NEW POLICE OFFICERS
The Newark Police Department held swearing-in ceremonies Monday for four new officers – Adam Fumi, Kevin Lloyd, Stevan Loy and Jonathan Salyer.
Chief Erik McKee and others took part in Monday's ceremonies which were held at Newark Police Headquarters on North 4th Street.
NEWARK MAN ACCUSED OF ASSAULT
A 38-year-old Newark man with prior assault and domestic violence convictions is once again accused of assaulting someone. Luis Figuero Jr. is being held on assault and domestic violence charges and other charges could be forthcoming. Figuero also has prior robbery and burglary convictions. His bond was set at $150,000.
RANDAZZO IS INDICTED
A federal grand jury has returned an eleven-count indictment against the former chairman of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio with crimes related to bribery and embezzlement. Samuel Randazzo served as PUCO chairman from April 2019 until November 2020, when he resigned. According to the indictment, the Randazzo, 74, allegedly received more than $4.3 million from an energy company and its affiliates to provide favorable official actions for the company through PUCO proceedings. If convicted as charged, he could face up to 20 years in prison.
HELPING STUDENTS IN RURAL COMMUNITIES
Rural schools in Ohio are finding local solutions to ensure their students have the resources and skills they need to be successful. Jason McConnell, president, Grand Valley Education Association, says they started a Community Learning Center to help support students.
According to the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, more than 36-percent of Ohio’s public school students live in small towns or rural areas.
GUN DEER SEASON
Ohio’s deer gun season concluded on Sunday, Dec. 3, with hunters taking 70,118 deer, according to the Ohio Division of Wildlife. Last year, hunters took 71,931 deer during gun week. Coshocton County hunters led the way with 2,441 deer harvested. Licking County hunters bagged 1,570 deer.
HARRISON IS UP FOR THE HEISMAN
Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. is among the four finalists for the Heisman Trophy. The other finalists announced Monday are LSU's Jayden Daniels, Oregon's Bo Nix and Washington's Michael Penix Jr, all quarterbacks. The Heisman Trophy will be awarded Saturday night.