Streetsboro News is attempting to highlight all of the great accomplishments that happened in the city in 2023. The information listed below was provided by the respective departments and organizations in the city. If something is not listed, that means it was not submitted. If you wish to add something, you can email us at streetsboronews@gmail.com to get it added to the article. We are hoping to highlight each year like this in the future. Enjoy!
Election & Elected Official News
The following were appointed to their positions due to resignations:
Marianne Glenn was chosen by City Council to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of former Ward 1 Councilman, Mike Lampa.
Tonia Epple was chosen by the Streetsboro Board of Education to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of former School Board member, Robert Fulton.
In the November 2023 General Election, the following candidates were elected, and issues passed:
Board of Education: Tracy Campbell, Tonia Epple, Kelly Rich and Sara Scott were elected.
City Council: Marianne Glenn (Ward 1), Anthony Lombardo (Ward 2), Jennifer Wagner (Ward 3) and Lisa McDaniel (Ward 4), were all elected.
Mayor: Current mayor, Glenn Broska, defeated two others to earn his 4th term in office.
School Levy: The renewal levy was approved by the residents.
Parks District: The levy for the Portage Parks District was approved by the reisdents of Portage County. PPD has many parks in Streetsboro which will likely see future development due to this passing.
The Board of Education members will take office in January, while the City Council members were sworn in at the last November City Council meeting. Mayor Glenn Broska was sworn into his 4th term in office on Friday, December 15th.
Community News
The foundation was created on January 13th. The “Don’t Stop Running James” was on April 30th and $5000 worth of scholarships were given out. And the Annual Do It for James Foundation walk/run Day of Fun was on August 5th and gave away $10,500 in scholarships.
Police Department News
The Streetsboro Police Department participated in many events in 2023. Those events included the Dine to Donate for the School Resource Officer (SRO) program, an active shooter simulation training at Streetsboro Schools, Trunk or Treat & city wide Trick or Treat, the Fill a Cruiser event for Thanksgiving, hosted the annual Shop With a Cop event and many more.
Along with the departments patrol duties, the officers and staff participated in many different trainings and events, such as ROX, which is a female group at Streetsboro Schools, sextortion training and conferences, Safety Land, and conducted OVI checkpoints throughout the city.
In addition to these events and trainings, the department welcomed a few new officers throughout 2023, including new K9 Mika, who recently began training. Former K9 (Ret.) Bo. was laid to rest on June 26th, 2023. Bo served the city for 9 1/2 years with K9 Officer Aaron Coates and during that time, Bo was responsible for over 400 criminal charges filed, more than $500,000 in assets seized and 15 firearms and countless drugs taken off the streets.
A few officers and dispatches earned awards in 2023. Those include the following:
Officer Josh Batholomew was awards the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Champion award for ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals experiencing mental health crises.
Officer Bartholomew was also awarded the Michael S. Woody CIT Coordinator of the Year award for 2022.
Dispatcher Linda Leanze was awarded the Gold Star Telecommunicator Award for her outstanding contribution as a police dispatched for the city of Streetsboro.
Fire Department News
Year after year, the Fire Department continues to play a key role in the Streetsboro community. Through November of 2023, the department has responded to 3,045 incidents. This is a 1.06% increase over the same time last year. The total call volume for the year is projected to be just under 3,400 incidents.
While carrying out their normal duties, the fire department and the crew participated in many events throughout the year. These events include setting up fireworks at Streetsboro Family Days, participating in multiple Touch a Truck events, setting up a helicopter to touch down at Family Days, Trunk or Treat, the annual 9/11 Memorial ceremony and recently the Holiday Lighting event, where the firemen brought Santa to town on a truck and hosted him for cookies and treats after the lighting ceremony concluded.
