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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Monday, February 23rd, 2026
Taking the - brrrr! - Polar Plunge
Photo by Paige Sutter/The Daily Standard

Despite having a few days of warmer weather, temperatures dropped in the Grand Lake area just in time for the annual polar plunge. Special Olympics Ohio hosted yet another year of polar plunges, the Grand Lake polar plunge being one of 14 statewide. Brave souls, dressed in outrageous and whacky costumes, confronted the icy temperatures of Grand Lake during Saturday's polar plunge at the Celina Moose Lodge to help raise money for Special Olympics Ohio athletes. As of Sunday's print deadline, Special Olympics Ohio has raised $34,546 of its $35,000 goal.

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