Good morning, Licking County. The phrase "it takes a village" has never felt more relevant as Leadership Ohio selects 35 trailblazers for its prestigious 2025 class from a competitive pool of over 230 nominations. These diverse leaders will spend the next year tackling critical issues from talent retention to affordable childcare, building bridges across ideological divides that often seem insurmountable in today's climate.
On the financial front, Ohio teachers just received a $1.8 billion retirement package that includes cost-of-living increases and earlier retirement options, though not without controversy during a marathon four-hour debate. Meanwhile, a deeply troubling case has emerged as Tom Keesee Jr., son of Faith Life Church founders, faces 27 counts including rape charges involving children as young as five—a stark reminder that even within trusted institutions, vigilance remains essential.
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88%☕️ What's Brewing Locally
🔍 Leadership Ohio selects 35 trailblazers for prestigious 2025 class. Nine southwest Ohioans made the cut from a competitive pool of over 230 nominations statewide. The fellows represent diverse sectors including business, healthcare, government, and public service, with notable representatives from Cincinnati, Dayton, and Springfield areas. Throughout the year-long program, participants will tackle critical issues like talent retention, national security, and affordable childcare while building connections across ideological divides. Leadership Ohio aims to strengthen the state's civic health through this cross-sector collaboration of accomplished professionals.
🍎 Ohio teachers get retirement perks that will cost $1.8 billion. The State Teachers Retirement System approved a 1.5% cost-of-living increase for retirees and earlier retirement options for current teachers. Active members retiring between 2024-2030 can leave with full benefits after 32 years instead of 33, while those retiring later face gradually increasing service requirements. The changes sparked a four-hour debate among board members about fiscal responsibility, with some arguing the plan helps vulnerable retirees while others worried about economic uncertainties. STRS, which manages $95 billion for half a million Ohio educators, has faced controversy in recent years over transparency and leadership changes.
⚖️ Church leader's son charged with raping children as young as five. Tom Keesee Jr., son of Faith Life Church founders, pleaded not guilty to 27 counts including rape and gross sexual imposition. The indictment involves three victims who were between 6 and 15 years old at the time of the alleged abuse. Keesee resigned from his church position last August, with his bond set at $2 million and conditions including GPS monitoring. Former church members claim the parents knew about and concealed the abuse, which allegedly began when Keesee was just 12 years old.
⚾ Baseball Scoreboard
Granville's Blue Aces made quick work of Zanesville on Tuesday, cruising to a 12-2 victory that wasn't particularly close from the opening pitch. The win pushes Granville to an impressive 9-1 record, while Zanesville falls to 6-8 in what's becoming a season of struggles. Both teams will look to shake off this lopsided affair as they head into Wednesday matchups against Johnstown-Monroe and Utica, respectively.
| Team | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
Granville (9-2) | ||
vs Zanesville | W 12-2 |
🥎 Softball Scoreboard
Liberty Union Lions roared past the Granville Blue Aces 7-4 in Tuesday's non-league softball showdown, extending their impressive season record to 15-1. The Blue Aces (6-7) couldn't contain the Lions' offensive firepower despite a valiant home field effort. Both teams now pivot to their next challenges—Liberty Union faces the 10-2 Bishop Hartley Hawks while Granville looks to rebound against Johnstown-Monroe.
| Team | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
Granville (6-7) | ||
vs Liberty Union | L 7-4 | |
Utica (4-8) | ||
@ Grove City Christian | L 12-11 |
🏡 Real Estate Reveals
Grand Value Near Route 16: Priced at $229,000, this spacious two-story home offers three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a partially finished basement and separate living areas, with attic expansion potential and convenient access to Route 16.
Modern split-level with updates: Priced at $280,000, this charming 3-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom split-level offers modern updates including stainless appliances, a wood-burning fireplace, and a fully fenced yard perfect for pets or entertaining.
Auction foreclosure zero dollars opportunity: This foreclosure property listed at $0 is available through Auction.com, offering investors an opportunity to bid on a potentially profitable property in a growing neighborhood.🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla
🙏 In Remembrance
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