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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

Lydia Lisowsky is a graduate student and second generation Ukranian American

Kent State graduate student raises $892 at local Ukraine fundraiser

Jesse Khalil, Reporter April 8, 2022

A booming blend of lively conversation and a shared passion for supporting a good cause lit up Ray’s Place on April 6 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. The Downtown Kent bar was filled with people eager to help...

Oktoberfest came to downtown Kent Sept. 25. German themed menus were displayed throughout the festivities.

Oktoberfest brought German culture to Main Street

Lucy Connolly Reporter September 29, 2021

This past Saturday, Main Street Kent put on its annual Oktoberfest where restaurants and vendors brought a bit of German culture to the community, along with plenty of beer. “​​We like participating...

Mental Health KSU

Mental health resources offered at regional campus Kent State Stark

Sam Wright Reporter June 22, 2021

Mental health services at Kent State Stark will be offered for free: online or in-person, starting fall 2021. The services offered for mental health are located in the Campus Center. According to the...

Giovanna Grand celebrated her 21st birthday in Dec. at MGM casino with her boyfriend, Colin.

21st birthday celebrations through the pandemic

Camryn Kocher Reporter April 30, 2021

Birthday celebrations are very special for some, especially your 21st birthday. However, many people had to change their special plans because of the pandemic. Giovanna Grand, senior fashion merchandising...

Ray's Place on Franklin Avenue in downtown Kent, Oct. 5, 2020. 

Bars, restaurants allowed to resume normal business hours as statewide curfew lifts

Ian Jameson Reporter February 12, 2021

Ohio’s 11 p.m. to 5 a.m statewide curfew was lifted Thursday after Gov. Mike DeWine said there had been enough of a sustained decrease in COVID-19 hospitalizations.  The curfew, which originally went...

Water Street Tavern.

The deal with downtown Kent: How local restaurants are adjusting to COVID-19

Morgan McGrath Reporter February 11, 2021

As we approach the one year anniversary of COVID-19’s appearance in the U.S., colleges across the country are continuously making necessary implementations of social distancing and online learning in...

Ohio curfew has been extended from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Kent businesses are extending their hours.

Kent business owners celebrate Ohio curfew extension

Chloe Zofchak Reporter February 7, 2021

As of Jan. 28, Ohio’s curfew has been extended from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. due to the hospitalization numbers staying below 3,500 for seven days straight. Downtown Kent businesses have been forced to adapt...

A DORA recycling bin outside Fresco Mexican Grill & Salsa Bar in downtown Kent. 

Kent DORA suspended due to elevated COVID-19 risk level in Portage County

Nathan Mehring Reporter October 30, 2020

Kent’s DORA (Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area) has been suspended due to Portage County’s COVID-19 risk level rising to “red” (Level Three). The 33.25-acre area is “where alcoholic beverages...

157 Lounge on South Water Street in downtown Kent was referred to the Ohio Investigative Unit for being out of compliance during 10 COVID-19 safety check-ins conducted from mid-June through mid-Sept. A main issue was that employees consistently failed to enforce mask wearing for customers and staff.

Three Kent bars referred to state investigators for repeated COVID-19 violations

Lyndsey Brennan, Reporter October 1, 2020

Three bars in downtown Kent, 157 Lounge, Ray’s Place and The Pub in Kent, have been referred to the Ohio State Highway Patrol for investigation after repeatedly being found out of compliance with critical...

Kent resident Kristen Misbrener enjoys the Halloween festivities at the Zephyr Pub on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2016.

Best of Kent: Bars

First Place- Zephyr PubLocated at 106 W Main Street, Zephyr Pub is in the heart of downtown Kent. With three floors, an outdoor patio and a unique atmosphere, it’s easy to see why students and residents...

Barrio located on 295 S Water St in downtown Kent was voted first place alcoholic drink for their margaritas. This was tied with Rays Long Island.

Best of Kent: alcoholic beverages

Tie for first place:Ray’s Place Long Island Ray’s long island iced tea is a classic drink and the perfect alcoholic beverage to get your night started. Despite the name, there is no iced tea in the...

The outside of Ray's Place in Kent, Ohio. 

Best of Kent: best restaurant

First place: Ray’s Place If you’re looking for a good place to eat that can only be found in Kent, Ray’s Place is the restaurant to go to. Having won first place in four different categories in...