Protection orders are issued by courts to keep people safe from violent acts, but their true effectiveness is often a subject of debate.

"If the person doesn't pay attention to the law, it's just a piece of paper," said Becky Mason of the Ohio Domestic Violence Network.

ROCKFORD - Village officials will begin reading the new water meters in January for the February billing cycles.

New water meters were recently installed throughout the village so residents pay for what they use. Prior to the meters, homeowners and businesses paid a flat fee.

ROCKFORD - Local health officials are hoping a mutually-signed agreement will settle ongoing matters of noncompliance with a landfill that has yet to open in rural Rockford.

NEW BREMEN - Students could earn college credit for high school science classes next year, according to a report presented Wednesday night to board of education members.

CELINA - The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) has agreed to pay up to $5,000 to have trees and brush removed from an area near the local bike path due to safety concerns.

A van and three tractor-trailer rigs collided Wednesday morning at the fog-shrouded intersection of U.S. 127 and state Route 119. The mishap occurred at 8:04 a.m., according to Mercer County Sheriff's Office reports.

TIPP CITY - After a choppy start on Wednesday night, the Marion Local Flyers turned it on halfway through their regional semifinal match and came away with a three-set win over the Jackson Center Tigers.

As winter discreetly whispers its pending arrival outside, Bill Stober's daily agenda involves many of the same tasks as it has for the past four dec

Coldwater at Anna:
Saturday, 7 p.m. Booster Field

For the second straight year, the Rockets and Cavaliers will meet in the postseason. Last year, the Cavaliers needed overtime to get a 28-21 win at Wapakoneta.