Protest have broken out around the United States as people are upset about the death of George Floyd at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer. While law enforcement hopes that the protest will end following the officer’s arrest Friday, Ohio leadership wants people to protest peacefully. … More >>

After a vote in the Ohio House of Representatives, the state could see sports gambling sooner rather than later. On a vote of 83 to 10, the House passed House Bill 194. It would legalize sports gambling online and at various institutions like casinos. Bob Cupp was one representative who vote… More >>

The state says about 1.3 million Ohioans have filed unemployment claims in the past 10 weeks. This as Ohio's stay-at-home order depressed the economy and led to widespread layoffs. The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services says about 42,000 people filed claims for the week ending May 23… More >>

Governor DeWine made some announcements that affect people who have loved ones in assisted living facilities, as well as students participating in the junior fair program. DeWine says starting June 8, the state will allow outdoor visitation at assisted living facilities and intermediate care… More >>

The American Red Cross is reaching out to the community as there is an urgent need for blood donations across the country. The Red Cross is trying to prevent another blood shortage as hospitals resume surgeries and treatments that were temporarily paused due to COVID. In the past few weeks, … More >>

One year later and Celina is still in the process of recovering from a deadly EF3 tornado. It claimed the life of 81-year-old Melvin Hannah while destroying 43 homes and one business. Celina has been hit with tornadoes in 2011 and 2017. Those were EF-2s. Robbins believes residents learned fr… More >>

Retail stores have been dealt a serious one-two punch, as their sales were falling before the pandemic hit and took a bigger blow when they had to temporarily close their brick and mortar stores because of COVID-19. Just this past week, Macy’s announced they are expecting a one billion dolla… More >>

The 3 trillion-dollar relief bill, which was passed by the Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives over a week ago, hasn’t made it to the floor of the U.S. Senate and Ohio Senator Rob Portman says he thinks there could be another stimulus package passed in June, but not necessarily th… More >>

Only 4 counties have long-term care facilities have reported cases of COVID-19 in our 10-county area as of the last report on May 20th.  Allen county has 8 facilities with 63 residents and 24 staff with confirmed cases, of those 20 people died from virus.  Auglaize county has 4 facilities wi… More >>

A plethora of businesses opened back up Tuesday such as gyms, pools, and BMVs. But during the media briefing, Governor Mike DeWine wanted to focus on testing. The state has not reached the targeted 22,000 tests a day that they were projecting. Ohio sits between 8,000 to 10,000 tests a day. T… More >>

Governor Mike DeWine tells your Hometown Stations that he will be making an announcement on Tuesday involving the National Guard and testing for COVID-19 in Ohio nursing homes. DeWine says the state has more tests and they will be aggressive testing both residents and staff at the senior fac… More >>

It is hard to image just three months ago, where we are right now as a society because of the pandemic. Especially for those students who may have been looking forward to a traditional prom or graduation or other rites of passage events in their life.  While local school districts, parents a… More >>

The Ohio Department of Jobs and Family services is reporting the latest unemployment number has reached 16.8%, which is more than triple the 5.5% that was reported for the month of February.  Our news director Jeff Fitzgerald had a one on one interview with Governor Mike DeWine and he asked … More >>

What started as a way to protect yourself and others from spreading covid-19, face masks have turned into a political debate. Governor Mike DeWine was questioned about wearing masks in public Sunday on NBC's "Meet the Press."   Earlier in May, DeWine retracted making mask wearing mandatory i… More >>

Senator Rob Portman is trying keep United States funded research out of the hands of the Chinese.Portman says just this past week, a genetic’s scientist working out of the Cleveland Clinic was arrested for trying to take research that was funded by the National Institutes of Health and tryin… More >>

Ohio’s Governor reminding residents to keep up their efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19 as the state slowly returns to normal. Your Hometown Stations News Director, Jeff Fitzgerald had the chance to do a one on one interview with Governor Mike DeWine before the Memorial Day weekend. He a… More >>

It’s practically every day you hear of another event canceled this summer so people have been finding new ways to enjoy the season. Concerts, carnivals, and any event that draws a crowd is being canceled for the summer because of COVID. Even some public parks and pools won't be utilized this… More >>

