a_d
Wednesday, January 13th, 2016

Celina police officers arrest stolen bus suspect

By Jared Mauch
CELINA - Celina police arrested a Kentucky man after he was stopped for driving a school bus reportedly stolen from Evansville, Ind.
Christopher Whitney, 55, Ownesboro, Ky., reportedly surrendered without incident after he was stopped at 8:54 a.m. at the intersection of South Main Street and Fayette Street.
He is being held in the Mercer County jail on a driver's license charge, according to a Celina police news release.
Whitney reportedly drove the bus northbound on U.S. 127 into the city.
He was the only occupant, police chief Tom Wale said.
The bus was being tracked by GPS, according to the news release.
The incident is being reviewed by Mercer County Prosecutor Matt Fox for possible felony charges.
a_d
Archive of January 13th, 2016
Buy this E-Edition
Additional online stories on this date
Celina denied grant
CELINA - Celina's bid for a $3 million grant to develop its park systems came to an end today with the announcement of 15 semifinalists in America's Best Communities competition. [More]
Parkway schools official cites need for stadium repairs
ROCKFORD - Panther Stadium will likely need upgrades in the near future as seats on the home side continue to decay.
Athletic director Doug Hughes told Parkway Local Schools Board of Education members at Tuesday's meeting that the home football bleachers are becoming a cause for concern. [More]
Subscriber and paid stories on this date
Officials ponder windfall
If resident wins, town would reap $22 million
Even city officials are dreaming about what they could do if someone from Celina or St. Marys wins tonight's Powerball jackpot.
A local winner would pay $22.5 million in city income taxes in either city since both have a 1.5 percent income tax.
County to issue hauling permits
CELINA - The county engineer this week was given the green light to establish a hauling permit system for heavy loads on local roads.
Mercer County currently does not issue permits for heavy loads hauled across county and township roadways, although the state does for the highways it maintains.
Koesters sworn in as St. Henry mayor; Mescher fills vacancy
ST. HENRY - A new mayor was sworn into office Monday and a new face will join village council by the end of the month.
St. Henry Village Council me
Village lists 2015 accomplishments
St. Henry Village Administrator Ron Gelhaus on Monday night recapped the town's highlights and accomplishments in 2015.
Steps taken in recent years
Fort school board welcomes new members
FORT RECOVERY - Board of education members on Tuesday night reorganized, with new members Mike Grube and Mitch Ervin coming aboard.
Superintendent Justin Firks also gave an update on the resurfacing of the football field and spoke about the installation of new team banners.
Wabash River board OKs appropriations
The Wabash River Conservancy board approved 2016 appropriations totaling $36,185, conservancy secretary Lil Knapke said after the group's meeting on Saturday.
Area man faces porn charge
ST. MARYS - A St. Marys man has been arrested on two counts of pandering sexually oriented matter involving a minor, according to a news release.
St. Marys police officers on Monday arrested Harley Stein, 34, 133 S. Vine St., at his residence, the release said.
Fort Recovery man gets 12 years in prison
GREENVILLE - A Fort Recovery man sentenced to four years in prison for sexually assaulting a family member in Mercer County recently was ordered to serve 12 years in prison for related charges in Darke County.
Icy roads cause accidents
By SHELLEY GRIESHOP and CLAIRE GIESIGE
newsdept@dailystandard.com
Icy roads created dangerous driving conditions on Tuesday with an injury accident in New Bremen and at least 17 vehicles sliding off Mercer County roadways.
MAC had exciting weekend
Prep Highlights
It's time for the first highlights column of the new year.
... because last Friday alone was too good not to recap.
Two game-winners at the bu