BY STACY TAFF

Staff Writer

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ELIDA—After the failure of another levy attempt earlier this month, Elida Local Schools Board of Education and administration are still attempting to find a funding strategy that will keep the district stable for the foreseeable future.

“State aid is not based on what it actually costs for our basic education; it’s not based on performance, even though we’ve been rated excellent three of the last five years.” Treasurer Joel Parker said. “I think our message to Matt Hoffman is that we’re still operating in a failed funding system. The disappointing part of it is we’re still over-reliant on property taxes and that has nothing to do with how well we’re performing.

BY STEPHANIE GROVES

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FORT JENNINGS — The Village of Fort Jennings was honored by the Purple Heart Association as the first Purple Heart Village in America during a banquet held Tuesday at Fort Jennings America Legion Post 715.

Fort Jennings Mayor Jim Smith, Jim Dickman and many members of the community have worked diligently to honor local Purple Heart recipients, as well as all veterans from all branches of the service from any conflict.

BY ALEX WOODRING

DHI Correspondent

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OTTAWA — The third teen involved in the Amber Alert who directed authorities to the bodies of Blake and Blaine Romes on May 9 pleaded not guilty to multiple charges of aggravated murder on Tuesday afternoon. Prosecuting Attorney Gary L. Lammers filed the two-count complaint in the Putnam County Juvenile Court.

BY STEPHANIE GROVES

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OTTOVILLE—Village council held a special public meeting on Monday to allow residents an open forum to ask questions about the Auglaize Street construction project.

Mayor Ron Miller was satisfied with the turn-out. He said 10-15 residents attended the meeting and asked an array of questions.

As the death toll rises for the massive tornado that hit Moore, Oklahoma Monday afternoon, some well-known relief agencies are jumping into action. Here is a quick list of some of the agencies that are providing aid, and how you can help.

The Salvation Army

Here is a link to donate for the Salvation Army’s tornado relief in Oklahoma

https://donate.salvationarmyusa.org/uss/eds/aok

The Red Cross

Here is a link to donate to the Red Cross’ tornado relief in Oklahoma

http://www.redcross.org/ok/oklahoma-city

Or use your cell phone to donate: Support #OKwx efforts - give online @SalvationArmyUSA.org or text “STORM” to 80888 2 make $10 donation #tornado