"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.

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.

"People who drink this beer aren't looking to get smashed,'' said Ron Wilson, owner of Premium Beverage Supply in Columbus. "They are beer connoisseurs looking for quality and variety.''

Ohio adopted a law at the end of Prohibition in 1933 setting the maximum limit of alcohol in beer at 6 percent by weight or 7.5 percent by volume. The proposed law would set the upper limit at 12 percent by volume. The Ohio House and Senate both have passed the bill. Gov. Bob Taft is reviewing it but hasn't taken a position on it, a spokesman said.

Budweiser and most other major brands have between 3 percent and 5 percent alcohol by volume, according to Bob Pease, vice president of the Association of Brewers in Boulder, Colo. He said less than 1 percent of U.S.-brewed beer contains more than 10 percent alcohol. Click here to read more of this story from the Columbus Dispatch.

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.

If you own real estate within Wyandot County and have not received your tax statement, contact the Wyandot County Treasurer at 419-294-2131. Failure to pay the taxes due can result in fines and other penalties.

Several area banks will accept tax payments, including; First Citizens National Bank in Carey, Nevada, and Wharton; First National Bank in Sycamore and McCutchenville; Commercial Savings Bank in Carey and Harpster; Sky Bank in Carey.