NEWARK — Licking County’s law enforcement officers risk their lives to protect residents — a job worthy of appreciation and a little help, officials said Wednesday at a Police Week ceremony.
“Every day, Ohio police officers put themselves between us and our families and harm’s way,” Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine said.
Six officers have died while on duty in Licking County, the last in 1985. Since January, 71 police officers have died in the United States. With six deaths, Ohio is second only to Florida in number of officer fatalities this year, Newark Police Chief Steven Sarver said.
“That’s an unbelievable number,” Sarver said.
Law enforcement can remember the dead by preparing themselves for each call, Licking County Sheriff Randy Thorp said. Deputies train in high-speed pursuit tactics so they know what to do in those circumstances.
“The danger is there, and we must remember that the danger exists,” Thorp said.
Residents can help law enforcement by being aware of what’s happening in their neighborhoods, calling in tips and testifying in court, Licking County Commissioner Tim Bubb said.
About 300 officers cannot protect a county of 167,000 people if they aren’t willing to help, he added.
“The thin blue line is very thin,” Bubb said.
People want police to protect them but often won’t testify as a witness or serve on a jury, Licking County Prosecutor Ken Oswalt said.
“You can’t expect them to go it alone,” Oswalt said.
Several agencies, including the Licking County Sheriff’s Office and Newark police, offer citizen academies to learn about police work.
Officers wore their uniforms and saluted as the names of those killed in the line of duty were read.
“I hope we don’t ever have to add to this list,” Fraternal Order of Police President Darrin Logan said.
The event was a first for Licking County, but Police Week celebrations have occurred since President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation designating May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day in 1963.
The ceremony comes at a time when the city of Newark is negotiating police and fire contracts and Senate Bill 5 threatens collective bargaining.
“Very few people would do what they do for what they’re compensated,” said Newark Mayor Bob Diebold, adding that he hoped for a balance with the unions.
DeWine, who was the keynote speaker, said he learned a lot about how to treat people riding to crime scenes with officers while he was an assistant prosecutor.
“There’s so much more to police work than arrests and convictions,” DeWine said.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Recent Advocate Story on the Possibilities for the Historic Old County Jail
NEWARK -- Licking County Commissioner Tim Bubb said Thursday a tour of the Noble County Historic Museum showed what can be done with an old jail facility.
The commissioners have said they would like to turn the county's old jail, located at 46 S. Third St., into a tourist attraction, potentially resulting in tours, events and maybe even a Halloween haunted house.
The huge Millersburg sandstone building, built in 1889 on the design of prominent Columbus architect J.W. Yost, has not been used to house prisoners since a new jail was built in 1987.
Bubb and Deputy Clerk Pam Jones traveled Wednesday to Caldwell, to view Noble County's historic jail, built in 1882 and restored as a museum and visitor center.
"I think we learned a little bit about what our jail could be," Bubb said. "You can take a building of that vintage and make it look really nice."
County officials probably would turn over the operation of the former Licking County jail to a nonprofit group rather than operate it themselves, Bubb said. But the county would retain ownership to have control of its future.
"We probably don't want to be in the museum business," Bubb said. "There is some value of saving old buildings and renovating them. It's an asset, not a liability."
The three-story structure in downtown Caldwell is operated by a nonprofit organization, which leases the building from the county for $10 per year, Jones said.
The Noble County facility was one of few facilities of its type to also be used as the jailer's residence.
The former jail in Newark also was living quarters for the county sheriff and later the jail matron. Visitors coming through the Third Street entrance walked into the sheriff's front parlor, where there once were elaborate parties.
In November, an investigator with Southeastern Ohio Paranormal Investigators, a Zanesville-based group that searches buildings for evidence of spiritual activity, toured the building and concluded it is haunted.
The building is used as headquarters for the Licking County shredding program. The massive amount of records once stored in the building has been dramatically reduced since Katy Klettlinger was hired as the county's first Records Center coordinator in 2008.
