COLUMBUS MAN FACES CHARGES

A 35-year-old Columbus man with prior convictions in Licking County is once again facing charges. Tyrone Roberts is being held at the Licking County Justice Center on a single charge of engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity but other charges are expected to be filed. Roberts bond was set at $250,000. He's due back in court next week.

SALING HAS PASSED AWAY

A woman who impacted the lives of countless local children has died. Cindy Saling passed Sunday at the age of 70. Saling served as an administrative assistant with Village Network Foster Care Agency and was very active within the 4-H Community, serving as an advisor for 33 years and equine judge for over 40 years. Saling was an Ohio High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame Official, officiating for over 38 years in the High School and Collegiate levels. A Funeral Mass will be held Wednesday, Dec. 18 at the Church of the Blessed Sacrament.

PICKLEBALL COURTS

The city of Newark recently received some good news as they have been awarded a NatureWorks Grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

Newark Grant Writer Barbara Gilkes said the pickleball court will be built at Newark Station on West Main Street

FIREFIGHTERS TESTING

The City of Newark will conduct Civil Service pre-employment testing for the position of entry-level Firefighter/EMT/Paramedic. Testing will consist of a written examination, a physical capabilities evaluation. The written portion of the examination process will be conducted online from the candidate’s location. Registration for entry-level firefighter examination process runs until January 8. For more information visit www.newarkohio.net.

CHRISTMAS TREE SAFETY

Last year in Ohio, there were 209 fires reported on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Some of the fires were caused by unattended Christmas trees.

Anita Metheny with the State Fire Marshal's Office said ensure live Christmas trees stay fresh by making a new cut at the bottom of the trunk and watering them daily.

FRANKS NAMED COACH OF THE YEAR

Congratulations to Newark football coach Bill Franks. Franks has been named Ohio's Division I Coach of the Year by the Associated Press. He led the Wildcats to a 7-3 regular season with wins over rivals Lancaster and Zanesville. The Cats lost to Upper Arlington in the first round of the playoffs.