Pataskala's new planning director, Eric Fischer, will start work June 10.

Licking Heights Treasurer Jennifer Vanover is among five candidates for treasurer of the Olentangy school district.

Pataskala will contract with Big "O" Refuse of Newark starting in October, according to city officials at Pataskala City Council's street committee May 20.

The Granville Art Affair & Wine Festival, set for June 7 and 8 on the Great Lawn at Bryn Du Mansion, this year will feature a VIP Food & Wine Experience Tent, with more than 40 international wines and beer paired with food samples catered by A Catered Event and Creative Cuisine Catering.

The Licking County Sheriff's Office and the Columbus bomb squad were called to Pataskala on Thursday, May 23, after pipe bombs reportedly were found in the 6400 block of Watkins Road, according to WBNS-10TV.

The Pataskala Division of Police is investigating the alleged theft of a truck April 12 from the Licking Heights High School parking lot, 4000 Mink St., and a subsequent hit-skip accident reportedly involving the vehicle.

Pataskala officials will explain the city's three community-reinvestment areas to residents at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 30, in Pataskala City Council chambers at City Hall.

Pataskala City Council's Economic Development Committee on May 20 reviewed examples of signs that could be installed in three areas of Pataskala if sufficient funding ever became available.

Jersey Township and New Albany officials want to establish a consistent speed limit of 45 mph on Beech Road from Jug Street to state Route 161.

For the second consecutive week, the Pataskala Division of Police dealt with several incidents involving juveniles, including a damaged vehicle and loitering in local parks after hours.

Pataskala's Memorial Day celebration begins at 11 a.m. Monday, May, 27, at the local cemetery and concludes at the Mead-Needham Museum, which will celebrate its grand opening.

The historic U.S. Route 40 highway should have plenty of roadside treasures on the the 32-mile stretch from Reynoldsburg to Gratiot during the National Road Yard Sale on Friday, May 31, and Saturday, June 1.

The Southwest Licking school board on May 16 voted 4-0, with Cindy Zaino absent, to allow the Watkins Memorial High School Athletic Association to go forward with its artificial-turf project for the football field and practice field.

At recent Granville Rotary meetings, the club recognized Granville High School and Middle School April Students of the Month.

Several incidents involving juveniles kept the Pataskala Division of Police busy last week.

Pataskala officials say the city will need to replace the slate roof on the building at 430 S. Main St. that is home to both the Pataskala Division of Police and the Sterling Theater.

In retrospect, Licking Heights Superintendent Philip Wagner said he was not surprised that Franklin County voters were key factors May 7 for approval of the district's 8.92-mill, 10-year emergency levy.

Etna Township trustees want to establish a Joint Economic Development District on land north and south of Interstate 70 to help fund improvements to state Route 310 and local infrastructure.

The personal touches the American Cancer Society does for survivors and caregivers helped convince Jan Lucas to become involved in the Pataskala Relay For Life event and become its chairwoman.

It appeared, by looking at the Licking County votes, that the Licking Heights Local Schools levy was failing. But then the Franklin County votes came in. With all 13 Licking County precincts and 12 Franklin County precincts reporting, the levy appears to have passed 1,876 votes to 1,733.

The Pataskala Division of Police is investigating the theft of $5,700 from the Pataskala Lions Club, 7600 Summit Road.

The Sterling Theater will be alive with music this summer with a CD release party and the theater's first three open microphone nights.

Ride On! A Bike Swap Benefiting Pelotonia will take place from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 18, at Granville Intermediate School 2025 Burg St.

Licking County's annual celebration of cancer survivors is shaping up nicely for June 1, said Terri Kangas, income development representative for the American Cancer Society.

Voters in the Licking Heights school district will decide a 10-year, 8.92-mill emergency levy request on their May 7 primary election ballots.

Steve Butcher, who is completing his second term as mayor of Pataskala, recently announced his intention to run for re-election in November.

Etna Township trustees interviewed candidates for the township's open administrator job during an April 20 executive session, said John Carlisle, president of the board of trustees.