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.
Today 85° Today 85° 74° 74° likely chance Tomorrow 88° Tomorrow 88° chance 68° 68°
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Tuesday, April 28th, 2026
Barton Bickle
Barton Donald "Poke" Bickle, 62, of Rockford, Ohio died Sunday April 26, 2026 at his home. He was born July 1, 1963 and was the son of Bruce Bickle of Ohio City, Ohio and the late Connie Jo (Sallee) Bickle.
Poke was a graduate of Ohio City Liberty High School. He was a volunteer for the Ohio City Fire Department. He was a member of the Rockford Fraternal Order of Eagles Post #1292, and the Rockford American Legion Post #508.
In addition to his father, Bruce, Poke is survived by his son, Ryan (Brittany) Bickle of Ohio City, Ohio; his brother, Chris (Michelle) Bickle of Rockford, Ohio; his sister, Teri Bickle of Celina, Ohio; his biological father, Barton H. Sidle of Ohio City, Ohio; two grandchildren, Gage and Lainey Bickle; a niece, Casey (Derek) Platfoot; a nephew, Troy (Terra) Patterson; and five great nieces and nephews.
In addition to his mom, Connie Jo, Poke was preceded in death by his daughter, Alexis Bickle.
A family graveside service will be held 3:00 pm Sunday, May 3, 2026 at Woodlawn Cemetery in Ohio City Ohio. A celebration of Poke's life will follow 4:00 pm Sunday afternoon, May 3, 2026, at the Ohio City Community Building, 308 Lambert Street, Ohio City, Ohio 45874 with Pastor Randy Bevington officiating.
Contributions in Poke's memory may be made to the Ohio City Fire Department, 105 South Main Street, Ohio City, Ohio 45874, or to the Alexis Bickle Memorial Fund, c/o Brittany Bickle, 16755 Glenmore Road, Ohio City, Ohio 45874.
Online condolences may be shared at www.ketchamripley.com.
Services have been entrusted to Ketcham Ripley Funeral Home, 111 West First Street, Rockford, Ohio 45882.
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