AAA is predicting record low travel this year for Memorial Day and that is what the Ohio State Highway Patrol is expecting to see during enforcement. Although there may not be much traffic, troopers will still be out this holiday weekend stepping up enforcement on aggressive and dangerous dr… More >>

One of the biggest events in our area is taking this year off and will be ready to entertain country fans in 2021. Country Concert in Fort Loramie has rescheduled their 40th-anniversary event for July 8-10th 2021 and they are hoping to have the same artist they had scheduled for this year, w… More >>

The Ohio Expositions Commission announced that it will cancel the 2020 Ohio State Fair. Originally the Ohio State Fair was scheduled for July 29th to August 9th in Columbus. Members of the commission expressed concern for public health, as well as the financial feasibility of hosting a fair … More >>

Governor Mike DeWine making more announcements on the final briefing for the week. As we know gyms can open on May 26th. With that we now know bowling alleys, batting cages and mini golf facilities can reopen as well.  Along with that, there is good news for weddings. Banquet halls can host … More >>

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine rolled out an urgent health advisory Tuesday during his afternoon COVID-19 press conference, titled Ohioans Helping Ohioans. The new order changes the order for healthy Ohioans to stay home, to a strong recommendation. Those most susceptible to COVID-19 are asked to con… More >>

It's the 5th leading cause of death in the United States and local health officials want you to know the signs. May is National Stroke Awareness Month and changes in your daily life can make a difference. Strokes are treatable, preventable, and beatable. 80% of strokes can be prevented with … More >>

An Ohio legislator has introduced a bill to limit lawsuits that may arise during the coronavirus pandemic. State Senator Matt Huffman introduced "Senate Bill 308". He describes it as an "enhancement on immunity provisions" in Ohio's law. Huffman says Ohio has immunity provisions from lawsuit… More >>

After the first weekend with bars and restaurants reopened for outdoor dining, Gov. Mike DeWine was pleased with most places but not with all. At his briefing, DeWine said a majority of places followed the guidelines given, but there were outliers disregarding them. Specifically, Standard Ha… More >>

The U.S. House has passed a $3 trillion stimulus package to fight against the coronavirus, but one Ohio senator thinks that they need to see what is really needed before Congress looks at another stimulus bill. The Democratic-led bill named the heroes act, passed mostly among party lines, ex… More >>

The COVID-19 pandemic is making people consider staying home this Memorial Day weekend, then traveling like they have done in years past.In 2019, AAA reported the second highest travel weekend on record with 43 million people taking to the roads on Memorial Day weekend.   This Memorial Day, … More >>

While Ohioans didn't get the news they wanted on Monday, a wave of business openings has been announced during today's coronavirus briefing. Gov. Mike DeWine said child care centers and day camps can return on May 31. Class sizes will be reduced based on age of the children, playgrounds will… More >>

A pair of Ohio senators are unveiling legislation that would provide for the immediate reopening of Ohio. State senators Rob McColley of Napoleon and "Kristina Roegner of Hudson have introduced Senate Bill 311. The bill is similar to what was adopted by the Ohio House last week. It would pla… More >>

A decision from the state's highest court could make superintendents across the state unhappy. The Ohio Supreme Court upheld a law and ruled it's constitutional for the state to intervene in poor-performing school districts. Lima City Schools previously had poor report card marks, but in rec… More >>

While at the governor's briefing this week, our Eran Hami brought back some insight into county fairs as the season approaches. The first county fair is in about four weeks and DeWine still awaits guidance from his fair advisory group on how to conduct them safely. His main instruction to th… More >>

As retail opens today, Ohioans get more clarity on what will be opening in the next phase on Friday. More >>

As warmer weather arrives, you may notice an increase in motorcyclists on the roadways. The month of May is National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month and the Ohio State Highway Patrol wants to remind motorists and motorcyclists to be aware when driving. According to OSHP in 2019, there were… More >>

Several cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed at the Cooper Farms Plant in St. Henry. Mercer County Health District says that there are currently 34 confirmed cases at the plant, with another five cases still pending. That's out of a total of 700 workers at the facility. More >>

