An unwanted guest could be lurking among family and friends at Thanksgiving gatherings.

Local health officials fear an ongoing outbreak of pertussis (whooping cough) could worsen in the coming weeks if people don't heed precautions. [More]

CELINA - Elections officials are requesting an additional $100,000 in 2016 from Mercer County Commissioners to cover anticipated high upfront costs for up to five elections.

Protection from the pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine wanes each year but the shots are still recommended to lessen the severity and protect the very young, according to health officials.

WAPAKONETA - Auglaize County Commissioners are considering a request for $12,000 by the Lima Allen Council on Community Affairs to help fund a job-related program.

ST. MARYS - A former sex offender convicted in Mercer and Auglaize counties was indicted this week for allegedly possessing and sharing child pornography.

COLDWATER - Dayton native Joanne Huist Smith on Thursday night discussed her Christmas memoir before a moved audience at the Coldwater Public Library [More]

A burned body was found Sunday morning at Lake Loramie State Park in Shelby County.

The body has not yet been identified and an investigation into the fatal incident is ongoing, according to a spokesman for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

CELINA - An 89-year-old man was found safe and in good health Thursday evening by Wapakoneta police after hours of no contact with family members.

Celina Police Chief Tom Wale reported Eugene L. Cool, Celina, was located in Wapakoneta at about 7 p.m. in good health and returned to his family.

Celina senior soccer player Caelyn Reineke added to her WBL Player of the Year and All-Ohio honors with the Division II Girls SoccerPlayer of the Year award from the Northwest Ohio Scholastic Soccer Coaches Association.