Good morning, Muskingum County. In the shadows before dawn, a masked figure slipped into a Newcomerstown gas station last Sunday, hands tucked ominously in pockets while demanding cash and alcohol. The 2:44 a.m. heist triggered a multi-unit response with cruisers, K-9s, and drones after authorities discovered Newcomerstown Police had no officers on duty. Despite the technological arsenal deployed, the suspect vanished into the night, leaving investigators seeking public assistance.
Meanwhile, justice arrived a decade late but with full force for Cody Friend, convicted on 11 counts of rape involving minors after victims courageously broke their silence. As temperatures climb across the region, Licking County residents can find relief through the "Beat the Heat" initiative, with free fans available at upcoming giveaways in Hebron and Heath. The program arrives during a particularly warm summer, with June temperatures averaging 2.6 degrees above normal.
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☕️ What's Brewing Locally
🚨 Masked robber targets Newcomerstown gas station in early morning heist. Around 2:44 a.m. on July 14, a fully-covered suspect stole alcohol and demanded money from the register at an Adena Drive convenience store. Though no weapon was displayed, the man kept his hands in his pockets throughout the incident. Tuscarawas County Sheriff's Office responded with cruisers, K-9 units and drones since Newcomerstown Police had no officers on duty. Despite an extensive search, the suspect remains at large, with authorities urging anyone with information to contact the sheriff's office.
⚖️ Justice catches up with Lancaster man after a decade of silence. A jury found Cody Friend guilty of 11 counts of rape involving three minors in Muskingum County. The crimes occurred between 2003 and 2011, but victims only came forward in 2024, bravely testifying about their trauma and the abuse's lifelong impact. After eight hours of deliberation, the jury convicted Friend on all but one of the charges. He remains held without bond while awaiting sentencing, where prosecutors will seek maximum penalties for these first-degree felonies.
🌡️ Free fans help Licking County residents combat summer heat. The Licking County Health Department is partnering with Ohio Emergency Management Agency to distribute box fans at "Beat the Heat" events. After a successful July 8 event in Pataskala, two more giveaways are scheduled in Hebron (July 15) and Heath (July 17), with one fan available per vehicle while supplies last. The initiative comes during a particularly warm summer, with June temperatures averaging 2.6 degrees above normal in Newark. Health Commissioner Chad Brown noted no abnormal spike in heat-related injuries has been reported by local hospitals.
🏡 Real Estate Reveals
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Rustic homestead needs septic: Homestead Opportunity Alert: This $175,000 property offers potential for 3 bedrooms, with amenities including fencing, fruit trees, animal barns, and garden space. Property has electricity and running water from a shared well, but needs septic system installation.🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla
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