BELMONT COUNTY, Ohio — Students in the St. Clairsville area received free haircuts and snacks over the weekend as a local church worked to help families prepare for the upcoming school year.

Relevant Worship Center, located near the top of Blaine Hill outside St. Clairsville, hosted its first “Snip & Snack” event Saturday.

Several local hairstylists volunteered their time to provide free haircuts to children attending the event. Students were also given snacks and coloring books as part of the afternoon.

Organizers said the event was created as a way to ease some of the financial burden families face during the back-to-school season while helping students return to the classroom feeling confident.

Ginny Glandenning, an executive committee member at Relevant Worship Center, said rising costs can make preparing for a new school year difficult for families and that the church wanted to find a practical way to give back.

In addition to helping families financially, organizers said the event provided another opportunity for the church to connect with children and families throughout the community.

Following the success of the first Snip & Snack, the Relevant Worship Center Executive Committee is working on additional community events, including its annual fall festival.

ZANESVILLE, Ohio — A Columbus man already facing multiple felony theft cases is now wanted in Muskingum County after prosecutors say he committed additional crimes while released on recognizance bonds in Franklin County.

Brian Murdock has been charged in Muskingum County with burglary, felony theft and possession of criminal tools following an investigation by the Zanesville Police Department.

According to the Muskingum County Prosecutor’s Office, Murdock was already facing five felony retail theft cases in Franklin County when the latest allegations arose.

Court records indicate Murdock was first indicted on felony theft charges in April and later faced additional felony indictments in June. After his June arrest, he was released on a recognizance bond, allowing him to remain free without posting cash bail.

Prosecutors say Murdock was later indicted in four additional felony cases and again released on a cash-free bond. Authorities allege he continued committing theft-related offenses following those releases.

The Muskingum County case stems from a late July investigation into an alleged theft at a retail business in Zanesville. Investigators say Murdock is accused of entering a business after being banned from the property, resulting in a second-degree felony burglary charge that includes a repeat violent offender specification.

He also faces felony theft and possession of criminal tools charges. Prosecutors allege the criminal tools charge is related to the use of his girlfriend’s vehicle during the incident.

Muskingum County Prosecutor Ron Welch said retail theft ultimately impacts consumers by increasing costs for businesses and customers alike.

Authorities are seeking Murdock’s arrest and are recommending a $750,000 cash, property or surety bond if he is taken into custody, citing his criminal history, concerns for public safety and allegations that he failed to comply with previous bond conditions.

Anyone with information about Murdock’s whereabouts is asked to contact Detective Jason Keck of the Zanesville Police Department at 740-455-0700.

All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.