By Diane Smith
Record-Courier staff writer
There was drinkin’ on Lincoln but little mania at “Shermania” as students held low-key parties to mark the end of the semester at Kent State University Saturday.
Parties started early in the day in Kent neighborhoods near the KSU campus, and at dusk, numerous plastic cups littered yards. But the parties seemed to be low-key, with 10 to 20 people assembled in various yards and on front porches.
Police officers, armed with plastic bands that could be used as handcuffs if needed, walked down streets, greeting students and warning them not to block the sidewalk.
Councilman Robin Turner walked with a group of police officers who were patrolling North Lincoln Street. Turner remarked that one of the officers told him the night was still young. Moments later, five people walked past him, each carrying a case of beer.
He said he had received many complaints from residents after last week’s riots on College Street, and said he has given thought to establishing a committee to prevent future problems.
“People are not just talking about tonight, it’s a quality of life issue that’s happening all the time,” he said.
Participants, meanwhile, said the “Drinkin’ on Lincoln” and “Shermania” events were annual parties that had always been problem-free, and said they resented being painted in the same light as the rioters of the previous week.
“What happened at College Fest was an isolated incident,” said Jordan Hamrick, who was attending a party on North Lincoln with friends Joe Campbell and Tom Smith.
Campbell, who was wearing a “Shermania” T-shirt, as did Smith, said students had proved Saturday that they could be responsible and still have fun.
Smith said his house got a ticket for violating the city’s noise ordinance early that afternoon. He said he and his neighbor both were to blame for not getting to know one another.
“As college students, we’re not trying to start a riot,” he said. “We’re just trying to enjoy the end of the semester and have fun with some friends. We’re just trying to live the college experience.”
A musician walking to the Robin Hood bar, who planned to perform there later that night, said he hoped the parties would not get out of control. He said he was worried his band’s equipment might be damaged if that were to happen.
“Nobody deserves to get hurt,” he said.
A Sherman Street resident, who did not want to be identified, pointed out that there were 30 student-occupied homes on College Street, and only seven houses on Sherman Street where people were having parties. Her party had wound down early, and her friends were going to get food.
“Kent would be nothing without the students,” she said.
Capt. Michelle Lee said officers were experiencing a quiet night. Officers were patrolling Sherman, Lincoln, College and University Drive. A team also was patrolling the University Townhomes, a trouble spot in previous years.
In addition to Kent police, officers from the Kent State University Police Department were patrolling, as were representatives from the Metro SWAT Team, the Portage County Sheriff’s Office, the Ohio Department of Liquor Control and the Ohio Highway Patrol. Several people were pulled over by troopers from the Ohio Highway Patrol on routes leading to and from the city, as troopers aimed to control drunk driving.
Lee said there had been few arrests, mostly for underage drinking, but most parties were peaceful.
“Nobody wants to have any trouble,” she said. “They just wanted to have a relaxing Saturday night.”