The Lima News

By J. Mark Powell Guest Columnist It’s as improbable as it is thoroughly American. From the Pacific to the Atlantic, people of all ages are cheering as an 85-year-old relic rumbles through their communities, carrying with it both a storied past and a hint of the nation’s future. It’s Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014’s near-miraculous resurrection from museum relic to rolling reminder of the golden age of steam, currently touring the United States as part of the America250 celebration.

VAN WERT — The Van Wert County Agricultural Society is announcing six open director seats for the 2026 election cycle. Positions are open in Jennings, Liberty, Jackson, Pleasant and York Townships and in the Southern Region. Those interested in running must pick up a petition from the Van Wert County Fair Office at 1055 S. Washington St. and return completed petitions by Aug. 31. The election will be held at the fair office from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday, Sept. 7.

James Hayhurst, 41, of Lima, pleaded guilty to multiple counts regarding drugs. Sophia Fields | The Lima News LIMA — A Lima man was sentenced to 12 years in prison after pleading guilty to multiple drug charges. James Hayhurst, 41, of Lima, pleaded guilty to three cases against him, with the most serious crime being possession of cocaine and aggravated possession of drugs. After pleading, a count of possession of cocaine was dismissed.

LIMA POLICE DEPARTMENT Calls for service Friday: 300 block of West Spring Street — Intoxicated person. Bellefontaine Avenue and South Shawnee Street — Hit-and-run. 500 block of North Kenilworth Avenue — Harassment. 1700 block of South Central Avenue — Domestic violence. 700 block of South Central Avenue — Mental health assistance. South Cable Road and Cable Court — Accident with property damage. 100 block of Harrison Avenue — Hit-and-run. 100 block of North Main Street — Hit-and-run.

LIMA — The Allen County Regional Transit Authority Board of Trustees will hold its regular meeting at 12 p.m. Tuesday, July 14. The meeting will be held at the Allen County Regional Transit Conference Room, 200 East High Street, Suite 1-B. The next board meeting will be at 12 p.m. on Aug. 11.

The Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014 previously stopped Saturday, June 6 in Continental on its way to an America 250 celebration in Philadelphia. File photo | The Lima News CONTINENTAL — Big Boy 4014, the world’s largest operating steam engine, will return to Continental from 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Wednesday, July 16. The train will be making a second whistle stop on Main Street, where local businesses and law enforcement will provide food and security.

LIMA — Prevention Awareness Support Services has promoted Associate Director Bethan Miller to executive director. The non-profit organization provides preventative wellness and education programs across West Central Ohio. Miller has worked for the organization for seven years. She replaces former executive director Rick Skilliter.

Three boys play in the shallow waters of the Strait of Hormuz, as a plume of smoke rises from an explosion in the background, off Bandar Abbas, Iran, on Monday. Razieh Poudat | ISNA via AP DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — U.S. President Donald Trump said Monday that the United States is “reinstating” a blockade on Iran in the Strait of Hormuz and will charge ships for safe passage, after another heavy exchange of fire threatened negotiations aimed at ending the war.

LIMA — Kessler Estates Senior Living will hold a Health Fair Expo from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the retirement community, 2075 N. Eastown Road. Local health and wellness vendors will be on site. Free health screenings will be available.

TODAY IN HISTORY In 1793, French politician, physician and journalist Jean-Paul Marat was assassinated by Charlotte Corday, who stabbed him to death in his bath. In 1863, deadly rioting against the Civil War military draft erupted in New York City. (The insurrection was put down three days later.) In 1923, a sign consisting of 50-foot-tall letters spelling out “HOLLYWOODLAND” was dedicated in the Hollywood Hills to promote a real estate subdivision (the last four letters were removed in 1949).