Thursday, July 3

NEWARK MAN ACCUSED OF HAVING CHILD PORN

A 50-year-old Newark man accused of having child porn has been indicted. Allen Vanwey faces multiple charges including eleven counts of pandering sexually oriented matter involving a minor. Vanwey has entered not guilty pleas to all charges. He remains held on $500,000 bond.

LANCASTER MAN ACCUSED OF RAPE

Bond has been set at $2 million for a 59-year-old Lancaster man accused of engaging in sex acts with a minor. Rick Hawley has been charged with rape but other charges could be forthcoming. This is an active and ongoing investigation. The Fairfield County Sheriff's Office urges anyone with additional information to contact them at 740-652-7339.

SAFE TRAVELS

The roadways will be packed over the next several days as Ohioans celebrate the Independence Day holiday.

Sergeant Brice Nihiser, with the Ohio State Highway Patrol, said they will have an increased presence on the road during the holiday.

ARREST MADE IN FATAL SHOOTING

A 44-year-old man faces charges in a deadly shooting in Reynoldsburg. Eric Powell has been charged with murder in the death of Joshua Williams. According to authorities, Monday, officers were called to a parking lot in the 3100 block of Delta Marine Drive on a report of shots being fired. Upon arrival they found Williams, 46, suffering from a gunshot wound. The incident remains under investigation.

HELP WITH STAYING COOL

The State of Ohio is once again kicking off its annual program to help Ohio families beat the heat and stay cool this summer. Now through Sept. 30, income-eligible Ohioans can receive assistance in paying their electric bill, purchasing an air conditioner or fan, or making repairs to their central air conditioning unit through the Ohio Department of Development's Home Energy Assistance Summer Crisis Program. Last year, the Summer Crisis Program assisted more than 44,000 households in Ohio, providing a total of $13.5 million in benefits

AARP GRANT

A new AARP grant is helping older adults in Ohio access medical care they can’t find close to home. A $15,000 award supports an out-of-county transportation program for older adults.

Cassie Gregory, with the Marion County Council on Aging, says it’s a vital program for a community with limited local options for specialty care.