The Ohio Highway Patrol says the state will likely set a record low this year for the number of deaths from traffic accidents.

The patrol says car crashes killed 1,071 motorists in Ohio through Tuesday, with just eight days left in the year.

That's down sharply from the previous low of 1,239 in 2006.

Stepped up enforcement in big cities is one reason for the drop.

Patrol superintendent Richard Collins says other factors include air bags, driver education programs and advancements in trauma care, such as medical helicopters quickly reaching crash scenes.

There were a few high school basketball games across West Central Ohio Friday night.

In varsity girls, Benjamin Logan rolled past host Kenton 63-34.

Raiders standout guard Abby Small was injured in the first quarter.

Sarah Yoder responded and scored a team-high 17 points.

Freshman Brooke Richard dropped in 11.

Tiffany Rader and Samantha Terrill had 10 points apiece.

Benjamin Logan is 6-2 overall and 3-2 in the CBC.

Executive Director John Holtkamp

The Logan County Children's Services Board met earlier this month for their monthly meeting.

State revenues have fallen, and now there is discussion of a 25% cut in various programs.

The agency receives funds in two categories.  The State Child Protection Allocation funding is not slated for cuts at this time.  But the TANF funds will be at risk for further cuts.  Those funds have already been cut 25%.

The local Juvenile Detention facility's capacity is being reduced due to funding issues.  The reduction may lead to an increased need for In-Home services, Kinship or Foster Care for youth.

John Prather

John Prather, 47, of Bellefontaine, was charged with aggravated assault and aggravated robbery after he reportedly cut and hit Eric Stahler, 34, of Bellefontaine.

Stahler offered Prather a ride from Community Markets to a Pratt Street residence around six p.m.

Prather then requested a ride to another residence.