The newest deputy at the Mercer County Sheriff's Office saunters down the hall with ears perked and eyes pealed in the event of some miscue or - better yet - a treat.

Zak, a 2-year-old German Shepherd who hails from the Czech Republic, joined the sheriff's office staff Oct. 18. He replaces Bleck, the former K9 unit who died in August from complications of an intestinal disorder. [More]

Several Grand Lake-area business owners are planning a class-action lawsuit against local farmers whom they blame for the polluted lake and their own loss of revenue.

Local businessman Bill Goodwin said he held a meeting at his home on Tuesday to discuss the issue with about 20 area individuals. Three law firms from Georgia, Missouri and Indiana intend to jointly pursue the case, according to documents obtained by The Daily Standard. [More]