Ohio Third District Court of Appeals Affirms Conviction and Sentence of Dustin Clapsaddle

Ohio Third District Court of Appeals Affirms Conviction and Sentence of Dustin Clapsaddle

The Ohio Third District Court of Appeals has upheld the conviction and sentence of former Kenton School teacher Dustin Clapsaddle. Clapsaddle was convicted on charges of rape, sexual battery, gross sexual imposition and kidnapping last year and was sentenced to a total of 10 years in prison by Judge Steve Christopher. The charges are connected to the rape of a then 17-year-old student. In affirming the conviction and sentence, the Court of Appeals stated that: "The conviction for gross sexual […]

October 27, 2025 12280 2 5

Featured

Belle Center Man Found Dead in Jail Cell in Auglaize County

A Belle Center man was found dead in his cell at the Auglaize County Correctional Center early Sunday morning. According to a release from the Auglaize County Sheriff's Office, staff members were performing their routine head count when they found the inmate later identified as 54-year-old Benjamin P. Hopkins, of Belle Center. He was unresponsive, and life saving measures were performed by the staff. Hopkins was transported to St. Rita's Medical Center in Lima where he was pronounced dead. He […]

October 27, 2025 3705

Featured

Last Week for In-Person Absentee/Early Voting Hours

The last days of in-person absentee/early voting hours for the 2025 November 4th Election are: 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Monday, October 27, 20257:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Tuesday, October 28, 20257:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, October 29 through October 31, 20258:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Saturday, November 1, 20251:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Sunday, November 2, 2025 There will be no voting on Monday, November 3, 2025 (per H.B. 458) In-Person Absentee/Early voting will end […]

October 27, 2025 143

Featured

Bluffton Hosts Hands-On Outdoor Learning Experience for Local Students

BLUFFTON, OH – Bluffton University recently welcomed second- and seventh-grade students from Bluffton elementary and middle school for two days of hands-on outdoor education experiences at the Bluffton University Nature Preserve and Little Riley Creek. Led by Jacob Buchanan, assistant professor of environmental science and M'della Moon Endowed Chair in Botany and Environmental Science, the program introduced younger learners to the wonders of the natural world through direct exploration and discovery. “I believe that environmental education is critically important for […]

October 24, 2025 126

1

Featured

Kenton Lions Club Hosts Guest Speaker, Prepares for Holiday Events and Community Service Projects

Pictured Left to Right: Tim Conkle and 1st Vice President Lion Tracy Anderson The Kenton Lions Club held its regular meeting recently at the Kenton Elks. The meeting was called to order at 6:31 pm by 1st Vice President Lion Tracy Anderson with 16 members and 1 guest present. Lion Tracy led the pledge and led the prayer. The meeting was adjourned for a meal and called back to order at 6:53 pm. Guest Speaker for the evening was Tim […]

October 24, 2025 263 1

4

Featured

Marion County Jury Finds Hayes Elementary Teacher Guilty of Assaulting 6-Year-Old Non-Verbal Autistic Student

A Marion County jury this week found a special education teacher at Hayes Elementary School in Marion guilty of assault for slapping a 6-year-old non-verbal autistic girl under her care on October 10, 2024. According to a release from Marion County Prosecutor Ray Grogan, the jury held Grafmiller accountable for striking the vulnerable student after the child spit on the teacher during recess. Grogan tried the case alongside Assistant Prosecutor Parker Schwartz, presenting compelling evidence including surveillance camera footage from […]

October 24, 2025 2037 4

2

Featured

Farmers National Banc Corp. and Middlefield Banc Corp. Announce Definitive Merger Agreement

CANFIELD, Ohio & MIDDLEFIELD, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)- Farmers National Banc Corp. (“Farmers”) (NASDAQ: FMNB), the holding company for The Farmers National Bank of Canfield (“Farmers National Bank”), and Middlefield Banc Corp. (“Middlefield”) (NASDAQ: MBCN), the holding company for The Middlefield Banking Company (“Middlefield Bank”), jointly announced yesterday (10/22/2025) the signing of a definitive merger agreement (the “Agreement”) pursuant to which Middlefield will merge with and into Farmers in an all-stock transaction. The Agreement was unanimously approved by the boards of directors […]

October 23, 2025 296 2

Featured

Latta Welcomes Ohio Schools to the U.S. Capitol During Government Shutdown

Congressman Latta leads tour for Marion Local Schools in the Capitol Rotunda. WASHINGTON, DC — Yesterday, Congressman Bob Latta (OH-5) personally led two U.S. Capitol tours for students from Marion Local Schools and Coldwater Middle School in Mercer County. During the ongoing government shutdown, many federal operations, including public Capitol tours, are suspended until the government reopens. However, Members of Congress are still permitted to lead tours themselves, allowing students and visitors to continue experiencing the U.S. Capitol. Both Marion […]

October 23, 2025 120

3

Featured

Hardin County Community Foundation Welcomes Executive Assistant; Announces Assets of Nearly 15 Million Dollars at Quarterly Meeting

Kaylee Koyan of Kenton was welcomed as the first executive assistant for the Hardin County Community Foundation at its quarterly meeting Tuesday afternoon. President Matt Jennings said, “ Over the years we’ve had paid, part-time officers in the foundation that were treasurer, assistant treasurer, secretary and assistant secretary. But as we’ve grown we’ve come to the point where we need to consolidate all of those duties and functions into one role. “So after the addition of Bryan Marshall as our […]

October 23, 2025 657 3

Featured