Good morning, Licking County. In a stunning display of poor judgment, a Franklin County deputy is facing felony charges after allegedly leading Pataskala police on a 100 mph chase that ended with a crash. The irony of law enforcement fleeing law enforcement isn't lost on anyone, especially since Robert Lampkin claimed he "didn't realize" police were following him—despite their lights and sirens as he doubled the speed limit before his parking lot finale.
Meanwhile, Southwest Licking Schools is tackling explosive growth with a $115 million vision that goes beyond just classrooms. The standout feature? "The Spear"—a community aquatic center partnership with the YMCA that would serve both students and residents. This comes as the Children Services levy heads to the May 6 ballot, maintaining the same millage while addressing increased costs for specialized care in a state that ranks last in funding for vulnerable kids.
🌤 Sky Skoop | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
0%
☕️ What's Brewing Locally
🚓 Franklin County deputy arrested after 100 mph chase in Pataskala. Robert Lampkin, 32, faces a third-degree felony charge after allegedly running a red light and fleeing from police Wednesday. Court documents state Lampkin reached speeds exceeding 100 mph in a 45 mph zone before crashing into a parking lot. After his arrest, Lampkin claimed he "panicked" and didn't realize police were following him until the last minute. The sheriff's office has placed Lampkin on unpaid administrative leave and reduced his rank from sergeant to deputy.
🏫 Southwest Licking's $115 million plan tackles explosive student growth. The proposed bond issue would fund a new middle school for grades 5-6, expand the high school with 16 classrooms, and reconfigure existing schools into K-4 elementaries. A standout feature is "The Spear," a community aquatic center partnering with the YMCA that would include pools, courts, and outdoor facilities accessible to students and residents. The district is already at capacity and expects to reach 5,100 students by 2025-26, far exceeding previous projections of 4,100.
🧒 Licking County's children need crucial levy support on May 6. The Children Services levy is up for replacement after 10 years, maintaining the same millage while using updated property assessments. Ohio ranks dead last in state funding for children's services, forcing counties to shoulder the financial burden through property taxes. Despite successfully reducing the number of children entering county care, costs have increased for specialized foster and residential care. The levy ensures vulnerable kids remain safely placed within Ohio rather than sent to out-of-state facilities.
⚾ Baseball Scoreboard
Lakewood's Lancers squeezed past Zanesville's Blue Devils 3-1 in Wednesday's tight league showdown, improving to 7-2 while leaving the hosts stuck at 4-5. The pitching duel featured more zeroes than a government budget meeting, with the Lancers' arms proving just stingy enough to secure the win before they head to Johnstown-Monroe for their next challenge.
| Team | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
Newark (3-3) | ||
vs Teays Valley | L 2-0 | |
Newark Catholic (5-4) | ||
@ Mt. Vernon | L 6-5 | |
Granville (7-1) | ||
vs Northridge | W 11-2 | |
Licking Heights (1-7-1) | ||
vs Utica | L 7-6 | |
Watkins Memorial (5-3) | ||
vs Johnstown-Monroe | W 6-2 | |
Lakewood (7-2) | ||
@ Zanesville | W 3-1 | |
Johnstown-Monroe (6-2) | ||
@ Watkins Memorial | L 6-2 | |
Northridge (3-4) | ||
@ Granville | L 11-2 |
🥎 Softball Scoreboard
Granville's Blue Aces made quick work of Northridge in a 15-0 rout that was over before the Vikings could even break a sweat. The win improves Granville to 4-5 as they prepare to host Watkins Memorial, who's riding high after edging Johnstown-Monroe 8-6 in their own league matchup.Meanwhile, Lakewood's Lancers remain perfect at 12-0 after dismantling Zanesville 13-1, proving once again that their softball program is the class of Licking County. The undefeated Lancers now set their sights on Johnstown-Monroe, while the Blue Devils continue searching for their first win of the season.
| Team | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
Newark (3-10) | ||
vs Lancaster | L 25-3 | |
Newark Catholic (4-5) | ||
@ Mt. Vernon | L 11-1 | |
Granville (4-5) | ||
vs Northridge | W 15-0 | |
Licking Heights (8-5) | ||
vs Utica | W 10-6 | |
Watkins Memorial (8-4) | ||
vs Johnstown-Monroe | W 8-6 | |
Johnstown-Monroe (3-5) | ||
@ Watkins Memorial | L 8-6 | |
Lakewood (12-0) | ||
@ Zanesville | W 13-1 | |
Utica (4-6) | ||
@ Licking Heights | L 10-6 | |
Northridge (4-8) | ||
@ Granville | L 15-0 |
🏡 Real Estate Reveals
Scenic acreage with luxury design: This $425,000 raised ranch nestled on 2 acres offers privacy and flexible living, featuring three en suite bedrooms, an updated kitchen with Wolf appliances, and multiple living areas surrounded by scenic views.
Cozy home near town life: $156,500 buys you a cozy 2-bedroom, 1-bath single-story home featuring a bright three-season room, an attached one-car garage with workbench, and convenient access to shopping and dining.
Secluded solar estate stunning pond: Priced at $524,900, this custom-built home on 9.14 acres offers a spring-fed pond with private island, energy-efficient features including seller-paid solar panels, and flexible living spaces across three levels.🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla
💰 Financial Friday
Consider setting up an automatic savings plan that transfers a set amount of money from your checking account to a savings account each month; this "pay yourself first" approach can help you build an emergency fund or save for future goals without the temptation to spend that money.
|
|