Heath Mayor Mark Johns has announced that paving will soon begin on the following streets: Blackfoot Trail, Louise Ave., Parkview Dr., Fieldpoint Rd., Andover Rd., Keller Dr. and the driveway at Geller Park. Beginning September 7 and ending September 15 paving will take place during the weekdays between the hours of 7:00a-7:00p.  One lane of traffic will be maintained at all times during paving so motorists should expect delays and plan their trips accordingly.

A NEW COMMANDER IN GRANVILLE

There is a new commander at the Granville Post of the State Patrol.  Lieutenant Darrin Blosser was officially handed the keys to the post during a special promotional ceremony on Wednesday.  

OSP Lt. Darrin Blosser 

Lt. Blosser tells KOOL 101.7 News that among his many goals is to become more involved in the community and keep the lines of communication open with other law enforcement agencies throughout Licking County.

FINCH FOUND COMPETENT

Richard Finch, a former member of KC and The Sunshine Band accused of sexual abuse, has been found competent to stand trial.  The 56-year-old Finch is accused of engaging in sexual contact with male victims ranging in age from 14-17 years old.  He has pleaded not guilty to all charges and is being held on $500,000 bond.  An October 5 trial date has been set.  

POLICE INVESTIGATING AN ARMED ROBBERY

The Newark Police Department is on the hunt for a suspect in an armed robbery that took place Wednesday a little before 5:00 a.m.  

NPD Sergeant Scott Snow

NPD Sergeant Scott Snow says the suspect has brown eyes, weighs about 180 lbs and is roughly 6’0.  He was wearing a blue tee shirt, blue jeans and a blue ball cap.  If you have any information you are urged to call Newark police at 349-1501.

GOOD NEWS FOR NSD

An estimated $1.2 million is coming to the Newark City School District thanks to the federal Education Jobs Fund program.  

NSD Treasurer Jeff Anderson

Treasurer Jeff Anderson says the money will help save 17 teacher’s jobs. Newark and the other nine districts in Licking County plus the digital academies will receive an estimated $4.5 million dollars.

THIS PLACE MATTERS

The Midland Theatre is among a number of venues vying for the top prize in the This Place Matters online competition.  The winner will receive $25,000 from the National Trust for Historic Preservation.  Midland Theatre Executive Director Steve Krempasky says they will put the money to good use.  

Midland Theatre Executive Director Steve Krempasky 

Krempasky says The Midland Theatre is currently in the top ten in voting. You still have time to cast your vote.  The voting ends on Wednesday September 15.  For more information checkout our homepage and scroll down to the This Place Matters Community Challenge. 

BIG TEN DIVISIONS

Wednesday evening Big Ten officials announced the formation of the two divisions for the soon to be 12 team conference.  Ohio State has been paired up with Illinois, Indiana, Penn State, Purdue and Wisconsin.  The other division features: Iowa, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Northwestern and newcomer Nebraska.   For right now the Buckeyes and Wolverines will continue to meet in the final regular season game.  Ohio State opens the season tonight at home against Marshall.