CRIME STOPPERS

Licking County Crime Stoppers is offering up to a $1,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in cell phone thefts in Heath. The Heath Division of Police reports, on Sept. 10, suspect(s) stole a Samsung Galaxy Flip phone from the T-Mobile store on Hebron Road, and a Samsung Galaxy Ultra cell phone from the AT&T store on Central Parkway. The phones are valued at more than $2,000.  Anyone with information on these crimes is urged to call the Licking County Crime Stoppers at 740-349-6888.

COUNCIL HEARS CONCERNS

A number of Newark residents talked about the homeless and crime in the community during the recent Newark City Council meeting. Second Street resident Thomas Brunner told council he found a body on his property.

Police have identified the body as that of a 54-year-old Newark man. They do not suspect foul play.

CANDIDATES FORUM

The Newark Advocate – in partnership with KOOL 101.7/Buckeye Country 107.7 and the League of Women Voters of Licking County – will be hosting a candidates forum today featuring candidates for Newark City Council and the Newark School Board. The forum will be held at 6:00 pm at the Newark High School auditorium. You can watch the forum by going to the Newark Advocate’s Facebook page.

HAMM SENTENCED

A 36-year-old Lancaster man will spend at least the next 15 years behind bars for stabbing and killing a 29-year-old man. Christopher Hamm was sentenced Tuesday to 15 years to life in prison in the February death of Kierston Jackson at a home on Madison Avenue. Hamm had previously pleaded guilty to one count each of murder and tampering with evidence

PARK DISTRICT LEVY ISSUE

Licking County voters will decide the fate of a Park District levy on the Nov. 2 ballot.

Park District Director Richard Waugh said if approved the levy would generate roughly $2 million for the Licking Park District.

COLLEGE RANKINGS

Personal-finance website WalletHub has released its 2022 Best College and University Rankings and central Ohio has three of the top five Colleges and Universities in Ohio. Kenyon College is No. 2; OSU main is No. 4 and Denison University checks in at No. 5 WalletHub compared over 1,000 higher-education institutions in the U.S. based on 30 key measures including cost and financing and career outcomes.