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The independent news website of The Kent Stater & KSTV

KentStater

The independent news website of The Kent Stater & KSTV

KentStater

The independent news website of The Kent Stater & KSTV

KentStater

Community members visit local businesses in Acorn Alley in Downtown Kent.

Kent businesses struggle downtown

John Engoglia, Reporter November 28, 2024

Downtown Kent features a wide variety of businesses for all to enjoy. With bars, restaurants, coffee shops, clothing stores and more, it offers something for everyone.  Yet, it always seems there’s...

Upcycled goods for sale at the store Sun in Leo located in Acorn Alley. Oct. 17, 2024.

Sun in Leo provides low-cost, gender-affirming clothing during Rainbow Weekend

Kayla Gleason, Reporter November 1, 2024

Sun in Leo, a queer-owned store in downtown Kent that sells upcycled clothing and accessories, provided a space for LGBTQ+ vendors during Rainbow Weekend. Justine Gallo, owner of Sun in Leo, hosted...

Downtown Kent comes alive for Halloween weekend

Michael Neenan, Kent Stater TV Reporter October 28, 2024

Downtown Kent celebrated Halloween weekend. By day, vendors from around Northeast Ohio set up shop to sell spooky-themed products. By night, students and alumni flooded the city's bars. Barstool Kent announced...

Make a Difference Day: Lending a helping hand in Portage County

Emilio Hernandez and Michael Neenan October 22, 2024

National Make a Difference Day is an event on the fourth Saturday of October where volunteers across the nation work to make a positive change in the community. This year, Kent State partnered with multiple...

Alley Mac is located in Acorn Alley in downtown Kent.

New mac and cheese focused restaurant opens in downtown Kent

Ana Julia Cechin Facco, Reporter September 6, 2024

Located next to Off the Wagon in Acorn Alley, Alley Mac offers mac and cheese, pierogies, salads and sandwiches all made with fresh ingredients.  The owners, Chuck Crawford and his wife Jessica, got...

Hulk Hogan visited Water Street Tavern on Tuesday to promote his "Real American Beer."

Hulk Hogan visits Water Street Tavern to promote new beer

Michael Neenan, Newscast reporter August 21, 2024

Hulk Hogan visited Water Street Tavern to promote his "Real American Beer" on Tuesday as part of his tour across Ohio. Tori Baliman, Water Street marketing manager, said she enjoyed watching fans show...

Midnight Fairy Jewelry is located in Acorn Alley in downtown Kent.

Midnight Fairy Jewelry brings whimsical shopping experience to downtown Kent

Adriana Gasiewski, Reporter July 25, 2024

When walking into Midnight Fairy Jewelry, the assortment of gold mirrors, comfortable furniture and ethereal jewelry and accessories may catch customers’ eyes. Tasha Kardos, owner of Midnight Fairy...

Sarah, a local in Kent, came to the festival for the first time this year after hearing about it on Main Street Kent's Instagram.

Culture lines the streets of downtown Kent at its annual Art & Wine Festival

Lauren Cohen, Reporter June 1, 2024

Main Street Kent presented its annual Art & Wine Festival Saturday throughout downtown Kent. Held for 16 years with a two-year hiatus during the pandemic, the event features music, artists and downtown...

Bartender Chris Allen refills a drink for customers eating at the bar at Ray's Place on March 20, 2022. Ray's is located at 135 Franklin Ave.

A night in the life: What it’s like for bartenders in downtown Kent

Lauryn Tadda, Reporter March 8, 2024

When Friday night hits, downtown Kent fills with people looking for a good time. Whether it’s Long Island iced tea at Ray's, a Hulk at The Loft or a Dom Bomb at Dominick's, the bartenders are there to...

Main Street Kent organizes new ‘Snow Day!’ event ‘bringing vibrancy to downtown’

Lauren Bischof, Beat Reporter January 27, 2024

Live music, food and winter activities filled the streets of downtown Kent Saturday, attracting residents and bringing visitors of all ages to the community.  Main Street Kent and the City of Kent...

Kenko Sushi and Terriyaki in downtown Kent is closing it's doors temporarily for renovations.

Downtown Kent sushi restaurant suddenly plans to permanently close

Adrianna Quinlan, Reporter December 9, 2023

Kenko, the Japanese fast-food restaurant in downtown Kent, is set to close starting Dec. 11 due to changes in the store's ownership.  “We found out about the closing last week,” said Cameron Warner,...

People enjoy a day in downtown Kent on October 5, 2023.

Local activities for students spending fall break in Kent

Kayla Gleason, Reporter October 5, 2023

For many students, going home for fall break is not an option, but there are many activities on or around campus for students looking for fun ways to spend their time off. Check out the food, drinks and...