MINSTER - School board members on Monday night unanimously voted to close the elementary school for the 2011-2012 school year as a way to cut costs.

The closing is one part of a cost-cutting plan, called Plan C, laid out by board president Kurt Forsthoefel during two community meetings in November. Closing the school on North Hanover Street is expected to save the district $320,000 annually. [More]

CELINA - Nearly three dozen downtown businesses will share $340,000 to spruce up their shops, thanks to an early Christmas gift from the state.

The Ohio Department of Development (ODD) this week announced the city of Celina, on behalf of 34 retailers, was awarded a $400,000 Tier-Two grant. The businesses will use most of the money for facade and code improvements; the remaining $60,000 will pay for administrative costs, environmental studies and other expenses, officials said. [More]