A WINDY START TO THE WEEK

The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Advisory until 6:00 pm today. Winds 20-30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph are expected. Tree Limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. Use caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle.

SWEARING-IN CEREMONY

Newark officials will hold a Swearing-In Ceremony today for City Council members including the two newest members Molly Ingold and Michelle Newman. The event will also be live streamed on YouTube for those who wish to view remotely. Today's ceremony gets underway at 4:30 pm in Council Chambers.

FUNERAL FOR FIREFIGHTER

Reynoldsburg officials are warning motorists to be prepared for potential traffic delays this afternoon due to the funeral procession for Truro Township Fire Department Firefighter Tyler Norwood. The funeral procession will leave Reynoldsburg Community Church, on Graham Rd, between 1:45-2:15 pm. Nearby roads will likely experience extensive closures and traffic delays during this time. Norwood, 33, died suddenly on Dec. 16 following a brief illness.

PENNSYLVANIA MAN IS INDICTED

A Licking County grand jury has returned an indictment against a 64-year-old Pennsylvania man accused of bilking an elderly man out of $140,000. David Donbaugh has been indicted on a host of charges including theft and telecommunications fraud. The Licking County Sheriff’s Office opened an investigation late last month after speaking with the alleged 77-year-old victim. Donbaugh remains held on $1 million bond.

RED CROSS NEEDS BLOOD DONATIONS

The Red Cross is asking folks to donate blood to help keep the shelves stocked.

Spokesman Don Hawkins said they also need platelet donations. For more information visit www.redcrossblood.org.

CHECK THE LEFTOVERS

For many Ohioans, the year-end holidays mean plenty of food and leftovers. Health experts are offering crucial tips to ensure those left over dishes are just as safe as they are delicious. Brad Reisfeld, toxicologist and professor of public health, Colorado State University, says you should check to make sure the food looks and smells good.

For detailed guidelines on food safety visit the Ohio Department of Health's website.

COLUMBUS MAN FACES CHARGES

A 32-year-old Columbus man is being held at the Licking County Justice Center accused of assaulting his girlfriend. Matthew Hord is being held on a single charge of abduction but other charges could be forthcoming. Hord’s bond was set at $50,000. His case will next go before a grand jury for possible indictment

CRASH IS UNDER INVESTIGATION

One person faces charges following a single vehicle crash in Coshocton County. According to the Coshocton County Sheriff's Office, early Wednesday morning, deputies received a call of a crash with possible injuries near the area of Township Road 280 and Ohio 83 and upon arrival found a car that went off the road, and struck a tree. A 33-year-old man and 32-year-old woman were transported to the hospital. The driver fled the scene on foot and was eventually arrested. The crash remains under investigation.

CALL TO DUTY CEREMONY

Roughly 15 members of the Ohio Army National Guard are deploying in support of U.S. Central Command and U.S. European Command. A Call to Duty Ceremony will be held Sunday, Jan. 5 beginning at 11:00 am at the Maj. Gen. Robert S. Beightler Armory, 2825 W. Dublin Granville Road, Columbus.

JOBLESS CLAIMS

Ohioans filed 10,463 initial unemployment claims last week, which was 2,212 more than the previous week, according to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.

MUZZLELOADER SEASON

Gun hunters are getting another chance to bag a deer as Ohio's muzzleloader season opens today and runs through Tuesday, Jan. 6.