License Plates Now Required for All Purpose Vehicles

Effective June 7, 2010, all purpose vehicles (APVs) will be required to have a license plate and registration sticker.

The license plate and registration sticker are permanent and must remain with the vehicle, displayed in plain sight. A $34.75 registration fee will be collected for the issuance of a three year registration.

Marion Republicans Elect Officers

Marion County Republican Club officers were elected and Central and Executive Committeemen were sworn in at the bi-annual re-organizational meeting recently at GOP Headquarters. All positions are for a two-year term.

Lots of Opportunities to Donate Blood in June

The American Red Cross will conduct open blood drives at the following Marion County sites during June:

Strength Upgraded for Tornado that Killed 5

Weather experts now believe the weekend tornado that killed five people in northwest Ohio was stronger than first thought, with winds up to 175 mph.

The latest National Weather Service estimate puts the tornado at a 4 on the 0-5 scale for rating tornadoes, with 5 being the most intense.

Marion Restaurant Helping Out Park District

The Marion County Park District and The Warehouse restaurant, 320 West Center Street, have partnered in a fund raising effort to raise local matching grant funds for the new Marion Tallgrass Trail.

Marion General Hospital Honors EMS Personnel

As has become a tradition at Marion General Hospital, members of our EMS community were recently welcomed to a breakfast that was held in their honor.

The event brought together physicians, nurses, hospital administration, law enforcement, emergency dispatchers, and local elected officials, and recognized the dedication of those who provide the day-to-day lifesaving services on the medical "front line."

Cast Chosen For Palace’s Summer Musical

Following two days of auditions, Clare Cooke, George Schram, Kristi Wink and Johnny Steiner have announced the cast and orchestra for the Palace Theatre’s summer musical Guys & Dolls.

Tornado South of Toledo Kills 7

A community whose high school was destroyed the day before graduation by a tornado that killed seven people, including the valedictorian's father, rescheduled the ceremony as residents sifted through houses in many cases reduced to rubble.

String of Ohio Tornados Include One Near Mansfield

A tornado that killed seven people south of Toledo was one of a string of tornadoes that struck across northern Ohio over the weekend.

The National Weather Service says three others have been confirmed, all less severe than the deadly tornado. No injuries were reported in the others.

Patrol Canine Passes, Responsible for Millions in Seizures

The Ohio State Highway Patrol is mourning the loss recently of one of their successful and dedicated drug-detecting canines, Ringo, who had been with the Patrol since January 2000. K9 Ringo passed away on May 28, 2010. He retired from active duty in April 2009.