemented by a private wood-fenced yard and oversized garage.
🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla
🙏 In Remembrance
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🍞 Daily Bread Crumb
The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.
-Proverbs 18:10