STORMS SLAM CENTRAL OHIO

It was quite a Tuesday afternoon across central Ohio as fast moving storms packing rain, and high winds struck around 3:00 pm.

Licking County Emergency Management Agency Director Sean Grady said no injuries were reported.

First responders fielded more than 30 calls of downed power lines. Grady has a reminder if you come across downed lines.

Grady said there were no tornado warnings in Licking County, however, he did hear of possible tornado touchdowns in Muskingum and Perry counties. Currently American Electric Power is reporting over 6,200 power outages across the central Ohio area. Crews are working to restore the power to the affected areas.

NEWARK MAN INDICTED

A 37-year-old Newark man accused of engaging in sex acts with minors has been indicted. Christopher Williamson faces multiple charges including rape and gross sexual imposition for alleged incidents that took place between 2020-2024. Williamson has entered not guilty pleas to all charges. He is being held at the Licking County Justice Center on $250,000 bond.

HIGH BOND FOR TWO MEN

Bond has been set at $10 million each for two men arrested for their alleged roles in a drug trafficking ring in central Ohio. Santos Quinones, 23, is being held on a single charge of aggravated trafficking and Mario Cuesta, 36, is being held on a single charge of trafficking. The men were arrested last week during a drug sting operation involving several law enforcement agencies. Their cases will next be heard by a Licking County grand jury for possible indictment.

AN INCREASE IN THE COUNTY UNEMPLOYMENT

Licking County's June unemployment rate was 3.4% up from 2.7% in May, according to figures released by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. Across central Ohio, Delaware County had the lowest unemployment rate at 3.1% while Coshocton County had the highest at 4%.

AADAPT ACT

More than 7 million Americans—including more than 236,000 Ohioans—are living with Alzheimer's disease. Congressman Troy Balderson co-sponsored the Accelerating Access to Dementia and Alzheimer's Provider Training Act.

Balderson said Alzheimer's disease is one of the most significant public health challenges facing our country. The U.S. House unanimously passed the adapt act which now heads to the U.S. Senate.

TURKEY & GROUSE SIGHTINGS

The Ohio Division of Wildlife encourages the public to report sightings of wild turkeys and ruffed grouse this summer as part of its annual population surveys. Anyone can submit observations on the Wildlife Reporting System webpage at www.wildohio.gov or on the HuntFish OH mobile app.