The former jail was home to the Licking County Veterans Service Commission from the early 1990s until 2005.
In 1998, the late Howard LeFevre, founder of The Works, proposed the sandstone building be turned into a museum for the Licking County Art Association, but estimated a cost of $4 million to $5 million to tear out the building's jail structures and interior stone walls.
The expense would be far less to prepare the building for a tourist use, however, Commissioner Doug Smith said, because most of the interior could remain intact.
The commissioners made repairs to the slate roof recently but have not spent much on the building in recent years.
"We don't want to expend any money on it until we determine the final use for it," Smith said.
The commissioners have said they would like to turn the county's old jail, located at 46 S. Third St., into a tourist attraction, potentially resulting in tours, events and maybe even a Halloween haunted house.
The huge Millersburg sandstone building, built in 1889 on the design of prominent Columbus architect J.W. Yost, has not been used to house prisoners since a new jail was built in 1987.
Bubb and Deputy Clerk Pam Jones traveled Wednesday to Caldwell, to view Noble County's historic jail, built in 1882 and restored as a museum and visitor center.
"I think we learned a little bit about what our jail could be," Bubb said. "You can take a building of that vintage and make it look really nice."
County officials probably would turn over the operation of the former Licking County jail to a nonprofit group rather than operate it themselves, Bubb said. But the county would retain ownership to have control of its future.
"We probably don't want to be in the museum business," Bubb said. "There is some value of saving old buildings and renovating them. It's an asset, not a liability."
The three-story structure in downtown Caldwell is operated by a nonprofit organization, which leases the building from the county for $10 per year, Jones said.
The Noble County facility was one of few facilities of its type to also be used as the jailer's residence.
The former jail in Newark also was living quarters for the county sheriff and later the jail matron. Visitors coming through the Third Street entrance walked into the sheriff's front parlor, where there once were elaborate parties.
In November, an investigator with Southeastern Ohio Paranormal Investigators, a Zanesville-based group that searches buildings for evidence of spiritual activity, toured the building and concluded it is haunted.
The building is used as headquarters for the Licking County shredding program. The massive amount of records once stored in the building has been dramatically reduced since Katy Klettlinger was hired as the county's first Records Center coordinator in 2008.
The former jail was home to the Licking County Veterans Service Commission from the early 1990s until 2005.
In 1998, the late Howard LeFevre, founder of The Works, proposed the sandstone building be turned into a museum for the Licking County Art Association, but estimated a cost of $4 million to $5 million to tear out the building's jail structures and interior stone walls.
The expense would be far less to prepare the building for a tourist use, however, Commissioner Doug Smith said, because most of the interior could remain intact.
The commissioners made repairs to the slate roof recently but have not spent much on the building in recent years.
"We don't want to expend any money on it until we determine the final use for it," Smith said.
Friday, May 13, 2011
MAY 2011 UPDATE FROM LICKING COUNTY COMMISSIONER TIM BUBB
Information on positive things happening in Licking County…
This Sunday afternoon (May 15th) you are invited to an Open House to view and celebrate the completion of the $3-million local Salvation Army renovation project.
Located at 250 East Main Street in Newark the facility has a new and expanded homeless shelter so that more homeless families have a home. The remodeled soup kitchen, in conjunction with the Food Pantry Network, is now serving meals to needy people every day. And the interior facilities have been renovated including classrooms so that at-risk children have a place to go after school.
You are invited to bring your family and friends as well, to celebrate the dedication of this expanded and renovated facility. The dedication ceremony begins at 3:00pm, and open house tours continue until 5:00pm.
Local Senior Citizens Recognized…
This past Wednesday these five outstand people were honored by induction into the Licking County Senior Citizens Hall of Fame in a ceremony held at the Sharon Brook facility in north Newark…
John and Annalou Campbell of Heath - Lucy Ann Muncy of Pataskala - Roy Wells of Heath – and Ronnie Vickers of Newark.
