DISASTER RELIEF FUND

The United Way of Licking County has set up a special emergency disaster relief fund to support disaster relief efforts in the county.   Also, they are accepting hygiene items at their offices on South 2^nd Street in downtown Newark.  For more information visit their website www.unitedwaylc.org or their Facebook page.

DISASTER DECLARATION

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine is asking the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to begin conducting damage assessments in Ohio as soon as possible due to the repetitive and ongoing storm impacts.  Federal law requires that joint assessments be completed before a state can request further support through a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration.

AEP DONATION

The AEP Ohio Foundation provided a $175,000 grant to support American Red Cross disaster relief operations in Ohio. Of that total, $25,000 is designated specifically for the Red Cross East Central Ohio Chapter to support ongoing response and recovery efforts in communities affected by recent severe weather. The $25,000 grant is on top of the $150,000 the Red Cross received just last week.

A DROP IN UNEMPLOYMENT

Ohio's unemployment rate was 3.4% in July, down from 3.6% in June 2026 according to figures release Friday, by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.  In addition, last month's unemployment rate decreased 1.1% from 4.5% in July 2025.

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

Week 1 of high school football began in earnest on Friday.  In a game heard on Buckeye Country 107.7/94.3 Licking Valley defeated Sheridan 28-13.  Other winners last night include: Johnstown, Millersport, Newark, Newark Catholic, and Zanesville.