CELINA - The world may seem like it's been brought to a standstill, but the Mercer County Board for Developmental Disabilities is still working to provide services and bring a little cheer to locals with disabilities.

Many staff members are working remotely as they continue helping families get supplies or information, while direct-care providers continue to provide hands-on service. [More]

WAPAKONETA - An Auglaize County resident has tested positive for COVID-19, according to an Auglaize County Health Department news release, the first for that county.

Health commissioner Oliver Fisher said the department received the positive test result from an Ohio Department of Health lab at 4:25 p.m. Friday. The person is a 65-year-old female, who is being treated at a local hospital. [More]

CELINA - A second person has tested positive for COVID-19 in Mercer County, according to a Mercer County Health District news release issued Thursday evening.

The district received results around 6:30 p.m. Thursday, district administrator Jason Menchhofer said. Testing was reportedly completed at an Ohio Department of Health testing lab. [More]

Bears have been popping up all over the area, peeking out of windows and perching on porches, waiting to be discovered by families on the hunt.

Care Bears have invaded Brooke Wente's shop, Lather: A Hair Company for Him and Her in New Bremen, but for her and her three kids, Lucy, 6; Jack, 4; and Olive, 2, the hunt didn't end there. By Wednesday morning, her kids were excited to hit the sidewalks to see just how many bears they could find lurking in the community. [More]

The Ohio High School Athletic Association formally canceled the remaining winter sports tournaments on Thursday, as expected with schools remaining closed due to an order from Gov. Mike DeWine.

In a news release, OHSAA executive director Jerry Snodgrass stated that the continued priority was the health of athletes and fans. [More]

COLDWATER - Prudent use of personal protective equipment has become a priority for Mercer Health staff as both the state and nation are critically short during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Along with creating high demand for certain medical supplies and preventive gear, COVID-19 has also disrupted the global supply lines that would provide such supplies. [More]

  ST. MARYS - Mayor Patrick McGowan reassured residents that water, sewer, electric, police, fire and EMS services will be provided in the face of the coranavirus pandemic.

Officials have limited access to city buildings and having employees work remotely, he said in a news release. Non-essential services such as brush pickup and curbside recycling pickup will face temporary disruptions or interruptions until further notice. [More]

NEW BREMEN - The iconic image of Rosie the Riveter has become the symbol for a local organization whose volunteers have stepped up to help keep area health care workers safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Blanketeer founder Emilie Britton of New Bremen changed gears in recent days. The group that typically sews blankets for people in hospitals or nursing homes or anyone needing comfort, is also making protective face masks. [More]

  Local health care facilities and emergency responders are seeking donations of personal protective equipment due to a national shortage during the COVID-19 crisis.
Mercer Health

Mercer Health officials are welcoming donations of unopened PPE, along with fabric masks made by community members, according to a news release. [More]

CELINA - A Mercer County resident has tested positive for COVID-19, according to a Mercer County Health District news release.

The district received the test results after 6 p.m. Tuesday and announced the person was a hospitalized patient, health administrator Jason Menchhofer said. [More]