Next Wednesday, May 18th, John and Annalou Campbell will be recognized with induction as the 2011 Licking County representatives at the 36th annual Central Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame Ceremony at the Martin Janis Center in Columbus.
They will join nominees from Delaware, Fairfield, Fayette, Franklin, Madison, Pickaway and Union Counties. John is retired from Denison University and Annalou from Granville Exempted Village Schools. Married for 60-years, they have two sons, John David and Duane Lee.
I am joined by Commissioners Brad Feightner and Doug Smith, in congratulating the Campbells for their dual honor, as well as Lucy Ann, Roy and Ronnie for their local recognition.
Orange Barrel Advisory for this year and next…
Here is a list of eleven major State road and bridge projects in Licking County in 2011 and 2012. This information is courtesy of ODOT Division 5 Deputy Director Joe Rutherford…
1. Some $8.6-million will be spent to resurface Interstate 70 between State Route 158 and the Franklin County line. To minimize impact of traffic the paving will be done at night beginning this July 15th and concluding by the end of October 2011.
2. Improvements will begin on June 15th in Johnstown Village at the intersection of US Route 62 and State Route 37, the major downtown interchange. Turn lanes will be made longer and signals upgraded. This project will be done by the end of this October or sooner. This cost is some $830-thousand.
3. Major improvements are set of the intersection of State Route 16 at Cedar Street in east Newark. The bridges will be redecked and the ramps improved, as well, at a cost of some $2.2-million. This work begins this June 15th and completed on or before the end of September 2012.
4. Around June 15th the long awaited median improvement project on State Route 79 in Heath will begin. This year and next the public will see a wider road, with a center median and upgraded signals. The cost is $4.1-million. The project, in phases, will be complete by the end of October 2012.
5. The State will resurface State Route 13 from Waterworks Road in Newark to Utica at a cost of $3.8-million. The work will begin around the end of August and conclude by the end of this October.
6. Beginning in Licking County at I-70, State Route 37 will be resurfaced south into Fairfield County concluding at the Lancaster City limits. The cost is $3.7-million. This will be a September and October late summer 2011 project.
7. In Licking County and throughout ODOT District 5, in 2011, some $4.4-million will be spent on guardrail updates, pavements markings and raised markers, lighting, interstate mowing, crack sealing and traffic signal upgrades.
8. In the summer of 2012 the State Route 158 overpass at I-70 will be widened to accommodate future widening of I-70 to three lanes in each direction. The cost is $7.7-million.
9. Three Licking County bridge replacement projects are planned for 2012. State Route 586 at Pleasant Valley Run ($370-thousand), McIntosh Road (Township Road 155) west of Headley’s Mill Road ($444-thousand), and County Road 311 Hopewell ($933-thousand).
10. In 2012 a $382-thousand ‘safety’ related intersection improvement is planned for the intersection of Blacks and Watkins Roads. This much needed project will begin around July 15th of next year.
11. In Newark City two major resurfacing projects are planned for the spring of 2012. West Main Street west from 3rd Street downtown to 21st Street. And Granville Road west from 5th to 21st Streets.
Note – When traveling check first at the Buckeye Traffic website …www.buckeyetraffic.org - which provides up-to-date information on road conditions, traffic construction and other activity affecting roadways.
A note from Licking County Dog Warden John Silva…
With the assistance of volunteer Shelley McKee (Pataskala), who is with the rescue group Stop the Suffering, the Licking County Animal Shelter has received a grant of one-thousand doses of vaccine to prevent canine influenza virus. This is the second grant of vaccine from the group Petfinder and it will be used to prevent this contagious disease that spreads easily from dog to dog, especially those in close proximity. This is the equivalent of a $2-thousand donation and will be used throughout 2011 at the County Shelter.
Dog flu is a growing problem in the U.S. It is relatively new and most dogs have not built up immunity to the disease. It has been confirmed in 35-states and is difficult to diagnose. Dogs are contagious before showing symptoms. Virtually all dogs exposed to the virus will become infected, and some will get more serious infections, such as pneumonia, which can be fatal.
