Lauren Siegel

The incentives to get a COVID-19 vaccine shot are still rolling out, but this time with the opportunity to earn $100. Ohioans that get at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine between now and September 15th could receive a $100 Visa gift card in an initiative called "Vax on the Spot". Requirements include being a Medicaid or MyCare member, and age 18 or older. Pharmacies and community organizations are partnering with the program to provide vaccine clinics. There will be one at Our Daily Bread Soup Kitchen in Lima on Wednesday. The Chief Medical Officer for Paramount Health Care, Dr. Dee Ann Bialecki-Haase, says low vaccination rates in Ohio Medicaid members compared to the general population prompted this idea.

Downtown Lima, Inc. has a busy rest of the summer planned with well-known events and a few new additions. First, Northwestern Ohio Security Systems is celebrating their 40th anniversary with a parking lot party this Wednesday, July 28th from 10 AM-3 PM. Then, the last 1st Friday is on August 6th from 11 AM-6 PM. On August 7th, the Legacy Arts Block Party will fill Main Street with live music. The annual Free Comic Book Day at Alter Ego Comics happens on August 14th. Also on that day is a new event called Celebrating You, which focuses on mental health outreach to black communities. The Executive Director of Downtown Lima Inc., Shaunna Basinger, says having an array of events allows the community to feel more comfortable showing up.

We are less than a month away from the start of a new school year for most of our area, but what that will look like with the continuance of COVID-19? The Ohio Department of Health met this morning to discuss updates about virus protection in schools. Although there were no mandates, three layers of protection were advised. They include having a COVID-19 vaccine in all staff and eligible students, mask wearing by unvaccinated individuals, and additional health measures, such as proper ventilation and regular disinfecting. In addition, Ohio has seen the number of other routine shots dropping. However, health officials say parents do not need to pick and choose between a COVID-19 shot and other child immunizations.

The lake fest opened early Friday with merchant and craft sales, concessions, and carnival rides. The entertainment tent will feature new musical acts Friday and Saturday evenings. Friday at 7:45 PM is the popular Amphicar "Splash In" event, and fireworks will round out the night at 10 PM. A member of the Celina Lake Festival Steering Committee, Dylan Correll, says there are plenty of activities and attractions for all ages throughout the weekend.

The All Ability Playground project through the Allen County Board of Developmental Disabilities and The Arc of Allen County has been in the works for a few years now, but is nearing its completion. The first playground at Camp Robin Rogers in Spencerville has been open since last fall. Children and families from all over have been enjoying it this summer, especially at The Arc's day camp. The Arc of Allen County Executive Director, Brad Perrot, says people of all abilities and ages have been able to enjoy the project because of the new and unique equipment.

The Rally Point Youth Center in Lima is preparing for their biggest fundraiser of the year next weekend, the Rally Point River Ride. The event offers bicycle tours for the community to participate in. There are 10, 20, 50 and 62.5-mile paths riders can choose from, whether they want a relaxing experience or a challenge. The proceeds from event registrations go to the youth ministry and their programs that help area teens in their life and faith. Jared Diller, the Executive Director of Northwest Ohio Youth for Christ says the public has been a huge support in making this year's ride possible.

Two people were taken to the hospital following a rollover car crash in Lima this afternoon. First responders were called to the intersection of Pearl and Jackson Streets at 5 PM for a two-car crash resulting in one on its side. The Ford Bronco was heading west on Pearl and stopped at the posted signs. Police say the driver thought it was a 4-way stop and entered the path of Lexus LS heading south on Jackson Street. The two collided, sending the Bronco to spin and roll onto its side. Both drivers were the only occupants in their vehicles. They were each transported to Mercy Health - St. Rita's Medical Center and Lima Memorial Health System with minor injuries.

The corn and soybean fields that saw higher amounts could suffer from ponding, which could affect root growth. However, Clint Schroeder, an Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator with the Allen County OSU Extension says the precipitation last week mixed with the hot, humid weather this week is ideal for crops to thrive. There is still one major concern farmers need to monitor for though.

     The Lima Area Concert Band is preparing to celebrate the 50th anniversary season they never got to have last year.  The first performance by the concert band in over a year and a half will be on August 7th at Elida High School.   It is focused around celebrating 50 years, with music pieces from the last half century.  They will also play a special piece composed for them by James Swearingen, the music arranger for the Ohio State University Marching Band.  Members of the concert band says they have been so excited to practice together again.