***UPDATE***  One person died in the fire

HEATH FIRE IS UNDER INVESTIGATION

A couple of people were transported to the hospital following an overnight fire at an apartment complex in Heath. According to the Licking County 911 Center, multiple fire departments responded to the Bill Mitchell Retirement Village on South 30th Street around 1:50 a.m. and upon arrival saw smoke coming from the building. The names and conditions of the victims is unknown at this time. The cause is under investigation.

SAUNDERS SEEKS DISMISSAL

The attorneys for Delbert Saunders Jr., the Glenford man charged in the death of a Newark woman are seeking to have the case dismissed. Saunders, 68, faces aggravated murder charges in the 1989 death of 71-year-old Helen Stuart. Saunders is currently serving time on a 2003 conviction on rape and kidnapping charges stemming from a different incident.

RETIREMENT CELEBRATION

For more than two decades, Rod Cook has faithfully served the Red Cross and over that time he has worked with some fantastic people.

Cook is retiring May 22 and this past Friday staff, community members, family and friend attended a retirement celebration in his honor.

DRUG TAKE BACK

Licking County's Drug Take Back Day was a success. According to officials, a little over 609 pounds of unused and expired medications were collected at several sites across the county on Saturday, April 25.

LCHD PODCAST

The Licking County Health Department has launched a new monthly podcast, Public Health Pulse, designed to connect residents with the information, resources, and services that support a healthier community. Each episode will feature conversations with staff and subject matter experts who will break down important public health topics and explain how community members can access the support they need. For more information visit the Licking County Health Department's Facebook page.

UTILITY BILLS

Many Ohio residents are struggling to keep up with utility bills reaching as high as $800 a month. Morgan Harper, executive director of Columbus Stand Up, notes people on fixed incomes are simply unable to keep up with the higher rates while companies see record profits.

According to a new Pew Research Center poll, the majority of Americans have seen their home energy costs go up over the last few years.