Local News

COLUMBUS – The Ohio State Highway Patrol is reporting 10 people lost their lives in 10 traffic crashes during the July Fourth reporting period, which began Thursday, July 3 at midnight and ended Sunday, July 6 at 11:59 p.m. In seven of the fatalities in which safety belts were available, six were unbelted (86%). Ohio’s safety belt law remains a secondary …

Columbus – Members of the 152nd Basic Peace Officer Class received training certificates during a graduation ceremony held Thursday afternoon at the Ohio State Highway Patrol Training Academy. The 37 graduates will now assume duties as peace officers for 21 Ohio agencies. The 21-week basic course began in February. The Ohio State Highway Patrol Training Academy’s Basic Peace Officer course meets and exceeds …

(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) Director Pamela Boratyn today announced $137.5 million in funding for 55 new traffic safety projects in 41 counties across the state.   The funding awards are part of Ohio’s Highway Safety Improvement Program, which invests more per capita on roadway safety than any other state. “Ensuring the safety of Ohio’s roadways is …

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio Department of Commerce Divisions of State Fire Marshal (SFM), Liquor Control and Cannabis Control are teaming up to remind Ohioans to put safety first this Fourth of July. With proper preparation and caution, you can ensure the safety of friends, loved ones and yourself at upcoming cookouts, gatherings and festivities, especially those that involve fireworks.  Those who plan to celebrate the holiday with …

COLUMBUS – The Ohio State Highway Patrol will be highly visible and cracking down on impaired drivers during the Fourth of July holiday reporting period, which begins at midnight on Thursday, July 3 and will run through 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, July 6.The Patrol’s zero-tolerance policy is part of the national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement campaign aimed at removing impaired …

COLUMBUS – With summer travel season in full swing, the Ohio State Highway Patrol is reminding drivers of the importance of adhering to posted speed limits. Speeding remains a leading cause of crashes, injuries and fatalities on Ohio roadways, and slowing down is a simple yet impactful action every driver can take to promote safety for themselves and others. “Speed-related crashes …

The Gilbert Reese Family Foundation, Central Ohio Technical College (COTC), The Ohio State University at Newark and community sponsors invite you to the 25th anniversary Independence Day Concert and Fireworks celebration. This summer shindig will take place Thursday, July 3 from 5-11 p.m. on the schools’ shared campus in Newark. Admission and parking are free. Join us for a spectacular …

(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has signed Ohio’s Fiscal Years 2026-2027 operating budget into law. Am. Sub. House Bill 96 supports the priorities of the DeWine-Tressel administration by making historic investments in Ohio’s people and workforce, children, and communities. “This budget builds upon my commitment to make Ohio the best place for everyone to live their version of the American Dream,” …

 From sea to shining sea―and from Cincinnati to Toledo ― AAA is projecting strong travel volume for the upcoming 4th of July holiday. A record-breaking 72.2 million travelers across the US, including 3.45 million Ohioans, are expected to travel 50 miles or more for the July 4 holiday. “Travelers are revving up for a busy Fourth of July travel period across the …

The Licking County Health Department (LCHD) has identified the first West Nile Virus (WNV) infected pool of mosquitoes in 2025 in a trap set in the City of Newark. The area is near Jefferson Rd. and Moull St., and it will be sprayed this evening for mosquitos as a part of LCHD’s mosquito control program. “While it’s not unexpected to find West Nile …