The City of Lima and the Allen County Dog Warden are hoping to increase the number of people taking advantage of their spay-neuter assistance program. This is the second year for the voucher program to help reduce pet overpopulation.

The food bank is providing the department with food, snacks, and baby necessities they can give to individuals that officers feel need the assistance. This is a first for the food bank and they hope it will reach people they may not already assist. The police department sees it as an opportunity to build better relations with those they serve and to provide them with food during the night.

Ohio's voucher program is currently targeted toward children enrolled in underperforming schools. The bill sponsored by state representatives from Shelby and Sandusky would allow any child to use vouchers to cover part of the cost of private school tuition or other education opportunities, such as tutoring. The bill discussed Tuesday would provide $5,500 per kindergarten through eighth-grade student and $7,500 per high school student. Democrats say the proposal amounts to defunding already challenged public schools.

The Allen County Veterans Service Commission wants to make sure that those who have served our country don’t go hungry this Christmas. Any Allen County Veteran in honorable standing can apply for a $30 food voucher at the commission’s office on the first floor of the courthouse. The voucher can be redeemed at Chief Supermarket for food items to help them through the holidays. The program is much more than just the food voucher as it gets veterans into the office where they learn more about what other benefits are available to them.

Allen County veterans will once again have the opportunity for some assistance this holiday season.

The holiday season is approaching fast and once again, the Allen County Veterans Service Commission is here to help local veterans.