Mackenzi Klemann, The Lima News Journalist Profile

Articles

Lima board to vote on levy renewal

4 days ago | limaohio.com | Mackenzi Klemann

LIMA — The Lima schools district is expected to ask voters to renew a combined property tax levy used for operating expenses and renovation costs in November. The district intends to bring the renewal before voters one year before the current levy expires, but it will require board approval before the process can begin. The board will take a vote on the resolution when it meets Monday evening.
Spencerville SummerFest returns with parade

6 days ago | limaohio.com | Mackenzi Klemann

SPENCERVILLE — The village of Spencerville briefly shut down Saturday afternoon, as residents gathered on the side of the road to watch the SummerFest parade descend down state Route 117. Children and their parents took turns resting in the shade to keep cool, with the heat index reaching 98 degrees on the festival’s final day.
Living in fear: Haitians in Lima worry about deportation

1 week ago | limaohio.com | Mackenzi Klemann

LIMA — Amos Marcelin tells his fellow migrants, “God is still keeping us under his grace.”The president of the Haitian Immigrants Council records inspirational messages in Haitian Creole to remind migrants in Lima they are not alone.
St. Rita’s donates surplus supplies to developing countries

1 week ago | limaohio.com | Mackenzi Klemann

LIMA — Medical beds, cribs and stretchers no longer in use at Mercy Health-St. Rita’s Medical Center will soon be delivered to developing countries where medical supplies are in short supply. A truck loaded with 15 cribs, six medical beds and several stretchers left St. Rita’s for Fostoria on Wednesday morning.
Chinese nationals charged in alleged Auglaize County scam

1 week ago | limaohio.com | Mackenzi Klemann

WAPAKONETA — Two Chinese nationals are in custody at the Auglaize County jail for reportedly scamming an elderly resident out of a “large portion of cash,” according to the Auglaize County Sheriff’s Office. The suspects, identified as Xinxing Chen, 32, and Yaolong Zhou, 37, reportedly contacted the alleged victim by phone and text message, advising him his bank account was compromised, according to a news release from the sheriff’s office.
Canada wildfires create local air quality risks

1 week ago | limaohio.com | Mackenzi Klemann

LIMA — Ohioans should monitor the air quality index daily this summer, as wildfires in Canada send smoke down to the Midwest and Northeast. Wildfire smoke contains inhalable pollutants known as particulate matter and fine particulate matter, which are harmful to breathe in excess, officials warn.Prolonged exposure to these pollutants can cause eye and throat irritation, trouble breathing, aggravated asthma and chronic illness, as the pollutants enter the lungs, bloodstream and airways.
Fiebelkorn pleads not guilty to all charges

2 weeks ago | limaohio.com | Mackenzi Klemann

WAPAKONETA — A former non-profit leader once celebrated for her work assisting foster families and troubled youth pleaded not guilty Monday to charges she engaged in sexual battery and unlawful sexual conduct with a minor.
Justice for all: Marsy’s Law challenges courts to consider victims’ families

3 weeks ago | limaohio.com | Mackenzi Klemann

VAN WERT — Joanna Ruan remembers how defeated she felt the night Van Wert prosecutors informed her they would extend an offer to the man suspected of killing her father to plead guilty to involuntary manslaughter. The maximum possible prison term: Nine years. Prosecutors initially charged Ruan’s stepbrother, Larry Andrus, with five felonies for his alleged role in the death of Ruan’s father, Roy Watts.
‘One of the best’: Lima schools recall career of Ackerman

3 weeks ago | limaohio.com | Mackenzi Klemann

LIMA — Retiring Lima schools Superintendent Jill Ackerman is remembered by staff as a supportive superintendent who dedicated herself to the district, students and city she called home for 37 years. “One of the best,” said Gerry Rigel. “I call her the best boss ever,” said Inga Poe, a retired human resources director who worked with Ackerman for at least 15 years.
Spencerville woman rebuilds skills after stroke

3 weeks ago | limaohio.com | Mackenzi Klemann

SPENCERVILLE — Janna Murphy puts her right arm in the zero-gravity brace for another round of physical therapy at Mercy Health-St. Rita’s Medical Center. She will practice washing a kitchen counter, slowly moving her arm from right to left. Murphy’s arm regains muscle memory with each swipe of the counter. It’s been six months since Murphy suffered from a stroke during a worship service at Agape Fellowship, where her husband, Dan Murphy, is a pastor.