SHOOTING IN LICKING COUNTY

A 27-year-old man has been arrested and two people were transported to the hospital following a shooting in Licking County. According to the Licking County Sheriff's Office, Tuesday around 5:00 pm, deputies were called to a home in the 7500 block of White Chapel Road and found two victims suffering from non-life-threatening injuries. The suspect Devon Jones was taken into custody on Owl Creek Church Road in Knox County. Jones is being held on a single charge of attempted murder. The investigation is ongoing.

CRIME STOPPERS

Licking County Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward for information leading to the arrest of a 46-year-old homeless man who authorities have described as sex offender. The Licking County Sheriff’s Office is actively searching for Casey Frankenberry. Frankenberry is wanted on several charges including failure to register and aggravated possession of drugs.  If you have any information on his whereabouts call Crime Stoppers at 740-349-6888.

TURMOIL AT THE BOE

Since 2019, Luke Burton has served as either deputy director or director of the Licking County Board of Elections. At the board's recent organizational meeting the two Republican board members voted to re-appoint Burton, while the two Democrat members voted no, and that came as a shock to Burton.

The Ohio Secretary of State's Office has instructed the board to meet and vote again. The meeting will be held tomorrow at 12:30 pm in the County Administration Building.

A JUMP IN UNEMPLOYMENT

Licking County's January unemployment rate was 3.5% percent and that was up from 3.0% in December, according to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. Looking at surrounding counties, Delaware County had the lowest unemployment rate at 3.0%, while Coshocton County had the highest at 5.6%.

MAKING SOLAR PANELS IN PATASKALA

Invenergy - a leading American solar developer is bringing a solar panel manufacturing facility to Pataskala. Mayor Mike Compton says the deal would not have come to fruition without the help of several organizations.

Invenergy will invest more than $600 million through Illuminate USA creating one of the largest solar panel production facilities in the country. Operations are expected to start by the end of this year with hiring starting this spring.

OVI CHECKPOINTS

With St. Patrick's Day fast approaching, the Licking County OVI Task Force has announced it will operate four OVI checkpoints this week. The locations will be announced the morning of the checkpoints.