FATAL CRASH
A man and a woman were killed in a crash in Licking County on Sunday. According to the Granville Post of the State Patrol, around 6:30 p.m, Rocky Smith, of Thornville, was traveling south on Ohio 13 near Hupp Road, when he apparently went left of center and struck an SUV being driven by Rory Hiltner, of Newark. Smith, 42, and Hiltner, 68, were pronounced dead at the scene. The crash is under investigation.
LOCAL MEN FACE CHARGES
Two local men have been arrested as part of ongoing investigations into the exploitation of children online. William Doran, of Etna, and Allen VanWey, of Hanover, have both been charged with pandering sexually oriented material involving a juvenile. Doran, 21, posted bond. VanWey, 51, is being held on $500,000 bond.
CRIME STOPPERS
Licking County Crime Stoppers is offering up to a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of suspect(s) in recent car thefts in Newark. The Newark Police Department reports suspect(s) have stolen a total of six cars, both KIA and Hyundai models in neighborhoods in the city in recent weeks. Three of the vehicles were recovered. There were also five attempted car thefts. Anyone with information on these crimes is urged to call the Licking County Crime Stoppers at 740-349-6888.
CITY COUNCIL
It looks like it will be another quick Monday night in Newark City Council Chambers. Only one committee – Finance will meet at 5:45 p.m. City Council will meet at 7:00 p.m. You can watch the meetings by going to the city's You Tube page.
ROAD CONSTRUCTION
The Ohio Department of Transportation has announced that starting today Ohio 37 will close to traffic between Deeds Road and James Road for 120 days. Detours are posted. Crews are replacing and repairing two structures carrying SR37 over Ramp Creek south of James Road.
A NEW TRANSIT ROUTE
Licking County Transit is set to unveil the new #5 Buckeye Lake/Hebron deviated fixed route.
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Executive Director Matt Allison said the new bus line will begin running on Monday, July 7.
KEEPING AN EYE ON PENSION PLANS
The up and down Stock Market is raising questions in Ohio about the long-term impacts on public pension funds and retirement security. Kendall Killian, executive director, National Public Pension Coalition, says the state's defined benefit pensions are structured to withstand short-term swings in the market.
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The Ohio Public Employees Retirement System manages over $100 billion.