Delaware

Deaf pastor leads effort to serve and bring people together in Kenton and Hartly

Published

2 months ago

October 10, 2025

Press Room

Deaf pastor leads effort to serve and bring people together in Kenton and Hartly

Pastor Rick Kelly at Kenton and Hartly United Methodist churches was born almost completely deaf.
He’s leading efforts to serve those in need in the rural Kent County towns and inviting people to join in service projects and community events.
Programs include “Trunk or Treat” for children in October, the Veterans “Cruz In” car show and veterans information program in November, along with food giveaways for people in need.

Rick Kelly said he might not know the pain or loneliness you’re experiencing, but he’s willing to listen and help because he knows about facing challenges, hardships and feelings of being overlooked and left out.

The pastor at the United Methodist churches in Kenton and Hartly was born almost completely deaf, describing himself as a deaf person with residual hearing, like trying to hear a radio station you can’t tune in clearly.

Now, he’s helping to lead an effort to bring people together in the rural Kent County communities.

During his childhood, he sometimes attended schools for the deaf and he learned sign language.

“I learned to talk fairly well, but that made some people ask if I was really deaf,” Kelly said.

He communicated with some lip reading, closely observing how people reacted and a lot of smiling and nodding, even if he didn’t hear everything that was said.

He just released a book, “Call Me Rick: Grace in the Middle,” about growing up as a deaf person and his struggles and achievements in becoming a teacher, coach and pastor. He also details the hardships and happiness he and his wife have gone through raising a family.

He said his experiences help him relate with people who have been belittled, ignored, patronized and treated unfairly; people with an addiction or in prison and people society labels as different or strange.

In his book, Kelly writes, “Standing with someone in their pain does not mean you agree with every choice they’ve made. It means you refuse to abandon them in the middle of their story. It means you recognize that the image of God in them is not erased by their struggle. It means you choose to believe that grace is stronger than your fear of being misunderstood.”

As part of the effort to help residents get acquainted and to serve and support each other, the Kenton and Hartly churches are teaming up on programs and events.

Kelly said the idea is to “bring people from all walks of life together,” providing “lifelines for people who might otherwise feel forgotten.”

Sunday worship services are at 9 a.m. in Kenton and at 11 a.m. in Hartly, but Kelly said the congregations also want to “meet people where they are.”

The churches host monthly “outreach” events for the community such as an Easter parade and egg hunt, vacation Bible school and a Bluegrass music program.

The next outreach programs are:

“Trunk or Treat” on Oct. 25 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., when church volunteers offer kids the chance to trick-or-treat from car to car in the parking lot at Kenton United Methodist Church, 74 W. Commerce St. (Route 42), west of Route 300.
Veterans “Cruz In” on Nov. 8 from 9 a.m. to noon, where people are invited to show off their vehicles at a car show while veterans can receive help and information on services that are available, also at the Kenton church parking lot.

Opportunities to help and to get help at community service programs

Serving others is one way to feel more involved in the community, Kelly said.

The congregations invite people to events that help children’s hospitals and animal rescue organizations. They’ve delivered protein bars to paramedic and ambulance stations so the workers have something quick to eat during an emergency. They’ve collected backpacks and school supplies for students in need.

At the Kenton church, one of the leaders of the outreach efforts is Kathy Steele.

“Our goal is hopefully that by reaching out to the community, people will want to come to our church and join what we’re doing,” Steele said. “But the main thing is doing our part to help the community and give back.”

She said Pastor Kelly has rallied the congregations in Kenton and Hartly to be more involved in the community.

“He’s really emphasized the outreach programs,” Steele said. “He has a passion for the church and has such beautiful prayers. The text prayer chain is a good example. He always has a wonderful prayer and asks if there’s anything the church can do for you.”

Former Kenton Mayor Jessica Penawell has attended the Kenton United Methodist Church off and on for about five years, but she officially joined as a member this year.

“I remember my first day, I was greeted by everyone and everyone was so welcoming,” Penawell said.

She recognizes the importance of the outreach programs that Pastor Kelly is promoting.

“We’re hoping they bring the community together,” Penawell said. “I think it’s great that the church is doing more things with the town.”

Among the highlights this year were the Easter parade and egg hunt attended by about 400 people and the “Butterpot Awakening” revival Aug. 11-15 attended by about 40 people each night at the Kenton Town Hall in the former Kenton School building.

Food pantries at Kenton and Hartly United Methodist churches

Probably the best examples of programs offering continual support are the food pantries at the Kenton and Hartly churches, offering groceries – and prayer if requested – to people in need.

