🎸 Rocking despite rain

Good morning, Fairfield County. The thunderous chords of rock 'n' roll defied stormy skies at this year's Picktown Palooza, where thousands gathered for a three-day musical explosion at Pickerington High School Central. Saturday's headliners Little Caesar electrified the crowd with their signature sound, while rock legends Jackyl capped off the festival despite the rain—proving that neither weather nor decades can dampen the spirit of '80s and '90s rock fans when their favorite bands take the stage.

In stark contrast to the festival's celebratory atmosphere, the Buckeye Lake community is reeling from tragedy after a fatal shooting at Louie's Corner House claimed the life of 42-year-old Benjamin Hawk. Described by friends as loyal with "a heart of gold," Hawk's death sent shockwaves through the tight-knit community as authorities arrested suspect Richard Lindgren in South Carolina. The jarring juxtaposition reminds us how quickly joy and sorrow can intersect in our shared community spaces.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Lancaster

69°

81°

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Pickerington

70°

82°

86%

Reynoldsburg

71°

84°

89%

Canal Winchester

70°

82°

86%

Baltimore

70°

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86%

☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🎸 Little Caesar electrifies Picktown Palooza with high-energy performance. The rock band took center stage at Pickerington Central High School on Saturday, July 12, 2025, drawing enthusiastic crowds to the annual summer festival. Fans gathered around the stage, soaking in the musical atmosphere as the band delivered their signature sound. Photographer Samantha Madar captured the excitement for the Columbus Dispatch, documenting both the performers' energy and the audience's enthusiasm throughout the evening.

💔 Buckeye Lake community shattered by fatal bar shooting. Benjamin Hawk, 42, was killed Friday night at Louie's Corner House, leaving friends and neighbors in shock. The Licking County Sheriff's Office arrested 59-year-old Richard Lindgren in South Carolina on Saturday in connection with the shooting. Friends described Hawk as a loyal, stand-up person with a heart of gold and passion for singing. "Hold your loved ones tighter. You just never know when something like this is going to happen," said friend Jennifer Heran.

🎸 Rock fans braved storms for Picktown Palooza's three-day music festival. The summer event at Pickerington High School Central featured loud '80s and '90s rock bands, culminating with headliner Jackyl on Saturday despite rainy weather. Thousands attended the self-described "ROCK 'N' ROLL EXPLOSION," which also offered a car show plus food and drink options. The relatively new festival began in 2017 at the request of Pickerington's mayor and is produced by Chris Stein's nonprofit Panger Productions.

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