Allen County Job and Family Services officials say eight fraud cases have been sent to court since the end of 2024 involving false information used to obtain public assistance benefits.
The cases resulted in more than $160,000 in overpayments, and officials say more investigations are ongoing.

Superior Credit Union is helping feed families across western Ohio as food insecurity is on the rise.

“How can we be better united without being able to help one another feed each other, especially those who are in great need during the Christmas season or all year round. I mean, with the situation that's happening within our country and all the SNAP benefits being cut or turned down, et cetera, there are going to be more and more people who are in need of ways to feed their family,” said Mary Blanche Hengstler of Com_Unity Ministries.

The Lima City Council is stepping in to help families impacted by the ongoing federal government shutdown and cuts to food assistance benefits.

As the West Ohio Food Bank continues to see rising needs, support is coming from the community.

The West Ohio Food Bank says the need for food assistance in the region is rising quickly as federal SNAP benefits are reduced.

With the government shutdown now on day 29, thousands of Allen County families could soon feel the impact.

“Just working on those socialization skills for low-income families that may not have the opportunity to go to one of the preschools in the area,” said Phyllis Montrose, WOCAP Child Development Services director. “So what we do is that we work on writing skills, alphabet, name recognition, colors, shapes — everything that a child is going to need to get started in kindergarten to start their education career.”

The West Ohio Food Bank received community support Saturday morning during its personal hygiene item drive.