SWEARING-IN CEREMONIES
Swearing-in Ceremonies were held Monday for Newark City Council members including new 7th Ward Councilwoman Michelle Newman.
New 3rd Ward Councilwoman Molly Ingold took the Oath of Office as well.
Also, taking the Oath of Office Monday were Newark Treasurer Brad Feightner Jr., Licking County Municipal Court Judge Matthew George and Municipal Court Clerk Carrie Masterson.
NEWARK MAN FACES CHARGES
A 54-year-old Newark man with prior domestic violence and drug convictions is back behind bars. Peter Holland is being held at the Licking County Justice Center on a single charge of strangulation following an alleged incident involving his girlfriend. Holland's bond was set at $25,000. He is due back in court this afternoon.
HOLIDAY FATALITIES
The Christmas holiday proved to be a deadly one on Ohio roads. According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, 17 people were killed in vehicle crashes during the five-day Christmas holiday reporting period – more than five times the number killed during a shorter reporting period last year. Of the 17 people killed, four were not wearing seat belts, three were pedestrians, and two were related to impaired drivers.
TRAFFIC BLITZ
Law enforcement agencies across central Ohio will have a beefed up presence on the roadways during the New Year's holiday. Speed limits, impaired and distracted driving, and seatbelt enforcement will be the focus of the overtime activity.
BAG A FRIEND
A number of organizations are partnering on the upcoming 8th Annual Bag a Friend Sleeping Bag Drive. Beau Bromberg says they are doing all they can to help those who are struggling.
Bromberg said the sleeping bag drive will be held Saturday, Jan. 3 from 10:00am-12:00pm at Trinity Episcopal Church in downtown Newark. They will gladly accept a new or used sleeping bag, however, if it is a used sleeping bag you are asked to run it through the dryer for at least 15 minutes.
CHRISTMAS TREES
When it comes time to dispose of your real Christmas tree, Ohioans should check with their local communities to learn how they can dispose of trees properly, such as by utilizing a tree recycling program or available pickup/drop-off programs.