Home / Newsletters / Ohio / Licking County / March 6, 2025

🥪 Subs with purpose

Licking County • March 6, 2025

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Good morning, Licking County. The new Jersey Mike's opening in Pataskala this week isn't just bringing fresh subs to town—it's slicing up support for local athletics with their fundraiser for Watkins Memorial. While residents can look forward to this tasty addition operating daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., a more sobering development is unfolding behind the scenes as juvenile sex crimes have surged nearly 300% since 2020, prompting the Sheriff's Office to expand their detective force to address the alarming trend.

In other local developments, recently released bodycam footage has provided a chilling window into February's tragic warehouse shooting at KDC/One that claimed two lives. The videos show the chaotic aftermath as deputies responded to the scene where victims had reportedly wrestled away the shooter's gun. From new restaurants supporting community causes to law enforcement tackling serious challenges, Licking County continues to navigate both growth opportunities and sobering realities.

🌤 Sky Skoop

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

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🥪 Jersey Mike's Subs brings fresh sandwiches to Pataskala this week. The new location opens Wednesday at 102 Etna Crest Blvd and will host a fundraiser for Watkins Memorial's athletic programs through Sunday. "We are delighted to continue our expansion in the Pataskala and Etna region," said operating partner Marcus Peaks. The shop will operate daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., with orders available in-store or through their website and app. Jersey Mike's has over 4,000 locations nationwide and has raised at least $135 million for various charities.

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🔍 Licking County's juvenile sex crimes skyrocket by nearly 300%. Internet crimes against children in the Ohio county jumped from just 36 cases in 2020 to a staggering 136 in 2024. The Licking County Sheriff's Office is responding by adding detectives to handle the growing caseload, with plans to create a multi-agency task force dedicated to these investigations. Detective Sergeant Justin Woodyard attributes the increase partly to improved technology helping catch offenders, but also to the county's rapid population growth. A recent case involving Gary Vasquez Jr., who pled guilty to dozens of charges related to child sexual abuse material, highlights the ongoing challenge.

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🔫 Bodycam footage reveals chilling moments after New Albany warehouse shooting. The Licking County Sheriff's Office released videos showing deputies responding to the February 4 mass shooting at KDC/One that left two dead and four injured. In one clip, victims identified the shooter as "Bruce" while telling deputies they had wrestled away his gun. Multiple agencies can be seen clearing the building and escorting employees to safety. Bruce Foster III has been charged with aggravated murder in the deaths of Kyle Vaver and Shekhar Chapagai.

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🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Real estate listing image Homey Ranch Complete Package: Priced at $209,900, this ranch home offers 3 bedrooms, a full bath, wood floors, and a finished basement with family room, plus fenced yard and two-car garage with workshop.
Real estate listing image Newark Fourplex With Income Potential: Priced at $250,000, this Newark, Ohio fourplex features four one-bedroom units with private porches, three already leased for immediate income, in a prime location near Newark High School and shopping.
Real estate listing image Private wooded lot near tech: A $54,900 wooded lot in Willow Ridge subdivision offers privacy at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, with convenient access to town amenities and just 25 miles from Silicon Heartland tech opportunities.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🛍️ Mar. 7 - Winter Market at Arcade: Step into the cozy Historic Newark Arcade every Friday from 4-7pm for the Canal Market District's first-ever Winter Indoor Market! Browse local goods through April at 28 W Main St, with SNAP/EBT accepted.
🌸 Mar. 7 - Canal Market Winter Flowers: Bloom into spring at Canal Market District's Indoor Winter Market! Opuntia Flowers returns to the Historic Newark Arcade on March 7, bringing fresh floral delights to downtown Newark.
📚 Mar. 7 - Homeschool Resource Fair: Discover everything you need for your homeschooling journey at the 10th Annual Homeschool Resource Fair! Browse resources and connect with fellow homeschoolers on March 7 at Excellence in Learning Community Co-op in Newark.
🏛️ Mar. 8 - Newark Mound Builders Group: Explore ancient history with the Newark Mound Builders Group on March 8 at 1137 Sharon Valley Rd. Discover the fascinating heritage of Ohio's prehistoric earthworks in this community gathering.
🚀 Mar. 8 - Journey Through Space: Blast off at the Pop-Up Science Event on March 8! Journey through space with live planetarium shows and hands-on star activities at 55 S 1st St, Newark. Included with admission, free for members.
🎸 Mar. 8 - Boone Girls Live: Catch the Boone Girls live at Old Fool Brewery as they rock their favorite open mic spot with a full set! Swing by March 8th from 5-8pm for great tunes and good vibes.
🥞 Mar. 8 - Legion Homemade Breakfast Fundraiser: Fuel up for a good cause at Hanover Squadron 764's Homemade Breakfast Fundraiser! Join the community from 8-10:30AM on March 8, with proceeds supporting American Legion Baseball. Adults $10, kids $5.
🎡 Mar. 08 - Kirkersville Carnival Fun: Step right up to the Kirkersville Carnival at the Elementary School on March 8! Enjoy live concerts, art exhibitions, and more for an unforgettable day of community fun on 5th Street.
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