Home / Newsletters / Ohio / Portage County / May 8, 2025

๐Ÿ“š School spark, somber news

Portage County • May 8, 2025

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Good morning, Portage County. In the halls of Crestwood schools, the future is taking shape through impressive initiatives. While Principal Ducca celebrated teacher Monica Grebb's success in securing $2,500 for STEAM challenges, Superintendent Curtis outlined transformative plans including a streamlined mission statement, a "Portrait of a Graduate" program, and adjusted school schedules for the upcoming year. Fifth graders will soon have exciting new options with choir and band programs being introduced.

Beyond school walls, our community faces sobering news as authorities have ruled 46-year-old Juvar King's death a homicide after his body was discovered in East Cleveland with a gunshot wound. King had been missing since February, when his car was found abandoned and burning. While an arrest has been made in connection with the arson, the investigation into King's murder continues as authorities search for answers in this tragic case.

๐ŸŒค Sky Skoop

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โ˜•๏ธ What's Brewing Locally

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๐Ÿ” A Warren man's death has been ruled a homicide. Juvar King, 46, was found on an abandoned house's porch in East Cleveland with a gunshot wound to the head. King had been missing since February, when the car he was driving was later discovered abandoned and burning in Cleveland. While police arrested 28-year-old Nathaniel Christian Crockett for the arson, no arrests have been announced in connection with King's murder.

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๐Ÿซ Crestwood School Board celebrates student achievements and plans new initiatives. Principal Ducca recognized teacher Monica Grebb for securing $2,500 in grants for STEAM challenges and the One Book, One School program. Principal Freitag-Geiger announced that fifth graders would have choir and band options next year, while Principal McMahon highlighted a student volleyball tournament and a Maplewood student's national competition qualification. Superintendent Curtis outlined three key initiatives including streamlining the District's Mission & Vision statement, developing a "Portrait of a Graduate" program, and adjusting school schedules with new start times for the upcoming academic year.

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๐Ÿ˜ข Horrific trial begins for man accused of raping 9-day-old baby. Steven Ferguson, 27, faces multiple charges including rape and sexual battery in a case described by prosecutors as "disturbing" and "profoundly immoral." The defendant waived his right to a jury trial, opting instead for a bench trial before Judge Laurie Pittman in Portage County. Prosecutors allege Ferguson exhibited "sick desires" before the assault, while the defense attorney claims the evidence will be "substantially different" than portrayed. Ferguson is being held on a $10-million bond while also facing additional charges including attempted rape and domestic violence.

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โšพ Baseball Scoreboard

TeamOpponentScore
Ravenna (5-13)
@ Streetsboro
L 12-0
Streetsboro (11-4)
vs Ravenna
W 12-0
Roosevelt (7-9)
vs Highland
L 10-3

๐ŸฅŽ Softball Scoreboard

Aurora's softball squad made quick work of Roosevelt with a commanding 10-0 shutout, improving their impressive record to 19-1 while leaving no doubt who rules the Suburban-American conference. The Greenmen's dominance continues to be the feel-good story of the season, while the Rough Riders (2-14) are still searching for answers as they head into their next challenge against Copley.

TeamOpponentScore
Field (15-5)
vs Ravenna
W 10-0
Crestwood (2-14)
vs Harvey
L 11-6
Roosevelt (2-14-1)
@ Aurora
L 10-0
Aurora (20-1)
vs Roosevelt
W 10-0
Ravenna (7-10)
@ Field
L 10-0

๐Ÿก Real Estate Reveals

Real estate listing image Bright Aurora gem with updates: Priced at $374,900, this bright Aurora home offers 2 bedrooms plus a flexible lower level space, 3 baths, soaring ceilings, and recent updates to the roof, HVAC, and hot water systems within a desirable community.
Real estate listing image Spacious Colonial Eight Car Haven: Priced at $499,900, this 3-bedroom Colonial on 1.5 acres boasts a four-season room with wet bar, finished basement, and dual garages accommodating up to 8 vehicles in the desirable Field School District.
Real estate listing image Woods Maple Dream Home Ready: This lustrous abode boasts 4 bedrooms, maple kitchen cabinets, and a walkout basement on a wooded half-acre lot, all for $749,900, making it a pristine Aurora residence for both entertainment and remote work.

