Coach Hazell signs 18 players on National Signing Day!

What an amazing day for Kent State University! Ever since Hazell was hired, this program has been on the up and up. He started with the mentality, and created a vision. He continued with the hiring of professionals from the coaching ranks in football. And now the signing of 18 recruits, with plenty of talent. Hazell has the people skills to gain a following, and the coaching background to create results on the field. He has the leadership team to do big things here in Kent.

What will it be like to have good football in Kent? Ohio State's underdog, scrappy little brother of a football team. An identity for Kent State. An attracting force for enrollment numbers at Kent State to spike even more. More alumni proud to donate back, and more NFL players donating their money back to the program. The legitimacy of Kent State Football, and Kent State as a whole gaining even more traction.

LINK:
Coach Hazell signs 18 players on National Signing Day!
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Best Defensive Play in Super Bowl History: James Harrison, Kent State University

You know, this is the only time I will celebrate a Pittsburgh Steelers victory. This victory was won by Ohioans.

Super Bowl XLIII - Pittsburgh Steelers defeated Arizona Cardinals

Best Defensive Play in Super Bowl History: James Harrison, Kent State University



And Ohio State Santonio Holmes won it with one of the greatest offensive Super Bowl plays ever. He also won the MVP.



And of course Ben Roethlisberger played for Miami of Ohio, he had a pretty darn good showing.

Ohio, the best football in the world.
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KENT STATE PLAYERS IN THE NFL: Super Bowl Winners and Losers This Past Decade

KENT STATE PLAYERS IN THE NFL: Super Bowl Winners and Losers

------------WINNER-----------------WON------------------------------LOST--------
2001---Baltimore Ravens-----------NONE------------------------------NONE
2002---New England Patriots-------Ken Walter, NE------------------NONE
2003---Tampa Bay Buccaneers----NONE-----------------------------OJ Santiago, OAK
2004---New England Patriots-------Ken Walter(?), NE---------------NONE
2005---New England Patriots-------OJ Santiago(?) Ken Walter(?)--NONE
2006---Pittsburgh Steelers-----------James Harrison, PIT-------------NONE
2007---Indianapolis Colts------------Daniel Muir(?)---------------------NONE
2008---New York Giants------------NONE------------------------------NONE
2009---Pittsburgh Steelers-----------James Harrison, PIT--------------NONE
2010---New Orleans Saints---------Usama Young, NO----------------Daniel Muir, IND

2011---WINNER TO BE DETERMINED---------------James Harrison, PIT---------

(?) Means that the player either arrived at a team, or left a team around this time, so we cannot accurately say whether they were a part of the year.
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News Around Kent, Ohio

News Around Kent, Ohio

SPORTS

FOOTBALL
Hazell was named Kent State's 20th head coach on Dec. 20 after spending the past seven seasons at Ohio State. He inherits a squad that went 5-7 overall and 4-4 in the Mid-American Conference in 2010.
Darrell Hazell Adds Four To Football Staff

Source: One of nation's best backs commits to Kent State

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL
Kent State women riding defensive fury to the top of MAC basketball

MAC power rankings - Women's basketball

MEN'S BASKETBALL
Kent State pulls away from Ohio on late run

BUSINESS

Downtown Redevelopment

Magnet, Trade Agency Add Area Offices

TIDBIT

Ohio is the seventh-largest exporting state in the United States in 2009, with more than 300,000 jobs depending on exports, according to the chamber.
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$20 Million for Kent

Kent, OH - Congressman Tim Ryan of Ohio today announced that the Kent Central Gateway project in Kent, Ohio, has received a $20-million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation. Ryan delivered the exciting news to a roomful of officials from the City of Kent, Kent State University and PARTA (Portage Area Regional Transportation Authority) who lobbied together for the transportation facility for several years. The project serves as a catalyst for the revitalization and redevelopment of downtown Kent and reconnects the central business district with the Kent State campus.

Read more

Another Kent Stater Makes A Splash In The NFL - Julian Edelman

Wow, in his first game of his NFL career, Julian Edelman puts up a 8 catch, 98 yard outing for the New England Patriots. He came through for 4 first downs in the game. Very impressive young talent, and yet another QB from the Kent State system that is making a splash in the NFL at another position (or positions, Joshua Cribbs). And then there's arguably the best TE in the NFL (who played basketball for Kent State). I guess I can't complain, all these players are bringing national and international recognition to the Kent State University and football program.

