CRIME STOPPERS
Licking County Crime Stoppers is offering up to a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest in a car theft from a car dealership in Heath. According to Heath police, on Feb. 28, someone stole a 2017 Infinity Q50 four-door from John Hinderer Honda on Hebron Road. If you have any information call crime stoppers at 740-349-6888.
SOUTH SECOND STREET OPENS
The Newark Engineer's Office has announced that beginning today National Drive between South 4th Street and South 2nd Street will open. In addition, South 2nd Street will open from the bridge over the South Fork of the Licking River to just south of Fleek Avenue.
HIGH BOND SET FOR COLUMBUS MAN
Bond has been set at $250,000 for a 19-year-old Columbus man accused of taking part in a robbery. Jacob Finley is being held at the Licking County Justice Center on a single charge of aggravated robbery following his arrest last week. Finley is due back in court on Thursday. His case will next be heard by a grand jury for possible indictment.
LCCH
The Licking County Coalition for Housing is dedicated to helping homeless and low-income individuals and families in the Licking County community, and beyond.
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Transitional Housing Services Coordinator Nikki Caudell said their mission is to provide a safe, supportive, and sustainable environment for those in need. For more information visit www.lcchousing.org.
WEATHERVANE SUMMER SEASON
The Weathervane Playhouse summer season gets underway with The Fall of the House of Usher.
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Executive Director Lauren Harvey said to see the full summer season schedule or to purchase tickets visit www.weathervaneplayhouse.org.
TROUT DERBY
The Newark Parks Department will host the annual Dale Miller Trout Derby Saturday, May 17 at T.J. Evans Family Park. The derby is open to all ages. Fishing permits are required and can be purchased in advance or on Saturday. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. The park will be closed Thursday and Friday in preparation of the event.
MCDONALD IS FOUND GUILTY
Licking County Judge David Branstool has handed down his verdict in the trial of a 61-year-old Zanesville truck driver accused of causing a crash that killed six people and injured 18 others. Judge Branstool found Jacob McDonald guilty on all charges including aggravated vehicular homicide in connection with the November 2023 crash involving a Tusky Valley School bus on Interstate 70 in western Licking County. McDonald will be sentenced at a later date.
UNEMPLOYMENT INCHES UP
Ohio's unemployment rate in April was 4.9% up from 4.8% according to figures released Friday by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. The U.S. employment rate in April was 4.2%.
TRAFFIC BLITZ
Reynoldsburg police held their latest traffic enforcement blitz on Tuesday, May 13. 76 traffic stops were initiated and 59 citations were issued. Speed, no drivers license and stop sign, were the top three violations where offenders received citations.
ODNR GRANTS
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources is awarding $580,000 in Marine Patrol Assistance Grants to 25 agencies across 21 counties. These grants will enhance on-the-water safety efforts and help local partners better serve Ohio’s growing boating community. Fairfield County received over $25,200 and Knox County received almost $21,000.
OEFFA FARM TOUR & WORKSHOPS
The Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association's annual Farm Tour and Workshop Series runs from June through September. The 2025 series of public tours and workshops includes a number of events showcasing organic and ecological farms in Ohio and one in West Virginia, plus educational and social opportunities. For more information visit www.oeffa.org.