LIFTING HEALTH ORDERS

It's the words Ohioans have been waiting to hear.

Governor Mike DeWine made the announcement during an Wednesday evening address to the state. Gov. DeWine also announced that Ohioans under the age of 18 who are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine will be entered into a drawing for a four-year full scholarship to any state college or university. Ohioans aged 18 and older will be entered into a weekly drawing with a prize of up to $1 million.

CRIME STOPPERS

Licking County Crime Stoppers is offering up to a $1,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in a burglary from a home in Newark. The Newark Division of Police reports, on Monday, April 12, between 8:45-9:00 a.m. a white female tried to open the front door of a home in the 700 block of Logan Ave. The woman went to the back yard and stole scrap metal. Anyone with information on this crime is urged to call the Licking County Crime Stoppers at 740-349-6888.

TEACHERS CONTRACT

The Newark School Board and Newark Education Association have agreed to terms on a new three-year contract. The deal calls for raises of 3%, 2.5% and 2% over the three years.

TEENS ARRESTED

Two teenagers have been arrested for allegedly trying to steal a car in Reynoldsburg.  According to police, on Sunday, May 9, Officers responded to the 1900 Block of Fillmore Lane on a report of two individuals who were attempting to steal a car.  The teens - ages 16 and 18 – pointed a gun at a man who confronted them. They took off on foot and were eventually arrested. Charges are pending.

GOODWILL IS HIRING

With construction of the new store, dubbed Goodwill at the Lake, near completion – Licking Knox Goodwill will create nearly 40 positions within the village. Initially, the store will open with a minimum of 10 full-time employees. Additional full-time positions are available to those who would like more hours. Goodwill will be holding open interviews from 10:00am-3:00pm May 17, 18 and 19 at the Buckeye Lake Administration Building at 5192 Walnut Road.

VOTING REFORMS

A sweeping bill aimed at improving election fairness in states is making its way through Congress. It would reform federal elections by expanding voter registration and absentee voting, limiting voter-roll purges and increasing funding for election security. Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose is not a fan.

LaRose is one of 16 secretaries of state voicing opposition to the bill.