CELINA - City council members passed final reading of this year's budget but will have to wait a few more weeks to learn the final carryover amount from 2012. [More]

MARIA STEIN - School district residents will see a levy on the May ballot that, if approved, would increase taxes next year.

School board members on Monday approved seeking a renewal plus increase levy at the polls in May.

ST. HENRY - Village council members Monday night took the first step toward placing a 1/2 percent income tax increase before voters in May for special projects and operating expenses.

MINSTER - The school-owned baseball field at Melcher Street Park will receive a new electronic scoreboard.

School board recreation committee member Bryan Niemeyer told fellow board members on Monday the $35,686 project comes at no cost to the school district; all funds were provided by donors.

CELINA - Anyone wishing to drive a vehicle on any city sidewalk to plow snow must first seek authorization from safety service director Tom Hitchcock or risk a minor misdemeanor citation.

COLDWATER - Village manager Eric Thomas on Monday told council members village crews recently completed an extensive renovation project at the water plant.

ST. MARYS - After a productive 2012, mayor Patrick McGowan looks forward to the coming year.

During McGowan's annual report to council at a meeting

Four Mercer County agricultural operations were among 78 statewide designated Century Farms in 2012 by the Ohio Department of Agriculture.

Century farm status is awarded to families who have owned the same farm for at least 100 consecutive years.

CELINA - A second-half explosion by Celina's boys basketball team turned a close game against Marion Local into a Bulldogs' blowout over the Flyers.

Celina outscored Marion Local 37-20 after halftime en route to a convincing 61-41 win on Monday night at the Fieldhouse. [More]

Compiled by Gary R. Rasberry

St. Henry's girls basketball team slipped to 7-7 on the season after a 60-46 loss on the road at Sidney on Monday night.

Area jewelers say the biggest change they have seen in the industry in recent years is the wide variety of engagement and wedding rings available today.