For information on Petfinder (web searches) and information on how to adopt friendly healthy dogs and cats from the Licking County Animal Shelter, visit the Animal Shelter Online link at the County website www.lcounty.com
Environmental Events Reminder…
The annual Licking County Appliance and Tire Collection will be held THIS Saturday, May 14th.
The location will be the Licking County Highway Garage at 771 East Main Street in Newark from 8:00am till 12 Noon.
The cost to drop off tires is $5 per passenger or light truck tire, $10 for per large semi tires, $25 per for tractor/farm equipment tires, and an addition charge of $1 for each tire on a rim. The cost for appliances is $10 for a Freon based unit, and $5 each for all others. *Note – NO computers or televisions accepted! Transactions are CASH ONLY.
Also, the Regional CFLP Solid Waste District sponsored Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Day is held in Licking County only every other year due to the expense of the event, and this is our off year. However HHW events will be held in neighboring Fairfield and Perry Counties this year. The dates are August 20th in Lancaster and September 17th in new Lexington. If you would like details call the CFLP Solid Waste District Office at 740-349-6308.
Thanks for taking time to read this May 2011 Commissioner Update.
If you would like to receive this monthly Commissioner Update directly to your e-mail address, simply drop me a note at timbubb@roadrunner.com to be added to my list.
I can also be e-mailed at tbubb@lcounty.com, and my desk phone number at the Commissioner’s Office is 740-670-5118.
Best Regards…Commissioner Tim Bubb
This Sunday afternoon (May 15th) you are invited to an Open House to view and celebrate the completion of the $3-million local Salvation Army renovation project.
Located at 250 East Main Street in Newark the facility has a new and expanded homeless shelter so that more homeless families have a home. The remodeled soup kitchen, in conjunction with the Food Pantry Network, is now serving meals to needy people every day. And the interior facilities have been renovated including classrooms so that at-risk children have a place to go after school.
You are invited to bring your family and friends as well, to celebrate the dedication of this expanded and renovated facility. The dedication ceremony begins at 3:00pm, and open house tours continue until 5:00pm.
Local Senior Citizens Recognized…
This past Wednesday these five outstand people were honored by induction into the Licking County Senior Citizens Hall of Fame in a ceremony held at the Sharon Brook facility in north Newark…
John and Annalou Campbell of Heath - Lucy Ann Muncy of Pataskala - Roy Wells of Heath – and Ronnie Vickers of Newark.
Next Wednesday, May 18th, John and Annalou Campbell will be recognized with induction as the 2011 Licking County representatives at the 36th annual Central Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame Ceremony at the Martin Janis Center in Columbus.
They will join nominees from Delaware, Fairfield, Fayette, Franklin, Madison, Pickaway and Union Counties. John is retired from Denison University and Annalou from Granville Exempted Village Schools. Married for 60-years, they have two sons, John David and Duane Lee.
I am joined by Commissioners Brad Feightner and Doug Smith, in congratulating the Campbells for their dual honor, as well as Lucy Ann, Roy and Ronnie for their local recognition.
Orange Barrel Advisory for this year and next…
Here is a list of eleven major State road and bridge projects in Licking County in 2011 and 2012. This information is courtesy of ODOT Division 5 Deputy Director Joe Rutherford…
1. Some $8.6-million will be spent to resurface Interstate 70 between State Route 158 and the Franklin County line. To minimize impact of traffic the paving will be done at night beginning this July 15th and concluding by the end of October 2011.
2. Improvements will begin on June 15th in Johnstown Village at the intersection of US Route 62 and State Route 37, the major downtown interchange. Turn lanes will be made longer and signals upgraded. This project will be done by the end of this October or sooner. This cost is some $830-thousand.
3. Major improvements are set of the intersection of State Route 16 at Cedar Street in east Newark. The bridges will be redecked and the ramps improved, as well, at a cost of some $2.2-million. This work begins this June 15th and completed on or before the end of September 2012.
