Thursday, January 17th, 2013
By Shelley Grieshop
ST. MARYS - A leaking oil drilling operation east of the city was ordered shut down by state officials as crews continue clean-up efforts.
The leak was first discovered Friday night after a strong odor was detected in the area near state Route 29 and Plattner Pike. No illnesses were reported, and local drinking water sources have been deemed safe. [More]
By Margie Wuebker
Nick, who served 10 years as the Celina Police Department's first K-9 unit, died early Wednesday morning at the home of his handler, Patrolman Dan Harting.
The 13-year-old German Shepard had shown signs of fatigue in recent days and died in his sleep, according to Celina Police Chief Dave Slusser. [More]
Obituaries on January 17th, 2013
Rev. William J. Dineen, C.PP.S, 73, member of the Kansas City Province of the M [More]
James L. Hiestand, 71, Rossburg, passed away Jan. 15, 2013, at his residence.
He was born March 26, 1941, in Rossburg to Don B. and Mary E. Lorton Hiestand. [More]
Timotea Ramirez, 94, St. Henry, died Jan. 10, 2013, at Mercer County Community Hospital, Coldwater. [More]
Arthur V. Maschino, 82, Celina and formerly of North Vernon Ind., passed away Jan. 14, 2013, at Trinity West Hospital, Steubenville. [More]
Local pictures on January 17th, 2013
Subscriber stories on January 17th, 2013
Versailles facility temporarily closed
VERSAILLES - The Ohio Department of Agriculture has suspended the license of a Versailles butcher and announced the recall of bacon and summer sausage produced at the facility.
A 33-year-old Maria Stein man, facing nearly three dozen sex-related charges involving girls younger than 13, pleaded not guilty during a Wednesday morning arraignment hearing in Mercer County Common Pleas Court.
A 21-year-old Coldwater man pleaded not guilty to felonious assault during a Wednesday afternoon arraignment in Mercer County Common Pleas Court.
MARIA STEIN - Plans for the annual community address/banquet were discussed when the Maria Stein Community Development Organization held its January meeting.
FORT WAYNE - There's something odd, to say the least, about witnessing an arena of country fans singing along to a bluegrass rendition of Nirvana's "
Battle of Grand Lake
CELINA - It has been a struggle mostly this season for the Celina and St. Marys boys basketball teams, but the Bulldogs and Roughriders enter Friday's Western Buckeye League matchup at the Fieldhouse with a little momentum on their sides.
The two remaining unbeatens in Midwest Athletic Conference girls basketball action will battle for sole possession tonight as Versailles travels to Fort Site Fieldhouse to face Fort Recovery.
Friday evening, the New Bremen Cardinals and Minster Wildcats will square off in Minster in this season's edition of one of the area's oldest rivalries on the hardwood.
State Wrestling Team Tournament
Compiled by Gary R. Rasberry
Coldwater and Celina will take part in the inaugural OHSAA State Wrestling Team Tournament starting next Wednesday.