Third-graders who failed the reading portion of the Ohio Achievement Assessment test in the fall are getting extra help to improve their chances of passing it when it is administered again in the spring. [More]

A local agricultural leader says the farm bill is going nowhere, and he isn't sure if Congress will pass it this year as only four more sessions are scheduled before Jan. 1.

Mercer County soil and water technician Matt Heckler said he believes most farmers in the Grand Lake Watershed will be ready for a ban on applying manure that starts Sunday and lasts through March 1.

Fake automated calls from a local bank are being made to Mercer County residents saying debit cards are locked and asking for account numbers and security codes.

An Indiana man who sent emergency personnel rushing to Grand Lake in June 2012 on a fictitious report of a child being dumped into the water has received a suspended jail sentence in Mercer County Common Pleas Court.

CELINA - A 22-year-old bank robbery suspect is scheduled to enter a plea Dec. 16 in Mercer County Common Pleas Court.

Cody J. Maxwell, at large, faces charges of robbery, a second-degree felony, and theft, a fifth-degree felony, in connection with a Nov. 15 robbery at People's Bank.

WAPAKONETA - Auglaize County Sheriff Allen Solomon on Thursday asked commissioners for about $19,569 more in 2014 than this year to cover his various costs.

FORT RECOVERY - Marion Local's game-changing run to end the third quarter turned a close game into a blowout as the Flyers opened Midwest Athletic Conference action with a 63-46 victory over Fort Recovery on Thursday night at Fort Site Fieldhouse. [More]

COLDWATER - After opening the season with a loss, Coldwater's girls basketball team has now reeled off four straight wins following Thursday's 56-28 victory over St. Henry in the Midwest Athletic Conference opener for both teams.

Compiled by Ryan Hines and Gary R. Rasberry

Elida outscored Celina 11-0 in the final quarter to pull away for a 51-30 win in the Western Buckeye League opener on Thursday at The Fieldhouse.