KEESEE TRIAL

Witness testimony came to an end Monday in the sexual abuse trial of Gary Keesee Jr. Keesee, 37, faces rape, gross sexual imposition, and unlawful sexual conduct with a minor charges. Closing arguments are expected today in a Knox County courtroom.

INDIANA MAN IS INDICTED

Sean Englert, the Indiana man arrested on drug charges during the Lost Lands Festival, has been indicted on a laundry list of charges including aggravated possession and aggravated trafficking in drugs. Englert, 29, has entered not guilty pleas to all charges. He remains held on $1 million bond.

EARLY VOTING

Today marks the start of early in-person voting for the November election. For voting times visit your local board of elections website or www.voteohio.gov.

TRANSIT RECEIVES A STATE GRANT

Licking County Transit has received a $640,000 grant from the Ohio Workforce Mobility Partnership Program. Transit Executive Director Matt Allison says the money will be put to good use.

Allison said they hope to have the renovation completed in spring 2027.

HOSTILE POLITICAL CLIMATE

A recent YouGov poll found that 75% of respondents feel there's more political violence now than 10 years ago. Senior Data Journalist David Montgomery says even though most people see it as a growing problem, they largely condemn the idea of attacking or threatening a public official.

More than 50% of elected officials around the U.S,, said they’ve already experienced at least one form of hostility this year.

DOLLY PARTON LICENSE PLATES

Sales of Ohio's Dolly Parton's Imagination Library specialty license plate have more than doubled following the music icon's death on August 25. From January 1 to August 24, Ohioans purchased 533 plates. Since Parton's death on August 25, sales have surged to 1,113 plates.