NEWARK MAN CHARGED WITH ASSAULT
A 43-year-old Newark man is being held at the Licking County Justice Center accused of severely beating a man with a pipe. Christopher Roberts has been charged with felonious assault in connection with an incident in late May. The victim was hospitalized for his injuries. Roberts does have prior domestic violence and drug convictions. His bond was set at $250,000.
LCHD RECEIVES EPA GRANT
The Licking County Health Department has been awarded an Ohio Environmental Education Fund grant from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency to support a new countywide environmental health education initiative: One Health Licking County. The initiative expands and strengthens Licking County's efforts to address the growing concern of vector-borne diseases, including Lyme disease, through education, research, and community engagement.
MEDICAID FRAUD
The Ohio Department of Medicaid is taking its first enforcement actions by suspending payments to 49 high-risk Medicaid home health providers exhibiting potential fraud red flags. The department said the home health providers billing patterns raised concerns, and those providers are now under review with payments temporarily suspended while investigations move forward.
HOMELESSNESS IN OHIO
As a way to deal with the homeless problem, some Ohio communities have criminalized homelessness by dismantling tent camps and issuing warnings for loitering. Amy Riegel, executive director, The Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio, says that approach isn't the answer.
Riegel believes the real issue is how to create more affordable housing as shelters remain full and people live on the streets.
PANTHERS IN STATE SEMIFINAL
Licking Valley and Bryan will square off in a Div. IV softball state semifinal today at 5:30 pm in Akron. Panthers coach Chad Dennis says the team is looking forward to the match-up.
Both teams are undefeated. You can hear the game on Buckeye Country 107.7/94.3, 790 WHTH, KOOL 101.7 FM HD2 and online.
DENISON WINS WORLD SERIES
Congratulations to the Denison baseball team! The Big Ded defeated Endicott 4-3 in 10 innings Thursday to win the NCAA Division III College World Series in northeast Ohio.