The Department of Workforce and Small Business Development is encouraging small, minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses to attend an open house next Wednesday to learn how they can get contract work with the City of Lima. While it is labeled a "Mowing Expo", it will offer resources for these types of entrepreneurs to learn what is needed to get work awarded to them.

The mayor says she saw that cities across the country are facing the same issues but just on a different scale. For example, the struggle to hire police officers. The City of Lima needs ten officers and the city of Cleveland needs 200 officers. She says that mayors all across the country are looking at different ways of policing to operate in this difficult climate. Many looking at how to use technology as a force multiplier.

LIMA, OH (WLIO) - Lima City Council resumes their regular sessions Monday night as they hold their first meeting of the new year.

The Department of Housing and Neighborhoods is putting collections barrels out for their Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. This is the second year they have supported three local non-profits. This year's recipients are Crime Victim Services, Heart and Sole, and All Starr Pets.

Sidewalks are the only way some people have to get around the city and they can't do that if they are covered with snow and ice. By city ordinance, you have 4 hours after precipitation stops or after the first daylight.

The City of Lima Utilities Department urges people to be prepared for the below-zero temperatures that we will be seeing. With wind chills predicted to be near 30-below any crack or open window in your basement or crawlspace could cause a waterline in your home to freeze up. They are also recommending to make sure everyone knows where the main water shutoff is if a pipe bursts.

The City of St. Marys officially opened their new pedestrian bridge next to the high school and middle school today. Previously, students had to cross State Route 66 to get to school on foot. The bridge has been planned for many years and took around a year to complete construction. The bridge itself has lighting for the safety of pedestrians and is designed to protect motorists below.

The City of Lima is warning motorists that a portion of East Market St. will be closed for a few days starting on Monday.

The City of Lima has the help wanted sign out just like most businesses across the region. The city has several openings they need to fill including some administrative positions. The city is an equal opportunity employer and is encouraging people to apply as these positions are not just a job but a career.

The State of Ohio helping communities across the state with water improvement projects.