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°
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Find Date:
Tuesday, June 4th, 2019
Volunteers clean up farm fields
Tornado left debris scattered over miles
By Leslie Gartrell
CELINA - More than 100 volunteers showed up early Monday morning to help clear fields littered with debris from the Memorial Day tornado.
The Mercer County Soil and Water Conservation District led the charge for the cleanup after calling some local farmers to see if they needed help. Terry Wurster was one of those in need of help. [More]
Batting cleanup
Mariners help pick up debris in wake of tornado
By Colin Foster
CELINA - Grand Lake Mariners Head Coach Damon Haecker can see the havoc wreaked by last week's EF3 tornado in Celina from the porch of Dave and Gwen Howell's home.
"Our house is literally one block from where the tornado hit," said Haecker, who stays at the residence with his assistant coaches. "So obviously, from our front porch you can see how devastating it is."
The Mariners decided to do something about it. [More]
Obituaries on June 4th, 2019
Treva Claflin
Treva Claflin, 95, of Saint Marys, died 1:15 A.M. Friday, May 31, 2019, at Grande Lake Health Center, Saint Marys. [More]
Deloris Decker
Deloris E. Decker, 77, of Saint Marys, died 5:10 A.M. Saturday, June 1, 2019, at Saint Rita's Medical Center, Lima. [More]
Mary Knapke
Mary H. Knapke, 88, Minster, passed away at 1:10 AM on June 3, 2019 at Joint Township District Memorial Hospital, St. Marys, Ohio. [More]
Ruth Johnsman
Ruth M. Johnsman, age 91, of Celina, Ohio, passed away on May 31, 2019, at 5:07 [More]
Local pictures on June 4th, 2019
Subscriber stories on June 4th, 2019
Motorists, farmers should use caution
Some fields finally dried out enough for tillage, other work
A slight break in the weather will likely spur a lot of traffic issues as farmers race to get into the fields, said Nicole Hawk, district administrator/education specialist for the Mercer County Soil and Water Conservation District.
Disaster relief fund started
The Celina Rotary Club has started a disaster-relief fund to benefit those affected by the recent tornado, according to a news release.
Donations can be sent to:
Celina Rotary Disaster     Relief Fund
P.O. Box 22
Celina, Ohio 45822.
Outside crews aided in getting back power
CELINA - City employees would probably have at least two to three weeks of work ahead of them to rebuild tornado-damaged electricity infrastructure had their efforts not been substantially bolstered by 13 outside crews.
Thobe hired as new principal
FORT RECOVERY - Kelli Thobe was officially hired at a special school board meeting Monday evening as the new elementary principal for prekindergarten through fifth-grade students.
Chief: Unofficial reports of looting at damaged properties likely rumors
CELINA - Police have received no reports of theft or burglary in the areas affected by the tornado despite rumors of looting, chief Tom Wale said.
As milk prices rise, weather woes loom
More local dairy farms have closed during the past year as producers continue to cope with low milk prices due to oversupply.
Ongoing wet weather that began last fall and continues also is impacting dairy farmers.
Signup starts June 17 for dairy safety net program
Farmers can sign up at their county Farm Service Agency offices starting June 17 for the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Dairy Margin Coverage program.
Mariners open the season tonight
CELINA - The entire roster hadn't arrived yet to Celina when the Grand Lake Mariners played in an exhibition with the Portland Rockets.
But head coach Damon Haecker liked what he saw out of those players in uniform Sunday night.
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