Tuesday, March 10th, 2015
By Shelley Grieshop
Shipping woes in recent months from a partial shutdown of ports along the West Coast may be to blame for higher unemployment rates locally in January.
Mercer County's unemployment rate spiked from 2.6 percent in December to 4.2 percent in January, according to data released today by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. [More]
By Jared Mauch
ROSSBURG - Officials are still trying to track down who is responsible for hacking the Eldora Speedway website ostensibly in the name of the Islamic State.
The Darke County Sheriff's Office was notified of the posting that read "Hacked by Islamic State (ISIS) We are everywhere :)" by Eldora general manager Roger Slack on Saturday afternoon. [More]
Sandy Stammen gives tearful farewell during board meeting
By Kathy Thompson
ST. HENRY - Sandy Stammen couldn't keep the tears from her eyes as her resignation letter was read at Monday's school board meeting.
Stammen, 51, is retiring after serving 21 years as the St. Henry Elementary School principal. While she loves her job, co-workers and students, she feels it's time to spend time with her family, she said. [More]
Obituaries on March 10th, 2015
Richard "Dick" Miller, 63, St. Marys, died at 5:34 p.m. March 8, 2015, at OSU Medical Center, Columbus. [More]
Dorothy K. Siegrist, 94, formerly of Maria Stein, died at 5:10 p.m. March 7, 2015, at Briarwood Village, Coldwater. [More]
Donald E. Thomas Sr., 73, Celina, died at 12:37 a.m. March 9, 2015, at OSU Medical Center, Columbus. [More]
Bruce A. Glass, 58, St. Marys, passed away at 6:30 a.m. March 9, 2015, at his residence surrounded by his loved ones. [More]
Vernon C. Warner, 89, St. Marys, died at 3:46 a.m. March 5, 2015, at Lima Memorial Hospital. [More]
Virginia R. Wierwille, 87, St. Marys, died at 10:13 p.m. March 8, 2015, at Joint Township District Memorial Hospital, St. Marys. [More]
Herman H. "Ham" Uhlenhake, 94, Chickasaw and a longtime resident of Celina, die [More]
Local pictures on March 10th, 2015
Subscriber stories on March 10th, 2015
Wright State-Lake Campus group seeks closer ties
CELINA - The Wright State University-Lake Campus Alumni Association wants to expand its profile in the city, including possibly hosting a tailgate event at Eastview Park in conjunction with a Lakers baseball game.
MARIA STEIN - A Marion Local High School teacher made his case to the board of education Monday night to keep the job he has held for 13 years. Nine other people also came to his defense during the meeting.
Resignations for retirement accepted at Marion Local
MARIA STEIN - Although the crowd at Monday's Marion Local Board of Education meeting wasn't as large as at last month's meeting, several Common Core opponents again spoke out against the mandate and associated tests. Several opponents called on the board to take a public stand.
WAPAKONETA - Auglaize County Commissioners are developing priorities for their Community Development Block Grant application, with a water treatment plant in St. Marys topping the list.
NEW BREMEN - City council members are considering making a part-time police officer position full-time to account for employee experience and difficulty in covering shifts.
Land will be used to develop park district
CELINA - City officials have officially closed on the acquisition of the former Mercelina Mobile Court, mayor Jeff Hazel said Monday night at the regular council meeting.
CELINA - The governing board of the Mercer County Educational Service Center on Monday night officially approved hiring Shelly Vaughn of Fort Recovery as the organization's new superintendent, according to treasurer Mary Brandon.
ST. HENRY - Council members passed two $5 permissive tax levies on vehicle registrations without any opposition Monday night.
The two fees will give the village an extra $24,000 per year to be spent exclusively on street projects.
COLDWATER - Village council on Monday night approved a pair of $5 fees on vehicle registrations issued in the village.
Councilman Kevin Brunswick cast the sole "no" vote.
ST. MARYS - A zoning change would allow St. Marys Foundry officials to create a green space at the corner of Pine and South streets.
City council members on Monday night heard first reading of an ordinance granting the rezoning of 1.767 acres from residential to industrial.
Division IV Girls Basketball Regional Preview
Marion Local has seen a little bit of everything this girls basketball season.
The Midwest Athletic Conference champion Flyers (23-2) have played the best teams from their own conference, the Western Buckeye League and Shelby County League and did well against them.