A DROP IN UNEMPLOYMENT

Licking County's September unemployment rate was 3.9% down from 4.3% in August, according to figures released by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. Looking at Central Ohio, Delaware County had the lowest unemployment rate at 3.4%.  Coshocton County had the highest at 5.4%.

NEW RIVER ELECTRICAL

New River Electrical is moving its Westerville offices to Johnstown. New River will build its regional headquarters at Johnstown's incoming New Enterprise Center Business Park. New River Electrical was established in 1953, has nearly 1,400 employees and conducts business in 38 states.

VIRTUAL TOWN HALL

Thanks to an EPA mandate, in the next few years the City of Newark will begin what will be known as the 16 North Separation Project which involves separating the sewer and water collection system. Aaron Domini, with OHM Advisors, invites residents to attend a Virtual Town Hall tonight that will focus on the project.

The project will involve neighborhoods on Ohio 13 and Hudson Avenue north of Ohio 16. You can watch the Virtual Town Hall beginning at 6:30 pm by going to www.wedignewark.com.

TRAFFIC SAFETY GRANTS

The Ohio Department of Public Safety has awarded traffic safety grants to the Licking County Health Department for federal fiscal year 2022. The grants focus on traffic safety priority areas such as seat belt use, impaired driving, motorcycle safety, distracted driving, and youthful drivers.

BLACKHAND GORGE

State officials have announced that the Blackhand Gorge Nature Preserve located in Newark will be receiving $900,000 for various improvements. The funds will be used to help determine and prevent slips on the trails within the preserve. Structures will be added and other measures will be taken to ensure that the trails are kept in wonderful condition.

LEAD POISONING

A recent study found that 5% of Ohio kids have elevated blood lead levels, which is more than double the national average. Dr. Matthew Tein, co-chair MetroHealth Lead Coalition, says even low levels of lead in the body can cause problems with growth, behavior and learning.

Dr. Tein says 40% of Ohio's high-risk kids don’t get tested for lead.