NASHPORT MAN PLEADS GUILTY

A 41-year-old Nashport man is facing prison time in connection with the death of his 65-year-old father. Michael Slaughter entered guilty pleas to involuntary manslaughter and failure to provide for a functionally impaired person in the death of Michael Slaughter Sr.  According to the Muskingum County Prosecutor's Office, the Slaughters lived in a camper in Nashport and Michael was responsible for cooking and caring for his father, who was suffering from depression. Slaughter will be sentenced at a later date.

REPLICA GUN FOUND AT C-TEC

Monday, a C-TEC Secondary Center student reported to an administrator that a firearm was in another student's bookbag. The on-site School Resource Officer was immediately notified and within 3 minutes, the student was located and, following a search, a non-functional look-alike with no capability of firing was retrieved from the student’s bookbag. At no time did this replica pose a threat to the safety of students or staff. The student who brought this replica on campus was arrested and C-TEC is addressing this incident in accordance with our policies and procedures, and the laws of the state of Ohio.

TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT BLITZ

With the holidays upon us, Newark police will be providing extra protection to motorists. The Winter Holiday Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over blitz runs now through New Year's Day. Officers will have an increased presence on Ohio 13, 16, 79, and 21st Street.

LCHD MOBILE UNIT

The Licking County Health Department Mobile Unit will make a stop in Hebron on Wednesday. The Mobile Unit will be at the Hebron New Life Community Center from 5:00-7:00 p.m. They will be offering flu vaccines for all ages as well as resources and education materials for pregnant and new moms.

STANDARDIZED TESTS

Ohio Senate Bill 295 could have significant consequences for schools with low ratings on state report cards. Critics argue that the bill's heavy reliance on standardized test scores would unfairly penalize districts. Scott DiMauro with the Ohio Education Association voiced his concerns in testimony to the Senate Education Committee.

Supporters of the bill argue drastic measures are needed for struggling schools, but opponents say standardized tests often reflect poverty, not performance.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS

Ohio State and Tennessee meet Saturday night in the first round of the College Football Playoffs.

Coach Ryan Day and the Buckeyes are a 7 ½ point favorite heading into Saturday's kickoff which is set for 8:00 p.m.