CELINA - Got a mystery bug bite and not sure what it is? Is it a tick, a mosquito or some other creepy critter? Although the summer months are long, hot and often itchy, following a few general rules and practicing preventive care can go a long way to prevent bothersome bites.

Several area schools and the Auglaize County Educational Service Center have landed awards ranging from $5,000 to $55,000 each through the Ohio Department of Education's Stronger Connections Grant program to support local health and safety needs.

WAPAKONETA - Early voting is underway for the pivotal Aug. 8 special election in Ohio that would make it more difficult to amend the state constitution, the results of which could have immediate consequences for an abortion rights amendment in the works.

MARIA STEIN - Marion Local High School Principal Tim Goodwin said preliminary results show the school achieved its best-ever rating in state tests.

Goodwin at this week's regular school board meeting noted preliminary results show that the school had a performance index of 108.1.

ROSSBURG - A pair of Californians picked up the $12,000 victories in the 25-lap twin preliminary features that opened up The Eldora Million on Wednesday night.