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.

Wednesday, December 30th, 2020

Woman charged with arson

Montezuma mobile home caught fire

By Sydney Albert

CELINA - A Montezuma woman faces arson charges related to an October fire that officials had quickly deemed suspicious.

Natasha M. Thomas, 30, made her initial appearance in Mercer County Common Pleas Court on Tuesday to face charges of aggravated arson, a second-degree felony, and arson, a fourth-degree felony.

According to her indictment, she is accused of knowingly causing harm or attempting to cause harm to the property of Kenneth Ridder at 5411 Lakeside Drive, Lot 11, Montezuma.

Montezuma firefighters reportedly responded to the property at 2:24 p.m. Oct. 29 after receiving a call that a mobile home was on fire. Everyone reportedly was out of the structure, and smoke was showing.

Shortly after firefighters arrived, emergency medical squad units and mutual-aid responders from the Celina Fire Department were told to disregard the call, and the State Fire Marshal was contacted regarding a "suspicious fire."

Thomas is free on a recognizance bond. An attorneys conference is scheduled for Jan. 13.

Archive of December 30th, 2020

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Additional online story on this date

35th Annual OVISCO Classic

Still flying high

Marion wins third straight OVISCO title, Redskins beat Bulldogs for third place

CELINA - The final day of the 35th annual OVISCO Classic saw a nailbiter of a game that was decided on a missed shot in the final seconds. Then there was the championship game. [More]

Subscriber and paid stories on this date

Bremen officials review year; OK 2021 spending

NEW BREMEN - Mayor Robert Parker at Tuesday's final council meeting of the year recapped the past 12 months' accomplishments and discussed plans for 2021.

Contract awarded for drainage fix

CELINA - Mercer County officials have taken the next step in preparing for the Montezuma draining improvement project, awarding a $55,000 contract to Access Engineering Solutions for related engineering services.

Four area COVID deaths reported

WAPAKONETA - Three new deaths from COVID-19 were reported in Auglaize County on Tuesday, raising the county's death toll to 42 since the beginning of the pandemic.

Inmate's father opposes motion before court

COLUMBUS - The father of a Fort Recovery teacher who was sentenced to 21 years in prison is opposing county officials' request to have the Ohio Supreme Court reconsider its decision ordering the officials to release records they have withheld.

Area Roundup

Bulldog grapplers cruise to win at Parkway

Compiled by Gary R. Rasberry

Celina came away the big winner at the Parkway Holiday Wrestling Invitational held on Tuesday in Rockford.

The Bul