ST. HENRY - Though the new federal tax law took effect only on Jan. 1, two local business leaders believe the bill already has created tangible and philosophical results, boosting the morale of employers and employees.

U.S. Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, last week said the state's major private-sector employers are responding to tax reform by investing more in plants and equipment, raising wages, paying bonuses and strengthening retirement benefits.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration predicts all new vehicles will be fully self-driving by 2025.

Most drivers find this prospect unsettling, according to a 2016 AAA report. The report stated that 78 percent of Americans would be afraid to ride in an autonomous vehicle. [More]

CELINA - The state is providing financial assistance to county jails to help reimburse the cost of psychotropic drugs administered to inmates.

Merc

MINSTER - St. Marys and Minster basketball fans got a chance to watch their girls' and boys' basketball teams play in a doubleheader on Saturday night at Wildcat Gymnasium.

Compiled by Gary R. Rasberry

Area swimmers took to the pool on Saturday as the postseason began with Division II sectional meets held at the Lima YMCA and Ayersville High School.

Compiled by Gary R. Rasberry

The Coldwater boys' and St. Marys girls' bowling teams captured conference championships as the West Ohio High School Bowling Conference held its divisional playoffs on Saturday at Westgate Lanes in Lima. [More]

Area swimmers and divers that qualified for the Division II district meet this week (diving at Oak Harbor on Wednesday, swimming at BGSU on Friday). All distances in yards.