Licking County • May 14, 2025
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.
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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.
⚖️ 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.
🥃 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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