Wednesday, February 13th, 2013
Local districts not set to recover loss of shared special education money
By Amy Kronenberger
Cuts loom for certain area preschool programs despite Gov. John Kasich's recent promise to bolster such funding.
Kasich's two-year budget proposal shows the special education preschool programs offered through the Mercer and Auglaize counties' educational service centers each would lose about $640,000 this year. The ESCs provide special education teachers and services for local school districts' preschool programs that include a special education student. [More]
By Amy Kronenberger
ROCKFORD - Nearly 50 residents attended a meeting held Tuesday by a group opposing wind turbines in northern Mercer County. Most at the meeting simply asked questions.
Neighbors United co-chair Pete Hayes told the crowd at least 17 land leases have been signed in the Rockford area to construct turbines. The turbines would be an extension of the proposed Long Prairie Wind Farm in Van Wert County. [More]
Bulldogs roll to 15th straight win
By Gary R. Rasberry
CELINA - A 21-0 run by Celina's girls basketball team during the middle two quarters helped the Bulldogs wrap up the home portion of their schedule with a 70-49 victory over Fort Recovery on Thursday night at the Fieldhouse.  
Celina, which moved [More]
Obituaries on February 13th, 2013
Joseph W. "Joe" Pickering, 86, Wapakoneta, died at 1:15 p.m. Feb. 12, 2013, at [More]
Helen Ralston, 98, St. Marys, died Feb. 10, 2013, at St. Marys Living Center. [More]
Robert M. Hawk, 87, Celina, died at 3:10 p.m. Feb. 10, 2013, at Colonial Nursing Home, Rockford. [More]
Doris C. "Judy" Hawk, 89, Celina, died at 10:25 p.m. Feb. 8, 2013, at Colonial Nursing Home, Rockford. [More]
Local pictures on February 13th, 2013
Subscriber stories on February 13th, 2013
Ohio budget proposal
WAPAKONETA - The governor's proposed budget and its effect on small health departments is "disturbing," according to one local official.
Auglaize C
Board of elections
CELINA - After much prodding from Celina City Schools officials, the polling location at the Franklin school in Montezuma may be moved to the nearby township/firehouse.
Zoning requests from companies to be handled on case-by-case basis
NEW BREMEN - The creation of a new R-C Transitional District allowing certain neighborhood businesses in residential areas along Washington Street (state Route 66) moved one step closer to fruition Tuesday night as village council members unanimously approved first reading of the legislation.
WAPAKONETA - Arrest warrants were issued Friday for a rural Auglaize County couple who failed to appear in court for a public health violation.
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ROCKFORD - Parkway Local School's energy costs continue to drop since the school implemented new energy efficient light bulbs and solar panels.
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CELINA - City officials will install a bubble diffusing tube at the bottom of the hot water hole on Lake Shore Drive this spring to boost oxygen levels in the water and hopefully reduce some muck.
CHICKASAW - Village council members on Tuesday approved the purchase of a new diesel-based water plant generator from Mercer County Electric. The $25,942 purchase was decided in a 4-1 vote, with council member Shawn Birt objecting.
Ash borer damage causes safety issue
ST. MARYS - More than 200 trees have been cut down at Grand Lake St. Marys State Park due to infestation by the emerald ash borer, park manager Brian Miller said Tuesday.
MINSTER - Village officials have established a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the person or persons responsible for recent vandalism throughout the village involving paint and roofing nails.
COLDWATER - Coldwater school members on Tuesday unanimously appointed Bob Rogers Travel Company as the new provider for the annual eighth-grade trip to Washington, D.C.
MINSTER - A psychotherapist has returned home to open a mental health facility in Minster.
Laura Monnier-Roetgerman operates the Center for Personal Wellness in the Business Center, 96 W. Fourth St., Minster.
Compiled by Gary R. Rasberry
Minster's girls basketball team picked up its 14th win of the season with a 56-39 triumph over the Wapakoneta Redskins on Tuesday night at Wildcat Gymnasium.