Page 3 - The Buzz 07/10/2026

JULY 10 - 23, 2026 The LOCAL NEWS | A3

COVER STORY
Muskingum 250 hosts Trailblazers & Founders

Memorial dedication BY LYNETTE DOTSON | THE BUZZ

cause each generation has chosen
to carry these values forward.”
Members of the Muskingum 250
Committee unveiled the Trailblazers
& Founders Memorial prominently
displayed in the center of the newly
improved park space. The memori-
al consists of a row of three monu-
ments, two with plaques inscribed
with history about founders Johna-
than Zane and John McIntire, and a
third in the middle displays a map
of Muskingum County with Zane
Trace from New Concord to East
Fultonham and all the towns in be-
tween marked. Below the visual is
the history of The Zane’s Trace. The
back of the monument lists the Trail-
blazers of the Zane’s Trace: Colonel
Ebenezer Zane, Captain Johnathan
Zane, John McIntire, William Mc-
Culloch, Ebenezer Ryan, John Green,
Levi Williams, Joseph Worley, and
Tomepomehala.
Closing remarks by Rebecca Carr,
a benediction by Rev. Michael Bull-
ock, a retirement of colors, and the
The newly erected Trailblazers & Founders Memorial was dedicated on July 4. Lynette Dotson firing of a cannon brought in by Bob

A Dedication of the Trailblazers & Remarks by Ohio State of Repre- tion that they built. I hope that years Daniels (1st Ohio Light Artillery,
Founders Memorial was held as part sentatives Adam Holmes, Musking- from now, children and grandchil- Batt. A) concluded the first part of
of a day-long July 4th celebration um County Commissioner Melissa dren will visit this memorial and ask, the event. Attendees were invited to
hosted by Muskingum 250 at Conflu- Bell, and Mayor Don Mason followed. Who were these people? And then stay for the dedication of the Liberty
ence Park in Zanesville. A letter written by Ohio State Rep- they’ll realize that the spirit of those Tree and a time capsule. A table with
The historic event opened with resentative Adam Holmes and in- founders is still alive. Not because of items that were to be included in the
a presentation of colors by the cluded in the time capsule was read what they’ve accomplished, but be- CONTINUED ON A4
Muskingum Valley Council Scouts aloud by Representative Holmes. An
just moments after Muskingum 250 excerpt of that letter said, “Today,
Chair Rebecca Carr welcomed an we’re thinking about all those gen-
audience seated under the canopy erations of people who ensured our
of a large tent in view of the iconic community remained strong and, as
Y-Bridge. The Pledge of Allegiance always, deeply involved in the shap-
was recited, and the National An- ing of America. We’re also, of course,
them was led by the singer from thinking about all the citizens of this
the Old River Revival band, who per- century. It’s all of us, including every-
formed later on that morning. An in- one here today. Incredible leaps in
vocation was given by Rev. Michael technology have occurred, along with
Bullock before the keynote speaker, lots of challenges. However, please
author John Barr, took to the podium. know that no matter what your his-
Barr is the author of Zane’s Trace: tory books might tell you about the
A New Road in a New Country. He Ohioans of 2026, here’s the truth.
shared some of his knowledge of lo- We remain kind, hardworking, ser-
cal history in his speech. and spoke vice-oriented, extremely patriotic,
to the significance of the celebration and very grateful to have lived our A few of the Muskingum 250 Committee members get ready to unveil the Trailblazers & Founders
held at Confluence Park. lives in the greatest nation in world Memorial. Lynette Dotson
“Today, we celebrate as a nation history. We love where we live. We’re
the 250th anniversary of the signing very confident that Ohioans from
of our Declaration of Independence. 1776 to today felt the exact same
As a community, we also celebrate way, and we sincerely hope you feel
the men who made it possible for the same way too.”
Zanesville to become the vibrant “This memorial is more than just
community that it is today, said Barr. stone, said Commissioner Bell during
“So, it’s because of the efforts and part of her speech. “It’s a reminder
sacrifices of these men that we me- that our story didn’t begin with us,
morialize today on this statue that and it won’t end with us. It connects
we’re able to appreciate and benefit all of us to those who came before
from what has become Zanesville, a and challenges us to be worthy of the
true centerpiece of Ohio’s history.” sacrifices they made and the founda-

Author John Barr was the keynote speaker during the Trailblazers & Founders Memorial dedication.
Lynette Dotson