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Hey Lima, hope your week’s off to a good start! 1,700 open jobs, Koe Wetzel headlines the fair, a 45th annual motorcycle swap meet, and more. Let’s get to it!
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Inside local hiring efforts: OhioMeansJobs Allen County recently released 2025 stats, noting about 1,700 open positions in Lima and 85 recruiting events and workshops, along with community investments to connect residents and employers — get all the details.
City decisions shape local projects: Lima council approved zoning for about 80 units of senior housing on North Shore Drive, while Cable Road’s safety plan advanced to a second reading after not receiving enough votes — get details on both measures.
Grants bolster local agencies: Bluffton Police and the Hardin County Sheriff received state funding for body cameras, as Ohio awarded $4.4 million statewide to start new programs and upgrade existing systems — get all the details.
Shaping tomorrow’s care teams: Ohio State College of Medicine appointed leaders for its Community Medicine MD Track with Bon Secours Mercy Health in Lima to train doctors for rural communities and guide program growth — meet the program’s new leaders.
Gold & silver are hot: Last year was gold’s best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150%… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. Curious about precious metal investing? GoldCo has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.
An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial walk-in-the-door fee to x-rays, surgery, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could save thousands on your next vet bill with Lemonade.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175/month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
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🫶 We got your back
Cultivate community and wellness: Registration is open through Activate Allen County for free raised-bed plots at Lima’s South Jackson Street Community Garden. Grow fruits, vegetables, and more this season. The site has a pavilion and restrooms, and organizers plan activities that promote healthy living and access to fresh food. See how to get involved.
Your neighbors are Googling you: It’s uncomfortable but true — employers, new friends, even other parents at school pickup search names all the time. If something negative, outdated, or misleading shows up first, it can shape opinions before you ever meet. BetterReputation helps push down unwanted search results so your first impression actually reflects who you are today. And if it’s someone you care about, you can help them too.
Summer show brings star power: Koe Wetzel will headline the Allen County Fair in August. The choice followed community suggestions for a headliner. Tickets went on sale February 6 and are available for the fairgrounds show in Lima. Learn when tickets go on sale.
Gold is having a moment: Between inflation headlines, market swings, and growing global uncertainty, precious metals are (again) in the spotlight. American Hartford is currently offering up to $25,000 in free silver when you open a qualified account. They’ll also help you set up a penalty-free gold IRA with a lowest price guarantee, no buyback fees, and 7-day price protection.
Gear rescue, right here: From reeds and valve oil to rentals, repairs, and sheet music, Rettig Music keeps practice on track. If someone at home plays, this is the low-drama place to swap a snapped string, tune up, and get the band, or the living room, back to making joyful noise.
A second opinion never hurts: Not every financial advisor is the right fit, and it’s okay to explore your options. Unbiased matches you with an advisor based on your personal situation, giving you a chance to ask questions in a free, no-pressure conversation to see if the fit makes sense. No obligation — just helpful advice.
Noodle comfort, unlocked: When the week gets loud, Thai Jasmine has slurpable noodle soups, crisp spring rolls, and cozy curries that hit just right. Settle in with friends or grab takeout, and you’ll head out warmer, happier, and suspiciously full.
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📆 Around town this week
Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
This week
❤ Dr. Seuss Valentine Craft @ Lima Public Library | Tuesday (2/10) at 10:00 AM – If your little Whos need a sugar-free Valentine fix, swing by Youth Services for a quick Dr. Seuss craft, ages 2-12. They can make a keychain or necklace, you can sip your coffee in peace, and it is first come, first served, while supplies last.
🌳 Gemstone Tree of Life Pendant Class @ Crystal Visionz | Wednesday (2/11) at 5:00 PM – Think you can twist copper into a family tree? Make a Gemstone Tree of Life pendant at Crystal Visionz on Shawnee Road, learning framing, twisting, and a woven bail; instruction, gemstones, and copper provided, bring pliers, it is $35, and space is limited, so pre-register.
🦉 Nature Pals: Nature P-Owls! @ McElroy Environmental Education Center | Thursday (2/12) at 1:00 PM – Whether your kid can hoot on command or still calls every bird a duck, this owl walk gets ages 3 to 5 and their adult into the woods. Expect a mellow hike, warm layers, curious questions, and you playing sherpa with snacks, coffee, and pride.
This weekend
🥫 Mobile Food Pantry – Free Food Distribution @ Shawnee UMC | Saturday (2/14) at 8:30 AM – Need some help stocking the pantry, or know someone who does? Shawnee United Methodist is hosting a free food distribution, enter off Zurmehly across from Casey’s, because of course, rain or shine, evenly split so no need to camp out, bring a neighbor, volunteers welcome.
🚶 Walk with a Doc @ Grand Lake Wellness & Rehab | Saturday (2/14) at 8:30 AM – Grand Lake Health System is lacing up with Walk with a Doc, the worldwide stroll that blends easy movement and conversation. Join a relaxed walk, chat with local physicians, and get your steps in without spandex, pressure, or the waiting room magazines judging you.
🎸 Ward Davis @ Rhythm & Brews | Saturday (2/14) at 3:00 PM – If your Valentine’s plans involve avoiding prix fixe menus, Ward Davis rolls into Wapak’s Route 33 Rhythm and Brews with a full band and the good kind of heartache. Grab a buddy, a beer, and tickets the old-fashioned way, call 419-739-7833.
🏍 45th Annual Motorcycle Swap Meet @ Allen County Fairgrounds | Sunday (2/15) at 9:00 AM – Got a project bike begging for that impossible-to-find widget? The 45th annual Lima Motorcycle Swap Meet takes over Allen County Fairgrounds with four heated buildings of vintage parts, bikes, and accessories, plus food, free parking, and eight-dollar admission. Old school, high mileage fun.
Live music & entertainment:
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Lima report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 40°F – Low: 27°F – Precip: 3%
Partly sunny, with a high near 40. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 27. West wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 32°F – Low: 22°F – Precip: 0%
Mostly cloudy, with a high near 32. Northwest wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 22.
This house is wild
This 3-bed, 2-bath brick ranch in Country Club Hills, Bath School District, pairs classic charm with smart updates. A 10×20 sunroom expands living space, while the 2023 kitchen features stainless appliances and a coffee bar. A fenced backyard, whole-house generator from 2022, new furnace and water heater 2022, and fresh paint and flooring in 2025 round it out.
Take a peek inside →
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🔥 Worth a peek
We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we genuinely think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week:
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