FATAL FIRE
One woman died and two others were transported to the hospital following a house fire Monday in Fairfield County. According to the authorities, a little after 11:00 am, crews responded to a home in the 10000 of Dozer Road and upon arrival located three occupants inside the home. The names of the victims has not been released. The home is a total loss. The cause is under investigation.
IRONTON MAN FACES CHARGES
Bond has been set $100,000 for a 45-year-old southeast Ohio man accused of stealing items from the Walmart in Heath. Joseph Schreiber, who has an extensive criminal history, is being held at the Licking County Justice Center on a single charge of aggravated burglary but other charges could be forthcoming. Schreiber is due back in court later today.
MARIJUANA MONEY
The city of Newark recently received over $600,000 in excise tax revenue from the sales of recreational marijuana.
Mayor Jeff Hall said they are looking at about $42,000-43,000 a month coming into the city but that is based on consumption. The first round of money covers the time-frame from August 2024 until November 2025.
FOCUS GROUPS
Residents in the Lakewood School District are invited to take part in two Focus Group discussions concerning the district's search for a new superintendent. The first Focus Group will be held Thursday Feb. 12 from 6:00-7:15 pm at Lakewood Middle School. The second will be held via ZOOM on Tuesday, Feb. 17 from 6:00-7:00 pm. For more information visit the Lakewood School District Facebook page.
AMERICAN HEART MONTH
Licking County Commissioner Rick Black is recovering from a recent heart attack.
Black encourages everyone to get checked out if they are not feeling right. In the United States, heart disease causes approximately 695,000 to over 700,000 deaths annually, accounting for 1 in every 5 deaths. February is National American Heart Month.
GRANVILLE MAN REAPPOINTED TO STATE BOARD
Governor DeWine has reappointed Kenneth Yeager, of Granville to the Chemical Dependency Professionals Board for a term ending Dec. 23, 2028. The board certifies and licenses professionals who demonstrate additional education and experience in treating those with substance use disorders.