Air Quality Alert issued July 16 at 3:18PM 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.

Air Quality Alert issued July 16 at 2:18PM EDT by NWS Wilmington OH (details ...)

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency has issued an Air Quality Advisory for the entire state of Ohio, until midnight EDT tonight.
Smoke from Canadian wildfires will adversely impact air quality today. The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency expects the Air Quality Index to be in the 'unhealthy' range.
For additional information, please visit the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency's website at epa.ohio.gov.

Special Weather Statement issued July 16 at 12:09PM EDT by NWS Wilmington OH (details ...)

Temperatures continue climb into the upper 80s to lower 90s today. This will combine with a humid airmass to produce heat indicies in the 95 to 100 degree range this afternoon.
Take extra precautions when outside. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing. Try to limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening.

Air Quality Alert issued July 16 at 10:53AM EDT by NWS Wilmington OH (details ...)

Air Quality Alert issued July 16 at 9:21AM EDT by NWS Wilmington OH (details ...)

Air Quality Alert issued July 16 at 12:23AM EDT by NWS Wilmington OH (details ...)

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency has issued an Air Quality Advisory for the entire state of Ohio, through midnight EDT tonight.
Smoke from Canadian wildfires will adversely impact air quality. The Agency expects the Air Quality Index to be in the 'unhealthy for sensitive groups' range.
For additional actions and information, please visit the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency's web site at epa.ohio.gov.

Air Quality Alert issued July 16 at 12:16AM EDT by NWS Wilmington OH (details ...)

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency has issued an Air Quality Advisory for the entire state of Ohio, from 7 AM Thursday to midnight EDT tonight.
Smoke from Canadian wildfires will adversely impact air quality. The Agency expects the Air Quality Index to be in the 'unhealthy for sensitive groups' range.
For additional actions and information, please visit the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency's web site at epa.ohio.gov.

Air Quality Alert issued July 15 at 9:35PM EDT by NWS Wilmington OH (details ...)

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency has issued an Air Quality Advisory for the entire state of Ohio, from 7 AM Thursday to midnight EDT Thursday night.
Smoke from Canadian wildfires will adversely impact air quality. The Agency expects the Air Quality Index to be in the 'unhealthy for sensitive groups' range.
For additional actions and information, please visit the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency's web site at epa.ohio.gov.

Thursday, September 4th, 2008

Warning issued for illegal campground in Mercer village

By Shelley Grieshop

Local health officials are cracking down on an illegally-operated campground in the unincorporated village of Mercer along state Route 707.

In May 2007, the owner of the property, John Belton, was given information on how to develop a campground as required by law. He was told he needed a plan approved by the Ohio Department of Health (ODH), EPA permit approvals, proper sanitary sewers, etc., according to Michelle Kimmel, sanitarian and environmental health director for the Mercer County-Celina City Health Department.

"We heard he went to the Dublin Township trustees to get a zoning change (from agriculture to recreational) but was turned down," Kimmel told health board members meeting Wednesday.

Kimmel said she and fellow Sanitarian Chris Miller performed a surprise inspection at the "Lost Creek Campground" on Sunday - during the Labor Day weekend - and found seven or eight campers set up. State law stipulates that a campground exists when five or more campers are present.

Belton reportedly has advertised the campground - distributing flyers and posting signs in the area and at the entrance to the property - and continues to make improvements to the property to indicate a campground is operating on site, Kimmel said. He also operates a pick-up truck advertising the campground name.

Belton initially told the pair the property does not fit the definition of a campground since he "knows everyone camping there" and only accepts monetary donations for compensation.

Kimmel said a document will be drafted giving Belton a reasonable deadline to submit his plans to ODH. If he doesn't follow through, the matter will be turned over to the prosecuting attorney's office.

Board members discussed the illegal use of the land and agreed the issue could be sent on to the prosecutor's office.

Archive of September 4th, 2008

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Additional online story on this date

Employees working to fix leak in Celina pool

Celina city employees this week began searching for a phantom leak in Bryson Pool that was responsible for the loss of thousands of gallons of water during the summer. [More]

Subscriber and paid stories on this date

It's time to speak out - Ohio child support system looking for feedback

Child support agencies across the state are seeking input on how to improve a system that supports 1.3 million children in Ohio, with 7,500 of them in Mercer and Auglaize counties.

Man enters guilty plea to 11th OVI

A Coldwater man, who admitted he is an alcoholic during a Wednesday appearance in Mercer County Common Pleas Court, will serve 60 days in jail and pay a $2,500 fine after pleading guilty to an 11th charge of operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Street resurfacing will not be completed in time for Oktoberfest

MINSTER - The 2008 minor street resurfacing program will get underway a little later than usual as Minster village councilors reviewed and accepted a second set of bids Tuesday night.

St. Marys looking for 10th straight win in Battle of Grand Lake

The Battle of Grand Lake rivalry game between the Celina and St. Marys football teams has been a one-sided affair for nearly a decade.

St. Marys ha

First two games help WBL and the MAC

Last week it was noted that the Western Buckeye League finished its non-conference season with a league mark of 3-7.

While the three wins is not as good as the WBL would have liked, it was a big improvement on last season's 0-10 mark.

Impact Game of the Week:

Parkway at Marion Local

Both the Panthers and Flyers have jumped out to big starts on the season with a great mix of defense (Marion allowing 3.5 points per game, Parkway 7 points per game) and offense (106 points for Marion, 66 for Parkway).

Grand Lake Football Primer

Bits and Pieces...

Compiled by Gary R. Rasberry

Talk about efficient: Four touches, four scores. Not a bad statline.

Marion Local WR Marcus Moeller was a serious contender for the Offensive and Special Teams Impact Player with a solid night against Harvest Prep on Saturday night.