AMERICA 250!

Happy Independence Day! Don’t forget to proudly fly the Stars and Stripes today. Just a reminder that all local, state and federal offices will be closed today in observance of the holiday.

HEAT ADVISORY

The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory until 8:00 p.m. Drink plenty of fluids, wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing. Try to limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening.

HEBRON MAN ACCUSED OF ASSAULT

Bond has been set at $100,000 for a 55-year-old Hebron man accused of assaulting his girlfriend. Chad Moore has been charged with strangulation but other charges could be forthcoming in connection with an alleged incident earlier this month at the couple's home. Moore does have prior domestic violence and drug convictions. His case will next go before a grand jury for possible indictment.

BROWNFIELD GRANTS

Ohio is awarding $15.5 million in grants to help communities in 35 counties clean up contaminated properties and prepare them for redevelopment. Locally, the Licking County Land Reutilization Corporation will receive almost $1 million for clean up of the former Matlack Industrial site in Pataskala. There are plans to build multi-family housing units on the site.

TICK WARNING

The Fairfield County Health Department is asking residents to take simple steps to avoid tick bites as lyme disease cases continue to rise in Fairfield County and across Ohio. Lyme disease is caused by bacteria that spread through the bite of blacklegged ticks, also called deer ticks. Wear long sleeves, long pants, and closed-toe shoes when walking in wooded, brushy, or grassy areas; stay on marked trails and try to avoid tall grass and check yourself, your children, and your pets for ticks after being outside.

A DROP IN JOBLESS CLAIMS

Ohioans filed 4,345 initial unemployment claims last week, and that was 220 more than the previous week, according to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.