NEWARK MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO SEX CHARGES

A 57-year-old Newark man is heading to prison for sexually abusing a minor. Tuesday, Joey Thacker entered guilty pleas to one count of rape and two counts of gross sexual imposition. According to the Licking County Prosecutors Office, in September 2023, the 16-year-old victim told authorities that Thacker had been sexually abusing them for several years. Thacker was sentenced to 15 years in prison and was ordered to register as a Tier III sex offender.

FUNERAL SERVICES ARE SET FOR JERRY WRAY

Funeral services have been set for former ODOT Director and Newark native Jerry Wray. The funeral will be held at 1:00 pm Tuesday, April 30 at Cornerstone Church in Heath. Calling hours will be held Monday, April 29 from 4:00-8:00 pm and one hour prior to the service on Tuesday at the church. Wray passed away Tuesday at the age of 78.

HEATH MAN ARRESTED ON DRUG CHARGES

Bond has been set at $100,000 for a 41-year-old Heath man accused of selling drugs. Bradley Allen is being held on a single charge of aggravated trafficking in meth but other charges could be forthcoming. Allen's case will next be heard by a grand jury for possible indictment.

TEST DRIVE A BUS

On Saturday, May 4 the Newark School District will host a Test Drive A Bus event to try and find folks who would be interested in driving for the school district.

Transportation Director Jersie Walcott said the bus hiring event will be held from 10a-2p at the former State Farm building on Granville Road. For more information contact the Newark School District at 740-670-7000.

TRYING TO HELP COMMUNITY PHARMACIES

The Ohio House will soon take up legislation dealing with pharmacy benefit managers and their impact on local pharmacies. State Representative Tim Barhorst co-sponsored the legislation.

Rep. Barhorst said part of the legislation would require an itemized receipt for drug transactions that would document "every red cent" from the PBMs.

GRANVILLE MAN RECEIVES STATE HONOR

Wednesday, the State Fire Marshal's Office and the Ohio Division of EMS hosted the 43rd Annual Awards Ceremony honoring the men and women who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to provide exceptional service to Ohioans and Ohio’s fire service. Charles Dixon, of Granville, received the Ohio Fire Educator Lifetime Achievement Award.