SCOTT PLEADS GUILTY

A 45-year-old Lancaster man accused of shooting and killing an 81-year-old man is heading to prison. John Scott recently entered guilty pleas to several charges including murder in the Aug. 2025 death of Gary Franke. Scott was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for 18 years.

COLUMBUS MEN FACE DRUG CHARGES

Two 30-year-old Columbus men are being held at the Licking County Justice Center following a drug bust earlier this week. Isaiah Boyd and Casey Gayle Jr. have been charged with aggravated trafficking in drugs after officers allegedly found a large amount of drugs in their car. Bond for both men has been set at $750,000. Their cases will next be heard by a grand jury for possible indictment

THIN BLUE LINE FLAG

The Ohio Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 202, sponsored by State Senator Tim Schaffer, legislation which prohibits restrictions on the display of the Thin Blue Line flag. Senate Bill 202 prohibits park operators and landlords from including a restriction on the display of the Thin Blue Line flag in a rental agreement. The legislation also prohibits neighborhood, civic, homeowners, and condominium associations from banning the display of the Thin Blue Line flag. The legislation now goes to the Ohio House for further consideration.

NEWARK TOWNSHIP LEVY

There will be no recount for the Newark Township levy that failed by four votes during the May primary. Wednesday, the Licking County Board of Elections held the official canvass and the results did not change as 292 people voted against the levy and 288 voted in favor of the levy. If approved, the funding would have been used for road and bridge repairs.

OHIO AGING COMPASS

The state recently rolled out the Ohio Aging Compass.

Ohio Department of Aging Director Ursel McElroy said the new venture is designed so that every Ohioan can more easily find the services, supports, and care they need. For more information visit www.compass.aging.ohio.gov.

BUCKEYE LAKE PIRATEFEST

Papa Boos is just one of the many businesses taking part in this weekend's 3rd Annual Buckeye Lake PirateFest. Co-owner Pat Martin says the staff really gets into the spirit of the event.

Martin said they will have special pirate themed drinks and entertainment. PirateFest sets sail on Friday and runs through Sunday. Visit www.buckeyelakepiratefest.com for more information.