The time has come for local artists to have their artwork displayed at the Arts Place Auglaize/Mercer Center. The annual Lake Area Arts Group gallery has been hung at 207 E. Spring St. and will be on display for the public to enjoy — and even purchase — for the next five weeks.

As the country recovers from the pandemic, some people are taking the chance to start fresh and pamper themselves or get a new haircut. But pets need pampering too.

A project for an all-accessible playground will be headed to St. Marys City Councilors for consideration after the Parks and Playgrounds Committee held a discussion about it on Tuesday. 

The city of St. Marys, in conjunction with its school district, is looking to purchase property outside of town to provide future development in housing and provide growth for St. Marys City Schools. 

WILMINGTON — The National Weather Service out of Wilmington has issued a winter storm watch for portions of West Central Ohio as well as East Central and Southeast Indiana, Northwest and Northern Kentucky and Central and South Central Ohio.

In each of the 15 years that Heidi Lisi has been the group’s adviser, at least one member has qualified for the state-level competition. This year, all 37 members who participated in the district competition on Jan. 27 have advanced to state — virtually, of course.

The city experienced two water main breaks on Sunday and Monday, but both were remedied in a matter of hours. 

From the Punxsutawney Spirit

Pick up a copy of the Saturday, Jan. 30 edition of The Evening Leader and turn to page A9 to learn how Plus One Professionals got its start and how it's grown since 1982.

The National Weather Service in Wilmington has issued a winter storm watch for Auglaize and surrounding counties.

The Auglaize Mercer Counties Family YMCA kicked off on Thursday its annual campaign aimed at raising money for the Y's Scholarship Fund.

The Auglaize County Sheriff's Office announced on Monday that it will be utilizing standardized winter road condition advisory levels to inform the public about general conditions of roadways throughout the county during a winter storm, especially in the rural areas. 

It may be known as Southern Hospitality but people in Auglaize County also know a thing or two about taking care of their neighbors.

Correy Nelson stopped a lot of soccer balls from going into the net throughout his St. Marys career.

After everyone endured the year that was 2020, St. Paul's United Church of Christ is beginning 2021 with something uplifting for its members.

Those getting a head start on their fitness goals through the help of the Grand Fitness Challenge got an extra boost of motivation, inspiration and advice as the health challenge held its virtual kickoff event on Tuesday evening. Grand Lake Health System welcomed Erica Lugo to the kickoff to…

My•La’s Frozen Yogurt will be holding a fundraiser on Tuesday to benefit the families of two Wapakoneta teens involved in a fatal crash over the weekend. Patrons are encouraged to stop by the frozen yogurt shop between noon and 8 p.m. to purchase their favorite treats.

CELINA — Every Thursday evening, a motivated, determined crew of powerlifters arrives at CrossFit Crave to spend an hour working out together and challenging themselves to get better. The only thing that is different for the members of the Iron Will team is made up of people with special needs.

While saying a construction project is ahead of schedule is considered bad luck, Tri Star construction teacher Brett McGillvary did admit that the program’s home build for Lots for Soldiers is “moving right along.”

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump was impeached by the U.S. House for a historic second time Wednesday, charged with "incitement of insurrection" over the deadly mob siege of the Capitol in a swift and stunning collapse of his final days in office.

COLUMBUS (AP) — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine activated 580 National Guard members Tuesday in preparation for what the FBI identified as massive armed protests planned in Columbus and every state capital in the country leading up to Inauguration Day.

Typically, people are just getting started on their fitness journey in early January but all day Saturday, athletes from near and far were testing how far they have gone on their fitness journey as they competed in the CrossFit Crave Winter Classic.

