Editor's note: This is the first story of a three-part series about the heroin problem in the area, its impact on the community and steps being taken to deal with the problem. Names of those dealing with heroin addiction have been changed for the story to protect the person's identity. [More]

CELINA - A public hearing to resolve former police chief Dave Slusser's appeal over his firing has been postponed for the second time.

The week-long civil service commission hearing scheduled to begin Monday has been delayed until the week of Feb. 11.

CELINA - Thousands of dollars are on the line for landowners along Beaver Creek and the Wabash River who are suing the state for flood damage to their property.

CELINA - Health officials appeared optimistic Wednesday after learning improvements were made at a local refuse facility that remains in violation of the open dumping law. [More]

Three people were arrested on drug charges Wednesday during traffic stops in Coldwater and Celina.

Nathan P. Ayers, 26, 229 W. Warren St., Celina,

ST. MARYS - Residents in the St. Marys school district will vote on a renewal levy in the May 6 election.

School board members on Wednesday passed a resolution of necessity to renew the 5-year property tax levy that brings in $1.84 million annually and expires at the end of 2014.

WAPAKONETA - Employees with the Auglaize County Health Department will receive a 2 percent across-the-board raise starting next year.

Health board members on Tuesday approved the wage increase for its staff effective Jan. 2. The action was taken following an executive session.

YELLOW SPRINGS - Two friends who reconnected last spring to coordinate the Artistry Under the Dome event at St. Charles Senior Living Center are again sharing their talents and resources to host a new exhibit in the creative haven of Yellow Springs.

In a few months, John Dorner will begin his 25th year as St. Henry's baseball coach with an additional title - Hall of Famer.

Dorner will be inducted into the Ohio High School Baseball Coaches Association's Hall of Fame on Jan. 17 as part of the annual OHSBCA Coaches' Clinic in Columbus. [More]

Two teams looking to find the right mix will highlight Friday's Midwest Athletic Conference slate as Minster plays host to St. Henry at Wildcat Gymnasium.

CELINA - After starting the season with a pair of impressive wins over Bellefontaine and Lima Senior, Celina's boys basketball team opens the Western Buckeye League schedule on Friday night at the Fieldhouse against Bath.

As Nick Bertke takes a few minutes and drifts back a couple of decades, he talks about growing up on the family farm outside of Maria Stein, where there was never a shortage of chores to be accomplished on a daily basis.