Pluses and minuses ahead of the holidays
With many things happening across Licking County, we thought it appropriate to briefly mention some of the more notable.
Cherry Valley Lodge
A big plus to Wexford Lodging Advisors and Widewaters Hotels for their announced plans to acquire the Cherry Valley Lodge and conduct a $13 million renovation of the facility. While the change will mean the end of the indoor water park, we are excited about the potential of the development to attract events and people who will spend money in our community. The possibility that employment at the lodge could increase six-fold is also a boon to the area.
The start of fire season
A minus to the numerous fires that hit our community in the past few weeks. Not only were several homes damaged, but the Johnstown high school football stadium was badly damaged. Kudos to the brave firefighters who fought the numerous blazes, but hopefully they serve as a reminder to residents to do all they can to prevent fires from starting in the first place. Please use only appropriate devices for heating and ensure you have working smoke detectors.
Hope for the basket?
We know we've hear rumors before, but the fact the Newark City Council felt compelled to take action gives us hope that the latest potential sale of the Longaberger basket might actually happen. The still private potential buyer's goal to turn the vacant building into a taxpaying business gives promise. We are hopeful that promise turns into reality, and believe the incentives currently being offered by the city - waiving past due utility bills - are appropriate.
Sketchy pot proposals
A minus to the state for its apparent use of a convicted drug dealer to help grade applications for where medical marijuana farms could be located in Ohio. The news calls into question the entire process, which saw Johnstown-based Apeks Supercritical just miss out on being selected as a grow site. While the company is still seeking a medical marijuana processor license, we are hopeful that it wasn't wrongly eliminated for consideration for the growing facility. We concur with several state officials asking for a pause in the process to ensure everything was done above board.
A season of giving
A final plus to the Licking County community for its support of charitable causes during the holidays. Newark's first Cram the Cruiser event was a success in collecting critical goods for those in need. "Operation Christmas Child" has collected dozens, if not hundreds, of boxes of toys, hygiene items and school supplies for children across the world. Numerous churches are having events throughout the month to share a meal, a coat and a kind word.
The bitter cold of this week reminds us of how important things like a warm meal, a warm coat or simply a warm shelter are to those struggling to make ends meet. And the turning of the calendar to 2018 and the end of the holidays should not mean an end to our generosity. As Jesus says in Matthew 25:40, "Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me."
Happy Holidays