At Hartly United Methodist Church, the program serves about 20 families each month, usually more during the holidays, said food pantry co-chair Joy Ford.

During the pandemic, the program moved outdoors with drive-up service that worked so well, the congregation decided to continue it.

Along with donations from church members, the program receives food from a variety of businesses and community organizations.

While people of all ages stop by for food, Ford said many are older residents.

“We have grandparents raising grandchildren,” Ford said. “There’s a burden on these folks. Sometimes they’re in poor health. They’re very grateful, very appreciative of our food pantry.”

She’s helped with the food pantry since 2009 and has served as co-chair since 2016.

“We are supposed to be Jesus’ hands and feet,” Ford said. “I want to help others, and this is my opportunity to do that. I always had a desire to do missions in another country, but we’ve got folks who need us right here.”

Along with monthly food assistance, the Hartly food pantry also “adopts” families with children at Christmas, providing clothes and toys along with a gift for the parents.

For information about the food pantries or other church programs, email PastorRickKelly22@gmail.com or see the website www.KentonUMC.org or the Facebook page www.facebook.com/hartlyumc.

Reach reporter Ben Mace at rmace@gannett.com.

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Delaware

Man, 77, dies after collision with teen driver near Hartly, police say

Published

9 hours ago

December 11, 2025

Press Room

Man, 77, dies after collision with teen driver near Hartly, police say

A 77-year-old man died following a two-car crash near Hartly on the morning of Dec. 10, Delaware State Police said.

The man, from the Dover area, has not been identified by police pending family notification.

According to police reports, the man was driving a Honda Accord east on Judith Road approaching Hartly Road about 9 a.m., as an 18-year-old woman was driving a Ford Focus south on Hartly Road approaching Judith Road.

Police reported that a preliminary investigation shows the Honda moved from the stop sign into the Ford’s path, causing a collision.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene. The woman, from Hartly, was treated at the scene. Police said she refused to be taken to a hospital.

Send tips or story ideas to Esteban Parra at (302) 324-2299 or eparra@delawareonline.com.

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Delaware

Delaware County approves 19% property tax hike in 4-1 vote

Published

21 hours ago

December 11, 2025

Press Room

Delaware County approves 19% property tax hike in 4-1 vote

MEDIA, Pa. (WPVI) — Delaware County Council voted 4-1 Wednesday night to approve a budget that includes a 19% property tax increase, despite objections from residents.

Property owners with a home assessed at $255,000 will pay about $188 more annually under the new budget, which takes effect next month.

Before the vote, some residents urged council to reconsider.

“I ask council to revisit the proposed budget, forgo voting tonight, avoid solving the entire deficit on the back of the hardworking taxpayers,” said Cynthia Sabitini of Upper Providence Township.

One councilmember agreed, but most did not.

“Simply put, I feel that the increase is too drastic,” said Councilmember Elaine Paul Schaefer.

“This needs to occur. I don’t like it, but it’s what has to occur,” said Councilmember Kevin Madden.

The hike follows a 23% increase last year and a 5% increase the year before. County officials say tax hikes were minimal for a decade, forcing steep increases now.

The current all-Democratic council argues they’re righting the financial ship after past Republican leaders didn’t do enough.

“For the first time in more than a decade, this budget puts Delaware County on track to have a truly balanced budget,” said Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor.

County leaders say the increase addresses a structural deficit, but opponents blame spending on projects such as de-privatizing George Hill Correctional Center and creating a health department.

“How do you justify coming in with a deficit and then saying you’re repairing it after you grew it?” said Michael Straw of Media Borough Republicans.

Officials say future hikes should be minimal if the county makes any request at all, but some remain skeptical.

“I have my doubts that we won’t be seeing increases in the future,” Straw said.

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Delaware

Man in custody after reported threat near Kroger in Delaware County

Published

2 days ago

December 10, 2025

Press Room

Man in custody after reported threat near Kroger in Delaware County

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — Reports of a potential threat near a Kroger store on Route 23 by Walmart shopping center in Delaware County quickly spread on social media Tuesday evening, with residents posting about an active shooter and sharing updates on neighborhood pages. Many in the community expressed fear and concern as the posts circulated.

Delaware City Police confirmed the suspect, who had made threats to harm himself, is now in custody. Police Chief Adam Moore told ABC 6 that there was no shooting, and the situation was safely contained. Patrons at nearby stores were temporarily asked to shelter in place as a precaution.

Officials say the area is now safe, and residents are being urged to rely on verified information from authorities.

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