MULTISTATE INVESTIGATION
The Licking County Sheriff’s Office has recovered approximately $1.2 million worth of stolen material belonging to a business in Hebron following a multistate investigation involving the FBI and law-enforcement partners across multiple states. The investigation began after a tip was received from a scrap yard in Bensenville, Illinois, regarding a suspect attempting to sell material believed to be connected to the theft. Two suspects were taken into federal custody. The Licking County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the theft and intends to pursue appropriate criminal charges.
THREATENING CALL
Thursday morning the Licking County 911 Center received a threatening call pertaining to Licking Memorial Hospital. The credibility of the threat could not be substantiated. To assure the safety of patients, employees, and visitors, all precautions were implemented, and LMH worked with local law enforcement agencies to clear any risk to campus.
COUNTY BUYS THE ADVOCATE BUILDING
Thursday, the Licking County Commissioners approved a resolution to spend $2.3 million dollars to purchase the former Newark Advocate building on 1st Street in downtown Newark.
Commissioner Tim Bubb said the building will need some upgrades but overall it is in pretty good shape.
MINIMUM WAGE
Ohio’s minimum wage will officially increase on Jan. 1, 2027 to $11.40 per hour for non-tipped employees and $5.70 per hour for tipped employees. The current minimum wage is $11 for non-tipped employees and $5.50 for tipped employees. Ohio’s minimum wage increases at the first of the year each year by the rate of inflation.
OSU VS. IOWA
No. 5 Ohio State taking on No. 14 Iowa Saturday in Iowa City.
Coach Ryan Day and the Buckeyes are 3-1. The Hawkeyes are 4-0. Saturday’s kickoff is set for 3:30 pm.
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL
Week 7 of high school football pits Licking Valley against Mount Vernon. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. On Buckeye Country 107.7/94.3, 790 WHTH, KOOL 101.7 FM HD2 and online.