The real world is closer than ever for Kenton Middle School students. Instructor Jared Manns said the 7th and 8th graders are being exposed to engineering concepts used by working engineers.

Ron Snyder has been named chief operating officer (COO) of Hardin Memorial Hospital in Kenton, according to a release from OhioHealth. In April, Snyder, chief financial officer at the time, was named interim president of Hardin Memorial after serving 34 years at the hospital.

RIDGEWAY — There will be a new tornado warning system in Ridgeway in the spring. Councilman Mike Jenkins announced at Tuesday’s council meeting, the village has been awarded a grant to pay the $20,000 - $25,000 price of installing the system, which is to be located at the former Ridgemont football field in the Logan County portion of the village.

The first drawings of proposed plans for Camp Jacob Parrott at Kenton’s Saulisberry Park were shared with members of City Council on Monday night. The Warriors First organization, founded by Rev. Scott Johnson and Retired Col. James Ramsey, wants to redevelop part of the park into a campground for veterans.

Kenton will be joining Buck and Pleasant townships on the purchase of a new 2015 fire truck. The three entities plan to share the cost of a demonstrator unit, which will be acquired for $365,000 (about $375,000 with upgrades).

McGUFFEY — Changes in local income tax regulations will require small municipalities such as McGuffey to pass legislation by the end of the year or risk losing that revenue. Jim Meyer, a consultant with the village of McGuffey, advised the town’s council on Monday night to draft legislation to meet the state’s demands as laid out in HB 5.

Nearly two years ago, Bob and Kelly Carder’s life changed forever. Their daughter, Taylor, was killed in a vehicle accident.

Katy Murphy spent nine years in the field working with patients. In her new role as director for the Kenton Community Health Center, she still gets to work with others, just in a different way.

A 17-year-old Kenton youth who took his mom’s car without permission led police on a chase through town before he fled the vehicle and was apprehended on Thursday. The incident started about 11 p.m. Wednesday when police began their pursuit and it continued on foot until a Hardin County Sheriff’s deputy threatened to release his K-9.

FOREST — The improvement in the appearance of downtown Forest is not going unnoticed. Mayor Tom Seem told council Thursday evening compliments don’t stop with the citizens, but passers-by make sure their positive comments are directed to village officials.