NEW BREMEN - Village councilors on Wednesday evening approved final reading of the 2024 budget at about $27 million.

Fiscal officer Amy Speelman said the budget is estimated at $27 million, compared to $24.7 million this year and $27.3 million in 2022.

Mercer County once again had the lowest joblessness in Ohio in November, extending the county's streak of holding the first place title among Ohio's 88 counties. [More]

COLDWATER - Marcella Hemmelgarn has covered a lot of ground in a century.

The soon-to-be 105-year-old Sharpsburg native, now living at Briarwood Vi

MONTEZUMA - Village councilors on Wednesday night discussed the recent inspection and maintenance of Montezuma's lone traffic light at State Route 219 and Canal Street.

FORT RECOVERY - Village councilors held a special meeting on Wednesday morning to amend 2023 appropriations and re-appoint the mayor and two councilors.

This is the second in a series of Mercer County personalities who have won national acclaim in their chosen professions.

Last week, we told of baritone soloist Harry Sylvester and astronomer William C. Hussey.

By GARY R. RASBERRY and ROBB HEMMELGARN
sports@dailystandard.com

MARIA STEIN - The Battle of 119 basketball challenge got out to a roaring start as the Hangar in Maria Stein hosted the first round-robin matchup between St. Henry and Marion Local. [More]

CELINA - New Bremen's zone defense baffled Celina on Wednesday night.

You could say New Bremen's shooters were in the zone, too.

Aaron Thieman (1

Compiled by Gary R. Rasberry

The Celina wrestling team bounced back from a tough loss to St. Marys last Thursday to win the Parkway Holiday Tournament on Wednesday at Panther Gymnasium in Rockford.