Regional news

Homecoming season is a cherished tradition bringing together high school students, families and alumni to celebrate school spirit and unity. The Lima/Allen County Safe Community Coalition reminds citizens that while these festivities are eagerly anticipated, they also come with concerns about driving safety, particularly in the context of post-game and dance celebrations and gatherings, much of it being done by youthful drivers.

Every three hours, a person or vehicle is hit by a train in the United States. Crashes at rail crossings can be more severe than other collisions and are more likely to result in death and injury.

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO), the Ohio Rail Development Commission (ORDC) and the Ohio Department of Transportation are promoting Rail Safety Week, September 18-24. The week is dedicated as a reminder to Ohioans to practice safety around all rail crossings. This year’s awareness campaign focuses on the safety of pedestrians, joggers and bicyclists.

The Bluffton Schools will hold a district-wide open house on Monday evening, September 25 with the following staggered schedule;

  • Elementary school - 5:00-6:00 p.m.
  • Middle school - 5:30-6:30 p.m.
  • High school - 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Several community organizations will have booths set up in the elementary gymnasium and information will be available on ways to provide support to the schools and community.

On September 15, the Ohio Department of Education released detailed 2022-2023 school report cards for individual schools and for school districts, which can be accessed HERE. New in 2023, Ohio schools will receive overall ratings of 1-5 stars in half-star increments. The report cards include five rated components as well as other data.

Highway construction updates for parts of Allen, Hancock and Putnam counties (weather permitting):

ALLEN

  • U.S. 30 westbound between State Route 65 and State Route 696 will have lane closures for pavement repairs.

HANCOCK

Northwest Ohio – Wildlife District Two 
Newcomers to Lake Erie walleye fishing from southern Ohio were contacted by State Wildlife Officer Brian Baker, assigned to Lake Erie, at the Huron boat ramp. The group was checked for license and bag limit compliance and found to have caught three walleye on a day when most anglers returned with their limit of six. Officer Baker shared locations and depths where fish were being caught with the anglers and provided data from the Precision Trolling App so the crankbaits the anglers were using would reach the depths where most walleye were being caught. The anglers were grateful for the officer’s help and were excited to get back on the water to put the information to use.

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