STORMS HIT CENTRAL OHIO
A fast moving storm hit the central Ohio area during the overnight hours. Tornado Warnings were in effect in several counties including Licking County. So far, no major damage has been reported. According to American Electric Power more than 4,000 customers are without power. No word on when the power will be restored.
NEWARK MAN FACES DRUG CHARGES
A 55-year-old Newark man with a prior drug conviction is once again facing drug charges. Lloyd Sheumaker is being held on a single charge of aggravated possession of drugs following his arrest last month. Sheumaker's bond was set at $25,000. His case will next be heard by a grand jury for possible indictment.
MOM AND SON ARE SENTENCED
A mother and son convicted in a dog attack that killed a 73-year-old woman learned their fate on Wednesday. Adam and Susan Withers were both sentenced to 14-16 ½ years in prison in connection with the death of Jo Ann Echelbarger in October 2024. In February, a Pickaway County jury found the Withers guilty on multiple charges including involuntary manslaughter.
RAPIDS GRANTS
The Ohio Department of Higher Education has approved $8 million in funding for the latest round of Regionally Aligned Priorities in Delivering Skills grants or RAPIDS grants as it is better known. The program provides funding to public universities, community colleges, and career technical centers to purchase state-of-the-art equipment for students to use in education and training programs tailored to regional workforce needs. Central Ohio Technical College received almost $100,000 dollars for advanced manufacturing and healthcare; CTEC of Licking County received $35,000 for advanced manufacturing.
RED CROSS BLOOD DONATIONS
If you have an extra hour to spare how about you make an appointment to donate blood to the Red Cross. Blood supplies are decent right now, but spokesman Don Hawkins encourages everyone to make a donation.
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To schedule a donation visit www.redcrossblood.org or call 1-800 RED CROSS.
CALL TO DUTY
About 10 members of the Ohio Army National Guard’s 5th Battalion, 54th Security Force Assistance Regiment, based in Columbus, are deploying in support of U.S. European Command and U.S. Southern Command. A call to duty ceremony will be held today at 1:00 p.m. at Ohio National Guard headquarters on W. Dublin Granville Road, in Columbus