Local News

Ohio voters have turned down Issue 1, a proposed amendment that would have changed the state’s political redistricting process. The measure was rejected with approximately 53% voting “No” and 46% voting “Yes.” Issue 1 aimed to shift map-drawing responsibilities from a seven-member panel of elected officials to an independent commission, in a bipartisan effort led by the group Citizens Not …

The Ohio Rail Development Commission (Rail Commission) announced today that five Ohio rail projects will move forward thanks to a mix of federal, state, local, and private funding. The projects include upgrading infrastructure, improving safety at rail crossings, and expanding rail capacity in the state. “These projects would not have been possible without the additional resources provided to us from …

With Election Day just around the corner, Ohioans are gearing up to make important choices about the future of their state. As early voting continues, many residents have questions about voting requirements, assistance options, and what’s allowed at the polls. Here are some key reminders to ensure your Election Day experience goes smoothly. ID Requirements for Voting Ohio voters must …

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) –The Ohio Traffic Safety Office (OTSO), a division of the Ohio Department of Public Safety, is reminding drivers about some driving hazards that can lead to crashes when Daylight Saving Time ends. For the last three years, Ohio saw an average 15.7% increase in total crashes from September to November. Drowsy Driving: The first full week in November after …

COLUMBUS, Ohio) — A Columbus physician and his medical clinic were found guilty today of overbilling Medicaid by $1.5 million, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced. A Franklin County jury convicted Dr. Robert Florea and his company, Buckeye Health and Research, each of one count of Medicaid fraud, a third-degree felony. Both defendants were indicted in December 2022. Investigators with …

Liberty Road has re-opened a week ahead of schedule following the completion of a culvert replacement project. Crews Tuesday completed road base and berm reconstruction following installation of the prefabricated concrete structure under the roadway, and it was re-opened again to traffic between Slack Road and Hull Drive. Work began Sept. 23. The culvert is a major pathway for runoff from …

Victims of violent crime can be hesitant to pursue charges or testify in court – thinking they might not be believed or because they’re afraid of retaliation. For people who encounter violence by someone they know, the concerns compound. They may worry the offender won’t be convicted or, alternatively, want to protect the offender because of their relationship. Having someone …

As Halloween approaches, AAA reminds ghosts and goblins, trick-or-treaters, parents, and party goers too, of the dangerous traffic safety concerns associated with the holiday. Increased pedestrian activity and the potential for impaired driving converge this week as Halloween activities begin on the holiday itself (Thursday, October 31) and in some cases into the upcoming weekend as Halloween parties continue. Halloween …

COLUMBUS, Ohio – With Halloween this week the Ohio Department of Commerce is providing guidance to ensure Ohioans are able to celebrate a fun and safe holiday – and also do so legally. Commerce has created a Halloween Safety Guide that features important information and legal reminders from its Divisions of Cannabis Control, Liquor Control, and State Fire Marshal to keep the holiday both spooky …

Licking County Health Commissioner, Chad Brown, announced today the Ohio Department of Public Safety’s (ODPS) Ohio Traffic Safety Office (OTSO) awarded $55,000 for federal traffic safety funding to the Licking County Health Department (LCHD) for federal fiscal year (FFY) 2025.  The traffic safety grant funds are passed through OTSO from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The purpose of the funds is to support …