ACTIVE SHOOTER HOAX

A very tense situation Friday in the Licking Valley School District following a report of an active shooter. Around 11:00 am, law enforcement agencies responded to Licking Valley High School and Licking Valley Middle School and upon arrival Licking County Sheriff Randy Thorp said officers found no evidence of any shots fired.

Sheriff Thorp stated that other jurisdictions in Ohio had received the same phone call which activated the incident at Licking Valley. The investigation is ongoing.

POSSIBLE FENTANYL EXPOSURE

Five inmates and two corrections officers at the Licking County Jail were transported to the hospital Sunday following a possible fentanyl exposure in one module of the jail. Two of the inmates had a severe reaction. Six of the seven individuals were treated and released. Other inmates from that module were isolated while decontamination efforts took place. Officials are investigating the origins of the suspected fentanyl.

ROAD WORK

The Newark Engineer’s Office has announced that starting today traffic will no longer be able to use westbound Locust Street to North 4th Street to the Mount Vernon Road bridge. Downtown traffic wishing to enter the highway will use North 3rd Street/Hudson Avenue and the access ramp to get to Mount Vernon Road. Local traffic on Locust St. between 3rd and 4th streets, to the medical office building and the Jerry McClain building, will be maintained. Southbound traffic on 4th Street will still be able to turn left onto Locust Street. This closure is expected to last one month.

FLU SHOTS

The Licking County Health Department now has flu shots. Starting tomorrow, folks can get the flu shot at the Health Department's walk-in clinic from 8a-12p and from 2p-4p. Appointments are NOT needed for the walk-in clinic. For more information visit the Licking County Health Department's Facebook page.

SCREENING FOR ANXIETY

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force is proposing routine anxiety screening in primary care for adults younger than 64 without symptoms. According to the panel, 40 percent of women and 26 percent of men experience an anxiety disorder in their lifetime, often starting in childhood.

Psychologist Dr. Raquel Halfond said anxiety is characterized by feelings of tension and worry, as well as intrusive thoughts or concerns.

BUCKEYES SIT TIGHT

Ohio State’s big win over Wisconsin not helping them when it comes to the polls. The Buckeyes remain No. 3 in this week’s Associated Press Top 25 poll. Ohio State is home Saturday afternoon hosting Rutgers.