Licking County • April 11, 2025
Good morning, Licking County. Did you know that a 2,000-year-old wonder has finally opened its gates to the public? After a century of limited access, Newark's Octagon Earthworks—part of Ohio's first UNESCO World Heritage site—is now welcoming visitors without restriction. This remarkable achievement of the indigenous Hopewell culture is celebrating with special events during "Ohio World Heritage Week" through April 18, offering a rare chance to connect with our region's ancient past.
Meanwhile, the weekend ahead brims with cultural delights as Columbus hosts the All For Ohio Fest alongside reopening art galleries and Record Store Day festivities. Downtown explorers can browse The Good Market during Franklinton Fridays, while animal enthusiasts enjoy bunny-themed events in Hilliard. As these celebrations unfold, downtown Columbus faces uncertainty with the potential dissolution of the Capital Crossroads Special Improvement District, though stakeholders are working to preserve the services it provides.
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🎭 Columbus bursts with weekend fun at All For Ohio Fest. Downtown art galleries are reopening with special exhibitions, while Record Store Day offers treasure hunting opportunities on Saturday. The Good Market returns during Franklinton Fridays, and animal lovers can enjoy bunny-themed events in Hilliard and at Weiland's. For music fans, Columbus Brewing Company hosts the All For Ohio Fest, while comedy enthusiasts can catch performances by Bobby Lee, Laurie Kilmartin, and Sam Morril throughout the weekend.
🏺 Ancient earthworks finally open for Ohio's World Heritage celebration. Newark's Octagon Earthworks, part of Ohio's only UNESCO World Heritage site, is now fully accessible to the public after a century of private use as a golf course. The indigenous Hopewell culture built these remarkable structures approximately 2,000 years ago, with the site only opening to unrestricted public access on January 1 following a settlement with Moundbuilders Country Club. Ohio History Connection is hosting "Ohio World Heritage Week" from April 13-18, featuring guided tours, children's activities, and special events across all eight earthwork sites. The celebration culminates with a day-long event at the Octagon Earthworks on World Heritage Day, April 18.
🏙️ Downtown district faces shutdown after losing property owner support. The Capital Crossroads Special Improvement District, which provides safety and cleanup services to downtown Columbus, is at risk of ceasing operations by year's end. After previously downsizing in February, the SID lost majority support from property owners when two rescinded their petitions, dropping approval below the required 60%. Executive Director Marc Conte initially believed city officials were pressuring owners to withdraw, but board members voted to pause dissolution plans and instead pursue month-long discussions with the City of Columbus and Downtown Columbus Inc. The groups aim to preserve the SID structure while addressing downtown service needs.
Mt. Vernon's bats came alive in a 12-6 slugfest over previously hot Northridge, handing the Vikings their first loss of the season. The Yellowjackets swarmed their way to victory despite entering with a losing record, proving once again that in high school baseball, any team can sting you on any given Wednesday.
| Team | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
Newark Catholic (2-2) | ||
vs Zanesville | L 1-0 (8) | |
Newark (2-2) | ||
vs Logan | W 6-0 | |
Licking Valley (3-1) | ||
@ Johnstown-Monroe | L 5-0 | |
Licking Heights (1-4) | ||
@ Heath | L 9-8 | |
Johnstown-Monroe (3-1) | ||
vs Licking Valley | W 5-0 | |
Northridge (3-1) | ||
vs Mt. Vernon | L 12-6 | |
Heath (3-0) | ||
vs Licking Heights | W 9-8 |
Newark Catholic silenced Zanesville with a commanding 12-0 shutout, giving the Green Wave a much-needed boost to their 3-4 record. The Blue Devils remained winless at 0-6, still searching for that elusive first victory of the season.Utica survived a nail-biter against Granville, edging out a 9-8 win in Licking County league action. The Redskins evened their record at 3-3 while the Blue Aces will need to regroup quickly before facing undefeated Lakewood tomorrow.The Lakewood Lancers remained perfect at 8-0 after holding off Watkins Memorial 6-5 in a thriller. The Warriors (5-2) will look to bounce back against a red-hot Mt. Vernon squad that just demolished Northridge 16-0 in non-league play.
| Team | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
Newark (2-6) | ||
@ Pickerington Central | L 16-4 | |
Newark Catholic (3-4) | ||
vs Zanesville | W 12-0 | |
Granville (3-3) | ||
@ Utica | L 9-8 | |
Licking Heights (3-4) | ||
vs Heath | L 12-11 | |
Watkins Memorial (5-2) | ||
@ Lakewood | L 6-5 | |
Lakewood (8-0) | ||
vs Watkins Memorial | W 6-5 | |
Utica (3-3) | ||
vs Granville | W 9-8 | |
Heath (2-4) | ||
@ Licking Heights | W 12-11 | |
Northridge (4-4) | ||
vs Mt. Vernon | L 16-0 |
Countryside ranch with modern updates: Calling all nature lovers: This $350,000 Licking Valley ranch home on 7+ acres boasts a stream, wildlife views, wood-burning stove, and recent updates including a new roof and furnace.
Renovated family home perfect location: Priced at $590,000, this Granville Schools property boasts 4-5 bedrooms, freshly renovated kitchen with quartz counters, new LVP flooring, and a versatile lower level suitable for entertaining or an in-law suite.
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