NEWARK MAN FACES SEX CHARGE

A 22-year-old Newark man has been arrested for allegedly engaging in sex acts with a minor. Dontez Dickerson is being held at the Licking County Justice Center on a single charge of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor. His bond was set at $500,000. In 2020, Dickerson was convicted on a similar charge and was sentenced to eighteen months in prison and was ordered to register as a Tier II sexual offender.

FATALITIES IN LICKING COUNTY

The Licking County Health Department's Safe Communities Coalition reported one crash fatality in the county during March 2024. During March 2023, there were no crash fatalities reported. Year-to-date, there have been three crash fatalities in Licking County. At this time last year, there were three crash fatalities year-to-date.

THANKING DISPATCHERS

This is National Public Safety Telecommunications Week a week to honor dispatchers for their commitment, service, and sacrifice. Twenty-four hours a day, 7 days a week dispatchers handle the entire spectrum of requests for safety services and residents in their local communities.

SHREDDING DAY

Central Ohio Crime Stoppers along with Heartland Bank and others is hosting a Shredding Day from 8:00am-12:00pm Saturday, April 27. Crime Stoppers President Napolean Bell encourages folks to take advantage of the event.

Bell said you can bring up to 5 boxes of paper to shred and support Crime Stoppers with a donation of at least $10 to receive a MooMoo Car Wash coupon worth $22. The shred it event will be held at 755 Taylor Road in Gahanna.

FORAGING FOR FOOD

James Mann leads foraging classes and workshops in the Columbus and central Ohio region looking for mushrooms and other wild edibles.

Mann grew up in the Appalachian foothills of Ohio, foraging with his grandfather. For more information or to register for his classed visit www.spicebushwoodcraft.com.

THOUSANDS ENJOYED THE TOTAL ECLIPSE

More than 150,000 people witnessed the last Monday's total solar eclipse at Ohio State Parks, Wildlife Areas, Nature Preserves, and Forests, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.