LIMA, OH (WLIO) - Kids learned not only what transistors, LEDs, and resistors are, but also how to put them together.

Before that furniture ends up in a landfill, you can give those items a second life by donating to the Lima ReStore. Not only is it free and easy, but all proceeds benefit the Lima-area Habitat for Humanity. The ReStore sells everything from housewares, appliances, furniture, and building materials that are new or gently used at reduced prices. They will even accept used vehicles with Habitat's Cars for Homes program.

Residents and city officials gathered Tuesday Evening inside the City Club to view the latest plans for the multi-million dollar Lima Community Aquatic Center project.

At this meeting, a concept design will be introduced that shows the features that can possibly be included in the aquatics center that will be located near Stadium Park. There is an activity pool, a multi-use pool that will have a retractable enclosure for year-round use. There is also a pool house and concession restroom area in the design. They are looking for more public input before the design is locked in.

With the placement of the last truss, the senior patrol leader of Scouts BSA Troop 304 James Hedrick and Scout Tyler Kogan were on hand to lash a pine sapling to the last truss for a topping out ceremony. A topping out ceremony is a construction tradition that has been occurring in some fashion for centuries as a celebration of a project milestone. Traditionally, this ceremony occurs when the final structural beam is raised into place, completing the building's frame.

“Every Ohioan should have a roof over their heads and a safe place to call home,” said Brown. “This investment will help make sure that communities in Putnam County have the resources they need to improve the lives of their residents. My office and I will continue working with community partners to ensure Putnam County gets its fair share of support and investment.”

The yearly average for the total of fires in the city of Lima is usually set around eighty, the year 2022 brought a total of 76. A previous posting from the lima fire department says that there were a total of 113 building fires last year, but that number is false. A new data collection system for the department factored in small fires such as stove and kitchen fires.

 Auglaize County was successful in get more state funding to help clean up some properties for redevelopment.  Before the holidays the State of Ohio announced $88 million in Brownfield Grants for 123 projects across the state.  Auglaize County won money for three projects including taking down and cleaning up the site of the former Koenig building.  The property was developed in the late 1800’s and has been home to a variety of industries, including a paint shop.   The county got nearly two and half million dollars for doing the work on the site and cleaning any contamination that could be in the soil.

A malfunctioning kitchen appliance is believed to be the cause of a fire in an apartment on the north side of Lima Friday afternoon. The Lima Fire Department was called out to 2140 Lake Circle drive just before one for reports of fire in a kitchen of an upstairs apartment.  The residents were able to get out and the firefighters found that malfunctioning stove was the cause of the fire.  The extensive fire damage was contained to the apartment, mostly in the kitchen area.  But there was smoke and water damage to the other apartments in the building.  No estimate on the cost of the damage. 

Around 12:30 p.m., fire crews from Putnam and surrounding counties were dispatched to a building fire in the 100 block of South Main Street. The building was the home to a business and apartments and considered a total loss.