Girl Scouts from across the county, including LeaAnn Wilson, picked up the cookies they sold earlier this year at the home of Pam Thames in Forest.

Lester Johns doesn’t seem to need anyone to watch over him. The 94-year-old veteran of World War II tills his own garden each spring and mows a large lawn. He jumps into his truck routinely and shops after taking part in the activities at the senior center. But with nine decades under his belt and a daughter who lives in Morral, it is no doubt a comfort to know someone back home is watching Lester.

In the early days of the 20th century, the McKitrick Hospital in Kenton was where people in Hardin County turned when they needed medical attention. Today a Kenton woman is hoping the weathered, abandoned, condemned building on North Detroit Street can again be a beacon of community hope to those seeking help in fighting addiction.

Kenton’s new outdoor warning siren will be activated as part of the statewide tornado drill on Friday at 9:50 a.m. The drill is part of Ohio’s Spring Severe Weather Awareness Week, March 1-7.

MOUNT VICTORY — For 37 years, Jerry and Karen Burrey have been supplying the Mount Victory community with cars and convenience. The couple are owners and operators of Hardin Motors and the Mount Victory Mini Mart and gas station on South Main Street in the village.

In just eight hours Saturday, the participants in the Upward Sports program collected 2,931 cans of food for the seven Hardin County food pantries.

DUNKIRK — When the Price Funeral Home closed its Dunkirk location in 2010, it appeared to be a loss for the community. But in the past five years, the church community led an effort to convert the location into a center dedicated to meeting the needs of the people in the community.

ADA — People who have served Hardin County for years and others who are just beginning to make an impact were recognized for their accomplishments Thursday night at the annual meeting of the Hardin County Chamber and Business Alliance.

Work began this morning on the demolition of the former Espy Elementary in Kenton.