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.
State strengthens protocols for handling people exposed
By Shelley Grieshop
CELINA - Mercer County health officials want to know the extent of their authority to quarantine people with a suspected or confirmed case of Ebola.
Although no cases of the deadly disease have been diagnosed locally or in Ohio, county medical director Dr. Philip Masser during a health board meeting Wednesday asked area epidemiologist Deb Scheer if the agency has the authority and power to enforce quarantine. [More]
CELINA - Officers from the Mercer County Sheriff's Office and Celina Police Department are forming a new task force to combat drug use and trafficking in the area.
The Heroin Interdiction Squad, known as the HIT Squad, will target heroin users a [More]
ST. MARYS - St. Marys board of education members approved a new two-year contract for teachers and staff that includes a 2 percent raise each of the two years.
CELINA - City council members this week approved a new three-year deal with non-union officials and employees that mirrors raises recently given to the Celina Municipal Employee Representative Committee.
MINSTER - Minster Local Schools District officials will be looking for ways to pay for the added costs associated with the College Credit Plus program.
COLUMBUS - Singer-songwriter Ryan Adams is one of the premier interpreters of American music, restlessly dabbling in and reinvigorating the grand traditions of country, folk, rock - even metal - to forge sounds that best convey his lyrics of deep introspection and inner turmoil.
MARIA STEIN - Marion Local basketball standout Luke Knapke formally sealed his commitment to the University of Toledo on Wednesday by signing his National Letter of Intent.
The Weekly Area High School Football Preview Section
Players of the Week:
OFFENSE
Josh Nixon, QB
Minster
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16-for-31 for 280 yards, six touchdowns/ two interceptions in the Wildcats' 42-41 win over Mechanicsburg.
