AIR QUALITY ALERT

The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission has issued an Air Quality Alert for today for the Columbus region which includes Licking County. The region is likely to experience ozone pollution levels that are unhealthy for sensitive groups.  A Heat Advisory is in effect from 12:00-8:00 pm.

FORMER PASTOR IS SENTENCED

A former Muskingum County pastor who previously entered guilty pleas to voyeurism and gross sexual imposition charges involving a minor is heading to prison. Christopher Riggs, 42, was sentenced to 17 months behind bars and was ordered to register as a Tier I sex offender.

TRAINING EXERCISE

The Newark Police and Fire departments will conduct a joint training exercise today from 8:00am-6:00pm at White Field. Residents in the surrounding area may hear simulated gunfire as part of the exercise. They will also notice an increase presence of officers, firefighters, emergency vehicles, and other first responders throughout the day. Officials ask the public not to be alarmed and to avoid the area while training is underway.

MEDICAID FRAUD

Governor DeWine recently signed Senate Bill 315 into law. The legislation includes various anti-fraud protections for medicaid.

State Auditor Keith Faber said SB315 creates new felony offenses and increases fines for those who commit medicaid fraud.

UNCLAIMED FUNDS

The Ohio Division of Unclaimed Funds is encouraging Ohioans to search for and claim their portion of unclaimed funds.

Superintendent Akil Hardy, said in 2025, the Division returned almost $150 million to Ohioans. For more information visit www.unclaimedfunds.ohio.gov.

TOURISM IN OHIO

Ohio welcomed nearly 245 million visits in 2025, generating nearly $58 billion in economic impact and supporting more than 447,000 jobs, reinforcing tourism's role as one of Ohio's strongest economic drivers. Since 2021, Ohio has seen continued growth in visitor volume, overnight travel, visitor spending, and tourism-supported employment.