Mercer County's economic development office is hoping to land a $500,000 EPA grant to explore more ways to improve Grand Lake's water quality.

The

A strong networking system with leaders willing to share and initiate ideas is key to boosting the local economy, according to a professional economic advisor.

ST. MARYS - Council has paved the way for new commerce in St. Marys with the emergency passage of an ordinance expanding a commercial reinvestment area (CRA) north of town and abutting Fortman Drive.

Three pollution complaints were presented to Mercer County Soil and Water Conservation District board members meeting Thursday.

Technician Theresa Dirksen said an April 14 report of manure in the west branch of Coldwater Creek turned out to be algae, not manure.

ROCKFORD - Parkway high school students devoted an entire day to community projects recently, a campaign the principal wants to continue.

"I've h

Iris is Pat Meikle's favorite flower and her love for the spring and early summer flowering perennial is evidenced in the numerous flower beds that grace the landscaping at her Highland Park home. Approximately 25 to 30 varieties of the stately iris takes centerstage in her beds.

LIMA - Given the potency of the Coldwater offense this season, the final score of Thursday's Division III sectional baseball final against Riverdale was a bit surprising.

MINSTER - The Parkway Panthers used some offensive magic in the late innings and got a gutsy pitching performance from Jared Bourelle to upset second-seeded New Knoxville Rangers in a Division IV sectional championship game on Thursday afternoon at Hanover Street Park in Minster.

Compiled by Gary R. Rasberry

New Bremen finished its baseball season on a high note, as Joel Hemmelgarn and Andy Timmerman combined for a no-hitter as the Cardinals defeated Spencerville 2-1 on Thursday.

After watching his father successfully drag race as a kid, Rockford's Mike Roediger was thinking he was going to follow in his father's footsteps and race in a straight line also. Then at 18 years old, he made his first trip to Eldora Speedway and all that changed.