Police seeking information

in Friday armed robbery

LIMA — Police are investigating an armed robbery at Jackpot Zone arcade that occurred early Friday morning.

According to a media release, Lima Police Department officers were sent to 1515 Harding Highway at aroung 3:34 a.m. in response to a female using a firearm to make threats and taking “an undisclosed amount of cash.” A person of interest has been identified, but police are not sharing their identity at this time.

Anyone with information relating to the incident should contact Crime Stoppers at 419-229-7867 or Lima Police Detective Brian Snyder at 419-998-5588.

Ohio House passes bill to make

hoax emergency calls a felony

COLUMBUS (AP) — Intentional false reports about school shootings and other hoax emergency calls could be prosecuted as a felony under legislation passed by the Republican-led Ohio House on Wednesday.

The bill would create a felony offense for “swatting,” which is when someone knowingly reports a false emergency that prompts response by law enforcement, such as a kidnapping, school shooting or other violent crimes. Supporters of the bill say such situations cause unnecessary panic, disruption and expense, and can end with innocent people being arrested or harmed.

GOP Rep. Kevin Miller, of Newark, who sponsored the legislation, said such false alarms can “create highly charged incidents” that end in tragedy.

The legislation would make “swatting” a third-degree felony, and if a person is physically harmed during a resulting police response, it would be a first-degree felony. Those convicted could also be financially responsible for the costs of the law enforcement response.

The state public defender’s office opposed the bill, arguing that there’s no need because penalties for false reporting of crimes already exist in Ohio law and the proposal would overcomplicate that.

The measure will next go to the Senate.

Ohio House OKs bil to help

owners keep guns in emergencies

COLUMBUS (AP) — Ohio House lawmakers have advanced a proposal meant to ensure that gun owners’ lawfully held firearms and ammunition aren’t seized by the government during natural disasters, public health crises or other declared emergencies. The bill cleared the Republican-led House on Thursday. During such emergencies, it would deem certain firearms businesses “essential,” temporarily extend concealed carry licenses that would otherwise expire and keep government entities from stopping lawful hunting or fishing practices. The bill’s Republican sponsor has said it doesn’t add new gun rights but clarifies that owners “cannot have their rights taken away.” Opponents say the measure would hinder local governments from protecting their residents.

Ohio Organic Grains

Conference set for Jan.

LIMA — On January 4-5, 2023, the Ohio Organic Grains Conference will be held in Archbold, Ohio. This new event intended for current, transitioning and new-to organic grain farmers, crop consultants, agency personnel, input suppliers, and grain buyers.

Registration is online only at www.go.osu.edu/organicgrainsreg. Registration is open to anyone. There will be no virtual option available for the conference. Registration for the conference includes dinner on the first day and lunch on the second day as well as all conference materials.

Questions related to this event can be directed to Eric Richer, OSU Extension at [email protected] and/or Maddie Newcomb at [email protected] or by calling 419-337-9210.

Putnam farm seeks permit

In accordance with OAC rule 901:10-6-01, public notice is hereby given that the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) is accepting comments on a draft Permit to Install (PTI) and a draft Permit to Operate (PTO) for a facility to be called “NASA Farms LLC”. This facility, if approved, will be located at 16760 Road G, Continental, Ohio 45831 in Putnam County, Palmer Township in the Auglaize Watershed. If the final permits are issued, the PTO would be valid for five years and the PTI would be valid for two years.

A copy of the draft permit can be obtained by submitting a public records request using the following link: https://agri.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/oda/divisions/legal-office/public-records-site-area. Any person may submit written comments and/or request a public meeting on the draft permit. A request for a public meeting must be in writing and shall state the nature of the issues to be raised at the public meeting. Comments and/or public meeting requests must be received by the DLEP office no later than 5 p.m. on December 16, 2022. Comments can either be mailed to Ohio Department of Agriculture, Division of Livestock Environmental Permitting, 8995 East Main Street, Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068 or emailed to [email protected].

Wapakoneta community

fund grant underway

WAPAKONETA — The Wapakoneta Area Community Foundation has Community Fund Grants available for application. The deadline for applying is Saturday, Dec. 10. Non-profit organizations in the Wapakoneta area are encouraged to apply for grants at www.wapakacf.org.

According to their website, the foundation’s mission is to distribute grants in the areas of health, economic development, basic human needs, education, cultural activities, environment and community services.

The organization has given almost $250,000 in grants since it first began in 2016.

Anyone who would like to give to the foundation can send their tax-deductible donation to Wapakoneta Area Community Foundation, P.O Box 1957, Wapakoneta, Ohio 45895.

For more information reach Greg Myers at 419-733-0568 or by email at [email protected].

Dates for ArtSpace/Lima

Photography Exhibit

LIMA — There will be a Juried Photography Exhibition from Jan. 6 through Feb. 7 of 2023 at ArtSpace/Lima.

Entry dates for the jurying, which will take place on Dec. 18, are Dec. 15, 16 and 17. Times for the entry dates are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The exhibition is open to all ages and all types of photography.

Photographers can drop off work at ArtSpace/Lima at 65 Town Square.

A complete set of guidelines for the exhibition can be picked up at the site or downloaded from the website artspacelima.com.

Further information can be found by calling Executive Director of ArtSpace/Lima Sally Windle at 419-222-1721.