๐Ÿ—“๏ธ Happenings & Hoopla

๐Ÿฆž May 8 - Centerra Country Store: Catch the Lobster Truck at Centerra Country Store in Ravenna this Wednesday! Satisfy your seafood cravings from 11:30am-7:00pm at 467 Cleveland Rd. Order at the truck or through their Mobile App.
๐Ÿง  May 8 - Trivia Night at LHK: Put your trivia skills to the test at The Lake House Kitchen + Bar! Join the fun on May 8 at 7508 OH-43 in Kent for an evening of friendly competition and delicious eats.
๐Ÿ”ฎ May 8 - Soul Speed Networking Connection: Ditch the business cards at "Speed Networking for the Soul" at SHINE Ohio on May 8! Connect authentically with others in a refreshing space where genuine energy trumps elevator pitches. Located at 5190 Cline Rd, Kent.
๐Ÿง  May 8 - Trivia at Bell Tower: Test your knowledge and enjoy craft brews at Bell Tower Brewing's Trivia Night on May 8! Gather your smartest friends at 310 Park Ave in Kent for an evening of fun competition.
๐Ÿบ May 8 - MadCap Brew Trivia Night: Test your knowledge at MadCap Brew Co's Trivia Night on May 8! Gather your smartest friends and head to 1422 Mogadore Rd in Kent for an evening of brain-teasing fun and craft brews.
๐Ÿ•Š๏ธ May 10 - Margaret Bayley Memorial Service: Join family and friends to celebrate the life of Margaret A. Bayley at Ravenna Elks 1076 on May 10. Honor her memory with stories and fellowship at this warm community gathering.
๐Ÿฅƒ May 10 - Morgan Wallen Tribute Night: Saddle up for Whiskey Friends as they bring Morgan Wallen's hits to life at The Dusty Armadillo on May 10! Get your boots scootin' to Rootstown for this can't-miss tribute show at 7pm.
๐ŸŒธ May 11 - Mother's Day Brunch: Treat Mom to a delightful Mother's Day Brunch at 776 N Freedom St in Ravenna! Celebrate with unforgettable food and festivities on May 11, 2025โ€”the perfect way to show your appreciation.

๐Ÿ™ In Remembrance

Mary And Jeff W. Leacock

Mary Leacock passed away on February 23, 2025, followed by her husband Jeff Leacock on March 6, 2025, both from natural causes. They were preceded in death by their parents and, in Jeff's case, his brother George. The couple is survived by their daughter Tracy, granddaughter Ashley, three great-grandchildren, and several of Jeff and Mary's siblings. Cremation has taken place with no calling hours or services planned, and the family has requested that condolences be shared online.

Mary And Jeff W. Leacock

Mary K Charley

Mary Shuford Kendrick Charley, born in 1937 in Alabama and later adopted by her aunt and uncle, passed away on May 2, 2025, at Hospice of Medina County. After relocating to Ravenna, Ohio in 1954, she worked at Kent State University for 23 years and as a health care worker, while also being a faithful member of the Ravenna Avenue Church of God for over 30 years. Mary was married to James R. Charley for 18 years until his passing in 2005, and was previously married to Carl Edward Kendrick. She is survived by three children, twenty grandchildren, twenty-five great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, three sisters, and many extended family members and friends.

Mary K Charley

Charles Anthony "Chuck" Rosati

Charles "Chuck" Anthony Rosati, 63, of Streetsboro, Ohio, passed away on May 3, 2025. A Kent State University graduate and registered architect, Chuck worked as a Senior Project Manager at Prime AE Group Inc. and designed numerous buildings across the country, including hundreds of newspaper plants. He was a devoted member of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, and cherished his roles as husband to Bonnie, father to Anthony, Andrew, and Anna, and mentor to many others. Chuck is survived by his wife of 36 years, his three children, his mother Sandy, sister Karen, and his dog Spanky Tom.

Charles Anthony Chuck Rosati

Louie Barbuscio

Louie Barbuscio, 72, of Mantua, passed away on May 5, 2025, after an 8-year battle with cancer. Born in Italy, he immigrated to America at age 6 and worked various jobs, including 25 years at Columbian Vise Mfg and his favorite position as a laborer in the Village of Mantua. An avid sports fan who enjoyed bowling and stock car races in his younger years, Louie found his greatest joy in his great nieces and nephews in his later years. He is survived by his wife Mary of 53 years, along with his brother, numerous in-laws, 13 nieces and nephews, 27 great nieces and nephews, and 1 great-great nephew.

Louie Barbuscio

David P. Santner

David Phillip Santner, who was born in Cleveland in 1951, passed away peacefully on May 3rd, 2025, at age 73, surrounded by family. After graduating from Valley Forge High School, he worked in hotel management and as a bartender at the Renaissance Hotel in Cleveland for 25 years before retiring in 2018. Known for his easy-going warmth, love of animals, and enjoyment of being on the water, David had a special ability to discover value in overlooked people and experiences. He is survived by his son Steven, daughter Janelle and her husband Chris, three sisters and their husbands, and numerous friends, with a celebration of life service scheduled for May 10th at Eagles Club in Ravenna, Ohio.

David P. Santner
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