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.
CELINA - School board members are considering the next step after a bond levy for a school construction project failed at the November election.
Board members during a meeting Monday agreed they would look into the reasons why voters rejected the issue before placing it on a future ballot. They will consider altering the project and lowering the ballot issue. [More]
ST. HENRY - Students attending kindergarten next year will spend a full day, every day, in the classroom.
Board of education members Monday night approved all-day, everyday kindergarten for the 2013-2014 school year. The school currently has four classes of kindergarten students that attend full days on an alternating basis of two or three days per week. [More]
ST. MARYS - The city expects a carryover of $24.3 million in all funds going into 2013.
St. Marys city council financial committee learned Monday that appropriations and revenues for 2013 are expected to mirror 2012's.
Safety service director Eric Ostling said 2013 appropriations are estimated at about $45.6 million. Total appropriations for 2012 were $45.7 million, with anticipated spending at $41.8 million. [More]
FORT RECOVERY - Dr. James Vaughn, a retired Fort Recovery dentist, has been collecting and dabbling in antique Christmas lights since he was a freshman in high school.
Investigators seize car to search for clues in case
A Fort Recovery High School teacher made an appearance in Mercer County Common Pleas Court on Monday after being indicted on three counts of sexual battery involving a former student.
CELINA - Police chief Dave Slusser is worried his department will exceed its annual payroll budget, explaining to city council members on Monday night that Celina has been lucky not to have had a major crime spree in recent years.
MINSTER - Board of education members Monday night formally accepted a donation in excess of $800,000 from the athletic boosters for upgrades to Minster Memorial Field.
MARIA STEIN - Superintendent Mike Pohlman warned board of education members Monday night that they could face important decisions as legislators consider revamping state-issued report cards.
The Mercer County Educational Service Center board of governors on Monday unanimously approved additions to its 2012-13 substitute teacher and teacher aide lists.
MARIA STEIN - Josie Winner's volleyball season started with an injury but ended with a college signing.
The Marion Local volleyball standout made it official on Monday, signing with NCAA Division I Eastern Illinois to continue her education and volleyball career.
