CANCER FRAUD

The Utica Police Department is investigating a potential Internet fraud case in which a mother is accused of faking her son’s cancer in order to receive monetary donations or gifts.  On May 1 police received a tip from the mother of another child battling cancer who based on her interaction did not believe that Emily Creno-King’s son had cancer.  Detectives contacted several doctors at Nationwide Children’s Hospital who confirmed that Creno-King’s claims were indeed fraudulent.  If you or someone you know has donated money or gifts through any website or Facebook page created by Creno-King contact the Utica Police Department at 740-892-2211.  At this point no charges have been filed.

BOARD OF ELECTIONS MEETING

The Licking County Board of Elections will meet today to certify the May 7^th Primary election.  They are also expected to discuss a protest filed by the Licking County Republican Party claiming that Brad Feightner, independent candidate for Municipal Court Clerk, still is a member of the GOP and is therefore not eligible to run as an independent. 

REZONING REDO

Just a couple of weeks ago Newark City Council denied a request from a property owner to rezone a home on the 300 block of North 21^st Street from single-family residential to limited-office use.  Last night City Council did an about face and voted 6-4 to allow the rezoning request.  

Councilman Jeff Rath

Councilman Jeff Rath said the home would be converted into an insurance office. 

ANOTHER DEATH AT HOCKING HILLS

For the third time in less than a month a person has lost their life while visiting Hocking Hills State Park.  According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Monday afternoon a person died when they fell near Cedar Falls.  Saturday a 52-year-old man died while rappelling from a 130-foot cliff.  In late April a man died from injuries he suffered in a fall at the park.  

CLICK IT OR TICKET

The National Enforcement for Seatbelt Use, better known as the Click It or Ticket campaign is underway.  Fairfield County Sheriff Dave Phalen says parents need to be role models when it comes to using a seat belt.  

Fairfield County Sheriff Dave Phalen

Sheriff Phalen along with members of the State Patrol and the Fairfield Safe Communities Program will be meeting with Lancaster High School students tomorrow afternoon to discuss the importance of buckling up. 

TURKEY NUMBERS ARE UP

Ohio’s wild turkey hunters checked 18,391 birds during the 2013 spring hunting season, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.  That is a 4 percent increase from 2012, when hunters harvested 17,646 birds.