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IN INDIANA THIS WATCH INCLUDES 8 COUNTIES
IN EAST CENTRAL INDIANA
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IN SOUTHEAST INDIANA
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IN NORTHERN KENTUCKY
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IN CENTRAL OHIO
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Thursday, November 19th, 2015

Board OKs looking into countywide health levy

By Shelley Grieshop

CELINA - The local health board on Wednesday officially authorized the health commissioner to explore options for a countywide operating levy on the November 2016 ballot.

However, the Mercer County-Celina City Board of Health would have to approve terms of a property tax levy and take other action before the issue could be placed before voters.

Health commissioner Amy Poor discussed possible millage amounts for the levy. Preliminary figures would cost a homeowner with a $100,000 home about $35 per year, she said.

Poor introduced to the board the idea for a levy in April. At Wednesday's board meeting, she said the goal is to terminate the current funding of the health department by the townships and the city of Celina, and start collecting from property owners across the county.

"Because the townships can't afford it?" board member Pete Hierholzer asked.

"Yes," Poor replied, explaining that state funding cuts and other sources of township revenue have been substantially cut in recent years.

Poor said she has spoken to county auditor Randy Grapner and the health department's attorney, assistant prosector Andy Hinders, about a proposed levy. One or both of them will attend the December health board meeting to provide further information, she said.

Most county health departments in Ohio, including Auglaize County's, are subsidized by some type of operating levy. Mercer County is not. An attempt to pass a 0.6-mill, five-year countywide levy in 2011 was defeated by voters.

The county's political subdivisions - townships, villages and the city of Celina - pay about 26 percent of the health department's general expenses. Other funding sources are fees for services and state and federal grants.

Health officials earlier this year projected revenues of $1.99 million and expenditures of $1.66 million for 2015. Next year's budget has not yet been approved.

Poor also noted the reference to the city of Celina would be omitted from the health department's name if voters approve a levy. The idea was suggested by board member Jim Moran at September's meeting.

In June 1952, Celina and county officials agreed to partner under one health district. The agreement became effective Jan. 1, 1953, and the city of Celina pledged to pay 22 percent of the health department's annual budget, as it still does today.

Archive of November 19th, 2015

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Village can apply for $300,000

Montezuma

MONTEZUMA - The village's effort to garner up to $300,000 in federal funding for street repairs has cleared its first big hurdle.

The results of a

New medical director welcomed to first meeting

CELINA - Dr. Jonathan Winner on Wednesday attended his first health board meeting as the county's new, part-time medical director.

The local physician recently was hired by Mercer County-Celina City Health Commissioner Amy Poor and given an annual salary of $5,200.

Some medical appointment scheduling simplified

COLDWATER - The scheduling of appointments with certain Mercer County Community Hospital departments has been simplified, Mercer Health Board of Governors learned at Wednesday's meeting.

Auglaize elections board approves results

WAPAKONETA - Auglaize County Board of Elections members on Wednesday approved the official results from Election Day.

The number of votes cast on E

Crowd picks up 'Good Vibrations' from ex-Beach Boy Brian Wilson

Daily Standard concert review

CINCINNATI - If someone could travel back to the 1970s and tell the average rock 'n' roll fan that Brian Wilson would be on top of his game in 2015, he'd probably receive laughter in response.

Booher remembers days at Rockford

Curtain Call

Ned Booher's days are predictably filled with heavy doses of golf, yard work, and generally soaking up the air in Riverside, Calif., where his backyard is cradled near the foot of the San Gabriel Mountains, less than an hour away from the Pacific Ocean.

Indians, Wildcats ready for rematch

Minster has won the last two battles with Fort Recovery on the football field.

On Friday night comes the war to settle the score for the Indians, who are seeking their first state berth in program history.

Coldwater vs. Brookville

Alexander Stadium, Piqua, Friday. 7:30 p.m.

After slowing down the run of CHCA last week in the regional semifinals, Coldwater will look to stop a more potent running game in Brookville on Friday at Piqua.

Marion Local vs. Mechanicsburg

AcuSport Stadium, Bellefontaine, Saturday, 7 p.m.

MARIA STEIN - Twelve straight victories by 31-points-or-more, a defense that is allowing just 6.1 points per game; a quarterback named Kaleb Romero who, has been uncontainable all season; and speed everywhere on the field.

Goal Line

The Weekly Area High School Football Preview Section

Players of The Week:
Offense
Chris Post, RB
Coldwater
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120 yards rushing, 101 yards receiving and three touchdowns in the Cavaliers' 44-14 wi