Gratiot News

With the heavy rains and thunderstorms we experienced this morning came major flooding problems throughout Muskingum, Licking, Perry, Morgan, and Fairfield counties.

Nearly 800 homes in Muskingum and Morgan counties remain without power this morning after severe thunderstorms dumped two inches of rain on the region.

Once the main street of America, the National Road, now a historic landmark, was replaced by Interstate 70 but many activities still take place on the historic road.

NEWARK -- In his capacity as a Licking County commissioner, Doug Smith has to travel many roads.

June 2: Last day of school June 19: 52nd style show and card party June 21: Outdoor movie night at the Canal Park, 8 p.m. June 27: Hebron Music and Arts Festival Get out and travel U.S. 40 to experience ...

Chunkin Chickens, bingo, petting animals, a cake auction and many other activities kept families entertained during the Hopewell Elementary Spring Festival in Gratiot.

JACKSONTOWN -- A six-mile stretch of Interstate 70 will have temporary lane reductions for repaving, starting tonight. via The Advocate

A semi-trailer fire was contained Sunday night on the eastbound lanes of Interstate 70 south of Gratiot, according to the Ohio Highway Patrol. via Newark Advocate

“County book truck is cordially received.”

Recently, three members of the Newark Public Library Board of Trustees and I met with the Licking County commissioners seeking their support for the library's proposed change in legal status and name. via The Advocate

The westbound lanes of I-70 are closed this morning after a vehicle struck a pedestrian in eastern Licking County. via Columbus Dispatch

Interstate 70 westbound is closed at mile marker 137 at Mount Perry Road/County Road 30 in Gratiot, which is between Newark and Zanesville, in eastern Central Ohio. via Nbc4i.com

NEWARK - Several minor crashes have been reported on Licking County highways this morning, according to local authorities. via The Advocate

A 73-year-old Lapeer woman has been taken to the hospital with what are believed to be minor injuries after a two-car accident at Gratiot and Palms road. via Times Herald

“There couldn't have been a better boy. I know he's in a better place.”

It was dark and windy as people gathered around the small wooden cross on the side of the road at the intersection of Ohio 16 and Brownsville Road. via Central Ohio

“I'd feel lonely if I didn't go out and do something”

Eating food and watching the ball drop is what makes New Year's Eve one of Olivia Hecker's favorite holidays. via Central Ohio

BIRTHDAY Marjorie Ridenour will celebrate her 90th birthday Dec. 30. Send cards to P.O. Box 105, Gratiot, Ohio 43740. via ZanesvilleTimesRecorder.com

SOMERSET - Betty Jean Guest, 83, of Mount Perry, died at 5:35 a.m. Saturday, Dec. via ZanesvilleTimesRecorder.com

NEWARK - One lane of Interstate 70 westbound will be closed in part of Licking County daily beginning Wednesday, the Ohio Department of Transportation announced today. via The Advocate

A five vehicle accident around 1:30 p.m. this afternoon completely shut down Interstate 70 east and westbound near exit 141 the Brownsville/Gratiot exit. via Whiznews.com

“We just heard a lot of sirens and we walked out back and all the cops were back there and they tackled the guy in the cornfield”

A man suspected of robbing a credit union in Columbus led police on a high speed chase that resulted in an accident that completely shut down Interstate 70 eastbound for hours. via Whiznews.com