Air Quality Alert issued July 17 at 12:43AM EDT by NWS Wilmington OH (details ...)
The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency has issued a statewide Air Quality Advisory for the entire state of Ohio as smoke from Canadian wildfires continues to adversely impact air quality.
Pollutants across the state are expected to range from the 'Unhealthy For Sensitive Groups' category in the southwest part of the state to the 'Unhealthy' category in the rest of the state. Hourly concentrations at times may reach the 'Very Unhealthy' to 'Hazardous' categories.
It is recommended, when possible, to avoid strenuous outdoor activities, especially those with heart disease and respiratory conditions like asthma. Watch for symptoms including wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, dizziness, or burning in the nose, throat, and eyes.
For additional information, please visit the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency's website at epa.ohio.gov.
72° 72° chance Sat 88° Sat 88° chance 66° 66° Sun 80° Sun 80°
Saturday, May 3rd, 2008
Photo by Mark Pummell/The Daily Standard

Bleck, the Mercer County Sheriff's new K-9 unit, represents a $15,000 investment made by Mercer County commissioners to protect area residents and law enforcement officers.

Related online story:
Deputy Bleck, a rookie with the Mercer County Sheriff's Office, appears meek and mild as he strolls through the office getting acquainted with the physical layout as well as friendly personnel who would rather pet his head than shake his paw. [More]
Additional pictures on this date