NEWARK MAN FACES CHARGES

A 54-year-old Newark man with an extensive criminal history is once again facing charges. Kevin Bonner is being held at the Licking County Justice Center on a single charge of strangulation but other charges could be forthcoming. Bonner has prior assault and drug charges dating back to 1999. He is being held on $100,000 bond.

NEWLON LOSES APPEAL

Judges on the Ohio Fifth District Court of Appeals affirmed the conviction of a 42-year-old Dresden man sentenced to life in prison for rape. The judges rejected an appeal filed by Jason Newlon. In September 2023, Newlon was found guilty of 10 counts of gross sexual imposition, 18 counts of rape, and three counts of endangering children.

NAVIGATOR PROGRAM

Thanks to money from the National Opioid Settlement the Licking County Health Department is able to implement the Navigator Program. Commissioner Tim Bubb says the program helps those dealing with addiction.

Bubb said the goal is to start the Navigator Program in October.

PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE

Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump will meet tonight in Philadelphia in their one and only debate leading up to the November election. The debate gets underway at 9:00 p.m.

DEALING WITH DROUGHT

For the first time in the history of the U.S Drought Monitor, some parts of Ohio are experiencing Exceptional Drought conditions. Ohio Farm Bureau member Kevin Teeters, says the magnitude of the dry conditions are indeed historic.

A quarter of Ohio is now considered to be having an Extreme Drought, according to the latest Monitor.

GREENSTEIN AWARD

The Ohio State University at Newark and Central Ohio Technical College recently presented the prestigious 2024 Greenstein to Amy White, of Thornville. White, has been a cost-shared employee for 21 years, working for COTC's accounting and payroll office and Ohio State Newark's business and finance office. The Greenstein Award is given annually to a staff member, administrator or faculty member of COTC and/or Ohio State Newark whose efforts, attitude, deeds and behaviors made a major contribution toward the perpetuation of a genuine spirit of mutual respect and cooperation between COTC and Ohio State Newark.