CRIME STOPPERS
Licking County Crime Stoppers is offering up to a $1,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in a theft from a home in Heath. According to police, between Jan. 12 & Feb. 2, someone stole a gold necklace from a home at Ramp Creek Mobile Home Community on Thornwood Drive. If you have any information call Crime Stoppers at 740-349-6888.
INCIDENT AT LICKING HTS SCHOOL
Thursday morning, the Licking County Sheriff’s Office was made aware of an incident at Licking Heights Summit Station Intermediate School involving an unidentified object that was believed to potentially be drug paraphernalia. Out of an abundance of caution, school officials contacted emergency medical personnel, who responded promptly to assess and treat the students involved. Less than five students were transported to local hospitals and all are expected to be fine. This appears to be an isolated incident, and there is no reason to believe there is any ongoing threat to students, staff, or the community. The incident remains under investigation.
FOSTER FOUND INCOMPETENT TO STAND TRIAL
Bruce Foster III the Columbus man accused of shooting and killing two people and injuring four others inside a New Albany warehouse in February appeared in a Licking County courtroom Thursday. Judge David Branstool ruled Foster, 29, is mentally ill and subject to court-ordered hospitalization. Foster will undergo treatment to restore competency. He faces multiple charges including four counts of aggravated murder.
GIRL SCOUT GOLD AWARD
Watkins Memorial High School graduate Kaitlyn Wandersleben has earned the Girl Scout Gold Award.
Audio Player
Wandersleben's project, A Girls Guide to Machining, teaches middle school and high school aged girls how to use simple tools, hand tools, and large machinery. The Gold Award is the highest award a Girl Scout can earn.
LCL AWARDS
The Licking County League has announced the winners of the 2025 Kelly C. Miller Athletic Academic Scholarship. This year's recipients are Chloe Buchanan of Zanesville High School and Samuel Busic of Licking Valley. The scholarship is named in memory of past Licking County League commissioner and longtime referee Kelly Miller who passed away in 2018.
WORRIED ABOUT SNAP
Joree Novotny, executive director, Ohio Association of Foodbanks, says proposed federal cuts to SNAP - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - could force the state to absorb hundreds of millions in costs, threatening food access for families, seniors and veterans.
Audio Player
In Congress, the House Agriculture Committee has advanced a bill that would cut more than $230 billion from SNAP and shift costs to states.