Friday, February 25th, 2011
By Nancy Allen
GRAND LAKE - If ag producers don't step up, their livelihoods could be at stake, according to a local agriculture official.
Chris Gibbs, executive director of the Mercer County Farm Service Agency and a defender of livestock production practices, is frustrated by a recent improper manure spreading incident, even though it occurred outside the Grand Lake Watershed. He said it shouldn't have happened at all. [More]
Mercer County people, organizations win yearly awards
By Christine Henderson
CELINA - Long-time community members and one newcomer on Thursday night won the annual awards presented by the Celina Mercer County Chamber of Commerce.
Joan Kiser, director of the Center for Neurological Development in Burkettsville, received the 2010 Citizen of the Year award. Her family came from many hours away to surprise her at the banquet and share her moment. Kiser thanked and gave credit to the center volunteers and staff. [More]
Obituaries on February 25th, 2011
Ruth C. Gerlach, 87, Fort Recovery, died at 10:50 a.m. Feb. 24, 2011, at Briarwood Village in Coldwater. [More]
Richard S. Bergman, 89, New Bremen, died at 5:58 p.m. Feb. 23, 2011, in the emergency room of Joint Township District Memorial Hospital in St. Marys. [More]
Joan R. Brandewie, 74, North Star, died 2:55 p.m. Feb. 24, 2011, at Mercer County Community Hospital in Coldwater. [More]
Mary Kintsle, 63, Wapakoneta, died Feb. 24, 2011, at St. Rita's Medical Center [More]
Local pictures on February 25th, 2011
Subscriber stories on February 25th, 2011
MINSTER - Officials at Minster Local Schools have identified the positions - but not the people - that will be cut later this year due to closure of the elementary building.
The Celina Fire Department and St. Henry Emergency Medical Service (EMS) have agreed to back the Coldwater EMS for squad runs if needed due to a lack of daytime volunteers at Coldwater, according to emergency officials.
A winter storm once again pounded the area, leaving county roads difficult to traverse and forcing all local schools to close.
"Well right now, at
CELINA - The local sheriff's office plans to use a $15,000 grant to pay for overtime expenses for his staff.
In recent years, Mercer County Sheriff
GRAND LAKE - The Ohio Department of Natural Resources is discounting private dock fees on Grand Lake by 50 percent this year due to the impact of last year's toxic algae blooms, a news release from the state says.
WAPAKONETA - Street improvements and the development of a handicapped-accessible playground are possible contenders for federal funds allocated annually in Auglaize County.
The Mercer County Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star has seen a gradual reduction in membership, and members would like a revival of the largest fraternal organization in the world.
State Swimming
Compiled by Gary R. Rasberry
Local swimmers had no podium finishes on Thursday after the Division II state swimming championships began the swimming portion of the three-day event in Canton.
There are plenty of reasons why the Celina boys' basketball team is having a great season.
Depth, talent, senior leadership and chemistry are all contributing factors, but the captain leading the Bulldogs' ship rarely gets the respect or attention that he deserves.
Last Curtain Call
This week in 1961, the Auglaize County boys' basketball tournament blasted off with defending tournament champion New Bremen squaring off with New Knoxville in the opening contest, while Minster and Cridersville butted heads in the nightcap at McBroom Gymnasium in St. Marys.
Local Roundup
Compiled by Ryan Hines
and Gary R. Rasberry
The Celina Bulldogs' inline hockey team received a last-minute goal from Bryan Robbins to beat the Moeller Crusaders on Wednesday night in the quarterfinals of the Southwest Ohio Inline Hockey Association's school league playoffs.