CELINA - It's high time to fire up the skeeter zapper and bust out the bug repellent as health officials are sounding the alarm about the dangers posed by tick and mosquito bites to human and pet health, urging Ohioans to safeguard themselves against the noxious pests.

Compiled by Gary R. Rasberry

New Bremen hosted Jackson Center in a softball-baseball doubleheader on Friday, with the Cardinals picking up the sweep of the Tigers.

CELINA - City councilors this week passed first reading of legislation to transfer $3.7 million from the 0.5% additional income tax collections and general fund into savings accounts to finance future park, police, fire and street projects and equipment.

CELINA - Celina was recognized as a Tree City USA on Wednesday during the Northwest Ohio awards ceremony hosted by Bowling Green and the Bowling Green Tree Commission.

A Montgomery County woman banned previously from working as a Medicaid provider was sentenced Thursday to six to nine years in prison for again defrauding the program - this time stealing $1.5 million, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost reported in a news release.

COLDWATER - After taking St. Henry's early shot, Coldwater battled back.

The Cavaliers plated three runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to take

Compiled by Gary R. Rasberry

Van Wert scored three runs in the top of the sixth inning to rally and beat Celina 5-3 in Western Buckeye League baseball action at Montgomery Field.

CELINA - The ground may be heavily saturated at the moment and the temperatures dramatically fluctuating from day to day, but with Arbor Day right around the corner, now is a great time to contact a nursery or gardening center about planting a new tree before they're bombarded with orders.

CELINA - To raise awareness for Mental Health Awareness Month, a local high school student is spearheading a mental health family fun day.

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CELINA - City council is in the midst of formulating rental agreements for two private summer recreational swim and dive teams wanting to use Bryson Memorial Swimming Pool this summer.

ST. MARYS - Amid biennium budget deliberations in Columbus, the St. Marys City Schools administration met with their state senator this week to plead their case against the House's recent proposal, in which the district could lose at least $6 million in savings.

CELINA - A 62-year-old Celina man was sentenced to probation on Wednesday after allegedly causing the death of his dog through physical harm.

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Mercer County officials are reminding ag producers to avoid creating hazards and maintenance problems as they plant near roadways this spring.

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Mercer County Engineer Jim Wiechart has issued the following advisory on road closings due to construction work in Mercer County:

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There are many fascinating mysteries in the Mercer County Historical Museum with donated artifacts that are sometimes difficult to figure out.

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Compiled by Gary R. Rasberry

Parkway scored in the top of the first inning and added to the lead throughout to earn its second straight baseball victory with a 7-3 win at Delphos Jefferson on Wednesday. The Panthers get back to .500 at 5-5.

COLDWATER - Coldwater Exempted Village Schools Board of Education members made one last push before their third consecutive levy attempt to stress their district's grim financial outlook for the future.

MINSTER - Village councilors in Minster on Tuesday heard first reading of an ordinance to establish rules about when and where residents can set off fireworks.

CELINA - Looking to avert the type of traffic jam that occurred last time around, elections officials are urging residents who vote at Market Hall to enter and exit the Mercer County Fairgrounds at the general admission drive near Machine Pro Technologies at the May 6 special election.

FORT RECOVERY - Fort Recovery Local Schools Board of Education members on Monday night approved multiple district policy revisions and additions, including a parents' bill of rights and released time for religious instruction during the school day.

CELINA - The Mercer County Board of Elections is on the hunt for a deputy director and an elections administrator as the two positions will soon be vacant.

Compiled by Gary R. Rasberry

St. Henry scored five runs in the top of the seventh inning to complete a rally and defeat Minster 7-4 in Midwest Athletic Conference softball action on Tuesday at Four Seasons Park in Minster.