WEATHER ADVISORIES

A Winter Weather Advisory goes into effect today at 1:00 pm and runs until 7:00 am on Sunday.  Total snow accumulations of 3-5 inches is expected.  A Cold Weather Advisory will be in effect from 7:00 pm today until 11:00 am Monday, Dec. 15.

WARMING CENTER 

The Licking County Warming Center at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church will open today at 5:30 pm and will remain open until 8:30 am on Sunday.  It will reopen Sunday at 5:30 pm and remain open until 8:30 am on Monday.  The Warming Center is located at 592 West Main Street in Newark.

COLUMBUS MAN IS INDICTED

A 51-year-old Columbus man with an extensive criminal history has been indicted in Licking County. Juan Zepeda faces one count each of aggravated possession of drugs and possession of drug paraphernalia. Zepeda is being held on $15,000 bond. He’s due back in court next week.

A BIG JUMP IN JOBLESS CLAIMS

Ohioans filed almost 10,100 initial unemployment claims last week, and that was 2,863 more than the previous week, according to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services

OHIO IS LOOKING FOR WILDLIFE OFFICERS

Applications are being accepted until Sunday, Jan. 11, for the next Ohio Wildlife Officer training school. The Division of Wildlife is seeking to fill up to 12 positions and training for new wildlife officer cadets begins in August 2026. Those interested in becoming an Ohio Wildlife Officer can complete an application at www.careers.ohio.gov.

GOVERNOR WANTS DESIGNATION FOR KRATOM

Following a pause to review potential federal action, Governor DeWine is requesting the Ohio Board of Pharmacy to immediately designate all synthetic kratom compounds and other dangerous compounds derived from the active ingredient in Kratom as illegal drugs through emergency rule.