CRIME STOPPERS

Licking County Crime Stoppers is offering up to a $1,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in a theft from a business in Heath. The Heath Division of Police reports, on Monday, Oct. 28 between 6:00-6:45 p.m., two white females entered the Dick’s Sporting Goods at Indian Mound Mall and stole several pieces of clothing valued at more than $600.  They left in a red, four-door sedan. Anyone with information on this crime is urged to call the Licking County Crime Stoppers at 740-349-6888.

NEWARK MAN FACES CHARGES

A 47-year-old Newark man with prior domestic violence, drug, robbery and theft convictions is back behind bars. Dusty McMullen has entered a not guilty plea to a single charge of theft. McMullen is already facing drug and failure to comply charges stemming from a separate incident earlier this year. He is being held on $100,000 bond.

CHRISTMAS FATALITIES

According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, two people were killed in two fatal crashes on Ohio roadways over the Christmas reporting period that began Tuesday, Dec. 23 at midnight and ran through midnight on Christmas Day. Of the two people killed, one was not wearing a safety belt. Troopers arrested 44 people for operating a vehicle while impaired and issued 84 citations for safety belt violations and 31 distracted driving violations.

SLEEPING BAG DRIVE

Numerous organizations in Licking County will come together to host an important community event.

Beau Bromberg said next Saturday's Sleeping Bag Drive will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church on East Main Street in downtown Newark.

FARM SUBSIDIES

The federal government spends billions of dollars to subsidize farmers who produce meat, making the product cheaper at the local grocery store, according to a new report from Sentient Media. Experts differ on just how much it lowers the cost of a beef, but most agree there are hidden costs that go mostly unnoticed.

Andrew deCoriolis with the nonprofit group Farm Forward, said farm subsidies protect agricultural producers more than any other businesses.

ETNA MAN APPOINTED TO STATE COMMISSION

Governor DeWine has appointed Edgar Vidales, of Etna, to the Commission on Hispanic-Latino Affairs for a term ending Oct. 7, 2027. The commission was founded in 1977, and seeks to advise, connect, and build the Latino Community throughout Ohio.