A STORMY TUESDAY

Another night of wild weather Tuesday as a storm system hit the area around 10:30 pm. Tornado Warnings were issued for several central Ohio counties including Licking County. American Electric Power is reporting roughly 450 customers are without power with the majority of those in Licking County. Crews are working to restore the power.

NEWARK MAN FACES DRUG CHARGES

A 46-year-old Newark man with multiple drug convictions dating back to 2006 is once again facing drug charges. John Petty has been charged with aggravated possession of meth but other charges could be forthcoming. Petty's bond was set at $250,000. He is due back in court tomorrow.

NEW FOOD MARKET

Licking Memorial Health Systems has partnered with the Food Pantry Network of Licking County to open a new market on the west side of Newark. The Market, which officially opens today at 11:00 am, will provide a selection of food items including fresh produce, dry goods, dairy, and meat products. The Market is located at 131 McMillen Drive and will be open 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

REENTRY COALITION

There a number of organizations that help people returning to society after spending time behind bars. One such organization is the Licking County Reentry Coalition.

Mallory Meeker said folks coming out of prison often face barriers such as getting a driver's license making it more difficult for them to turn their life around.

PERRY COUNTY BOARD OF DD

The Partnership for Excellence has announced the names of two high-performing organizations as recipients of the 2024 Awards for Excellence. The awards represent Ohio, Indiana, West Virginia, and Illinois highest honor for performance excellence through innovation, results, and visionary leadership. Perry County Board of Developmental Disabilities received the the Silver Award - Commitment to Excellence. The other award winner was a school district in Illinois.

OHIO IS NO. 7

The financial website WalletHub is out with its report on the Best & Worst States to be a Police Officer.

Analyst Cassandra Happe said California topped the list as the best state for police officers, while Alaska ranked dead last. To view the report visit www.wallethub.com.