Not 2023 news, but many in the community saw that the department moved into the new fire station in 2021. Since then, many events have been held there, such as pancake breakfasts, car washes, bicentennial events, trainings and many more. The new fire station sits at the city center and will be part of the larger City Center Project the city is currently undertaking. Being in the city center development will allow the fire department to take part in more community events as the site will eventually be home to a splash pad, playground, city hall and community park. The fire department has always been receptive of visitors who want to tour the new station and show their kids around. If you ever want to visit, don't hesitate, just give them a call.
Trainings throughout 2023:
Extrication training at SFD
Forcible entry training at SFD
Full scale active shooter threat exercise with Streetsboro Police, Streetsboro Fire, Streetsboro Schools. Multiple police and fire/EMS agencies involved was conducted on 10/27. No students were involved in this training. Teachers played as staff and students.
Active fire training at Tri - C that allows firemen practice time in a real fire simulation.
Parks & Recreation Events
The Streetsboro Parks & Recreation Department continues to impress with its many annual event. Thank you to Special Events Coordinator, Mike Kuhstos for providing the information and pictures to add to the article.
Streetsboro Adds New Basketball Courts & Sand Volleyball Courts
This project at city park is now officially complete from the previous two years of construction. It includes two brand new basketball courts and two brand new sand volleyball courts (with lights). Lights are being discussed for the basketball courts.
Pickleball is introduced to Streetsboro
Streetsboro recently completed its refinished tennis court facility with a new surface and equipment. With that improvement, pickleball lines were added and nets were ordered. Since its completion, pickleball has been a big hit in the city. Ralph Richard (Pickleball instructor), introduced by hosting Pickleball Clinics in the Spring of 2023.
Streetsboro Senior Center Appreciation BBQ- (Thurs 6/15)
Hosted at Streetsboro City Park—LIVE Entertainment provided by “It's About Time” Duo
Streetsboro Senior Center Afternoon Summer Sizzle - (Thurs 8/10)
Hosted at Streetsboro City Park—LIVE Entertainment provided by “Akron Symphonic Quintet.
Leadership Portage 2nd Annual Craft Beer Fest ’23
Hosted at Streetsboro City Park on Saturday Oct 14th.
Though it was a rainy October day, over 10 Craft Beer vendors participated along with food vendors and host to LIVE entertainment from “Mother Ale.”
Thursday Oct 19th—Streetsboro Trunk or Treat event
Hosted at Streetsboro City Park (Largest crowd to date) Rainy evening did not slow anyone down—had over 45 vendor participants and estimated over 2000 goblins showed up.
Streetsboro Senior Center hosts "Living History - A Night of Stories." (4/11)
Hosted at the Streetsboro Annex
Gave seniors a chance to tell their stories, share pictures, and items from their lives and experiences.
The event earned the 3rd place award from the Ohio Parks & Recreation Association Historical and Cultural Arts Programs category.
2023 Holiday Lighting Ceremony on 11/30
Easter Egg Hunt on 4/1 at Streetsboro City Park
Streetsboro Builds New Community Center/Parks & Recreation Building
Built in city park behind baseball field 7, Streetsboro plans to unveil its new community center in early 2024. The city broke ground on this project in May and is nearing construction. The building will feature new Parks & Recreation offices, the Streetsboro Senior Center, a space that can be rented and used for community events and a beautiful back patio that will feature a wooded/shaded area and a fireplace.
Check out the pictures of the Parks and Recreation Events below.
Economic Development/Business News
Streetsboro is an attractive spot for businesses and companies. With that said, there was a lot of movement in 2023 and more expected in 2024. Read below the report from Economic Development Director, Patrick O'Malia.
Opened and closed in 2023
Happy Moose (re-opened after fire, closed in November)
Opened in 2023
Sandy’s Notions – Florist – SR 14 (relocated from previous location)
Sloth Style Tattoo – Market Square Plaza
Timber Beast Axe Throwing – Market Square Plaza
Karate Shorin-Ryu and Mixed Martial Arts – Market Square Plaza
Rita’s Italian Ice – SR 14
Aurora Plastic’s completed their expansion project - +/- 25,000 SF
DSV - (old Best Buy)
Bureau of Motor Vehicle’s - Liberty Corners
Kropp Photo - Old McMichael Building on SR 43
Master Pizza - SR 43
State Route 43 Professional Building (old dry cleaner / shoe repair by Speedway) - completely remodeled into office space.
