"Overall, Ohio's labor market held steady over the month, with little change in the workforce," said ODJFS Director Tom Hayes. "While a slight increase in manufacturing employment was encouraging, the question still remains as to when employers will increase hiring."

Among the state's 88 counties, the May 2002 unemployment rates ranged from a low of 2.9 percent in Holmes County to a high of 14.4 percent in Morgan County. Rates decreased in about three-fifths of the counties. The comparable rate for Ohio for May was 5.4 percent. Click here to view rates from throughout Ohio.

The university expects its enrollment to be between 1,500 and 1,600 students. Many of those students will have the opportunity to live in a new fifty-unit apartment complex.

They are expecting to see more students from the Cleveland Canton area in the future with only a slight growth in the number of commuter students. Plans are under way to construct a new building for classrooms, offices, and labs. The university would also like to expand its 4-year degree program.

In response to that problem, the Ohio Heartland Community Action Commission has started a Summer Crisis Program from a grant they received to assist eligible households. The program began on June 3, and will end August 31.

This program has made air conditioners available to people whose illnesses will be aggravated by the heat. In addition, those people are also eligible for payment of up to $175 for their electric service.

Applications are being processed in Crawford County from 8:30 am to 4 pm Monday through Friday. An appointment can be made at the Crawford Center at 352 South Street, Galion, or by calling 800-854-4020 or 419-462-5121.

In Marion County, contact the Marian Clark Center at 1183 Bellefontaine Avenue, Marion, or by calling 740-383-2154.

The concerts will be held every Sunday evening at 7 with the last concert on August 4th. Everyone is asked to bring their own chairs for the concerts.

The concerts are being sponsored by Anchor Broadcasting, Achtermann Insurance, Wise Funeral Service, Bucyrus Telegraph Forum, Martin Realty, First Federal Community Bank of Bucyrus and Bucyrus Kiwanis Club.

The Akron Beacon Journal reported on Tuesday, June 25, the Office of Budget and Management's move could violate the Ohio Constitution if public school districts are forced to borrow money to balance their own budgets, several school officials told the newspaper. A story in the AP says, there were no numbers available to show the total dollars being withheld from schools.

Tim Keen, Governor Bob Taft's assistant budget director, said OBM is reviewing every payment above $2,500 and has the right to withhold payments for up to 30 days. The state's fiscal year ends June 30. Keen would not say when the state would make its payments.

Treasurers around the state have determined that at least seven counties are affected: Cuyahoga, Tuscarawas, Mercer, Union, Stark, Washington and Wyandot. There are at least 61 city, village, local and vocational school districts in those counties. Click here to read more of this story from the AP.

Galion Red Cross Reschedules Swim Lessons
The Galion Red Cross swim lessons have again been rescheduled from their original June 25th date to July the 1st, according to Anchor Broadcasting.

The lessons will still be given at Heise Park and will run through July 18th. If you have any questions feel free to call 419-468-5611.

There will be a great view of the fireworks, free food, a live reenactment, games, and fun, according to Anchor Broadcasting. The entire community is invited to take part in the celebration so don't miss out.

After choosing an architect Galion superintendent Denny Rose will begin work by holding public meetings to involve the community and discuss what the people want in their new schools. According to Anchor Broadcasting, the state of Ohio has recommended that Galion build a new high school, middle school, and two new elementary school buildings. The Ohio School Facilities Commission has approved the districts funding for the schools' construction and the state of Ohio has decided to pick up 76 percent off the 55 million-dollar bill.

One aspect that the state will not be paying for is the addition of a new gymnasium and auditorium like the ones at the present Galion High School. For this Galion school officials are looking to the community for support. Talks of Galion Community Education Fund have been buzzing to help pay for some of the extra projects such as the gymnasium and auditorium.

Troopers stopped the vehicle for speed southbound on Interstate 71, Wednesday, June 19, at 3:12 p.m. A hypodermic syringe was discovered on Gaver, the driver. A K-9 responded and alerted to the vehicle at which time drug paraphernalia and several unknown substances were discovered. The search was halted for suspicion of a methamphetamine lab, in order for the proper safety precautions to be taken. Subsequent investigation confirmed the presence of a methamphetamine lab.

