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.
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Wednesday, June 25th, 2008
Photo by Mark Pummell/The Daily Standard

Mercer County Sheriff Deputy Jerry Wolford takes off his helmet before refueling his motorcycle as Lt. Matt Grunden refuels an SUV before heading out on patrol Tuesday morning. The sheriff's office, like other law enforcement agencies throughout the area, is feeling the impact of rising fuel costs.

Related online story:
Area motorists are not the only ones feeling the pinch at the gas pump. Law enforcement agencies share the pain in the wake of soaring prices.
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