Raising Cane’s (SR 14 / old 5/3 bank)
DHL (took over former Spectrum Diversified Design). Accommodating growth at MOPAR.
Accurate Steel location #2 (took over Protecto Plas building on Crane)
Smoothie King (Streetsboro Commons)
Jersey’s Mikes (SR 14)
Target improvement (Streetsboro Crossing)
KFC improvement
Great Lakes Hyundai expand / rebrand
Jim’s Open Kitchen façade / parking lot improvement
Van Boxel’s Kitchen and Floors Showroom (by the UHaul).
US Safety Gear - Frost Rd
Streetsboro News - online news site for the city
Closed in 2023
TABSS (The All-Beauty Supply Store) – 303 Plaza
Six Nails (roofing company in 303 Plaza)
Tai Wah (SR 14 / 303)
Sally’s Beauty Supply (Streetsboro Crossings)
First National Bank (Streetsboro Crossings)
Best Friendz Selfie – Lounge (Liberty Corners)
Lindee’s Internet Café (Gateway Plaza)
Announced – expected to be completed in 2024
New owner of house on SE side of Square / 43 / 14.
Viega (German Company in the JEDD with Shalersville)
Popeyes
Restaurant Depot
UH Urgent Care (former Denny's)
Valley Smoke Shop (Streetsboro Commons)
Expect Mode of Expression to complete façade improvements.
Deluxe (business check printing on Philipp) will close in March 2024. A new manufacturing tenant is in process of buying the building.
FNS (Korean logistics and shipping provider – taking over Geis spec building)
Another Broken Egg (breakfast spot in old IHOP) - Possibly December 2023.
New Aldi’s on SR 14
Potential 2024
Two potential restaurants across from Home Depot on SR 14
Potential international investment from France of new manufacturer near Aurora border
Potential demolition of Leather Shop
Potential of housing development on Page south of Frost Road.
Projects that didn’t make it in 2023
Take land donation on Aurora Hudson / Frost – instead donated to St. Jude
Project Kingfisher – Intel supplier, would have been city’s biggest income tax source – Geis speculative – went to upstate NY / Rochester area.
Telecommunications firm – Geis spec
Major housing development on Page behind Meadow Ridge (Saunder’s Creek) Inability to make bridge to connect developments.
Retired NHL player converting Zip City to ice rink.
Indoor basketball / indoor volleyball at Market Square.
Streetsboro Area Chamber of Commerce News
Photo: left to right
Kurt Ruehr- Streetsboro Chamber of Commerce Past President
Mike Cheslock- Streetsboro chamber of Commerce board president
Image Award Recipient : Gebhardt Intralogistics USA: Anna Harter
Deborah Covert Streetsboro Chamber of Commerce Executive Director
Joe Malacky- NOACC Bright Star Recipient
Citizen of the Year Recipient- Jerimiah Greathouse
Citizen of the Year Recipient: Mike Kuhstos
Business of the Year Recipient: Buckeye Quality Meats- Store GM: Paul Byler
Business of the Year Recipient: Buckeye Quality Meats- Owner: Mark Stackhouse
Bright Star Award: Joe Malacky
The Bright Star Award recognizes a chamber member has made a significant impact on our chamber through their activities in membership, fundraising, operations, etc.
Our Chamber Bright Star is the person who goes above and beyond to participate in events, or someone who encourages others to get involved--maybe an Ambassador or Mentor; proactively promotes the chamber, its benefits and membership.
Image Award: Gephardt Intralogistics North America
The Image Award: celebrates new businesses or reinvestment in facilities that stimulate economic growth and retention through jobs and facility improvements.
