Featured News
Humans of Licking County: Valentine’s Day 2026
This is a feature in a continuing series depicting the lives of the people of Licking County.
UPDATE: Hearing on proposed data-center ban in St. Albans Township will be on March 10 in Alexandria
This story was updated on Feb. 12 to reflect a change in the date and time for the public hearing. The St. Albans Township trustees will hold a public hearing […]
Bags of Hope Free Store offers ample hope and help to locals in need
The Bags of Hope Free Store is located at 6626 Summit Road SW in Pataskala, and is open from 6-8 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays, and from 9-11 a.m. on select Thursdays.
Reporter Diaries: The fine art of conversation, community and craft
Whether it’s cultivating lasting friendships or crafting beautiful handmade works of art, Otterbein SeniorLife’s Fiber Arts group offers a nurturing, creative space for all involved.
Local News
Community pitches in to fundraise for Newark man’s cancer treatments
On Sunday, Feb. 22, friends, family, and community members will gather for a spaghetti dinner fundraiser at the Cedar Bar and Grill in Newark to help cover the costs of Eli Taylor’s cancer treatments and living expenses.
Granville teen violinist performs at famed Carnegie Hall
After more than a decade of violin practice and performance, Isabella Dewey took the stage with the Carnegie Hall Performance Honors Series on Sunday, Feb. 8.
‘See you down the road:’ A family cemetery’s unusual location near Alexandria
The Thompson family cemetery seems out of place on the side of the highway in Licking County, but it’s exactly where Popeye Thompson wanted to be.
Dawes Arboretum to host 60th annual Maple Syrup Day
On Feb. 22, Dawes will welcomes visitors to learn about maple trees and the history of maple syrup production in Licking County.
Things to Do in Licking County
Kindness
Volunteers needed to run Licking County Warming Center ahead of major snowfall and sub-zero temperatures
Upcoming cold snap has center scrambling to get volunteers in place for eight consecutive days of freezing temperatures.
‘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.
Dog warden and his hero, Avery Russell, 12, honored for strengthening vicious-dog law
Two people at the center of attention during the Licking County Commissioners’ first meeting of the year were a burly guy in a green-and-tan uniform and a wisp of a […]
Granville student organizes donation drive for baseball gloves
Everett Heckman initially started collecting donations for “No Limit Mitts” for a class project.
Arts & culture
Several Licking County murals included in America 250-Ohio celebration
Gateway is one of several murals selected to represent communities in Licking County as part of the “Murals Across Ohio” campaign, part of the America 250 semiquincentennial celebration. Other murals, located in Hebron, Newark and Utica, highlight the history of Licking County.
Tiny cars reach high speeds at the Pinewood Derby
The annual event is a cherished Granville tradition for local scouts and their families.
Listen: An artist’s interpretation of conversations at the community drop-in center
These songs were composed after journalist Grant Hunter interviewed people visiting the community drop-in center at the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Newark.
The land remembers
Licking County once possessed an abundance of natural resources. Now developed and ever-stressed, there is a growing community working to maintain, preserve and restore biodiversity.
Sports & recreation
Late putback lifts Hilliard Bradley past Newark, 43-41, in nonconference thriller
Behind a game-high 23 points from Kypton Norris and a chaotic final possession, the Hilliard Bradley Jaguars stunned the previously undefeated Newark Wildcats, 43-41, in a tightly contested nonconference matchup Saturday night.
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.
World, nation & state
US on verge of losing measles elimination status, and here’s why that matters
By DEVI SHASTRI AP Health Writer It’s been a year since a measles outbreak began in West Texas, and international health authorities say they will meet in April to determine […]
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 […]
Bright Spots
Community resources
The Reporting Project community resource calendar
This resource is filled with low- to no-barrier resources that community members can use to receive assistance with food, access to healthcare, veterans services and more.