There have never been more treatment options available locally for those facing opiate addictions, yet the issue persists and, according to at least one local minister, continues to grow. The Rev. Mark Bishop is one of a group of Hardin County church leaders who is turning to a higher power for assistance in facing the drug problems in the county and seeking guidance on coming together as a community to find answers.

Eight Kenton High School seniors have earned certification in two years in a program designed to last twice that long. Since the Nursing Assistant program was introduced when Ohio Hi-Point Career established it two years ago at the former Northwood building in Kenton, the students who began as juniors had to learn on an accelerated pace to earn the certification, said teacher Deb Purcell.

LIMA — Trailing by nine points midway through the third quarter, Kenton looked to be on the verge of falling away during its sectional final basketball contest with Upper Sandusky. The Wildcats, who led by one point at halftime regained their footing, however, and pulled within a single point several times late in the game, before the No. 2 seeded Rams were able to hang on for a 68-67 victory at Lima Senior on Friday night.

HARROD — Ridgemont boys basketball coach Nick Stuck said his team knew Perry’s plan of attack would be to bring on the defensive pressure early and often in Friday’s Division IV sectional final contest. Even so, the No. 10-seed Gophers didn’t respond well to the press and surrendered a 22-0 run to the top-seeded Commodores (20-3) right off the bat on their way to an 80-31 defeat and ending their season at 6-19.

When the other firefighters at the Joint Base Lewis-McChord near Tacoma, Wash., are between calls, most clean the trucks or find ways to relax. During those breaks, Jeremy Chivington is in the gym.

The Kenton Elks Lodge honored the Teenagers of the Month from each of the six county schools Thursday. The luncheon was in recognition for those selected for the month of January.

SHELBY — The charity stripe was very kind to Riverdale on Thursday. The Falcons made an outstanding 37 of 41 free throws in a 77-72 victory over Margaretta in their district semifinal at Shelby.

WAPAKONETA — After his team scored just 13 points in the first half, Upper Scioto Valley coach Mike Risner knew his Lady Rams would have a better offensive output in the second 16 minutes of its district semifinal basketball contest against Marion Local on Thursday night.

In the 1950s, parents with a developmentally disabled child were encouraged to place them in an institution and walk away. Today, said Simon Kenton Superintendent Kara Brown, there are many activities and opportunities for those children because parents 60 years ago refused to walk away from the responsibility of being a parent.

Pam Thames removes the plastic covering from a skid of Thin Mint cookies at her home in Forest. All of the Girl Scout cookies sold in Hardin County arrived at the Thames’ house for distribution on Wednesday.