Air Quality Alert issued July 17 at 12:43AM EDT by NWS Wilmington OH (details ...)
The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency has issued a statewide Air Quality Advisory for the entire state of Ohio as smoke from Canadian wildfires continues to adversely impact air quality.
Pollutants across the state are expected to range from the 'Unhealthy For Sensitive Groups' category in the southwest part of the state to the 'Unhealthy' category in the rest of the state. Hourly concentrations at times may reach the 'Very Unhealthy' to 'Hazardous' categories.
It is recommended, when possible, to avoid strenuous outdoor activities, especially those with heart disease and respiratory conditions like asthma. Watch for symptoms including wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, dizziness, or burning in the nose, throat, and eyes.
For additional information, please visit the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency's website at epa.ohio.gov.
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 5:19PM EDT by NWS Wilmington OH (details ...)
At 519 PM EDT, a strong thunderstorm was located over Waynesfield, moving northeast at 10 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 45 mph and very heavy rain.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Visibility will be poor and hydroplaning is possible.
Locations impacted include... Alger, Waynesfield, Roundhead, Mcguffey, Silver Creek, Jumbo, New Hampshire, Walton, and State Route 195 at State Route 235.
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a sturdy building.
Motorists should slow down and use extra caution.
To report hazardous weather conditions, go to our website at weather.gov/iln and submit your report via social media, when you can do so safely.
Today 85° Today 85° 74° 74° likely chance Tomorrow 88° Tomorrow 88° chance 68° 68°
Friday, May 8th, 2009
Photo by Nancy Allen/The Daily Standard

Dennis Schwieterman, plant manager at Mercer Landmark's soybean extrusion plant in Rockford, shows soybean oil dripping from machinery at the plant. The facility extracts soybean oil that is shipped to other facilities for refining. The plant produces a zero trans fat oil that is in high demand for frying foods. Members of the first class in the Mercer County Agriculture Leadership Program toured the plant Thursday as part of their final session in the seven-month program that began in November.

Related online story:
Organizers of the Mercer County Agriculture Leadership Program hope to offer the program every other year after the first class deemed it a success.
Participants talked of their experiences during Thursday morning's monthly Mercer County ag breakfast meeting in Celina. [More]
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