ALGER — The squabble which began at the Alger council meeting earlier this month between council and the board of public affairs continued Monday where it had left off. During the Dec. 4 meeting, council discussed reducing the rate of compensation for the board from $75 to $50 per meeting. The board meets twice a month.

MOUNT BLANCHARD — Riverdale board member Michelle Courtad asked those giving reports to add something that they’re thankful for in the spirit of the holiday season at Monday night’s regular board meeting, For technology director John DeMotte, that included the wealth of new technology available at Riverdale to its students, and that the school’s outdoor digital sign has been working well for about six months straight after prior repeated problems.

No injuries were reported as a result of a structure fire that occurred this morning at 694 Goodin St. in Kenton. Kenton Fire Department firefighters were dispatched at 5:33 a.m. to a report of light smoke coming from the structure, owned by John Whitaker and being rented by Jason Doster.

Judge Scott Barrett has determined there is no conflict of interest in attorney representation in a case involving charges a Roundhead man attempted to have his wife killed. Gerrick “Tony” Anthony Sheldon, 3010 CR 130, Roundhead Township, is facing two charges of complicity in an attempt to commit aggravated murder, a felony of the first degree (F1).

ALGER — At this time of the year, baking cookies is a holiday tradition with many families. But for those who want the sweet treats for their Christmas meals but don’t have time to bake, they can rely on the “Cookie Man” to provide them with creations sure to bring a smile to the harshest critics.

The Hardin County Commissioners heard an update on the brownfields projects being considered throughout the county during a meeting Thursday. Regional Planning Director Mark Doll told the commissioners there are four sites at various stages of the evaluation process.

FOREST — Three options to provide additional space for Forest municipal services were presented to the village council on Thursday night. A feasibility study conducted by Poggemeyer Design Group outlines two options which involve building a new municipal building and one which would call for expanding the existing facility.

MOUNT VICTORY — The safety of stopped trains through the village of Mount Victory continues to be a concern to the town’s officials. The CSX tracks divide the village in half and the crossings are regularly plugged by stopped trains. Village officials have complained about the trains because in order for the firefighters to respond to a call north of the tracks, they must go several miles out of their way from the station which is just feet away from the crossing.

ADA — Board member Thomas Dearth attended his final Ada School Board meeting on Thursday and was commended for his years of service. Dearth will have completed eight years on the school board, with his service beginning on Jan. 1, 2010 and officially ending on Dec. 31, 2017.

In what he called “the most heinous” case to come before him, Hardin County Common Pleas Court Judge Scott Barrett sent an Ada man to prison for the rest of his life on Wednesday. Albert Mast Sr. was originally charged with 123 counts in July of sexually abusing his children.