4. Around June 15th the long awaited median improvement project on State Route 79 in Heath will begin. This year and next the public will see a wider road, with a center median and upgraded signals. The cost is $4.1-million. The project, in phases, will be complete by the end of October 2012.
5. The State will resurface State Route 13 from Waterworks Road in Newark to Utica at a cost of $3.8-million. The work will begin around the end of August and conclude by the end of this October.
6. Beginning in Licking County at I-70, State Route 37 will be resurfaced south into Fairfield County concluding at the Lancaster City limits. The cost is $3.7-million. This will be a September and October late summer 2011 project.
7. In Licking County and throughout ODOT District 5, in 2011, some $4.4-million will be spent on guardrail updates, pavements markings and raised markers, lighting, interstate mowing, crack sealing and traffic signal upgrades.
8. In the summer of 2012 the State Route 158 overpass at I-70 will be widened to accommodate future widening of I-70 to three lanes in each direction. The cost is $7.7-million.
9. Three Licking County bridge replacement projects are planned for 2012. State Route 586 at Pleasant Valley Run ($370-thousand), McIntosh Road (Township Road 155) west of Headley’s Mill Road ($444-thousand), and County Road 311 Hopewell ($933-thousand).
10. In 2012 a $382-thousand ‘safety’ related intersection improvement is planned for the intersection of Blacks and Watkins Roads. This much needed project will begin around July 15th of next year.
11. In Newark City two major resurfacing projects are planned for the spring of 2012. West Main Street west from 3rd Street downtown to 21st Street. And Granville Road west from 5th to 21st Streets.
Note – When traveling check first at the Buckeye Traffic website …www.buckeyetraffic.org - which provides up-to-date information on road conditions, traffic construction and other activity affecting roadways.
A note from Licking County Dog Warden John Silva…
With the assistance of volunteer Shelley McKee (Pataskala), who is with the rescue group Stop the Suffering, the Licking County Animal Shelter has received a grant of one-thousand doses of vaccine to prevent canine influenza virus. This is the second grant of vaccine from the group Petfinder and it will be used to prevent this contagious disease that spreads easily from dog to dog, especially those in close proximity. This is the equivalent of a $2-thousand donation and will be used throughout 2011 at the County Shelter.
Dog flu is a growing problem in the U.S. It is relatively new and most dogs have not built up immunity to the disease. It has been confirmed in 35-states and is difficult to diagnose. Dogs are contagious before showing symptoms. Virtually all dogs exposed to the virus will become infected, and some will get more serious infections, such as pneumonia, which can be fatal.
For information on Petfinder (web searches) and information on how to adopt friendly healthy dogs and cats from the Licking County Animal Shelter, visit the Animal Shelter Online link at the County website www.lcounty.com
Environmental Events Reminder…
The annual Licking County Appliance and Tire Collection will be held THIS Saturday, May 14th.
The location will be the Licking County Highway Garage at 771 East Main Street in Newark from 8:00am till 12 Noon.
The cost to drop off tires is $5 per passenger or light truck tire, $10 for per large semi tires, $25 per for tractor/farm equipment tires, and an addition charge of $1 for each tire on a rim. The cost for appliances is $10 for a Freon based unit, and $5 each for all others. *Note – NO computers or televisions accepted! Transactions are CASH ONLY.
Also, the Regional CFLP Solid Waste District sponsored Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Day is held in Licking County only every other year due to the expense of the event, and this is our off year. However HHW events will be held in neighboring Fairfield and Perry Counties this year. The dates are August 20th in Lancaster and September 17th in new Lexington. If you would like details call the CFLP Solid Waste District Office at 740-349-6308.
Thanks for taking time to read this May 2011 Commissioner Update.
If you would like to receive this monthly Commissioner Update directly to your e-mail address, simply drop me a note at timbubb@roadrunner.com to be added to my list.
I can also be e-mailed at tbubb@lcounty.com, and my desk phone number at the Commissioner’s Office is 740-670-5118.
Best Regards…Commissioner Tim Bubb
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