FATAL FIRE

Lancaster authorities are investigating a weekend fire that claimed the life of an 83-year-old woman. According to officials, Sunday around 2:15 p.m., crews responded to a house fire in the 300 block of Williamsburg Lane and upon arrival saw smoke coming from the home. The victim has been identified as Jean Bush, of Lancaster. Another woman in the home was able to escape uninjured.

PATASKALA MAN IS INDICTED

A 45-year-old Pataskala man accused of having child porn has been indicted. Jackie Murray Jr. faces one count on illegal use of minor in nudity oriented material plus other charges. Murray remains held on $100,000 bond. He is due back in court on Tuesday.

WEEK OF CARING

Friday was the kickoff to the United Way of Licking County's Annual Week of Caring. Debbie Manos-McHenry, co-president, Board of Directors, encourages folks to get involved.

Volunteer opportunities include – painting, yard work, housework and cooking.

LMHS DONATES BEEF

In August, Licking Memorial Health Systems purchased the Hartford Fair Reserve Champion Market Steer. President/CEO Rob Montagnese donated 400 pounds of beef from the steer to The Salvation Army in Newark. The beef will be used in the Salvation Army soup kitchens and food pantries to benefit community members in need.

MONEY FOR NATIONAL PARKS

A coalition of environmental groups is pressing Congress to restore the Legacy Restoration Fund, meaning the next step would be floor votes. Pres. Trump signed the bipartisan Great American Outdoors Act in 2020, which established the fund.

Rebecca Knuffke, with the Pew Charitable Trusts, said the Legacy Restoration Fund expired last year.

OSU FALLS IN POLL

Ohio State fell from No.1 to No. 6 in the Associated Press Top 25 poll following Saturday night's heartbreaking 24-23 loss to Texas. The Buckeyes are home Saturday hosting Kent State.