CELINA - Local health officials continue to monitor a growing outbreak of pertussis, also known as whooping cough.

The total number of Bordetella pertussis cases in Mercer County as of this week is 21; the initial case was reported Oct. 13.

CELINA - Mercer County Fair officials plan to use state funds and other dollars to pay for the construction of a proposed multipurpose building costing about $100,000. [More]

By CLAIRE GIESIGE
and WILLIAM KINCAID
Staff writers

CELINA - The force may awaken some new fans with the latest "Star Wars" installment but Thursday night Celina Cinema 5 was filled mainly with the faithful.

CELINA - County health employees likely will receive 40-cent-per-hour raises in January after the board took action on Wednesday.

The Mercer County

WAPAKONETA - County officials are advancing plans for a new recycling materials baler to improve processing at the Auglaize County Recycling and Solid Waste Center.

MINSTER - Minster coach Nann Stechschulte was admittiedly dissatisfied with some of the things her team did in Thursday's game against Marion Local.

But hey, a win's a win as the Wildcats posted a 36-35 victory against another quality Midwest Athletic Conference opponent and remained unbeaten. [More]

COLDWATER - Coldwater overcame a nine-point first half deficit to hold a three-point lead with 3:10 left to play, only to have Delphos St. John's score the final 10 points of the game to pick up a 45-38 win in MAC girls basketball action at the Palace on Thursday night.

NEW KNOXVILLE - Playing without their leading scorer, the New Knoxville Rangers opened the game by going nearly seven minutes without scoring and fell behind by 10 points to St. Henry in the first quarter.

Compiled by Gary R. Rasberry

Celina jumped to a big lead against Bath and then held off the Wildkittens in the fourth quarter to pick up the 38-34 win in WBL girls basketball action Thursday night in Bath Township.