Special Weather Statement issued March 19 at 4:28AM EDT by NWS Wilmington OH (details ...)
Gusty winds from 35 to 40 mph this afternoon could blow around unsecured items. Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle. Secure outdoor items.
Special Weather Statement issued March 19 at 4:15AM EDT by NWS Wilmington OH (details ...)
Gusty winds from 35 to 40 mph this afternoon could blow around unsecured items. Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle. Secure outdoor items.
Today 37° Today 37° chance 25° 25° scattered Tomorrow 52° Tomorrow 52° 33° 33°
Thursday, August 4th, 2011

Lawsuit accusing farmers ongoing

Grand Lake

By Nancy Allen
GRAND LAKE - A class action lawsuit blaming local farmers for Grand Lake's poor water quality may be moving forward.
Two meetings were held in Celina on Tuesday for invited lake business owners and residents who want to join the lawsuit. No information was available on how many attended.
The Daily Standard obtained a copy of the letter from attorneys at the Middleton Firm, LLC, of Savannah, Ga., that invited existing clients to the first meeting and prospective clients to the second.
The possible legal action first became public knowledge late last year when Buzz Goodwin, owner of Bayview Sun and Snow, said several business owners were planning the lawsuit and firms from Georgia, Missouri and Indiana would jointly pursue it. He said those involved blame watershed farmers for polluting the lake with manure. Phosphorus in the manure feeds toxic algae which has led to water advisories since 2009.
Goodwin on Wednesday declined comment. Steve Klosterman, owner of Klosterman Development, attended the meetings and said he was instructed by legal council not to comment. He referred questions to attorney Richard Middleton.
Phone messages seeking comment from Middleton and Speer Law Firm, of Missouri, were not returned as of press time today.
An official with the farmer-led Ag Solutions group said the lawsuit is a bad idea. The group formed this year to help lake watershed farmers find solutions to manage their manure cost effectively.
"I think a lawsuit like that would tear our community apart," said Jim Keller, president of the Marion Community Development Organization, which is facilitating Ag Solutions. "The LRC and the LIA have come together and with our group are working toward good solutions."
Tom Knapke, facilitator of the Lake Restoration Commission, said the LRC is opposed to the lawsuit. The LRC is a coalition of local, government and private entities that has raised more than $800,000 to help restore the lake through scientific study and water cleaning equipment.
Many lake area businesses lost substantial revenue the last two summers due to the state-issued advisories against swimming, fishing and boating. Two marinas have closed in recent years and some businesses have cut staff.
The lake is under a public health advisory due to algae toxins that advises against swimming in or swallowing the water. Last week the state confirmed it is checking into a human illness reported in July to determine if it was caused by exposure to the lake's algae toxins.
Additional online stories on this date
More sheriff deputy cruisers are traveling area roadways.
Deputies Megan Baker and Mike Link, both of Coldwater, began their new duties Tuesday. Deputy Carla Guggenbiller of Fort Recovery will start patrols Sunday. All three formerly worked as corrections officers at the sheriff's department. [More]
The Miami-Erie Canal is no longer in use, but towns from Miami to Henry counties soon will be connected via trails along its towpath.
Each communit [More]
Subscriber and paid stories on this date
Cases of salmonella have been reported in Mercer County this year, though none have been linked to ground turkey, the apparent source of a recent national outbreak.
WAPAKONETA - For many fair-goers this week, the Auglaize County Fairground has become a second home.
More than 350 campers are set up on the fair's campground.
Mercer County-Celina City Health Department
Residents can now make appointments online with the Mercer County-Celina City Health Department.
Through its website, www.mcchd.org, appointments can be made for immunizations and clinics.
NEW BREMEN - Plans to renovate Lions Club Park brought nearly two dozen residents to a public meeting Tuesday night at the lockkeeper's house.
The park, located behind the lockkeeper's house, includes Crown Pavilion to the south and a shelter house with limited restroom facilities to the north.
Two Auglaize County residents remain in critical condition today at a Lima hospital following a motorcycle-car crash Wednesday night near Montezuma.
The Darke County Sheriff's Office continues to investigate the fatal shooting of a 10-year-old boy near Union City.
Sheriff deputies and Union City fire and rescue personnel arrived at the home in the 900 block of Peters Road in response to a 911 call placed at 1:13 a.m. today.
ST. MARYS - It's amazing the talent in the community and surrounding area, according to an Artfest 2011 committee member.
"Overall, it's a very goo
GLSCL Playoffs
Compiled by Gary R. Rasberry
The top seed in the Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League baseball playoffs opened with a win while the second seed was shut out.