Local News

COLUMBUS – The Ohio Department of Transportation is launching a record-$3.2 billion construction season. This includes 955 projects, 38 of them considered “major” with a value above $10 million, across the state.  “We know that drivers see ODOT’s orange barrels and cones as an inconvenience, but they are also a signal of progress and improvement,” said Governor DeWine. “This year’s …

(LANCASTER, Ohio) — A Fairfield County man is facing more than a dozen felony charges, including aggravated murder, in connection with the deaths of two family members and the assault of a third, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and Fairfield County Prosecutor Kyle Witt announced. A Fairfield County grand jury today indicted Kyle Varney, 26, of Lancaster, on 18 felony charges, including: …

COLUMBUS, OHIO – On April 1st, shopping in Central Ohio became slightly more expensive as a new sales tax increase takes effect in five counties. Franklin, Fairfield, Delaware, Licking, and Union counties are implementing a half-percent increase in sales tax to fund a series of public transit and infrastructure improvements. The tax hike, approved by voters in November, is designated …

 Grants totaling more than $1.2 million are headed to eight Ohio counties to help sheriffs prioritize addiction treatment for jail inmates, Attorney General Dave Yost announced today. In all, Yost’s office is offering $60 million in opioid settlement money over the next several years with the goal of reducing fatal overdoses in Ohio’s jails. Substance abuse is a leading cause …

(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Governor Mike DeWine today signed House Bill 54, the state’s $11 billion two-year transportation budget. The budget, which goes into effect on July 1, includes funding for critical transportation infrastructure projects across the state. “Transportation is vital to our state’s economy. It connects Ohioans to jobs, education, healthcare, and entertainment. This budget reaffirms our commitment to providing our great …

Nandor Santho, a 45-year-old Delaware man, pleaded guilty to Engaging in Pattern of Corrupt Activity (a felony of the first degree), Aggravated Possession of Drugs (a felony of the second degree), Possession of Fentanyl-Related Compound (a felony of the fourth degree), and Trafficking of Fentanyl-Related Compound (a felony of the fifth degree). Immediately following the plea hearing, Delaware County Common …

(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—– Ohio Governor Mike DeWine today announced additional support for the use of body-worn cameras by local law enforcement.  As part of the fourth round of the Ohio Body-Worn Camera Grant Program, the Ohio Department of Public Safety’s Office of Criminal Justice Services (OCJS) will award nearly $4.6 million in funding to help local law enforcement agencies across Ohio …

 Thunderstorms can produce heavy downpours and AAA is urging motorists to be prepared and to remain cautious if driving. The weather forecast calls for rain this weekend. According to research by the US Department of Transportation, rain, snow, sleet and fog are a factor in more than 1.2 million police-reported crashes, 425,000 injuries and more than 5,000 traffic deaths per …

Central Ohio Technical College (COTC) has been designated a Leader College by Achieving the Dream (ATD), a national nonprofit dedicated to advancing community colleges as accessible hubs of learning, credentialing and economic mobility in their communities. The college’s three-year Leader College term began Feb. 20, 2025. COTC is among 15 community colleges from across the nation to be honored with …

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Spring has officially arrived, and for many Ohioans, that means it’s time to start spring cleaning in and around their homes. While much attention is often paid to a home’s appearance, the Ohio Department of Commerce’s Division of State Fire Marshal urges all Ohioans to use this time to also improve their home’s safety. “Keeping fire prevention and safety in mind …