Governor Mike DeWine says they are still working on the plan and he says this is too important not to get 100% right. He wants Ohio’s childcare plan to lead the way for the country. Ohio's governor also says coronavirus testing is increasing. The state used to only test a few thousand daily … More >>

The Cornavirus has forced Americans to learn how to work and get an education from home.  While those situations could be temporary, an increase of remote access to doctors and health professionals through telehealth could continue past the current restrictions that the COVID-19 outbreak has… More >>

The state's health department says close to 500 residents of long-term care centers have died in the past three weeks. That's nearly double the total reported the two weeks prior to that. The Ohio Department of Health says the increase in deaths could be attributed to a significant jump or a… More >>

 The local numbers as of Saturday afternoon, Mercer County jumps another 17 cases on Saturday bringing that total to 79.   According to the Mercer County Health District, 24 of the cases are employed at The Cooper Farm St. Henry Plant, and they are still trying to determine how those employe… More >>

Governor Mike DeWine and Republican Lawmakers could be facing off again this coming week about the power of the Director of the Ohio Department of Health and any health orders that would come from that office.  On May 6th, the Ohio House passed a bill which would restrict mandatory closure a… More >>

At Governor Mike DeWine's latest press briefing, we asked the governor about larger gatherings. The current "Stay Safe Ohio Order" limits gatherings to 10 people or less. With restaurants and bars opening soon, it was asked if the order would be revised to allow larger gatherings, since ther… More >>

It appears Old Man Winter isn't done with us as we are forecasted to see record lows dipping below freezing overnight. Allen County Master Gardeners have some tips to help protect your flowers and plants from the freeze. Fetzer says if you have any ferns, hanging baskets, and anything you ha… More >>

A Mercer County man faces drug charges after law enforcement executed a search warrant at a S.t Henry residence.  Michael Lange has been charged with possession of Methamphetamine and could be facing additional charges after his case is reviewed by the Mercer County Prosecutors Office. The M… More >>

A local congressman was placed on a U.S. House committee looking at the COVID-19 outbreak. Representative Jim Jordan was placed on the House Select Committee on the coronavirus crisis. Jordan says he will work with his colleagues to help fight for truth and push back against the blatant atte… More >>

Everyone has been wondering about bars, restaurants, and salons. Governor Mike DeWine answered those questions on Thursday. We know retail will open on Tuesday, May 12th, and on May 15th, hair salons, day spas, nail salons, and other services will be allowed to reopen. Also, on that day outs… More >>

COVID-19 has affected nearly everyone, and it's possible that we may have to face a new normal because of the pandemic. A sociology professor at Ohio Northern University says social distancing is something people may have to get used to as we move forward, along with customs like handshaking… More >>

Households that may not have been eligible in the past may meet the 200% of poverty guideline due to loss of income because of the coronavirus. For example, the income for a family of four could be $52,400 or below and they will only look at the last 30 days of income for services. More >>

The West Ohio Food Bank says there is someone out there posing to be them. While the food bank does have a mailer out in the community, they were alerted through a regular donor that they received a letter asking for a monetary donation to be sent to an address in Florida. West Ohio Food Ban… More >>

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced annual funding to 48 domestic violence shelters across the state.Nearly $1 million will be distributed to the shelters evenly that support battered men, woman and children. One of those shelters is the Crossroads Crisis Center. The executive director… More >>

Although there is less traffic on the roadways, the Ohio State Highway Patrol is finding another issue. Since Stay at Home Orders were implemented, there's been less congestion on the roads. What they are finding at the Lima Patrol Post is there is an increase in people driving more than 100… More >>

The Celina School Board decides to not put their failed school levy back on the ballot in August. The levy was a 7.9 mill levy for construction of new facilities which would have been a new 7-12 building. It lost by a narrow margin during the primary that ended in April. More >>

The machines at Homestretch Sportswear are up and running, but rather than printing sports logos for local schools, shirts with logos from local businesses are being made by the dozens. It's part of a fundraiser put together by Homestretch, supporting businesses in Wapakoneta, Mercer County,… More >>