Wind Advisory issued February 20 at 4:45AM EST until February 20 at 6:00PM EST by NWS Wilmington OH (details ...)

* WHAT...Southwest winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 to 50 mph expected.
* WHERE...Portions of east central Indiana and central and west central Ohio.
* WHEN...Until 6 PM EST this evening.
* IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.

Special Weather Statement issued February 20 at 3:03AM EST by NWS Wilmington OH (details ...)

Southwest winds will increase this morning with the passage of a strong cold front. Southwest winds of 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 40 to 45 mph expected this morning into the afternoon before diminishing toward evening.
These gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects.

Wednesday, August 23rd, 2023

Mendon man facing upgraded sex charges

By Abigail Miller

CELINA - A Mendon man previously convicted of sexual offenses involving minors was arraigned on child sex crimes on Tuesday in Mercer County Common Pleas Court.

Michael G. Schmidt, 56, was arraigned on a superseding indictment of seven upgraded charges: four counts of first-degree felony rape, two counts of third-degree felony gross sexual imposition and first-degree misdemeanor endangering children.

According to the indictment, on or about Jan. 1, 2021 to May 4, 2021, Schmidt allegedly engaged in sexual conduct with a 5-year-old girl.

A superseding indictment is a criminal complaint brought by a grand jury that changes, adds to or replaces an original indictment.

Mercer County Prosecutor Erin Minor said the superseding indictment was filed due to additional evidence, and will replace indictments filed against him in the past in the case.

He was originally indicted on two counts of first-degree felony rape, two counts of second-degree felony sexual battery, three counts of third-degree felony gross sexual imposition, second-degree felony sexual battery, first-degree misdemeanor endangering children and first-degree misdemeanor assault.

If convicted, Schmidt faces up to life in prison.

Schmidt had previously been convicted of four counts of gross sexual imposition, third-degree felonies, in 2001. He served 16 years in the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation for engaging in sexual conduct with two minor victims aged 9 and 12. He was released in 2017.

Schmidt is currently being held without bond at the Mercer County Detention Facility, where he's been since May 20, 2021.

His next appearance is Oct. 26 in Mercer County Common Pleas Court.

Archive of August 23rd, 2023

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LFA acquires 9 acres for new family nature preserve

CELINA - Lake Facilities Authority on Tuesday purchased nearly 9 acres from the Rosenbeck family as they take the next step toward creating the Rosenbeck Family Nature Preserve.

Minster treasurer to retire

MINSTER - Board members on Tuesday accepted the resignation of district treasurer Laura Klosterman for the purpose of retirement.

Klosterman will retire effective Dec. 31, 2023. She has been with the district for 30 years.

Football coach suspended for language

ST. HENRY - Head football coach Brad Luthman was suspended last week for the first game of the season for what the district called "unprofessional language" in the presence of students.

Sweep on the court

Celina shuts out St. Marys in WBL girls tennis action

Compiled by Gary R. Rasberry

ST. MARYS - The weather wasn't the only thing that was a bit warm on Tuesday.

The Celina girls tennis team looked to improve to 3-0 in the Western Buckeye League as the Bulldogs traveled to Minster Bank Court to face St. Marys in the Battle of Grand Lake.

Indians battle for win in lidlifter

FORT RECOVERY - Fort Recovery battled back from six-point deficits to win the second and third sets, then weathered a fourth-set loss to win its season opener.

Area Roundup

Fort shines at County meet

Compiled by Gary R. Rasberry

Fort Recovery took advantage of the home course and came away with a strong showing as the Mercer County Cross Country Invitational was held at the Progressive Sportsmen Club just south of Fort Recovery.