School security has long been a major concern for district administrators and the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office, but the recent shootings in Parkland, Fla., have encouraged those responsible for keeping the county’s children safe to take it up a notch.

ADA — During ongoing work to improve the Ada swimming pool, a ruptured 8-inch water line has been discovered. Village Administrator Jamie Hall reported to village council at its regular meeting on Tuesday night that the broken pipe was found earlier that day, and has all involved quite concerned.

The Kenton Police Department has increased its visibility in Kenton City Schools over the past several months, said Chief Dennis Musser. But in the wake of the school shooting last month in Parkland, Fla., the KPD has stepped up its presence in the schools.

A Forest man was sent to prison for nearly five years for his part in a September home invasion in Kenton. According to court records from Prosecutor Brad Bailey’s office, Rick Kenneth Gault, 33, 125 W. Columbus St., Forest, pleaded guilty to one count each of aggravated burglary and grand theft.

ALGER — Illegally parked cars and hogs may be things of the past in the village of Alger. Councilman Steve Hunt told council there are issues throughout the town with cars parked illegally.

DUNKIRK — Anyone who has driven through Dunkirk on North Main Street (U.S. 68) recently is sure to have noticed the village having some issues with the road. Superintendent Paul Cramer reported to village council at its regular meeting Monday night that North Main Street suffered a third pothole due to another water leak.

ADA — Luckily for Ada science teacher Dave Lusk, some bad advice he received in his youth about choosing a career path ended up with a good outcome. Dave is in his 38th year as a science teacher at Ada High School, instructing sophomores, juniors and seniors in the subjects of chemistry, physics and physical science.

The Kenton Police Department has determined an alleged threat toward Kenton High School does not pose a safety concern to students or staff, Superintendent Jennifer Penczarski said in a notification to parents and staff on Sunday night.

The late days of winter set the sap pulsing through the maple tress of Ohio and Kyle and Shelby Brammell are ready to tap onto that natural process to develop it into syrupy treat. For the next two weekends, people will travel from throughout the state to their sugar shack in Dudley Township as part of the annual March Maple Madness Driving Tour. The tour is sponsored by the Ohio Maple Producers.

This summer, the business square around the Hardin County Courthouse in Kenton will call attention to the sacrifice local veterans have paid for the residents of the community. Commissioner Roger Crowe is heading up a program which will place vinyl banners on utility poles featuring the pictures of veterans who are currently serving or have been in the armed services.