HOUSE FIRE
The investigation continues into a house fire in Newark. According to the Newark Fire Department, shortly before 2:00 p.m. Friday, crews were called to the home in the 500 hundred block of Manning Street and upon arrival saw smoke and flames coming from the home. No injuries were reported, but several dogs died in the fire.
INDICTMENTS HANDED DOWN IN SHOOTING DEATH
A Licking County grand jury has indicted three people for their alleged roles in the shooting death of a 48-year-old Newark man. Jason Castle, Travis Schwarz and Brandy Sunkle face a host of charges including murder in the Oct. 7 death of Dale Matson at a home on Albright Road. Castle, 46, is being held on $2.5 million bond. Both Sunkle, 39, and Schwarz, 44, are being held on $2 million bond.
HEATH DEVIATED FIXED ROUTE
You can add another line to Licking County Transit's Deviated Fixed Route Service.
Executive Director Matt Allison said the new Heath route will be operational in January.
TRAFFIC SAFETY GRANT
The Ohio Traffic Safety Office has awarded $55,000 for federal traffic safety funding to the Licking County Health Department for federal fiscal year 2025. The purpose of the funds is to support the efforts of safety partners statewide and focus on traffic safety priority areas such as seat belt use, impaired driving, motorcycle safety, distracted driving, and youthful drivers.
MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES
Ohio is dealing with a crisis when it comes to finding stable housing for children with mental health issues. Jody Walker, executive director, South Central Ohio Job and Family Services, highlights how these issues have worsened over the past decade.
Walker said a shortage of services, rising costs and a lack of adequate facilities are the main reasons why they are having trouble finding homes for kids with behavioral health challenges.
HS PLAYOFFS
A number of Licking County football teams have advanced to the playoffs. Granville, Heath, Johnstown, Licking Heights, Licking Valley, Newark, Northridge, Utica and Watkins Memorial will be in action on Friday. Granville and Licking Valley will be at home the rest will hit the road.