So Edelman is in a great situation, and is primed to be one of the great 3rd down receivers in the NFL. Yes, I said it. He is a part of the New England Patriots system now, he will fill in nicely for Wes Welker who has a similar game, speed, and the ability to go across the middle and make defenders miss.

Congratulations to Julian, and it looks like we may be seeing 2 Kent Staters battle in an upcoming Super Bowl. It just doesn't look like it will be Joshua Cribbs anytime soon, though.

Downtown Kent Updates!

I think it's about time I provide some updates to everyone. Downtown Kent has been going through some positive changes of late:

Acorn Alley is coming together, and should be open during the Fall semester. In Acorn Alley there will be a sushi place, a Pita Pit, an ice cream and sweets shop, vegetarian restaurant, clothing company, and more. This development is the 2nd phase to be completed by Ron Burbick, local Kent Entrepreneur.

The first phase is up and running, with a newly developed location for the Chamber of Commerce, a clothing company, a new space for the dry cleaning shop, a re-located Jason's Barber Shop, and more.

The Old Hotel may be next?!?

157 Lounge is a brand new chic bar and lounge in the downtown. It is across the street and to the right of Water Street Tavern. 157 is very classy, has tons of space, very inexpensive drink offerings, and will have unique events in the coming year.

The Pufferbelly Incubator is full, and opening shortly. This will be a great space for up and coming entrepreneurs to share space and resources to get a great foundation for their businesses. A Martinel incubator is now filling up fast. Check it out at Krba.biz

And there are always great events happening in the downtown. Some of which include wine tastings, music festivals, parades, free movie nights, after hours networking, Kent Halloween, the Budweiser Clydesdales visits, and more! More information can be found at MainStreetKent.org

Not in the downtown, more news that can be good and bad. For those of you who loved Susan's Coffee and Tea, it is no longer in business. But, the great news is that Five Guys Burgers and Fries bought out Susan's and will be taking over the space!

And on the Kent State campus, there are significant changes in the mix. Many of you lived in and remember the small group dorms. Many memories, and some great memories for me as well. Those buildings have been bulldozed, and it appears the only remaining building is Stewart Hall. I wonder what is in the mix for that land.

That's all for now!

-Doron Kutash
President, Go2Go Taxi + Partner, Sports2DEBATE.com

Kent Downtown Revitalization, Positive Note - by Dave Ruller

Dave Ruller:

It's always big news in the sports world when your favorite team re-signs its star player and frankly that's sort of how I felt earlier this month when the City Council extended our agreement with Main Street Kent for another 2 years. Certainly there are pro's and con's to loaning an employee off of City staff to serve as the Executive Director of Main Street, and I'll be the first to say that it's been a sacrifice to loan Mary Gilbert to Main Street, but if you step back and look at the before and after in our downtown it's hard to argue that the sacrifice hasn't been worth it.

Continue reading at Kent360.com

Kent Halloween Tonight!

Arguably the best Halloween Fest in all of Ohio, and ranking up there nationwide, downtown Kent will be packed tonight with crazy costumes and intoxicated individuals. Everything from beer pong tables, to kissing booths, gyno exams, breast exams, biblical characters, the normal lil bo peep, cowboys, indians, athletes, cheertleaders, and more. You will be impressed by the creativity, I am every year.

Some come on down, come early, go out to dinner at the Pufferbelly or Rays and watch the festivities begin and the costumes wander in front of the window seats. Then get out and into the bars by about 9pm if you would like to be warm and comfortable, and avoid Ohio's freezing and potentially rainy weather.

Spend an hour amidst the crazies, watching the costumes, then head back to your local parties to re-gain body heat (your choice of how to get warm again). Then head back downtown to see more costumes, and act wild and crazy.

Just be careful, avoid the officers (the real ones look like costumes too), and have a great time. But remember, don't drink and drive.