At a time during the pandemic when there were no sports, there was one sport that was able to endure and continue because of its unique nature. When schools closed in the spring, eSports was able to continue thanks to the remote capabilities of online gaming. But COVID has still made an impa…

NEW BREMEN — In 2018, Abby Balster was looking for a way to turn one of the most popular snacks in the country into a business. She started making flavored popcorn here and there for friends and family but her time was limited because she was working a full-time job during the day that kept …

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — The insurrection by supporters of President Donald Trump at the U.S. Capitol this week has prompted governors and state lawmakers to reassess security at their own capitol buildings as they gather amid a pandemic for legislative sessions and inaugural ceremonies.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump for the first time acknowledged his defeat in the Nov. 3 election and announced there would be an "orderly transition" on Jan. 20, Inauguration Day, after Congress concluded the electoral vote count early Thursday certifying President-elect Joe Biden'…

WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress confirmed Democrat Joe Biden as the presidential election winner early Thursday after a violent mob loyal to President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol in a stunning attempt to overturn America's presidential election, undercut the nation's democracy and keep …

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Protesters backing President Donald Trump massed outside statehouses from Georgia to New Mexico on Wednesday, leading some officials to evacuate while cheers rang out at several demonstrations as a pro-Trump mob stormed the U.S. Capitol.

COLUMBUS (AP) — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine on Wednesday called the occupation of the U.S. Capitol an "embarrassment" that runs counter to actions in a nation of laws. He was joined by several other state leaders in condemning the violence.

WASHINGTON (AP) —

After more than three decades tucked away in a basement, a piece of St. Marys history glows once again.

COLUMBUS (AP) — An individual's duty to retreat before using force has been eliminated in Ohio under a gun rights bill signed by Republican Gov. Mike DeWine on Monday despite the governor's vocal concerns that GOP lawmakers were ignoring his own legislation proposed following the 2019 mass s…

LONDON (AP) — Gerry Marsden, lead singer of the 1960s British group Gerry and the Pacemakers that had such hits as "Ferry Cross the Mersey" and the song that became the anthem of Liverpool Football Club, "You'll Never Walk Alone," has died. He was 78.

With the new year, Fitness Hub is offering a safe alternative for those who want to get a head start on their New Year’s resolution.

The coronavirus pandemic has taken much away from people; jobs, time with family, money and family and friends who have passed away because of the virus.

The season of giving is well underway and the Auglaize County Council on Aging and the St. Marys FFA chapter combined efforts to make the holidays a brighter time for area senior citizens with donations not only of food but also holiday goodies.

Local groups and individuals came together on Saturday to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. 

While the days will soon be getting longer, midwinter blues are still hanging around and can affect daily life, especially for senior citizens and especially in a pandemic. Thankfully, the Auglaize County Council on Aging is doing what it can to keep seniors connected and active to ward off …

SIDNEY — While the end of 2020 being in sight brings much joy to people nationally and worldwide, there is still something good that can come out of this year — the gift of giving at Christmas.

In a word, it was powerful.

A local family is looking to change the heartbreaking headlines of lost children with special needs ending in tragedy into stories of hope and quick rescues.

COLUMBUS (AP) — The first vaccines against the coronavirus arrived in Ohio Monday morning as a national rollout got underway, with front-line medical workers the first to receive doses.

Councilors heard the first reading of an ordinance that will allow the city to ask residents to make the voted tax renewal permanent in the May primary during Monday's St. Marys City Council meeting.

A brand new program offered through the Auglaize County Sheriff’s Office is giving community members a chance to improve the effectiveness of deputy and officer interactions with those with special considerations in an emergency.

The city of St. Marys issued a statement on Tuesday that states its council and committee meetings will be conducted via Zoom until further notice. 

WAPAKONETA — The Board of County Commissioners of Auglaize County and the Auglaize County Historical Society announce that a brief ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. on Dec. 17 on the east side of the Auglaize County Courthouse to dedicate the building's new marker. Those attending the outdoor …

Like many other school districts across the state, St. Marys City Schools is in need of bus drivers.

Local school districts are continuing with business as usual, even after the Ohio Education Association requested all public schools in the state stop in-person instruction.

Ohio State Highway Trooper Alex J. Lampert has been selected 2020 Trooper of the Year at the Wapakoneta post.