Pickaway County • June 12, 2025
Good morning, Pickaway County. Justice finally arrived for beloved Columbus market owner Jehad Alzaben as U.S. Marshals captured 21-year-old Joshua Norfleet in Coshocton on Thursday. The arrest comes after surveillance footage allegedly showed Norfleet returning to Livingston Market masked after making purchases, fatally shooting the 47-year-old shopkeeper, and stealing his firearm. Community members described Alzaben as a fixture in the neighborhood who had recently expressed concerns about armed youth entering local shops.
On a lighter note, the Columbus Metropolitan Library is bringing wildlife to lifeβbrick by colorful brick. An intricate Lego display of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, crafted by approximately 40 Ohio LEGO enthusiasts over several months, is delighting visitors until August 8. Meanwhile, tech giant Google continues its expansion in central Ohio, scooping up another 85 acres near New Albany for $63 million as part of its growing data center operations in the region.
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π« U.S. Marshals capture suspect in Columbus market owner's murder. Joshua Norfleet, 21, was arrested Thursday in Coshocton for allegedly killing 47-year-old Jehad Alzaben at Livingston Market on May 25. Surveillance footage reportedly shows Norfleet making purchases before returning masked, shooting Alzaben multiple times, and stealing the victim's firearm. Community members described Alzaben as beloved, with one worker saying "Jehad deserves justice." Police had recently increased patrols in the area after Alzaben complained about children entering shops with guns.
π§± Lego zoo brings Columbus wildlife to life in miniature form. The Columbus Metropolitan Library is showcasing an intricate Lego display of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium until August 8. Created by approximately 40 members of the Ohio LEGO Users Group, the exhibit took months to complete and features habitats inspired by their real-life counterparts. Library visitors can enjoy this unique perspective on familiar zoo attractions while also signing up for the all-ages Summer Reading Challenge. The display is located at the Main Library on South Grant Avenue.
ποΈ Google snatches up more New Albany land for $63 million. The tech giant purchased an 85-acre property located just miles from one of its existing data center campuses in the area. This acquisition continues Google's pattern of expanding its footprint around New Albany, Ohio, as part of its growing data center operations. The purchase follows similar large land acquisitions in the region, including another data center company that recently paid $137 million for 270 acres in nearby Licking County. Google is also investing in Ohio's infrastructure, with plans to put $1 million toward boosting the state's electric grid.
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Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
-Romans 12:12
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