Marion Local advances to Division VI title game with win over Colonel Crawford
By Gary R. Rasberry
BOWLING GREEN - The first three minutes of the first and third quarters proved big for Marion Local on Friday night.
The Flyers jumped out to an 8-2 lead on Colonel Crawford in the first three minutes of the first quarter, then scored six straight points in the first two minutes of the third quarter to regain a double-digit lead and win the Division VI state boys basketball semifinal 52-38 at Stroh Arena on the campus of Bowling Green State University. [More]
UNION CITY- A 57-year-old Greenville man died in a car chase Thursday afternoon after he fatally shot his wife and shot an Ansonia man multiple times, according to a news release from Darke County Sheriff Mark Whittaker.
CELINA - One year ago today, a pair of EF1 tornadoes packing winds up to 110 mph tore through Mercer County, one of which continued a trail of destruction well into Auglaize County, according to the National Weather Service.
Less than two months later, another pair of tornadoes would hit the area, causing massive structural damage. [More]
Four Minster seniors made college commitments on Wednesday, signing national letters of intent in sports like baseball, softball, football and track and field.
Will Frimel
Football and Track and Field
Ohio Northern
A standout lineman and thrower, Frimel will get a chance to do both when he heads to Ada this summer. [More]
Vivian K. (Coffey) Walker, 23, formerly of St. Marys, OH died 4:21 a.m. Tuesday March 11, 2025 at the scene of a motor vehicle accident in rural Shelby Co., OH. [More]
UNION CITY - A shooting and subsequent car chase left a man and woman dead Thursday afternoon in Darke County, according to a news release from county sheriff Mark Whittaker.
A young man with ties to the area is living his dream working as a full-time NASA researcher while simultaneously pursuing his doctoral degree at the University of Alabama.
An 83-year-old Willshire man died Tuesday at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne after he was involved in a farm-related accident just east of Rockford earlier in the day, Mercer County Sheriff Doug Timmerman confirmed on Thursday.
VAN WERT - A 39-year-old Rockford man that was alleged to have shot and killed a Van Wert woman in 2023 entered a plea of no contest to murder charges last week in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court.
CELINA - Places such as Mercer and Auglaize counties, if they play their cards right, could be poised for economic development, according to David Burrows of the Dayton Development Coalition. Much of the Dayton-Cincinnati corridor is out of space, and Burrows sees future projects looking for suitable sites to the north. [More]
Area boys basketball players received honors as the Northwest District board of the Ohio Prep Sports Media Association announced its district teams on Wednesday.
In Division VI, Marion Local's Austin Niekamp and Coldwater's Baylen Blockberger earned first team honors. Marion Local's Grant Kremer was named to the second team with Coldwater's Mason Welsch earning third team honors. [More]
BLACKCREEK TOWNSHIP - An unidentified female was airlifted by Lutheran Air to a hospital in Fort Wayne, Indiana, with serious injuries after a car pulled out in front of semitrailer hauling hogs on Wednesday afternoon.
ROCKFORD - Like many school boards in the area, Parkway school board members expressed their frustration at the state's proposed biennium budget, contending schools in Mercer County stand to lose $3.5 million over the next two years.
CELINA - When it comes to the prospect of economic growth, counties in this part of the state each boast an array of strengths and enticements such as beautiful outdoor amenities, outstanding public schools and low unemployment.
CELINA - A former Celina business owner indicted on over 100 felony counts for allegedly defrauding people out of more than $1 million was given additional conditions to his bond Wednesday after being photographed violating its terms in late February.
On March 28, 1920, a tornado struck with terrific fury in the northern part of Darke County, moving in northeasterly direction. Near the Mercer County line, the twister split, one part moving north through the western part of the county causing heavy damage to buildings, livestock and utility lines.
Division VI Boys Basketball State Semifinal Preview
Back in the state final four for the first time since winning the program's third state title in 2018, Marion Local's road to the championship, much like the rest of the teams still playing basketball this weekend, is taking a roundabout course.
WAPAKONETA - The Auglaize County Fish and Game Association was ordered by Common Pleas Judge Frederick Pepple to halt operation of its shooting range last week after neighboring residents complained of bullets flying over their heads and, at one point, striking their home. [More]
Over the past few weeks, high school seniors from the area have been signing national letters of intent with colleges and universities to continue their education and athletic careers.
Here is a list of recent athletes who will be moving on. [More]
Kenneth "Kicker Ken" Roth, 64, of Kettlersville, Ohio, died 11:47 P.M. Monday, March 10, 2025, at Lima Memorial Hospital, after a long battle with cancer. [More]
Elaine M. (Schmiesing) Brunswick, age 73, of Montezuma, passed away on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at Elmwood Assisted Living Center in Minster, Ohio. [More]
CELINA - Nearly 2,300 voters in Mercer and Auglaize counties are at risk of being purged from the Statewide Voter Registration Database, meaning they would be unable to vote in the Nov. 4 general election unless they take action.
WAPAKONETA - Before families start making plans and booking vacation reservations for the summer season, the Auglaize County Health Department is advising parents protect their children through vaccination.
COLDWATER - Coldwater school officials on Tuesday night railed against the state's proposed biennium budget, contending schools in Mercer County stand to lose $3.5 million over the next two years.
MARIA STEIN - Previously delayed due to frigid temperatures, crews have made great progress this week constructing a building pad for Marion Local's new middle school building, superintendent Mike Pohlman reported to school board members at Monday night's regular meeting.
A 23-year-old Miami County woman died Tuesday morning following a single-vehicle accident on State Route 66 in Shelby County, according to a news release from the Piqua Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
CELINA - Mercer County Commissioners on Tuesday approved a two-year contract with Mercer County Joint Ambulance District which, among other provisions, puts county EMS director Kara Smith in charge of overall operations and training.