Doron Kutash
President, Go2Go Taxi
www.mygo2go.net

World Series Watch Party - Water Street Tavern - Starting Pitcher Andy Sonnanstine, Kent State Alumnus

Courtesy: Kent State Athletic Communications
Release: 10/22/2008

KENT, Ohio - The Water Street Tavern is hosting a special viewing party on
Sunday (Oct. 26) to cheer on Kent State University alum Andy Sonnanstine as
he takes the hill in Game 4 of the World Series for the Tampa Bay Rays.
First pitch is scheduled for 8:07 p.m.

Water Street Tavern will have complimantary hot dogs and popcorn for fans to
enjoy while watching the game on the tavern's 14 HD flatscreens in their
newly renovated space.

For the 2008 season, Sonnanstine went 13-9 with a 4.38 ERA, allowing only 94
earned runs in 193.1 innings pitched. In his first postseason, Sonnanstine
is 2-0 with a 3.46 ERA. Against both the Chicago White Sox in the division
series and the Boston Red Sox American League Championship Series,
Sonnanstine was the winning pitcher of game four in dominating fashion.

At Kent State, Sonnastine went 13-4 with a 2.74 ERA in 26 appearances over
two seasons. In 2004, the Wadsworth native set single-season records for
innings pitched (125), wins (11) and strikeouts (117).

Penn Station Subs coming to Kent!

Next to Bottles101, there will be a Penn Station Sub franchise.

You may ask if we need another sub shop. Well, one can get subs at Franklin Square Deli, Shorty's Subs, Pizza Hut, Quiznos, Subway, Jimmy Johns, Gyro Bob, Euro Gyro and just about every restaurant and pizza place as well.

The interior is being torn down of the old Pizza Pan. Also, if you go to Penn Station's website, you will see Kent in the area about new locations.

New business is new business, and there will be many people that will be very happy, already being Penn Station fans.

All for now,

-Doron Kutash
President, Go2Go Taxi
www.mygo2go.net

Blight Properties, to be Torn Down?

The removal of blighted properties in downtown Kent are the final step before the redevelopment of the downtown. Such buildings are the Old Hotel, the 3 houses on College St. just over Haymaker, and the Old Diner. Some of these buildings will be razed beginning in October or November. The Old Diner will be up for auction. Thank goodness!

http://media.www.kentnewsnet.com/media/storage/paper867/news/2008/09/18/News/Council.Approves.Updated.Blight.Study-3437787.shtml?reffeature=htmlemailedition

Doron Kutash
President, Go2Go Taxi, Kent, Ohio
www.mygo2go.net

Progress in downtown Kent

The last few properties were purchased, the re-development of the downtown block is now on schedule for clearing the land. 1 year til project completion?

Bridge project on schedule.

River water park, in October we will see if Kent gets the grant money.

Phoenix project coming together, many great tenants lined up!

New businesses in downtown, including organic shop for henna, products, chocolates, lotions and more...

Sheetz was approved for another location in Kent,

And, as always, many great events all year round. Coming up,

movie nights in downtown, Oktoberfest, wine and arts festival, ice cream socials, heritage festival, halloween, and many more!

-Doron Kutash
President of Go2Go Taxi, Kent, Ohio
www.mygo2go.net

Kent perfect for 20/30 somethings...

A customer of mine works in Aurora, probably a 28-30 year old (and girlfriend). He was recently in the hunt to buy a house and narrowed it to Kent and Ohio City. Kent provides what he was looking for with community, walkability, affordable housing, and more. He was looking to buy a house attached to the downtown. In the end, the neogtiations with the seller came to a halt and he chose Ohio City.

This is great though. Kent has the opportunity to position/market itself as a 20/30 something community, with energy, community, affordable housing, and more. Kent should produce an advertising campaing to attract these individuals. Their household incomes probably range from 70K-160K, lots of disposable income, and they will be looking to raise a family down the line (Kent has the schooling for it).

All for now,

Doron Kutash,
President, Go2Go Taxi
Http://www.MyGo2Go.net

Have you been to the Backerei yet?

THE BACKEREI
120 South Water St.
330-607-0293

Where: Right next door to Franklin Square Deli

It has gotten great feedback from friends of mine, food is good, variety as well.

Check it out!

