Featured News
Licking County school districts could see losses of $38 million with state property tax cuts
Newton’s Third Law of Motion says that every action has an equal and opposite reaction – an axiom that might also apply to tax cuts. And the opposite reaction in […]
EPA hearing on Feb. 12 seeks more public input on wastewater plant that would discharge into Moots Run
Licking County residents will have yet another opportunity on Feb. 12 to tell the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency what they think of a Licking Regional Water District proposal to build a wastewater […]
Health subsidies expire, launching millions of Americans into 2026 with steep insurance hikes
By ALI SWENSON Associated Press NEW YORK (AP) — Enhanced tax credits that have helped reduce the cost of health insurance for the vast majority of Affordable Care Act enrollees expired overnight, […]
Early test results of potential utility-scale water wells near Granville and Utica deemed ‘positive’
Preliminary results of pumping at two water wells this month in Licking County indicated positive results – meaning each could potentially provide millions of gallons of water a day. Testing […]
Local News
The Reporting Project’s 2025 year in review
A review of what our newsroom reporters, editors and photographers consider to be the most important and memorable happenings around our community — a glimpse at a year in the life in a place we are proud to call home.
The Reporting Project’s 10-over-60: Sharon Johnson spent her life persevering and caring for others
Johnson found retirement didn’t suit her, and returned to work caring for others at Licking County Aging Partners.
Founders of Palumbo’s Italian Market in Granville retiring and turning over business to long-time employee and co-owner
By the end of the year, Palumbo’s Italian Market will be in the hands of current co-owner Kate Wilkinson, who is taking over the business from founders Cindy and Paul […]
‘A real quiet phenomenon:’ 1 in 3 grandparents in Licking County are living with their grandchildren
An estimated 1 in 3 grandparents – 3,883 people – in Licking County are living with their grandchildren, and many of them are the sole caregivers for those grandchildren under the age of 18.
Things to Do in Licking County
Kindness
Local LEADS centers preparing to distribute 50 Christmas dinners ahead of holiday
At the Buckeye Lake LEADS Center, a line stretches out the door of what looks like an ordinary house, but is actually a food pantry for residents of the lakeside […]
‘Free store’ and ‘Blessing Bags’ from downtown Newark church provide household goods and ready-to-eat food to those in need
A woman approaches the gray, stone church office on the northwest side of downtown Newark, stops at the door and asks what day it is. “I get lost knowing the […]
Big-hearted people working hard to find homes for furry friends in need
As the days grow shorter and the temperatures turn toward freezing, hundreds of stray animals throughout Licking County could find themselves without shelter. Some dogs, cats, and other animals will […]
Alexandria family trick-or-treated for canned goods, not candy, for village ‘blessing box’
12-year-old Averi Bailey collected cans for Hands and Feet blessing box in Alexandria.
Arts and Culture
See photos: Christmas Candlelight Walking Tour celebrates 40 years in Granville
Licking County residents bundled up nice and cozy for the 40th anniversary of the Christmas Candlelight Walking Tour in Granville on Saturday, Dec. 6.
Annual Nutcracker ballet returns to central Ohio for two weekends
Performances in Licking County will take place at the Midland Theatre Friday Nov. 28 – Sunday Nov. 30, with additional performances scheduled at the Woodward Opera House in Mount Vernon, Ohio on Saturday Dec. 6 – Sunday Dec. 7.
The joy of making music: Joy Hire’s Angel Choir
The Angel Choir has been rehearsing Christmas music for the annual Christmas Candlelight Walking Tour on Dec. 6.
Ohio’s historic barns: The enthusiasts
This is part 3 of a series highlighting the history of Ohio’s barns, alongside the people who love and preserve them.
Sports and Recreation
See photos: Licking Valley-Steubenville Division III, Region 11 semifinal
Licking Valley fell to Steubenville in the last seconds of the game on Friday, Nov. 14, 2025.
Heath skate shop builds community through inclusive, all-ages music venue
Frogwood Boardshop has been a live music venue since 2022, and regularly brings local musicians to perform.
Playing like a girl
Two Licking County high school athletes, embraced and supported by their teammates, challenge gender stereotypes on and off the football field.
See photos: Newark Catholic Green Wave vs. Lakewood Lancers football
On Friday, Oct. 17, the Newark Catholic Green Wave football team faced the Lakewood Lancers under the lights. It was a Licking County first: The teams are the only two […]
World, nation and state
Health subsidies expire, launching millions of Americans into 2026 with steep insurance hikes
By ALI SWENSON Associated Press NEW YORK (AP) — Enhanced tax credits that have helped reduce the cost of health insurance for the vast majority of Affordable Care Act enrollees expired overnight, […]
In Finland, the battle against truly fake news starts with media and AI literacy in preschool
By JAMES BROOKS Associated Press HELSINKI (AP) — The battle against fake news in Finland starts in preschool classrooms. For decades, the Nordic nation has woven media literacy, including the ability to analyze different […]
Gen Z and millennials embrace sustainable alternatives to imported fresh flowers
By ISABELLA O’MALLEY and KIKI SIDERIS Associated Press Instead of hiring a florist for her October wedding, Emily Day decided to grow her own flowers in her front yard in […]
Unpacking Spotify Wrapped: Here’s how the music streamer compiled your 2025 recap
By WYATTE GRANTHAM-PHILIPS AP Business Writer NEW YORK (AP) — The end of 2025 is almost upon us. And it’s time to unpack Spotify Wrapped. On Wednesday, the music streaming giant delivered its […]
