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MAY 29 - JUNE 11, 2026 NEARBY NEWS |C1

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FEATURING STORIES FROM MUSKINGUM’S NEIGHBORS.

COTC Honors Peace Officer Basic Training

Graduates SUBMITTED | CENTRAL OHIO TECHNICAL COLLEGE

COTC

NEWARK, Ohio – Central Ohio of duty while working in Knox County
Technical College (COTC) celebrated for the Danville Police Department.
one of its highest-performing Peace COTC, with the help of Cottrell’s loved
Officer Basic Training (POBT) pro- ones, honors his memory through his
gram cohorts during a graduation namesake award during each POBT
ceremony on May 21. graduation ceremony. It rewards a
The 13 cadets collectively scored student who showcases character,
better than 95% on this year’s state academic success, dedication and
certification exam. James Rease, extraordinary respect for their fellow
COTC’s POBT commander, called cadets.
that figure one of the program’s best Skyler Roberts received this class’s
ever. Every graduate has either solid- Cottrell Award, becoming the 28th
ified or is pending employment with cadet to ever earn the distinguished
an agency in central Ohio, including honor. Roberts is now a sworn officer
the Johnstown Police Department, of the Plain City Police Department. Rep. Kevin Miller congratulating a POBT graduate.. COTC
Columbus and Franklin County Met- Ira Daniels earned the program’s
ro Parks, and the Reynoldsburg Po- Most Dedicated Award. Daniels also
lice Department. gave a speech at the ceremony, ac-
“You’ll face situations that chal- knowledging COTC’s role in equip-
lenge your resolve and test your char- ping the next crop of peace officers.
acter,” Rease appealed to the cohort “We’re stronger, sharper, more dis-
during the ceremony. “In those mo- ciplined and more prepared,” he
ments, rely on the values cultivated said. “You didn’t just teach us law
here: honesty, bravery and respect.” and tactics. You taught us character,
Ohio State Representative Kev- and that’s a debt we don’t repay with
in Miller made an appearance as words. We repay it with how we gov-
the ceremony’s keynote speaker. In ern ourselves from this day forward.”
addition to his legislative work, the The newest deputy in the Franklin
Newark native served more than 20 County Sheriff’s Office finished his
years with the Ohio State Highway speech with both congratulations
Patrol. and encouragement for his fellow POBT Commander James Rease (left) and Skylar Roberts. COTC
Among the newly certified peace cadets. “Tonight, we graduate. To-
officers, four of them received an morrow, we serve,” Daniels said.
award during the event. Jesse Valen- “Now let’s go earn the trust of our
tine, now a member of the Lancaster communities, honor this profession
Police Department, earned the Ac- and leave a legacy worthy of the
ademic Award. The Top Gun Award badge we wear.”
went to Andrew Grassette, who will
join the Licking County Sheriff’s Of-
fice.
The Officer Thomas W. Cottrell, Jr.
Award for Character and Dedication
to Public Service is the most presti-
gious — considered the highest hon- BUZZ FACTS
or a POBT cadet can earn. Ten years The Buzz is distributed to
ago, COTC police academy alumnus over 90 locations!
Thomas Cottrell was killed in the line Ira Daniels delivering his speech.. COTC

Cardinal Chorale Hosts 30th Anniversary Celebration

SUBMITTED | CARDINAL CHORALE
COSHOCTON, Ohio — The Cardinal The celebration is an extension of the
Chorale will hold a special 30th Anniver- 30th Edition’s annual summer tour, also
sary Celebration concert entitled “Love entitled “Love Will Be Our Guide.” The
Will Be Our Guide” at 2 p.m., June 14 at summer tour concludes every year at
Coshocton High School. The is free to at- Roscoe United Methodist Church, and
tend and open to the public. will take place June 8-12. Other tour
Founded in 1995 by conductor Charles stops include: Marion, Columbus, New
R. Snyder, The Cardinal Chorale, a select Concord, and Newark.
traveling ensemble of high school and Musical highlights from the concert in-
college singers. Since its founding, the clude: Sixteen Tons, I Am Your Child, Bat-
Chorale has welcomed over 700 singers tle Hymn of the Republic, This Is My Fa-
across the state of Ohio over the past 30 ther’s World, and The Nearness of You.
years. The Chorale chose to hold the reunion
In the summer of 1998, the Chorale in Coshocton this year to honor the area
shared its musical magic on a concert they have called “home-base” for 30
tour of England, France and Wales. The years.
Chorale has sung for five Ohio Music Ed- For more information about the Car-
ucation Association Professional Devel- dinal Chorale or the concert, call 740-
opment Conferences and twice for the 623-0554 or email thecardinalchorale@
Ohio Choral Directors Association. gmail.com.
The 30th Anniversary Celebration
will feature 100 alumni traveling from
6 different states: California, Indiana, ADVERTISE IN THE BUZZ.
Cardinal Chorale Kentucky, Missouri, North Carolina, and 740-270-2408
Ohio.