Doron Kutash
President, Go2Go Taxi
www.mygo2go.net

The Best Breakfast in Kent, OH

Wild Goats still holds the crown. That's just my opinion of course, but many others share in this choice. Check it out. Down Main Street through downtown, over the bridge and up the hill, on the right. Bon appetit!

Doron Kutash
President, Go2Go Taxi
www.mygo2go.net

Ray's has begun renovating the 2nd floor

If you have been in Ray's recently, you have noticed the renovations they did on the 1st floor. What a great job they did!

New exterior and sign
Many new flat screen TVs
A new bar
Redecoration
and more...

I can't wait to see the 2nd floor in about a month or two

-Doron Kutash
President, Go2Go Taxi
www.mygo2go.net

Students are coming back!

Ready or not, here they come! The campus will be filled with students, the dowtown will be vibrant (well at night at least). Will this be the year that we merge the interests of downtown and the campus? I think so. I will be working to form a campus organization that does just that. Students walking around downtown, stopping in each shop, buying a cd, a pair of shorts, dinner and dessert. That's not too far-fetched, is it? There are about 20,000 students at this campus. A dream come true, right? 2008-2009 will go down as when the downtown awakens.

Soon to follow, a new Hotel and Conference center for the University and downtown. Retails and residential redevelopment as well. All good news,

Doron Kutash
President, Go2Go Taxi
www.mygo2go.net

Kent "On an Economic Roll"

See City Manager Dave Ruller's blog http://www.kent360.com/default.aspx?type=wm&module=4&id=1&state=DisplayFullText&item=11845

Still 2 empty spaces across from Guys Pizza

In downtown Kent, across from Guys Pizza, there are 2 empty commercial spaces. Get them while you can! Downtown Kent is thriving and has many new businesses (the right mix of businesses too) so there is a sense of urgency. No time to chat,

Doron Kutash
President, Go2Go Taxi
www.mygo2go.net

Kent Stage provides more drink services

Next time you stop at the Kent Stage, you will be satisfied with their increased focus on the bar. There were rumors earlier in the year that there would be a brewery added to the Kent Stage, I am not sure what the progress has been. I have not visited the Kent Stage since they added a focus on the bar, and I will comment again after I experience this.

Signing off,

Doron Kutash
President, Go2Go Taxi
www.MyGo2Go.net

McKay Bricker looks great!

I stopped by McKay Bricker's new location and it is dazzling. They haven't moved their framing services over to the new location yet, but the current mix of art and goods is impressive. McKay Bricker is your one-stop shop for black squirrel goods (t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, pins, stickers, and more), fine local art, and eclectic goods. The setup inside is well organized and welcoming.

I highly recommend taking a stroll into the downtown and visiting this gallery. It is the 1st of many to come in that strip of downtown. Gallery Saggio started just after, and the rest of the strip has various artsy stores, "cool finds" shops, record shops, tattoo studios (that's art too), and more.

Ciao,

Phoenix Project up and running

If you have been downtown lately, you may have noticed that the "Phoenix Project" is moving along quite swiftly. Above the dry cleaners and a few other stores, there will be a 2nd floor added above 4 storefronts. Also, the colorful house just next door should be coming down shortly. A new building would go up in its place, 3 or 4 stories high, and a mix of retail, office, and residential. See this link for detailed information http://www.kent360.com/default.aspx?type=wm&module=4&id=1&state=DisplayFullText&item=12059

The "old hotel" just next door to that, there hasn't been much progress. It is a sad day if the building gets torn down due to lack of forward action.

All for now,

Doron Kutash
President, Go2Go Taxi

What's going on around Kent, Ohio?

There is a lot going on in Kent these days. Excitement about many projects that are revitalizing the city/downtown.

1)River Water Park
Kayak, canoe, fishing, tubing, and general use of the river. Will be a unique gem to the region.

2)Fairchild Bridge
New automobile bridge that is aligned with Fairchild Rd. and directs traffic into the downtown. The neighborhood where Lake and Crain meet will be much nicer with trees, and elimination of buildings. There will be a hike and bike bridge across the river as well.

3)Development downtown
Bordered by Depeyster, Water St., Haymaker. A great mix of retail, condominiums, and corporations to revitalize a depressed block.

More to come!