COLD WEATHER ADVISORY
The National Weather Service has issued a Cold Weather Advisory until Tuesday at 10:00a. Very cold wind chills as low as 15 below zero expected. Wind chill values can lead to hypothermia with prolonged exposure. Dress in layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves if you must go outside.
WARMING CENTER IS OPEN
The Licking County Emergency Warming Center Task Force announces the warming center will be open today for anyone who is seeking a place to get out of the cold. The warming center will be open today from 5:00pm to 8:30am at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 592 West Main Street in Newark.
MLK DAY
Today we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. a man who worked to end hate and racism in America and across the globe.
Dr. King was born Jan. 15, 1929. He was assassinated April 4, 1968 in Memphis.
NEWARK MAN FACES CHILD PORN CHARGES
Bond has been set at $50,000 for a 79-year-old Newark man accused of possessing child porn. Joseph Friend was recently arrested stemming from an investigation that started in January, 2025. Friend is being held on a single charge of pandering obscenity involving a minor, but other charges could be forthcoming. His case will next be heard by a grand jury for possible indictment.
MCDONALD IS RELEASED FROM JAIL
Jacob McDonald the truck driver convicted in the deadly bus crash in 2023 in western Licking County was released from Licking County Jail over the weekend. McDonald, 62, was found guilty on six misdemeanor counts of vehicular homicide and sentenced to 18 months in prison. The deadly bus crash, which took place in Nov. 2023 on Interstate 70 in Etna Township, resulted in the deaths of 6 people from the Tusky Valley School District.
DOG WARDEN HELPS CRAFT LEGISLATION
Licking County Dog Warden Larry Williams was instrumental in helping craft Avery's Law, which better addresses dangerous and vicious dogs in Ohio.
Among other things - Avery's Law strengthens Ohio's dangerous dog laws by increasing penalties against irresponsible dog owners. For his efforts, Williams was named Warden of the Year in 2025 by the Ohio County Dog Wardens Association.