CELINA - Mercer County Board of Elections officials urged voters to wear their masks when voting in person, noting 50% of poll workers are 60 and older, making them especially vulnerable to COVID-19.

MINSTER - After twice receiving identical bids from two prospective buyers for a 17-acre wooded tract, village officials hope the tie is broken when the next round of bids is received.

CELINA - A judge rejected a Bradford man's guilty plea to charges that include vehicular homicide on Tuesday as officials await lab results that reportedly could lead to more serious charges.

Mercer County's unemployment rate improved in September, while remaining the third-lowest in the state.

The rate dropped from 5.2% in August to 4.4% in September, according to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.

WAPAKONETA - Auglaize Mercer Business Education Alliance Executive Director Shelly Busse is resigning, creating a leadership opening at the business advisory council that has gained statewide recognition.

ROCKFORD - Village officials plan to use $28,631 of coronavirus relief funds to replace water meters around the village, saying new no-contact meters would help ensure the safety of business employees and residents.

MARIA STEIN - Ottoville kept it close early, but Marion Local rounded into form as the match went along, finishing off a 25-17, 25-15, 25-11 sweep to advance to the second round of the Division IV tournament at the Hangar on Tuesday night.

Bath's Chandler Clark and Shawnee's Zach Chambers were named the Western Buckeye League's Players of the Year in girls and boys soccer, respectively, by the league coaches.

Ottawa-Glandorf senior Maddie White was voted the Western Buckeye League's volleyball Player of the Year on Tuesday.

White was a major contributor

Compiled by Gary R. Rasberry

Minster got a final tune-up before starting the postseason on Thursday with a 23-25, 25-15, 25-20, 15-25, 15-7 non-conference win over Leipsic on Tuesday.