PRESIDENT BIDEN WILL NOT SEEK REELECTION
In what can only be described as a seminal moment in American politics, Sunday President Joe Biden ended his reelection bid and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to succeed him. President Biden said he will finish his term in office and will address the nation this week.
CINCINNATI WOMAN FACES DRUG CHARGES
Bond has been set at $500,000 for a 42-year-old Cincinnati woman accused of selling drugs at Legend Valley. According to the Licking County Sheriff’s Office, deputies working the Secret Dreams Festival at Legend Valley received multiple complaints regarding an individual allegedly selling fentanyl laced products. Deputies arrested Ashley Barnes and charged her with trafficking in cocaine. Barnes is due back in court Tuesday afternoon.
A JUMP IN STATE UNEMPLOYMENT
Ohio's unemployment rate was 4.4% in June up from 4.2% in May, according to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. Last month's unemployment rate was up 1.1% from 3.3% in June 2023.
HELPING SURVIVORS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING
Across the state, Ohio’s domestic violence prevention programs are improving their services for human trafficking survivors. A $1.8 million grant from the Ohio Department of Public Safety will help 32 shelters provide human trafficking training, and expand case managers to better serve the needs of individuals who may not realize what’s happened to them.
Shelley Marsh, with the Ohio Domestic Violence Network, said a study by the Polaris Project of 457 trafficking survivors found 37% were trafficked by a close family member or guardian.
TOURISM IS BIG BUSINESS
Tourism is a big economic driver for Licking County. Carol Thress with Explore Licking County says recent data shows visitors spent over $560 million in the county.
Thress said the amount increased about $20 million from two years ago.
MEDICATION SAFETY
The Alzheimer's Association Central Ohio Chapter is hosting a Medication Safety for Caregivers and Naloxone Training Thursday, July 25, from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at the Licking County Health Department offices on Price Road, in Newark. An estimated 236,000 Ohioans 65 and older have Alzheimer’s dementia. For more information visit www.alz.org/centralohio.
DAYTON WOMAN INDICTED
A Licking County grand jury has indicted a 42-year-old Dayton woman accused of having drugs. Amber Dennis faces two counts of aggravated possession of meth and one count of illegal conveyance. Dennis has entered not guilty pleas to all charges. She is being held on $100,000 bond.
TURNPIKE SCAM
Local residents have reported receiving scam text messages claiming they owe money for unpaid tolls. The Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission warns that it is a scam. scammers act as tollway authorities to request money and information from customers. The Turnpike Commission first learned of the attempts in April and has since emphasized that the Ohio Turnpike does not request or collect payments by text.
A DROP IN UNEMPLOYMENT CLAIMS
For the first time in three weeks Ohio saw a drop in initial jobless claims. Ohioans filed 7,662 claims last week, and that was 1,415 fewer than the previous week, according to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.
PETE BEST AT THE VALLEY DALE
A piece of rock and roll history is coming to central Ohio on Sunday. Pete Best, the original drummer of the Beatles, will be at the Valley Dale Ballroom.
Landa Masdea-Brunetto said to purchase tickets or for more information visit www.valleydaleballroom.com
CHRISTMAS IN JULY
The Christmas in July fundraiser to support the Salvation Army in Newark will take place today at The Midland Theatre. Folks will enjoy live entertainment and the classic movie Guys and Dolls. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted. Proceeds will benefit the Salvation Army's Christmas Cheer Program. Doors open at 6:00 p.m.