UTICA DAD PLEADS NOT GUILTY

The 27-year-old Utica father indicted in the death of his infant daughter was back before a judge on Tuesday. Chance Topp entered not guilty pleas to a host of charges including murder and reckless homicide in the Oct. 2023 death of the 4-month-old girl. Topp remains held at the Licking County Justice Center on $2 million bond.

COMMITTEE DISCUSSES INCOME TAX INCREASE

Monday, the Newark Ways and Means Committee approved sending to full city council an ordinance to raise the income tax by .50 percent. Councilman Doug Marmie spoke in favor the increase.

The current tax rate is 1.75 percent. If approved by full city council the income tax increase would go before voters in November.

CHASE ENDS IN CRASH

At least one person was injured as a result of a Tuesday night crash involving a stolen pick up truck. Newark police and the Licking County Sheriff's Office were involved in the chase that ended when the driver of the pickup hit a utility pole at the intersection of Ohio 16 and Brownsville Road. The name and condition of the victim has not been released. The incident remains under investigation.

WISE GIVING ALLIANCE

If you plan to make a donation to relief efforts in Texas, The Better Business Bureau of Central Ohio urges donors to take steps to ensure their contributions make a meaningful impact. Scammers and unscrupulous people tend to capitalize on headline-gripping current events, especially when they evoke high emotions. donors wishing to provide assistance and maximize their support to the victims and their families can find guidance from the BBB's Wise Giving Alliance.

OHIO ICE CREAM TRAIL

If ice cream is your thing then be sure to take advantage of the 2025 Ohio Ice Cream Trail.

State Tourism Director Sarah Wickham said the Ohio Ice Cream Trail features 150 delicious destinations. For more information visit www.ohio.org.

CITIZENS POLICE ACADEMY

Newark Police is accepting applications for its next Citizens Police Academy that will take place on Tuesday evenings from 7:00-9:00 p.m. beginning Sept. 30. The Citizens Police Academy is a seven week program that gives residents an up-close look at how the police department operates. For more information visit the Newark Police Department Facebook page.