Jess Starr

Jess Starr joins the Freshwater Cleveland team with nearly two decades of experience working in the media and communications fields, and a passion for telling good news stories.

Starr spent years in Erie, Pennsylvania as senior news reporter for the television stations ABC affiliate JET24 and FOX66. She covered general assignment news and beat reporting for Millcreek Township, turning up to six stories daily.

Prior to reporting, Starr spent six years at WKYC-TV3 in Cleveland, working in both production and news. While at Channel 3, she was the supervising floor director and a fill-in producer. She was in charge of the studio while on-air, and also field produced for many of Channel 3's specials.

Most recently, Starr proudly spent the past eight years as director of communications at Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry (LMM), an advocacy and social services nonprofit in Cleveland, where she led the external communications for the agency.

A native Clevelander, she attended college at Kent State University and has a BA in public communication with a focus in mass media.

Starr lives in North Ridgeville with her husband Dan, and three-year-old daughter, Layla.

  • 1
Elevating the East: Local artists paint one of largest murals in Ohio to instill community pride
A 750-foot mural—one of the largest murals in Ohio—reflects the culture and history of Cleveland's Woodhill neighborhood as part of the Elevate The East public art plan.
Too Young for Cancer: Author inspires audience at The Gathering Place
Katie Coleman, a young cancer survivor, shares her inspiring story of battling a rare kidney cancer at age 29 in her book, "Too Young for Cancer," which chronicles her journey and emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy in healthcare. Coleman shared her story an audience of young adults with cancer at The Gathering Place last month.
Shaw and Warrensville Heights marching bands to perform in Hawaii on Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
The Shaw High School and Warrensville Heights High School Marching Bands will participate in the 2024 Pearl Harbor WWII Memorial Parade in Hawaii this weekend. The band members, and leaders, are trying to contain their excitement as they prepare to honor veterans and commemorate the 1941 events at Pearl Harbor.
Standing Watch: Lone Sailor Statue unveiled at new home in Voinovich Park
Last weekend, the USS Cleveland Legacy Foundation unveiled the Lone Sailor Statue at its permanent home at Voinovich Bicentennial Park. The statue celebrates the upcoming commissioning of the USS Cleveland and represents those who served in the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marines.
Hometown Heroes: One South Euclid to celebrate three residents committed to positive change
One South Euclid will honor three residents who have worked to better the community with the CDC's annual Hometown Hero awards Mingle at Mayfield event Mayfield Country Club.
Literary journey: Connie Schultz debuts first children’s book to rapt young audience at CCPL

FreshWater exclusive: Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author Connie Schultz captivated a packed audience at the Cuyahoga County Public Library’s Parma-Snow branch last Saturday with a reading of her first children’s book, "Lola and the Troll." Schultz talked with FreshWater's Jess Starr about how her grandchildren inspired her venture into picture books, and the lessons on kindness and bravery learned.

Barking up the right tree: Taps & Tails offers social time for both dogs and humans
In 2019 Lakewood residents Lisa and Eric Hollender wanted a bar where unleashed dogs could play and exercise while their humans relaxed and socialized. So, in 2021 they opened Taps & Tails in Tremont. The place is so popular, they're thinking about expanding with an east side location.
Local 74-year-old wins gold medal at Pan-American Masters Games
George Zehnder, 74, a retired pastor with St. Mark Lutheran Church, recently won the gold medal in the triathlon during the Pan-American Masters Games in Cleveland. He credits his classes at the YMCA of Greater Cleveland, determination, and his faith for his victory.
Hook up: DigitalC, BlueBridge partner in second data center to increase high-speed internet in city
With a mission to deploy a citywide network of affordable high-speed internet, DigitalC announced this week that it has partnered with BlueBridge Networks to host its second data center. The second data center will provide better reliability and allow Digital C to expand its client base throughout the city.
Nora’s last ride: LMM guardian arranges motorcycle ride of a lifetime for 86-year-old
Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry guardian Octavia Maynard and 86-year-old Nora share a love for hitting the open road on a motorcycle. Maynard recently went above her normal duties and worked with four riding groups to take Nora on the motorcycle adventure of her life.   
  • 1