Kenton is optimistic it may be able to name a new police chief later in October. A civil service exam for chief candidates will be given on Thursday, said Safety Service Director Jim Hites. The exam is open to all officers on the force – from lieutenant to patrolman.

MOUNT BLANCHARD — With the help of donations, Riverdale is looking to upgrade its auditorium. Superintendent Eric Hoffman reported to the board at its regular meeting on Monday that the Riverdale Education Foundation’s next project, thanks to donations as well as the school’s recycling fund, will be to improve the auditorium.

McGUFFEY — With some major expenses behind it, the Upper Scioto Valley School District remains in solid financial ground. In the five-year forecast, Treasurer Stacy Gratz reported to the board Monday she is predicting the district will go into FY 19 with a carryover equal to 30 days of operation costs.

While the city of Kenton is new to Pastor David Robertson, it brings back memories from his time growing up in his hometown of Sharon, Pa. Robertson and his wife, Susan, have been in town since mid-August, and he began as pastor of Faith Baptist Church at the beginning of September.

The Kenton Board of Education approved the purchase of a new pickup truck at a special meeting this morning. The truck is a state bid GMC 2500 HD four-wheel drive regular cab pickup.

The Kenton Fire Department was called to a fire at 9:27 a.m. Friday at 8584 CR. 135 at a home owned by Cheryl Busch. According to Chief Russ Blue, when the responders arrived, they found the house heavily involved in smoke.

A Ridgeway woman was sentenced to perform 120 hours of community service after she was convicted of drug-related charges in Hardin County Common Pleas Court. According to court records from Prosecutor Brad Bailey’s office, Lisa Marie Helton, 131 East Street, Ridgeway, pleaded guilty to four counts of trafficking in marijuana and one count of possession of drugs.

FINDLAY — An Ada man was taken to Blanchard Valley Hospital in Findlay following a single-vehicle accident Thursday evening. According to a report from the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office, at 6:10 p.m. Thursday, 39-year-old Aaron McDougle of Ada was westbound on U.S. 30 at CR 9 in Van Buren Township when he lost control of the 2010 Honda he was operating.

MOUNT VICTORY — As Ridgemont students finish their first full week of class at the new building in Mount Victory today, Superintendent Emmy Beeson said the start of the year has gone very well. Beeson gave her report about the new building during the regular board meeting on Thursday.

The community is invited to a baby shower complete with prizes, games and refreshments. The shower is for new or expecting mothers, said Byron Shelden, Director of Community Engagement and Provider Recruiting at the Kenton Community Health Center.