1. KSU student dies after weekend crash

A Kent State student died Friday night after losing control of his car during a snowstorm and crashing into a snowplow.

Sophomore business major Shawn Wilkes was driving on Route 303 in Streetsboro at about 6 p.m. Friday when he lost control and slid into the snowplow. He was taken to Robinson Memorial Hospital and later moved to Akron City Hospital, where he died.

2. Ragin pleads not guilty to assault; second suspect arrested

An Akron man pleaded not guilty Friday to the felonious assault of Kent State graduate student John T. White.

John H. Ragin Jr., 21, of Akron is accused of felonious assault stemming from an incident in the early-morning hours of Jan. 23.

On Feb. 4, a grand jury indicted a second suspect in the case. Hallie E. Nuspl, 21, of Akron is charged with obstructing official business, a fifth-degree felony, and assault, a first-degree felony.

3. Snowstorms batter Northeast Ohio

Two major snowstorms hit the Northeast Ohio region during the past week.

A major snowstorm Friday night dumped about 11 inches of snow in the Kent area. Another winter storm hit the area Tuesday and Wednesday, causing cancellations at all of Kent State’s campuses.

4. University to bring back faculty sabbaticals

Faculty sabbaticals will be brought back for the 2010-2011 academic year, ending a one-year freeze.

Provost Robert Frank cut sabbaticals for the 2009-2010 year in December 2008, citing the economic downturn. Frank said the sabbatical cut saved between $350,000 and $500,000.

Frank said a decision on sabbatical proposals for next year will be made in the next few weeks.

5. Flashes stay hot, push streak to eight

The Kent State men’s basketball team continued its dominance over the Mid-American Conference, knocking off MAC West Division leaders Central Michigan and Ball State this week.

The victories pushed the Flashes’ current winning streak to eight games. They have also won 17 straight games against the MAC West, dating to the 2007-08 season.