An explosion may have accelerated the destruction of a burning home on U.S. 68 at the south edge of Hardin County on Thursday morning. According to Assistant Chief Jason Johns of the Richland Township Fire Department, firefighters were notified of the fire at 10:18 a.m.

MOUNT VICTORY — Beginning in May, residents and businesses of Mount Victory with a sewer service account will see an additional 75-cent fee on their monthly bill. By a 4-1 vote Thursday night, the Mount Victory Village Council agreed to establish the fee, effective May 1, to be levied upon each residential and commercial sewer service account provided by the village.

MOUNT VICTORY — The village of Mount Victory’s water line project is nearing completion, as other projects around the village are nearing a start. Andy Clarridge of Page Engineering was on hand at the meeting Thursday night to update council on the projects around the village.

FOREST — A new economic incentive was offered to the Forest council Thursday night. Hardin County Chamber and Business Alliance President Jon Cross presented the Jobs Creation Incentive Program (JCIP) during council’s regular March session.

BELLEFONTAINE — Projects of three Benjamin Logan High School students will be part of the District Science Fair competition on Saturday at Ohio Northern University in Ada.

MOUNT VICTORY — Ridgemont Local Schools will be hosting preschool screening on April 15 for children ages 3-5 by Aug. 1, 2015.

FOREST — The Forest-Jackson Public Library will be showing two movies on Friday, March 20.

MONDAY, MARCH 16 Kenton Board of Education 1 p.m., Northwood building; work session for walk-through of Northwood with no action to be taken.

It was a banner year for United Way of Hardin County and the board shared the success with its support agencies at a breakfast this morning at St. John’s United Church of Christ in Kenton. When the campaign started, Honorary Campaign Chairs Randy and Merrilee Rogers encouraged county residents to “give a little bit more” this year.

BELLEFONTAINE — Dr. Richard Smith has been hired as superintendent of schools by the Ohio Hi-Point Career Center Board of Education. The current superintendent at North Union Local School in Richwood, Smith was awarded a three-year contract by the board at a special meeting Wednesday night.