The U.S. economy may be stagnant and unpredictable, but locally signs of growth are evident.

Mercer County tied for the lowest unemployment rate - 6.5 percent - in the state in July, and some business officials say their companies are recalling laid-off workers and hiring new employees.

CELINA - Summer statistics at CALL Food Pantry in Celina - the largest pantry in Mercer County - soberingly counter the county's improving unemployment percentage: More people than ever in CALL's 21-year history are in need of food.

A four-year smoking ban at businesses and workplaces has had a positive impact on the health of Ohioans, according to studies by the Ohio Department of Health. [More]

GRAND LAKE AREA - Two area dams - one supporting Grand Lake to the west and another in rural Fort Recovery - have minor problems but pose no immediate safety hazards, state officials say.

MINSTER - Area residents will have more time to "Meet the Steinemanns" at the Minster Historical Museum.

The display is being extended well into 2012 because people are experiencing problems getting to the museum with a large portion of Fourth Street closed for a construction project.

CELINA - City council members want to know if they can exclude elected city officials' spouses from using city insurance or at least assess a surcharge for their coverage to save money.

CELINA - Darrell Regedanz is unable to watch his grandson ride his bike because his house trailer doesn't have an attached ramp for his wheelchair.

Thanks to community volunteers, the 58-year-old Celina man will soon have the ability to go outside.

Attorneys for a 78-year-old St. Henry man charged with five counts of gross sexual imposition have withdrawn a motion to suppress statements he made to law enforcement officers.

A bishop, former pastors and the congregation of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Washington Township will celebrate its 150th anniversary on Sunday.

Bi

EGYPT - Fifty-five weathered grave markers stand in straight rows at St. Joseph Cemetery in memory of Precious Blood sisters and brothers who served the area more than a century ago. [More]

CELINA - With both Celina and Ottawa-Glandorf playing a solid defensive game, it took an exceptional play to result in the lone goal of the match. [More]

Compiled by Ryan Hines and Gary R. Rasberry

The streak is over.

Celina's volleyball team is the three-time defending Western Buckeye League champion, but the 2011 league opener ended in heartbreak for the Bulldogs.

Compiled by Gary R. Rasberry

Celina improved to 3-0 in Western Buckeye League girls' tennis action on Thursday after a 5-0 sweep over Wapakoneta at the Booster Club Courts.

The Indianapolis 500 has the most famous three-wide start in all of auto racing. The start is one of the marquee moments of the event each year but it is far from the only race that features a three-abreast start.