Following a jury’s unanimous acquittal, former Marion City Councilman Ayers Ratliff speaks out on his $500,000 legal battle and the “political witch hunt” he claims Prosecutor Ray Grogan is now directing toward his wife, Heidi.

The Marion County forecast features a mid-week temperature drop following a high of 39 on Tuesday, with breezy conditions and overnight lows reaching 17 degrees by Friday.

Marion County Children’s Services has placed staff member Erica Funfgeld on administrative leave following her arrest in Bucyrus for Fentanyl possession and OVI.

Forecasters warn that wind chills could plunge to 16 below zero Saturday before a shifting weather pattern brings a light dusting of snow to the area through Sunday morning.

Ridgedale senior Johnathan Slaughterbeck was named Scholar Student of the Week, receiving a $500 scholarship from The Ohio State University at Marion for his academic excellence and leadership.

A Cold Weather Advisory is in effect for portions of North Central and Northeast Ohio from 1 a.m. to noon Saturday, with wind chills expected to plummet as low as 24 degrees below zero.

Learn how to volunteer, foster, or adopt at the Marion County Dog Pound’s “Coffee, Cookies, and Cuddles” event on February 15 at 3 p.m. in Marion, Ohio.

Former Marion City Councilman Ayers Ratliff was acquitted of all charges, including rape, as the defense and prosecution trade exclusive statements regarding the jury’s not guilty verdict.