Tuesday, February 26th, 2013
Sequestration happens Friday if Congress, Obama don't cut a deal
By Shelley Grieshop
CELINA - The looming sequestration - federal funding cuts dawning Friday if Congress and President Obama don't cut a deal - could impact services locally.
Mercer County Head Start Director Carol Schroyer is preparing to slash 8 percent or $85,000 from the program's budget. [More]
By Shelley Grieshop
CELINA - Plumbing supply giant Ferguson on Monday was tapped for a 45 percent state tax credit for its proposed business east of the city.
The company was one of seven across the state approved for tax breaks by the Ohio Tax Credit Authority.   
The eight-year tax credit hinges on Ferguson's creation of a $1.7 million annual payroll within three years. Other terms of the deal require the company to maintain operations at the new site for at least 11 years. [More]
Obituaries on February 26th, 2013
Alva F. Kittle, 90, Piqua, died at 9:29 p.m. Feb. 24, 2013, at Upper Valley Medical Center. [More]
Shirley A. Mertz, Celina, died at 10:50 a.m. Feb. 25, 2013, at her home.
Fune [More]
Elsie C. VanOss, 95, Minster, died at 3:15 a.m. Feb. 25, 2013, at Heritage Manor Nursing Center in Minster. She had been a resident there for nine years. [More]
James A. Adams, 84, St. Marys, died at 9:45 p.m. Feb. 22, 2013, at St. Marys Living Center. [More]
Local pictures on February 26th, 2013
Subscriber stories on February 26th, 2013
CELINA - City council members agree purchasing the First Financial Bank is a good move for the city, with some calling it a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and a no-brainer.
It is not clear what effect Friday's potential sequestration would have on local Farm Service Agency operations that operate under the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Homeowners to be billed for curbing along their properties
ST. HENRY - Village council members on Monday night heard second reading on a resolution to widen and place curbing along South Westview Avenue.
A third and final reading is planned for the next meeting March 11.
ST. MARYS - The city will apply for a Safe Routes to School grant to encourage walking and biking to school.
City council members on Monday passed
Grand Lake
CELINA - The Grand Lake St. Marys flotilla of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is looking for a few good men and women to boost the outfit's presence on the lake.
MARIA STEIN - Plans for the annual community address/awards banquet were finalized during the February meeting of the Marion Community Development Organization.
A 40-year-old Van Wert County woman has been charged with falsifying her timecards for work conducted under the umbrella of the Mercer County One Stop System.
COLDWATER - Village council members on Monday night unanimously passed a resolution to cover the $8,093.61 demolition cost for a recently leveled structure.
Uhlenhake will be prepared to wrestle as an alternate
COLDWATER - After two years with no representation at the state wrestling meet, the Coldwater Cavaliers will have two grapplers competing later this week, with another alternate waiting in the wings.
A successful first year for the Wright State University-Lake Campus baseball program has head coach Robb Howell excited for year two.
After compili