Special Weather Statement issued January 19 at 7:13AM EST by NWS Wilmington OH (details ...)

Snow showers associated with an arctic front are moving through this morning, providing a quick accumulation of snowfall. With wind gusts between 30 and 40 mph, the snow showers combined with blowing snow are reducing visibility and creating challenging travel conditions. These conditions are most impactful on roads that are more rural and are aligned from north to south. Even after the snow ends, elevated winds will continue to blow snow into the early afternoon.
Use caution and allow for extra time to reach your destination.

Special Weather Statement issued January 19 at 4:06AM EST by NWS Wilmington OH (details ...)

An Arctic front will sweep east across the region between 5 AM and 9 AM. A few hours of snow showers and west wind gusts of 35 to 40 mph will occur with the frontal passage. While any accumulations will generally be a half inch or less, some challenging travel conditions may develop given, rapidly changing road conditions and visibilities, strong wind and cold temperatures. These conditions will impact the morning commute. Use caution and allow for extra time to reach your destination.

Cold Weather Advisory issued January 19 at 12:14AM EST until January 20 at 10:00AM EST by NWS Wilmington OH (details ...)

* WHAT...Very cold wind chills as low as 15 below zero expected.
* WHERE...Portions of east central Indiana and central and west central Ohio.
* WHEN...From 7 AM this morning to 10 AM EST Tuesday.
* IMPACTS...The cold wind chills could result in hypothermia if precautions are not taken. Wind chill values can lead to hypothermia with prolonged exposure.

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.