Thankfully, the water has started receding and flooding isn’t as prominent as it was toward the beginning of the week. Muskingum County isn’t out of the woods yet. The river is still experiencing elevated water levels. Always “turn around, don’t drown.”

Read about Tuesday’s flooding here: Storms causing flooding across county, road closures due to high water.

In addition to Mother Nature dousing the area with water, all of the moisture and varying temperatures were contributing factors to the portion of Muskingum Avenue know as Dug Road to be completely shut down Thursday afternoon. The road has operated as a one-lane due to land slipping into the roadway, and now the road is slipping down toward the river. Full story.

Nothing to do with natural causes, but Thursday afternoon, a portion of Blue Avenue was closed and schools in the area were sheltering in place as a struck gas line sent natural gas spewing into the air. While replacing a utility pole along Blue Avenue, outside of Zanesville High School, crews from the Energy Cooperative struck a gas line that workers claimed was mis-marked by about three feet. Full story.

It was 4-H week this week. The courthouse was lit in green and flying the 4-H flag in honor of the organization’s contributions to the community. Any young community members interested in joining or learning more about what 4-H in Muskingum County has to offer should contact 740.454.0144. Registration for 2019 ends on March 15.

• Commissioners proclaim start of 4-H Week
• Youth display projects during 4-H Kick-Off

Court Corner

• The mother of an infant boy that died in September after being left in a hot car was ruled competent to stand trial for murder on Wednesday. Samantha Donohoe, 27, allegedly left her 57 day-old baby in a car in the parking lot of her apartment complex on one of the hottest days of 2018. Her trial has been scheduled for May 7. Full story.
• Famous landlord John Kemp was sentenced Monday morning to 36 months in prison for his part in the Kylee Lindell murder. In his plea deal, Kemp forfeited 37 of his lots, 26 of which have houses on them. It’s up to the city to decide what happens with those properties. Full story.
• Monday morning, a 35-year-old man pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a pair of girls. Matthew Stickdorn was the live-in boyfriend to the young girls’ mother. Attorneys are recommending a 23-year sentence on the case. Full story.
• The Nashport man that allegedly stabbed his wife last week was arraigned in the Muskingum County Court of Common Pleas Wednesday morning. John Gillespie, 61, pleaded not guilty to one count of felonious assault. Full story.
• Wednesday morning, Chase Maxwell appeared for sentencing on a felonious assault case, but his defense attorney put up a fight before his client was handed his punishment. Full story.

The government

• Starting out more local, New Concord Village Council welcomed its newest council member Monday evening. Kristi (KJ) Kearns stood with her husband and three young daughters as she took an oath to claim her seat among the rest of the council members. Full story.
• Sticking with the village, many new additions are on their way to the New Concord Police Department including officers, a cruiser, online crime statistics listings and potentially a K-9. Full story.
• On a larger scale, it’s been about three months since Troy Balderson was re-elected as the U.S. Representative from the 12th Congressional District. He’s been up to a lot of different things. Read about all of his endeavors in the past few months here: Catching up with the congressman.
• Affecting more people, Job and Family Services statewide are still feeling the side effects of the government shutdown, even weeks after its end. The early release of SNAP benefits on Jan. 16 now infringes on federal regulations created to ensure participating households do not go more than 40 days between allowances. Full story.

Let’s go somewhere

• Monday, Feb. 18, Lighthouse Baptist Church is hosting a banquet for widows in the community. The New Concord church invites widows to come enjoy a meal followed by a program with music, gift card raffle and gift for each woman to take home. Full preview.
• A little farther down the road, next Saturday, Feb. 23, the community is invited to the 30th Annual Blue Knights Ball. All proceeds from the event benefit the Zanesville High School Band. Tickets are available for purchase at the door and tables can be reserved in advance for an additional charge. Full preview.
• Even farther down the pavement, the Zanesville City Half Marathon is returning in September. Registration for September’s race is now open and can be found at www.mccf.org or www.muskingummultisports.com. Full preview.

As always, feel free to send events, tips, suggestions, comments and questions to our news team by emailing contact@ycitynews.com or the writer directly at jjohnston@ycitynews.com.