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.
Mercer County will have a new commissioner next year as challenger Rick Muhlenkamp defeated incumbent Bob Nuding in the Republican primary Tuesday night.
Also, long-time Republican commissioner Jerry Laffin secured a ninth term after receiving 100 percent of the vote; his opponent Scott Bruns dropped out of the race last week. [More]
Program and personnel cuts are looming after voters Tuesday overwhelmingly defeated a proposed countywide property tax levy to fund the local health department.
The 0.6-mill levy in support of the Mercer County-Celina City Health Department was crushed by 66 percent of voters. Unofficial results show 5,178 votes against it and 2,665 in favor. [More]
NEW BREMEN - Voters in the New Bremen Local school district on Tuesday soundly defeated a combined 7.55-mill bond issue and permanent improvement levy to finance the construction and maintenance of a new K-8 building.
Just over 61 percent of those casting votes in Auglaize, Mercer and Shelby counties, or 972 people, were against the proposal that would have generated $13 million. Votes in favor of the levy totaled 607. [More]
MINSTER - Officials are expected to sign paperwork for a $2.2 million loan in the coming days after Minster council members approved the action Tuesday night.
ROCKFORD - Village council on Tuesday passed in final reading a new flood regulation ordinance to meet federal requirements.
Areas around the St. Marys River are flood prone, therefore, the village is required to establish regulations to promote public safety and minimize damage and loss of money.
ELIDA - The anticipated rematch between St. Henry and Fort Recovery is right on schedule for Friday night after the two Midwest Athletic Conference rivals overcame upset bids by Delphos St. John's and Crestview on Tuesday night.
