Ohio remains financially strapped and counties are being forced to pay more to fund attorneys for an increasing number of people who can't afford one [More]

ST. HENRY - Think Gumby.

The popular green, bell-bottomed clay character from the '50s would have felt at home at a Camp Inquire class in St. Henry this week, where teacher Monica Wehrle is helping students master the art of "claymation" - creating videos with clay figures in simulated action.

ST. MARYS - What's new in crime in Auglaize County? It's all about drugs, drugs and more drugs, according to the county prosecutor. The problem is escalating.

The Ohio Supreme Court has turned down another appeal filed on behalf of former Chickasaw resident Nicholas Schwieterman, who is serving a 24-year prison sentence for a traffic accident that claimed the lives of four Maria Stein-area men.

GRAND LAKE - The first of three sediment Collectors was installed in Big Chickasaw Creek at the intersection of state Route 219 and Behms Road on Wednesday. [More]

A new proposal by the U.S. Department of Education intended to improve national education would undermine the local area, according to Mercer County Educational Service Center (ESC) Superintendent Andy Smith.

All employees of the Mercer County Educational Service Center will receive a 0.75 percent increase in salary, according to Treasurer Mary Brandon.

Board members this week approved the increase that will affect its estimated 97 employees for the 2010-2011 school year, Brandon told the newspaper.

CELINA - The city will hold a public hearing at 6 p.m. tonight in the utility building conference room regarding a new warehouse to be built in the Grand Lake Industrial Park.

FORT LORAMIE - Country superstar Keith Urban will close out this year's 30th annual Country Concert scheduled for July 8-10 at Hickory Hill Lakes in Fort Loramie.

It's never easy when trying to select the best Grand Lake area softball Player and Coach of the Year, but this year's honorees are well deserving of the recognition.