Friday, March 17

ST. PATRICK'S DAY

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Local law enforcement officials urge everyone to enjoy the holiday responsibly. State wide, over the last five years, Ohio State Highway Patrol Troopers made a total of 545 OVI arrests on St. Patrick's Day, and there have been 219 crashes resulting in ten deaths

OVI CHECKPOINTS

The Licking County OVI Task Force has announced the times and locations of today's OVI checkpoints. The first will be held from 9:00-11:00 am on Mink Street in Johnstown. The second from 11:30am-1:30pm on Worthington Road in Jersey Township. The next two will be held from 9:00-11:00 pm and 11:00pm-1:30am on West Main Street in Newark.

COLUMBUS MAN FACES DRUG CHARGES

A 22-year-old Columbus man is being held at the Licking County Justice Center accused of selling meth. Dejuan Dixon II has been charged with trafficking in drugs but other charges could be forthcoming. Dixon's bond was set at $200,000 dollars. He's due back in court next week.

THORNWOOD DRIVE CORRIDOR

In February, the city of Heath along with the Mid Ohio Regional Planning Commission partnered on a venture to improve the Thornwood Drive Corridor.

Heath Mayor Mark Johns said the money is available through the federal RAISE grant program. They have yet to receive word on whether or not the project submission has been approved.

DOWNTOWN CORNERSTONE

Downtown Newark has undergone a tremendous amount of positive changes over the years but one constant has been The Midland Theatre.

Maryann Crist, Director of Development and Community Engagement at the Midland, encourages the community to come to downtown Newark checkout a show at The Midland Theatre and enjoy all that the area has to offer.

NEW ODNR RESOURCES OFFICERS

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources has four new natural Resources Officers patrolling state parks, nature preserves, and forests including one in Licking County. Leah Nairn will be patrolling at Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve. Natural Resources Officers are responsible for enforcing laws, education, and emergency response in various state parks, forests, waterways, and other natural areas.