Special Weather Statement issued December 4 at 5:17AM EST by NWS Wilmington OH (details ...)
Wind gusts of 40 MPH are possible from this afternoon through Thursday afternoon. Some locally higher gusts of 45 to 50 mph will be possible this evening. These winds may blow around loose or light weight objects such as decorations, in particular inflatable decorations.
A cold front moves through this evening bringing the potential for snow showers. While accumulations will generally be less than an inch, quick bursts of snow will lead to reductions in visibility. In addition, quickly falling temperatures will lead to the potential for slick spots on surfaces. Cold conditions are expected Thursday morning with wind chill values between -5 and 5 degrees.
Today 39° Today 39° chance 15° 15° Tomorrow 27° Tomorrow 27° chance 17° 17° chance
Tuesday, December 12th, 2017

St. Marys council authorizes 2 agreements for pedestrian bridge

By Ed Gebert
ST. MARYS - City council members on Monday passed emergency legislation authorizing an agreement to build the long-sought pedestrian bridge on State Route 66 over U.S. 33.
The resolution executes agreements with the Ohio Department of Transportation for construction and with the consulting firm of Kohl & Kaliher Associates for consulting work on the bridge layout. The bridge will provide a safe path for students walking between the city and the middle/high school campus north of U.S. 33. The city has been awarded a $2.375 million grant through the state Transportation Alternative Program. The city will pay the remainder of the estimated $3.2 million project.
Council members also welcomed new police chief Jake Sutton, who was sworn in by mayor Pat McGowan. Sutton was hired in 1997 as a patrolman with the department. He was promoted to sergeant in 2007. He replaces retiring chief Mark Ernst.
Also promoted on Monday was Thomas Kennedy II who will replace Sutton as a sergeant. Kennedy joined the department as a patrolman in April 2007.
Safety service director Greg Foxhoven said officials were notified that the city's ordinance for vicious dogs has been declared unconstitutional again after an appeal. Law Director Kraig Noble acknowledged receipt of the ruling from the Third District Court of Appeals in Lima. Foxhoven said council members may need to draw up a new dog ordinance that more closely resembles the state's dog law.
Noble also said he had checked into enacting a panhandling ordinance but found the U.S. Supreme Court has been ruling those as unconstitutional as well. Most Ohio cities are dropping their own panhandling ordinances. Noble noted the city's loitering ordinance could be applied if any panhandler becomes too aggressive.
Members approved second reading of a resolution authorizing changes to the city's classification plan for police sergeants through the Ohio Patrolmen's Benevolent Association and a resolution authorizing the city to dispose of used city property through internet bidding.
Passing on an emergency basis was a resolution authorizing the city to assess the cost of improvements for repair, replacement or construction of curbing, gutters, sidewalks, combination sidewalks and curbs, asphalt pavement and drive approaches for the 2017 project along Spring Street.
Council also approved supplemental appropriations including $80,000 for well 6. The funds will be pulled from three accounts.
Meetings to finalize the 2018 budget are scheduled for Dec. 27, Dec. 28 and Jan. 8.
Additional online story on this date
ST. HENRY - The village wastewater treatment plant must be expanded to meet future growth, according to Ohio's Environmental Protection Agency.
Council members on Monday learned OEPA has sent a draft of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination permit. [More]
Subscriber and paid stories on this date
New facility considered
MARIA STEIN - District officials are considering seeking a bond issue of up to $18 million for the proposed new school facility.
Board members on M
COLDWATER - Council members on Monday night approved new contracts with the village's manager/engineer and solicitor.
Village manager engineer Eric Thomas' contract was renewed for one year, effective until Dec. 31, 2018, and includes a 2 percent pay increase. His new salary will be $83,000.
NEW BREMEN - A fixture at council meetings for more than three decades is saying goodbye.
Village solicitor Steve Smith will retire at the end of t
CHICKASAW - A Yorkshire man was arrested on Sunday in connection with a burglary at the Quick Stop Gas Station.
Mercer County Sheriff's deputies responded to the call at 6:04 a.m. about the alleged burglary and later arrested Joseph Hoelscher, 21.
St. Henry
ST. HENRY - Member Russ Bensman was recognized on Monday for his eight years of service on the school board.
He has been a board member since 2010 and his term is set to expire at the end of the month. Gail Hess, who attended the meeting, will take his seat in January.
Cardinals beat Lancers for fifth straight win
MIDDLE POINT - Five up and five down.
The New Bremen Cardinals won their fifth straight to start the season on Monday night, defeating Lincolnview 49-41 on the road.
Razz-Eye View
It may have finally happened.
Sunday could have been the straw that broke my rather broad back.
I believe I have finally lost all faith in the Cleveland Browns.
Thomas chosen in Mercer; Leffel in Auglaize
Jill Thomas, Celina, was elected to the Mercer County Farm Service Agency committee and Greg Leffel, St. Marys, was elected to the Auglaize County FSA committee.