Today is Feb. 19, 2021.
- That groundhog knew what he was talking about. "High" of 27 today with snow in the morning and at night. It shouldn't snow a lot this weekend, but the temperature will drop to the single digits tomorrow night before climbing back up to the 30s on Sunday.
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Sheriff's office
College student says she has been harassed online since the sheriff put her 'wanted poster' on Facebook
The Portage County Sheriff's Office is trying to clear a backlog of over 4,000 outstanding warrants by plastering people's names and mugshots on Facebook.
The problem is that the post makes them look like dangerous fugitives when in reality many of them are wanted for simple traffic violations.
Here's the chronology of events:
- The sheriff's office published the original post on Tuesday.
- On Wednesday we ran our first story about this, speaking with Chief Deputy Ralph Spidalieri about why they're doing this. We also talked with others who raised ethical concerns.
- In response to a backlash from the community, Spidalieri published an explanation on Facebook but said they plan to continue the practice.
 Then last night we spoke with a college student who says she was blindsided by the Facebook post. Imani Simmons said she got a ticket for driving with a suspended license, pleaded not guilty and then her court date was postponed because of Covid. She never heard from anyone again until she saw her name and face on the internet and started getting messages. "I cried for two days about this," she said.
Any thoughts on what the sheriff's office is doing? Send letters to the editor to editors@theportager.com.
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Covid
This weather is causing delays in vaccine distribution
Kent City Schools were scheduled to begin vaccinations on Monday, but distribution will be pushed back to later in the week.
- The vaccine supply is sitting in Memphis right now, said Health Commissioner Joseph Diorio at yesterday's Covid press briefing.
- Kent was the last in line for vaccines and will be the only schools affected by the delays. Other districts are wrapping up clinics this week.
County commissioners 'should be setting an example' for health protocol
The Board of County Commissioners has started meeting in person again, but two of the commissioners have been seen maskless at the indoor meetings. We asked health officials about it yesterday.
- "I will have a discussion with the commissioners about that," Diorio said. "My opinion is yes, they should be setting an example and should be at least wearing a face covering during their meetings."
- Record-Courier reporter Diane Smith was at the briefing and followed up with some of the county commissioners. Commissioner Tony Badalamenti said he thinks the plexiglass barriers are enough. (Paywall.)
FYI: Airborne transmission of coronavirus in closed spaces has been well understood for months. Not wearing a mask indoors puts people around you at risk.
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SPONSORED BY WATER STREET TAVERN
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Mantua
Buchert Memorial Park ramps up accessibility
The Mantua Village Council is applying for state grants to increase access to the Cuyahoga River and the boat ramp.
- If they get the money they hope to put in a new parking area, pave the gravel and add wheelchair accessible spaces at the existing lot.
Contributing reporter Wendy DiAlesandro got this update from the village council meeting on Tuesday.
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Windham
What kind of therapist has floppy ears and a tail?
 Windham's board of education approved a policy allowing students to relieve stress with a trained therapy dog.
- The particular trained professional in question belongs to a member of the school's staff and will be around to work with students as an emotional support animal.
Wendy DiAlesandro has more on the new policy.
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SPONSORED BY MARATHON FINANCIAL SERVICES
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Kent City Schools
Davey Elementary School is designated military-family friendly
The school received a Purple Star Award for its dedication to serving students from military families, who often have to move from place to place.
Davey has special programs in place to provide extra support military kids. Wendy DiAlesandro has the details.
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We're currently seeking launch sponsors for our new website! (Currently under construction.) Support locally owned news and reach thousands of Portage County's most active residents. Write to ads@theportager.com to learn more about advertising.
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News briefs
Davey Tree is getting hit with a big lawsuit
A $31 million suit against the city of London in Ontario and Davey Tree claims the Kent-based company has been given all but one city forestry contract since 2003 thanks to connections inside city hall.
You can read the full story here from Canada's CBC.
More news:
- Waterloo is updating its stadium and fixing that pond that forms on the football field every time it rains. There's now a Facebook page for more information on the project and ways to donate or volunteer.
- A new pizza place is coming to Kent. Uncle Maddio's Pizza Joint will be moving in at the old Pizza Fire location. The Record-Courier has the details. (Paywall.)
- Kent State was recognized for the 12th year in a row for the school's support of post-military students. Read more about it here.
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Here's some fun personal news. I recently put in my notice at my day job, where I work on the marketing team of a tech company. The obligations there and also for The Portager have both been mounting, and I had to make a decision. Of course I chose to keep working for you all!
I'm still not taking any salary from The Portager yet, but we have a plan to get there. And we will. In the meantime, I'll be helping out with my dad's company and doubling down on local news for Portage County.
It's a privilege to serve you. See you Monday.
Ben
330-249-1338
ben@theportager.com
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We're the only locally owned online news source covering Portage County, Ohio.
Our mission is to help our community thrive.
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