Seli and Gaver were both incarcerated in at the Morrow County Sheriff’s Office. If convicted, Seli and Gaver could face up to eight years in prison and up to a $15,000 fine.

Glassmen Win U.S.Open For 2nd Straight Year
Many who remember a two day festival with three divisions, and a parade worthy of setting up lawn chairs days in advance may not have been at Thursday's US Open at Harding High School Stadium. It did not stop hundreds of others however, who enjoyed perfect weather and the 35th annual celebration of of sight and sound. A nice crowd and excellent performances hi-lighted this year's Open, won for the second straight year by Toledo's Glassmen. 

The Glassmen, winners of Monday's competition at Columbus Crew Stadium, outscored the second place Blue Coats of Canton, Ohio, who posted a 65.50. Denver's Blue Knights finished 3rd with a score of 63.50. The final performance in competition was by the host 

Marion Glory Cadets, who finished 8th in the scoring with a 34.75. A spectacular finale concluded the successful evening as all the corps filled the field and played a combination of "God Bless America-Oh Canada". Over 1,000 young people competed in this year's Open.

Families Enjoy Sun, Fun at Celebrate Summer Festival
Organizers were pleased with the turnout of both participants and spectators at the annual Celebrate Summerfest, held Saturday on the Ohio State University at Marion campus.  The annual event, which included live music, an art show and a rib cook-off, began at 12non and lasted until everyone was finished eating, well after the 8pm scheduled closing time.  (Photo: Rob Lill cooking up some of his Country Caterers specialty ribs)

The hot, summer sun didn't may have kept larger crowds away early, but by 5 pm, the lines were long as festival goers came out to taste the specialty barbecued ribs and other treats, from five local vendors, including All Occasions, Country Caterers, The Marion Country Club, OK Cafe, and Steve's Dakota Grill.  The "Best Ribs" ribbon will be announced Monday in the Marion Star.

Live bluegrass music and 60's music kept festival goers entertained while they dined.  Hundreds brought their own chairs and relaxed or talked with family and friends  (Photo: Browsing the artwork)

The event, which began as a celebration of art several years ago, this year features over 70 artists from all over Ohio and the Midwest.  Each displayed a variety of work, including ceramics, watercolors, jewelry, photography, glass, oil, wood, and pastel. In addition, over 30 local artists displayed under canopies throughout the festival.

Ohio Congressman Leads Team To Victory For Charity
Led by manager Mike Oxley and serenaded by students from the Fourth District, Republicans overcame the loss of a Hall of Fame athlete to defeat the Democrats in the annual Congressional Baseball Game for Charity.

Oxley (R-Findlay) guided Republicans to a 9-2 victory Thursday night in a Capitol Hill tradition that dates back 93 years.  Members of Congress play a real game of baseball each year to raise money for Washington, D.C. area charities. The game raised $90,000 for the Washington Literacy Council and other charities.

By leading his team to victories in three of the last four games, Oxley gets to permanently keep the Roll Call championship trophy as the manager. "Maybe we'll do a victory tour in the Fourth District, the way hockey players do with the Stanley Cup," Oxley joked.  "I will be accepting offers from our local historical societies to display the trophy."

There was a hometown flavor to this year's game.  The Pantasia Steel Drum band from Findlay High School performed for fans at the stadium.  The band's other appearances during its trip to Washington have included a performance at the prestigious Kennedy Center.

Spraying will occur one or two evenings a week, depending on the weather.

Bucyrus officials are asking residents to check that they are not providing breeding grounds for the mosquitoes. Prime areas to look for are places where water can set, including old tires or plugged spouting.

The public is invited to attend with their pets.

The focus will be on the Revolutionary and Civil War eras and will feature tours, exhibits, demonstrations, antique and yard sales. According to Anchor Broadcasting, re-enactments will also take place at the event scheduled for 11 am to 5 pm at 132 South Union Street in Galion.

Proceeds from the day will be used for the preservation of Brownella Cottage and Museum.