Charges dropped for alleged drug trafficker

The Lawrence County Prosecutor’s office has dropped its charges against a Chesapeake man.

Dana Nichols, 36, of 103 Private Drive Apt. 11, Chesapeake had been charged with first-degree aggravated trafficking in drugs, second-degree aggravated drug possession, fourth-degree drug trafficking and misdemeanor drug possession.

Those charges have been dropped due to a lack of evidence, Assistant Prosecutor Jeff Smith said.

– Lori Kersey

Felony warrant arrest leads to meth lab bust

LUCASVILLE — A Lucasville man is facing charges after troopers found evidence of a meth lab.

According to a press release from the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Lorne R. Dingess was arrested around 4:30 p.m. Thursday. A trooper identified Dingess as the driver of a passing vehicle. Troopers knew that the man did not have a valid driver’s license and an active felony warrant through the Scioto County Sheriff’s Department.

Before troopers initiated a traffic stop, Dingess stopped and entered a residence.

Dingess then reappeared and was taken into custody without incident. As troopers were securing Dingess, they observed empty containers of chemicals and equipment used for making methamphetamine, according to the release. Sheriff’s deputies responded to the scene and the evidence was released to them.

Charges are pending further investigation. Dingess was incarcerated at the Scioto County Jail.

OLBH honored for healing wounds and changing lives

RUSSELL, Ky. — The Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital (OLBH) Diabetes & Wound Care Center has earned the Diversified Clinical Services’ Center of Distinction Award in recognition of its high patient satisfaction rates, exceptional healing results, and outstanding clinical outcomes during the past 12 months.

Diversified Clinical Services is the largest wound care management company in the world. OLBH partners with Diversified to provide specialized wound treatments to the community. Out of 308 Diversified Clinical Services wound centers nationwide, OLBH is among the four percent to achieve the Center of Distinction Award for three consecutive years.

“Because of the prevalence of diseases like diabetes causing non-healing wounds in our area, there is an increasing need for specialized wound care,” OLBH vice president of Operations Rod Hieneman, said. “Our partnership with Diversified provides us with expertise and resources that set us apart. We are honored to accept this award and proud to offer this quality center to our community.”

The OLBH Diabetes & Wound Care Center is located on the ground level of Bellefonte Centre (1000 Ashland Drive) on the hospital campus. The center can be reached at (606) 833-4043.