HOUSE FIRE IS UNDER INVESTIGATION

At least one person was transported to the hospital as a result of a house fire Monday morning in St. Louisville. According to the Licking County 911 Center, crews were called to the home in the 8300 block of Purity Road NE around 5:45 am and they remained on the scene for a couple of hours. The name and condition of the victim is unknown at this time. The cause is under investigation.

ZANESVILLE MAN IS SENTENCED

A 47-year-old Zanesville man will spend a long time behind bars for raping a disabled woman while both were residents of a Zanesville care facility. Keith Larrick was sentenced to 33 years in prison after previously pleading guilty to four counts of rape and one count of kidnapping in connection with an incident that took place last summer. Larrick is also required to register as a Tier III sexual offender.

FATAL CRASHES IN LICKING COUNTY

The Licking County Safe Communities Coalition reported one crash fatality in December. In 2025, there were 24 crash fatalities in Licking County, seven more than in 2024.

FRAUD TIP LINE

The Auditor of State’s Office has added a new section to its website dedicated to tips about potential fraud involving public benefits programs.

Auditor Keith Faber said their Special Investigations Unit (SIU) already receives and reviews tips of alleged criminal activities involving public funds and offices.

BOWL FOR KIDS

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Licking and Perry Counties is hosting its annual Bowl for Kids fundraiser on Saturday, Feb. 7 at Park Lanes in Heath.

Executive Director John Wilson said they are looking for teams to round out the day especially during the third shift that gets started around 3:30 pm. To register a team or for more information visit www.bbbslp.org.

EVASON IS OUT

The Blue Jackets fired head coach Dean Evason and assistant coach Steve McCarthy Monday. The team announced that veteran coach Rick Bowness will take over as the Jackets' new bench boss. The CBJ is currently in last place in the Metropolitan Division.