Councilwoman Michelle Newman

10/22/2026

Plenty of opportunities to get to the Licking County Board of Elections - make a plan and VOTE.

10/19/2026

I know the ongoing road closures and construction projects in Ward 7 have already been frustrating for many of our residents. Unfortunately, we’re still in the early stages of what will be several years of significant infrastructure improvements throughout our neighborhoods.

Between sewer separation projects, waterline replacements, and other upgrades, we’re going to see plenty of orange cones, detours, and torn-up streets in the years ahead. It’s not always going to be pretty, and I know these disruptions can make everyday life more difficult.

But here’s the good news! These projects represent substantial investments in our neighborhoods, our homes, and the infrastructure that will serve our community for decades to come. Much of this work happens underground, so we won’t always see the improvements, but they’re incredibly important.

The city works to coordinate construction schedules and contractors to minimize disruptions, but with this much work happening, there are bound to be some bumps along the way. Please pay attention to posted signs, parking restrictions, and detours, and use extra caution in construction areas.

And please keep communicating! If you’re experiencing specific issues with access, parking, safety, or anything else related to construction, reach out to the city or contact me directly. We need to know about problems so they can be addressed.

So, while I won’t officially say “buckle up, buttercup,” I think we can all agree that a little patience, flexibility, and a healthy sense of humor are going to come in handy over the next few years!

There’s a lot of work ahead, but I’m genuinely excited about what these investments mean for the future of Ward 7. Our neighborhoods are worth investing in, even when the process gets a little messy.

The city’s latest construction update is shared below.

ROAD CLOSURE UPDATE

Road: WOODS AVENUE

Location: Between Rugg Avenue and Moull Street

Beginning: September 21, 2026

Ending: ~Thanksgiving

Other Details: Rolling Closure: the previous section will be opened to traffic prior to closing the next section. Work will occur from north to south with only one intersection closed at a time.

Rugg Avenue is expected to open and Jefferson Road is expected to close Wednesday, October 21st

See Attached Map for Details

Project: 16 North Sewer Separation Project Phase 1

Project Website: https://www.newarkohio.gov/water-wastewater-construction-projects/ -toc__heading-anchor-8

For: Waterline Replacement

Questions? Please Call: (740) 670-7946

For daily/weekly construction updates, visit our page: “City of Newark Ohio Construction Updates” https://www.facebook.com/CityOfNewarkOhioConstructionUpdates/

Dates Subject to Change

10/10/2026

It was a pretty great week in Newark - Newark, OH Division of Fire promotion ceremony; gala celebrating Whole Living Recovery, Licking County Re-entry Coalition and Family Health Services of East Central Ohio, Inc.; Manufacturing Day Celebration with the Licking County Chamber of Commerce; and Friday night market at Canal Market District. Proud to serve our city every day.

10/09/2026

The farmers market at Canal Market District continues outside under the pavilion through the end of October - stop by and shop local tonight before the football games!

10/05/2026

October 5 is the deadline!

Tonight is the last night to register for this upcoming election. Don't worry, if you did not register or correct your registration after the deadline, you can still vote provisionally.

10/05/2026

Today, Monday, October 5 is the last day to register to vote for the upcoming election. Make sure you’re registered! Contact Licking County Board of Elections for local residents to complete or verify registration.

09/23/2026

Dinos on the square October 30! 🦖 🍭 🦕

09/22/2026

Have you been to Jolene’s yet? What a cool addition to downtown Newark ☕️

09/19/2026

Last night was Newark Homecoming, and as I stood along Granville Street waiting for the bands to march toward the stadium, I found myself unexpectedly emotional.

I could hear the music coming before I could see the students. Families lined the street. People cheered. Kids from across our schools marched together, seniors were celebrated, and students involved in everything from music to athletics to other activities had a chance to feel part of something bigger than themselves.

It was one of those moments that reminded me how much our schools and our city are connected.

Strong communities give kids places to belong. They give them opportunities to learn, perform, compete, create, lead and discover what they love. And strong schools help build families who feel connected to the place they call home.

My daughter is still in middle school and had the opportunity to march with the high school band last night. Years ago, after our family moved to Newark, I once asked her if she would ever want to move back to the community where we had lived before.

Her answer was simple: “No, Mom. We’re Wildcats.”

Standing on Granville Street last night, surrounded by families cheering on our kids, I understood that feeling more deeply.

I’m proud to serve this community, proud of the families who call Newark home, and grateful for the many teachers, coaches, directors, volunteers, parents and neighbors who create these experiences for our kids. Sometimes a Friday night football game is about a whole lot more than football.

Go Cats!! 🐾

09/17/2026

Woods Avenue residents, please take note. Work on the Sewer/Water Line separation project will begin soon. Please share with neighbors!

ROAD CLOSURE

Road: WOODS AVENUE

Location: Between Rugg Avenue and Moull Street

Beginning: September 21, 2026

Duration: ~4 Weeks

Other Details: Rolling Closure: the previous section will be opened to traffic prior to closing the next section. Work will occur from north to south with only one intersection closed at a time.

See Attached Map for Details (work is currently occurring in the alley between South Quentin and Rugg Avenue)

Project: 16 North Sewer Separation Project Phase 1

Project Website: https://www.newarkohio.gov/water-wastewater-construction-projects/ -toc__heading-anchor-8

For: Waterline Replacement

Questions? Please Call: (740) 670-7946

Dates Subject to Change