In January of 2022 Streetsboro became home to the headquarters of Gebhardt USA Inc., which designs the software and hardware that companies use to move products within large warehouses and distribution centers.
They renovated and moved into a 70,000-square-foot building, located at 10040 Aurora-Hudson Road, with plans to expand that by another 30,000 square feet.
Klaus-Dieter Wurm , president and chief executive officer of Gebhardt USA said “along with the expansion, he expects to hire about 50 to 60 more employees “by the end of next year”- adding to the already 20 employees at the Streetsboro facility with an additional 10 employees who work in the field.
The company is thriving and has so much business in the pipeline over the next two years that Wurm said he doesn’t plan to have a sales force.
“The good news is we're not pursuing sales,” he said. “We are booked out for the entire year in ’22 and we’re at least 78% already booked out for ’23. Because of the technology that we have, we're fortunate enough that our customers come to us.”
Thank You Gebhardt for choosing Streetsboro!
The Business of the Year: Buckeye Quality Meats
The Business of the Year Award is given to a Streetsboro Area Chamber of Commerce member who has embodied the ideal of community involvement and investment in the community.
Buckeye Quality Meats loves giving back- while there are numerous organizations that they lend their support to, the Streetsboro Chamber has been fortunate to experience their hands on approach to our fundraising activities and community events. A large reason BQM was chosen as the 2022 Business of the Year is their spearheading efforts to bring back the Streetsboro Business and Community Expo held at UH Streetsboro last August.
Paul Butler store manager actively recruited 16 plus vendors to offer free samples, give aways and raffles. As the event took shape additional exhibitors, health screenings from UH professionals and even a kids zone with a touch a truck area were added to round out this community event.
Citizen of the Year Recipients
The Citizen of the Year Award is granted to an individual in recognition of community service which resulted in the advancement of the common good, promotion of the public welfare and the stimulation of public service.
Jeremiah Greathouse:
Below are submissions for Jeremiah Greathouse for Citizen of the Year.
"This gentleman has done a great job with providing a service for the elderly and making sure their lawns were cut. He also made sure snow removal was done at the same address to help them if they needed to go the doctors. He also did some tree removal when we had a strong windstorm that brought down some big trees.
He is always willing to go help anyone no matter what it is. And asks for nothing in return."
"Does amazing things for the community."
"He is very kind and thoughtful."
"Cut his hair once, great guy! Does so much for the community."
"He is a very kind and helpful person. He will always go out of his way to help someone. I have never met a more caring person in my life."
"Jerry is one of the most giving people I know. He is constantly working to make the city and the world a better place. He genuinely cares about people and improving their lives and wellbeing."
"Jerimiah has gone above and beyond for our community time and time again. He doesn't let anything stop him from helping the citizens of this town. Many times while working the senior program he did things out of his own pocket because the program did not have enough funding and he did not want the senior citizens or the disabled to go without care."
"He's one of the best people i have ever met. He's selfless and loves to help the people around him.
A caring, sharing and selfless person. Parents his children to be leaders by example. We need more like him."
Mike Kuhstos:
Below are submissions for Mike Kuhstos for Citizen of the Year.
"I vote for Mike Kuhstos for his community spirit and dedication to the city of Streetsboro!"
"Mike grew up in Streetsboro and is the admin of the Streetsboro History "The yesteryears of our town" Facebook Group where he shares old photos, newspaper articles, stories, and memorabilia. In addition, Mike was also the admin of the Streetsboro Bicentennial Facebook Page and led the organization efforts of the committee responsible for planning and implementing last year's Bicentennial celebrations. Without Mike's dedication to Streetsboro, residents may not have gathered together to participate is an assortment of fun events throughout the year which included the unearthing of the 1972 time capsule, the collection and burial of the 2022 time capsule, throwback t-shirts and souvenirs, a parade, fireworks, Birthday Bash, cookout, community photo, and so much more! Mike is a well-known resident and someone that goes the extra mile to bring the community together, making him an excellent candidate for Streetsboro's 2022 Citizen of the Year."
