Etna Township, located near major tech hubs in Licking County, is becoming a key area for large distribution centers, but internal conflicts threaten to hinder its growth.
As the county experiences massive development, tensions have emerged over competition for local power and resources.
The township is becoming a focal point for large distribution centers, including facilities for brands like Amazon, Kohl’s and FedEx.
“There’s a lot going on, and there’s hundreds of millions, if not a billion dollars of development at stake,” Etna Township Trustee Mark Evans told NBC4i.
Evans, who was elected in November 2021, said he has faced significant challenges during his tumultuous tenure.
He has reported threats, including a civil protective order against the fiscal officer's live-in boyfriend, who allegedly made a violent threat during a public meeting.
In a detailed Facebook post Evans described action that had allegedly been taken against him by others involved in Etna Township government.
“Threats to my life and safety will never be tolerated,” Evans said in the Facebook post.
He noted he was granted an order of protection by the Licking County Common Pleas Court after being threatened.
“The threat, which included a violent statement made by the partner of our fiscal officer — ‘I want to f*****g jump him, kill him’ — is only the latest in a series of disturbing incidents,” Evans said. “This individual has made prior threats. Others have also taken part in a pattern of harassment.”
Evans said the person who made those threats has previously threatened him in person, rummaged through his trash, left a “racist, threatening note” on his vehicle, damaged his property and engaged in other acts of intimidation.
“I’ve endured these lies and acts of bullying because I believe in fighting corruption and standing up for what’s right. I won’t be intimidated, and I won’t back down,” Evans said.
Recent legal battles have also plagued the township, including a lawsuit related to a zoning variance and a $80,000 settlement with former town administrator Nita Hanson, who cited a hostile work environment blaming Evans.
Township Administrator Susan Bedsole also recently stepped down effective Feb. 28.
"I feel this is the right decision for myself and my family," Bedsole said in her resignation letter.
Infighting has continued with accusations of improper access to the township's bank account.
The drama has sparked frustration among residents, many of whom have voiced their discontent on social media, calling for a change in leadership.
The Licking County Conservatives Facebook page has pointed to Evans' re-election campaign as a focal point in 2025.
“Defeat Mark Evans in his re-election bid for Etna Township Trustee where he has cost taxpayers more than $100,000 in legal bills/settlements and caused chaos and turmoil since getting elected,” the group said.
Others have been vocal supporters of Evans.
“So once again the Etna Haters Club have paid to put up a billboard trying to disgrace Trustee Evans!!!” Jason Robinson said on Facebook. “This is a small group of pathetic individuals that would rather disrupt and disgrace the township than see it move forward. It’s really sad how pathetic they are and all they care about is the fact they lost.”
Despite the ongoing controversies, township leaders continue to clash over how to address these issues, leaving many residents questioning the future of Etna Township's development and governance.
