Bond has been set at $250,000 for an 8th grade football coach at Lakewood Middle School accused of engaging in sex acts with a minor. Gary Stratford has been charged with rape for allegedly giving the minor alcohol and then engaging in sexual conduct with the minor. Stratford, 36, is being held at the Licking County Justice Center, and his case will next go before a grand jury for possible indictment.

MEDICAL MARIJUANA DISPENSARIES

Medical marijuana dispensaries was front and center at Monday night's Newark Economic Development Committee meeting. Councilman Mike Mangus proposed legislation that would have, among other things, limited the dispensaries to business districts within the city.

Newark Councilman Mike Mangus

The committee voted 3-2 against sending the legislation to full City Council. The Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program will allow people with certain medical conditions, upon the recommendation of an Ohio-licensed physician certified by the State Medical Board, to purchase and use medical marijuana. The program becomes operational in Sept. 2018.

KEEPING AN EYE ON 62

Later this week, the Granville Post of the State Patrol will wrap up a three-week enforcement blitz on US 62.

Lt. Aaron Vollmer with the OSHP

Lieutenant Aaron Vollmer said part of their effort has been to visit schools in the Johnstown-Monroe, Northridge and North Fork school districts to stress to students the importance of paying attention while driving and to not speed.

HOME SALES ARE UP

There were 256 existing homes and condominiums sold last month in Licking County and that was up 13.8% from the same period last year, according to the Columbus REALTORS Multiple Listing Service. Licking County’s average sales price was $199,870 last month and that was up 10.9% over August 2016.

COFFEE TALKS

The Southwest Licking School District is hosting Coffee Talks on Wednesday from 10:00-11:00 a.m. and again from 6:00-7:00 p.m. at the Depot Street Coffeehouse in downtown Pataskala. School officials will discuss several topics including transportation and school attendance as well as answer any questions residents may have concerning the district.

WALK WITH A DOC

Licking Memorial Health Systems will host another Walk with a Doc event on Saturday, October 14 at the southwest corner of the parking lot of The Ohio State University at Newark campus. Dr. D’Anna Mullins will lead a discussion about cancer. Healthy snacks and blood pressure screenings will be provided. This event is free; however, registration is required. To register for the walk, call LMHS Public Relations at 220-564-1560.