🌱 Patch AM: How Kent’s new jobs and projects could reshape daily life in 2026

Good morning Kent! We're back in your inbox this morning to keep you in the loop with what's happening in and around town. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

• How Kent’s new jobs and projects could reshape daily life in 2026
• What’s inside Kent’s new harm reduction vending machine on Water Street?
• Will Kent Roosevelt’s boys close the gap for a league title?

Today's riddle: What did the baby light bulb say to its mom? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Monday: Cloudy and not as cold, with a high of 40 and low of 31 degrees.
• Tuesday: A little afternoon rain, temps: high: 45, low: 35.
• Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, with a high of 42 and low of 33 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• Portage County boasts development success in 2025, aims for big 2026 (record-courier.com) — Kent residents can expect continued economic momentum, with 2025 bringing new jobs, Davey Tree’s expansive SEED training campus, and several new restaurants and shops in town. Across Portage County, major industrial expansions, new trails, and senior living projects in Streetsboro, Aurora, Ravenna, Brimfield, and Mantua signal more jobs, redevelopment, and recreation options heading into 2026.
   

• Townhall II adds Portage's 2nd harm reduction vending machine (record-courier.com) — If you or someone you know uses drugs in Kent, Townhall II’s free harm reduction vending machine on North Water Street now offers Xylazine test strips alongside other safety supplies. A second machine in Ravenna expands access across Portage County, aiming to reduce overdoses and severe health complications from the powerful sedative often mixed with opioids.
   

• Kent Roosevelt comes home strong in Suburban League American swimming (record-courier.com) — Kent Roosevelt’s girls swim team has effectively locked up the Suburban League American Conference title, powered by standout Trinity Heath and strong depth heading into postseason meets. The boys’ championship, with Roosevelt just behind Aurora, will be decided Jan. 5 at Twinsburg, giving Kent fans a pivotal showdown to watch.
   

📸 Around Kent

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Kent

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

Tuesday January 6

• Kid Bookworm Box
  Reed Memorial Library -
• Little Bookworm Box
  Reed Memorial Library -
• Origami Hour
  Reed Memorial Library - Tuesday Room
  6:00 pm

Wednesday January 7

• MakerSpace Drop-Ins
  Reed Memorial Library - Makerspace
  3:00 pm
• 8-Bit Showdowns
  Reed Memorial Library - Teen Room
  4:00 pm
• Snowflake Bath Bombs
  Reed Memorial Library - Makerspace
  6:00 pm

Thursday January 8

• Cora's Playroom
  Reed Memorial Library - Children's Room
  9:00 am
• Button-Making Workshop
  Reed Memorial Library - Makerspace
  5:00 pm

📣 Kent Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

🗓 Events Nearby

Monday January 5

• Pilates: Stretch & Strengthen
  Stow, OH Calendar , 5344 Fishcreek Road , Stow
  4:15 pm
• Obituary Writing Workshop
  Reed Memorial Library - Tuesday Room
  6:00 pm

Tuesday January 6

• Kid Bookworm Box
  Reed Memorial Library -
• Little Bookworm Box
  Reed Memorial Library -

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

Thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making Kent PatchAM possible:

• Mindsee.it — (646) 663-8317
  Teach your kids they can achieve the impossible!

Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• Applebee's - Apple American Group posted a job opening for Cook in Kent. Apply here.
• Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. posted a job opening for Crew Member in Kent. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Kent here.

🗞 Nearby News

Ravenna

• Ravenna Township warming center will stay open through Sunday (record-courier.com)
• Basketball Game Preview: Cloverleaf Colts vs. Streetsboro Rockets + Official Tickets (maxpreps.com)

Akron

Ok Kent! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I love you watts and watts!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

👉 Help make Patch AM better

• Help us grow by suggesting local news sources.
• Shape this newsletter with your feedback.
• List items for sale or services offered

We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what’s happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.

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