Flood Watch issued September 20 at 1:07PM EDT until September 21 at 8:00AM EDT by NWS Wilmington OH (details ...)

* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible.
* WHERE...Portions of Indiana, including the following counties, Dearborn, Fayette, Franklin, Ripley, Union and Wayne and Ohio, including the following counties, Adams, Auglaize, Brown, Butler, Champaign, Clark, Clermont, Clinton, Darke, Delaware, Fairfield, Fayette, Franklin, Greene, Hamilton, Hardin, Highland, Hocking, Licking, Logan, Madison, Mercer, Miami, Montgomery, Pickaway, Pike, Preble, Ross, Scioto, Shelby, Union and Warren.
* WHEN...From 7 PM EDT this evening through Monday morning.
* IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Showers and thunderstorms producing heavy rain will impact the area overnight. Rainfall totals of 1 to 3 inches are expected with locally higher amounts. The heavy rain combined with saturated ground will lead to potential flash flooding.

Flood Warning issued September 20 at 1:05PM EDT until September 21 at 8:00AM EDT by NWS Wilmington OH (details ...)

...Forecast flooding changed to Minor severity and increased in duration for the following rivers...
St. Marys River at Rockford.
* WHAT...Minor flooding is forecast.
* WHERE...St. Marys River at Rockford.
* WHEN...Until Monday morning.
* IMPACTS...At 13.0 feet, State Route 117 near Route 118 north of Rockford is water-covered and closed.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 12:40 PM EDT Sunday the stage was 13.0 feet. - Forecast...The river is expected to rise to a crest of 13.0 feet this afternoon. It will then fall below flood stage just after midnight tonight. - Flood stage is 13.0 feet.

Thursday, December 29th, 2016

Local officials report baby's death occurred in Clark County

By Ed Gebert

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP - Clark County officials will handle any legal action involving a Springfield-area man in connection with the death of a 3-month-old girl.

The girl was found in a truck on Tuesday in the 6200 block of Wabash Road.

Clark County court documents allege Brian Hayslip, 22, told police he had shaken 3-month-old Lily Hayslip when she began crying while he was feeding her Tuesday.

Lily's mother had called Clark County authorities Tuesday to report her missing after Hayslip, her fiance, failed to drop off the girl at her grandmother's house so he could go to work.

"Mercer County and Clark County worked closely on this case," Mercer County Sheriff Jeff Grey said in a news release Wednesday. "It has been determined that the death occurred in Clark County, although the child's body was found in Mercer County and Hayslip was arrested in Mercer County."

At 5:17 p.m. Tuesday, the Mercer County Sheriff's Office received a telephone call reporting a child had been found alone in a car seat in a vehicle that was still running. Celina Fire Department personnel responded and reportedly pronounced the infant dead at the scene.

Identification for Hayslip was found inside the vehicle.

During a K9 search, Hayslip was located in an open field near a wooded area.

Hayslip reportedly said he was looking for a place to bury Lily. Authorities determined Wednesday that Lily had been killed in Clark County.

"This is an example of how agencies are supposed to work together to ensure that justice is served," Grey said. "I am proud of the work by all involved."

Messages left with Clark County sheriff's and prosecutor's officials were not returned by press time.

- The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Other Coverage:
Video from the scene of the arrest
911 call for a deceased infant in truck
Story in Wednesday's edition

Archive of December 29th, 2016

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Additional online story on this date

Council moves to allocate $2.7M to cover 2016 costs

St. Marys

ST. MARYS - City council members on Wednesday heard first reading of an ordinance appropriating final expenses for 2016.

Council members John Bubp, Robin Willoughby, Todd Fleagle and Dan Uhlenhake were present to consider allocating about $2.7 million to cover the costs. [More]

Subscriber and paid stories on this date

Child struck by car dies

MONTEZUMA - A 6-year-old who suffered serious injuries after having been struck by a vehicle on Dec. 20 has died.

Mercer County Sheriff Jeff Grey said Wednesday that Christopher Frey Jr. of Celina died at 12:04 p.m. Wednesday from his injuries.

Mercer County sales tax receipts smash record

CELINA - Mercer County shattered its sales tax record in 2016, bringing in $8.14 million, according to county auditor Randy Grapner.

"It was a great year," Grapner told the newspaper.

Preliminary budget figures expected in 4-6 weeks

Hospital officials hear update on expansion efforts

COLDWATER - The planned $24 million expansion project of Mercer County Community Hospital's west wing is progressing.

Board of governors members l

Ex-Auglaize man arrested for sexual battery

Individual charged with 34 counts

WAPAKONETA - A former Auglaize County man has been charged with 34 felony counts of sexual battery.

Broc J. Hottle, 27, of the Columbus area, was arrested in Franklin County after an Auglaize County Grand Jury had indicted him on the charges.

Redskins, Flyers advance to final

Asset Allocation Associates Holiday Classic

COLDWATER - Tyler Schlarman and Ryan Luttmer came up clutch in overtime to lead St. Henry past Coldwater, 57-52, in the opening game of the Asset Allocation Associates Holiday Classic on Wednesday night at the Palace.

Minster advances to Bath title game

Area Roundup

Compiled by Gary R. Rasberry

Minster dominated the first half against Bellevue en route to advancing to the championship game of the McDonald's Holiday Tournament with a 54-50 win over the Redmen on Wednesday at Bath High School.