A snowy owl perches on top of a utility pole near Byhalia in northern Union County on Friday afternoon and seems to be watching the holiday shoppers scurrying by on Ohio 31. The weather is expected to turn cold with snow over the holiday weekend, which may be more to the liking of the wise, white bird. Times photo/Dan Robinson

The Lake of Lights Christmas Celebration continues at Kenton’s Saulisberry Park through Tuesday from 6 to 9 p.m. The lighting display has been expanded again this year with the support of several area businesses and other organizations.

DOLA — After dropping their first eight games of the season, including a rough outing in which they scored just nine points on Tuesday, the Hardin Northern girls basketball team was looking for something positive going into the holidays.

ADA — The first half for Delphos Jefferson went about as good as could have been expected against Ada in Thursday’s girls basketball contest, as the Wildcats were able to find easy open shots to rack up 43 points, while holding the Lady Bulldogs to just 12.

McDonald Grange representatives (from left) Tucker Hazelton, Jilli Hazelton, Melia Santillanez and Shelby Hazelton joined the volunteers at Helping Hands Outreach in Kenton in handing out toys, clothing and food to children and families for Christmas.

Rescue workers examine a bulk milk truck that went off the road on Wednesday morning, sending the driver to the hospital. Jeff Routt of Kenton was taken by Lifeflight to St. Rita’s Medical Center in Lima.

A total of $3,740 in cash is displayed after its seizure Wednesday at a Forest residence by the Hardin County Crime Task Force as part of an investigation into the illegal sale of prescription medication.

MOUNT VICTORY — Ridgemont’s first-half effort powered the Gophers to a 10-point lead over Northmor at halftime in Wednesday’s girls basketball contest. The Gophers extended their lead to 16 after three and held off a fourth quarter push from Northmor to take the 55-43 non-conference win.

BELLEFONTAINE — Nikki Current netted 26 points to lead Ben Logan to a 58-33 victory over Springfield Northwestern in a Central Buckeye Conference girls basketball contest Wednesday night.

DUNKIRK — While Dunkirk resident Tony Crowe is sad to see the former Dunkirk United Methodist Church go, he’s glad it will be put to good use again. The old church building, located on Main Street on the village’s south side, is in the process of being deconstructed piece by piece by Barnwood Market of Williamstown, a business that salvages building materials to be repurposed.