"He does a fantastic job for Streetsboro. What he did for all the events last year was beyond great!!!"
"I have known mike a long time and has always been so caring and giving. He lives next door to my mom and is such a kind neighbor always looking out for her. I really appreciate his friendship and kindness and couldn’t ask for a better person to live next to my Mom."
"Mike did an amazing job orchestrating the bicentennial celebration."
"Mike goes above & beyond for the city of Streetsboro. His commitment to our city makes him the perfect candidate for Citizen of the Year."
"Mike has always been a really nice person and I love that he keeps sharing the history of the Boro. There was so much I didn't know. He really is a great guy and respectful."
"The Bicentennial was AMAZING."
Engineering Department News
Since Mayor Broska has been in office, the Engineering Department has been completely revamped. Justin Czekaj was appointed as the in house City Engineer and has done a lot of great things with the department. Since Broska took office, almost 3/4 of the streets in the city have been repaved and the city has received millions of dollars in grant money that significantly has reduced the city's share of these projects.
In 2023, the department was extremely busy. The city started the Community Center project and the City Center project. Both projects have required a lot of work out of the engineering department, but no task was too big. In the coming months, the new Community Center will open it's doors to the community and in early Spring, the community will be able to see the shapings of the new City Center. Over the next few years, the department will have it's schedules full as the city moves into the next phases of the City Center project, the City Hall project.
In addition to road work and new buildings, the department has taken a lot of steps towards improvements such as stormwater management, replacing culverts, such as the Miracle Lane culvert at City Park and planning for future improvements to multiple different areas in the city.
Every year, the city puts $1 million into the road program. In 2023, all of the Stone Gate development was repaved, futher adding to the amount of roads that have been paved under the current administration. In 2024, the department has plans to pave even more roads and continue on it's success.
Below you can see renderings of what the new City Center and Community Centers will look like.
Planning & Zoning Department News
Please see the attached link to view the Planning & Zoning Department news.
Sports News
2023 was a great year for Streetsboro's various levels of sports programs. Success was achieved at almost every level, from youth to high school. This section aims to highlight those achievements. There are likely some that are missed but this list was submitted and found off various social media pages.
Senior Preston Hopperton won MAC Offensive Player of the Year.
Senior Samantha Clark won MAC Golfer of the Year.
Troy Mazer competed at the Middle School State Cross Country Meet
The Middle School track & field team had 5 girls qualify and compete at the Track & Field Championship meet. Those members were Alivia Simmons in the shot put and the 4x400m relay team of C'Niyah Ivory, Ella Simpson, Sunnia McKenzie and Morgan Novak.
Senior Donovan Paes earned runner-up at the OHSAA Wrestling State Championship meet in the 132 lbs. weight class.
Junior Milena Sobie competed in the OHSAA State Track & Field meet in the seated athlete category. She won 2 State Championships, one in the shot put and the other in the
Streetsboro Junior Baseball & Softball had multiple championship teams.
Streetsboro High School wrestling team won the 2023 MAC Championship.
Streetsboro High School girls' soccer team won the 2023 MAC Championship.
Streetsboro High School girls' cross-country team qualified for Regionals for the first time since 2003.
Coach Ryan Willard won the MAC & Portage County Girls Soccer Coach of the Year.
Coach Tim Foster won MAC Girls Golf Coach of the Year.
Coach Paul Krzeminski won Portage County Boys Coach of the Year.
Preston Hopperton, Garret Tiller, Jackson Gula and Arthur Scott earned All-Ohio Honors in football.
Madelyn Genovese earned All-Ohio Honors in girls' soccer.
The Streetsboro track & field team qualified the boys 4x800m relay team to the State Meet. That team consisted of Mario Puleo, Zach Vales, Eric Tiller and Charles Ivory.
Girls Varsity Basketball set a new school record of wins in a season with 19.
Girls Varsity Basketball coach, Carl Singer, earned his 100th career win.
& so many more!
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