Home / Newsletters / Ohio / Licking County / May 14, 2025

🚦 Traffic tangle

Licking County • May 14, 2025

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Good morning, Licking County. Rock legend Rob Zombie needed police assistance just to reach his own performance at Columbus' Sonic Temple Festival, highlighting an embarrassing traffic management situation that left countless fans stranded in gridlock. The festival fiasco on I-71 has sparked heated debate about whether the 14th most populous city in America should be better equipped to handle major events without descending into vehicular chaos—a problem that has apparently persisted for decades.

Meanwhile, contrasting scenarios of growth and legal challenges unfold across Ohio. The state Supreme Court is weighing a complex immunity question after a fatal motorcycle accident involving a fallen city tree in Youngstown, while Columbus-based Middle West Spirits continues its spirited expansion with the acquisition of Colorado's acclaimed Old Elk Distillery. The strategic purchase further positions the local distiller as an emerging force in the premium whiskey market.

🌤 Sky Skoop

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

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🎸 Traffic chaos nearly derailed Rob Zombie's Sonic Temple Festival performance. The rock legend needed a police escort to navigate through the gridlocked I-71 in Columbus, Ohio, highlighting the city's embarrassing traffic management during the four-day concert event. Festival-goers expressed frustration on social media, with many missing bands they wanted to see due to the congestion. The columnist argues this reflects poorly on Columbus, noting that as the 14th most populous city in America, it should be able to host major events without such disruptions. Traffic problems on I-71 aren't new—they've been a "decades-old problem" for the area.

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⚖️ Youngstown battles over immunity in fatal tree accident lawsuit. The Ohio Supreme Court heard arguments in a wrongful death case against Youngstown after a motorcyclist died from injuries sustained when a tree fell on him. At issue is whether the city waited too long to claim immunity, as it didn't include this defense in its initial response to the lawsuit. City attorneys argued immunity was "obvious" and delays were circumstantial, while the victim's estate countered that Youngstown failed to appeal when the trial court rejected the immunity defense. The case stems from a 2017 incident when Thomas Morar was struck by a falling tree on city property, resulting in his death nearly two years later.

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🥃 Columbus distillery expands with acquisition of acclaimed whiskey brand. Middle West Spirits has purchased Old Elk Distillery in Colorado, adding a heralded whiskey to its growing portfolio. The Columbus-based company already operates a 75,000-square-foot distillery on Alum Creek Drive. This acquisition represents another step in Middle West's long-term growth vision, following their pattern of strategic expansion in the craft spirits industry. The move positions the Ohio distiller to strengthen its presence in the premium whiskey market.

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🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Real estate listing image Spacious homestead with chicken bonus: This cozy $415,000 Beechwood Trails home boasts 1800 SF with three bedrooms, hardwood floors, an updated kitchen, finished basement, and covered porch overlooking a fenced yard with workshop and chicken coop.
Real estate listing image Modern Cape Convenient Location Ready: This move-in-ready Cape Cod for $259,900 boasts fresh updates including a new roof, refinished hardwood floors, and renovated kitchen, all within a convenient location near shopping and major routes.
Real estate listing image Modern ranch on country acres: Freshly renovated 1960 ranch in Granville countryside offered at $509,900, featuring modern open-concept design, high-end kitchen, and three bedrooms across 2,000 square feet on a serene 3-acre lot with completely updated systems.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

💼 May 16 - Licking County Job Fair: Looking for a new career? Stop by the Multi-Employer Job Fair at Ohio Means Jobs Licking County on May 16, where Trilliom, Amcor, Pharmavite and other local employers are eager to meet you!
🧓 May 16 - Senior Wellness Expo: Boost your golden years at the 2025 Senior Health and Wellness Expo! Join fellow seniors at 1058 E Main St in Newark on May 16 for health tips, activities, and community connections.
🏴‍☠️ May 16 - Buckeye Lake Pirate Fest: Ahoy, mateys! Buckeye Lake's 2nd Annual Pirate Fest Weekend sails in on May 16 at Columbus East KOA Holiday. Don your best pirate gear or mermaid tails for three days of swashbuckling fun!
🎭 May 16 - Bremen Town Musicians Tale: Little performers (ages 4-3rd grade) will delight in the Bremen Town Jam at Weathervane Playhouse on May 16! Join the modern Brothers Grimm for a charming musical retelling of this classic tale.
📚 May 17 - Newark Book Fest: Dive into a world of stories at the 2nd annual Newark Book Fest! Meet over 100 authors and snag autographed copies on May 17 at Canal Market District. Literary magic awaits!
🏴‍☠️ May 17 - Buckeye Lake Pirate Fest: Ahoy, mateys! Set sail for adventure at the Buckeye Lake Pirate Fest on May 17 at The Harbor Community Center. Enjoy the Pirate Market, Treasure Hunt and family-friendly festivities during this swashbuckling celebration.
🎸 May 17 - Newark Station Yard Opening: Rock out at Newark Station's "TheYard" grand opening weekend! The Frank Harrison Experience brings their sizzling SRV tribute to 843 Mt Vernon Rd on May 17. Don't miss this Mississippi-worthy performance!
🔍 May 18 - Murder By Natural Causes: Mystery unfolds at Licking County Players with "Murder By Natural Causes" on May 18. Catch this thrilling theatrical experience at 131 W Main St in Newark for an evening of suspense and entertainment.
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