(From the Hancock County Board of Elections)

The Hancock County Board of Elections has announced that the Secretary of State has initiated an investigation of a voter check-in tablet purchased by a board of elections for a county east of Columbus.

Local election officials found that a single, newly purchased tablet-style device may violate Ohio’s Election security standards. The device, often called an electronic poll book, would have been used to check voters into a polling location but had not been deployed in an election.

“I’ve directed our Election Integrity Unit and cybersecurity team to work with the County Board of Elections to analyze the equipment purchased by the board,” said the Secretary of State in a release to the County Boards. “While this investigation is limited right now to a single device in one county, I’m taking the precautionary step of ordering my team to review all voter check-in systems for compliance with our security directives ahead of the May election. As an added precaution, I’m directing the boards of elections who use this specific style of poll book to use paper poll books for the May election. This action will have little to no impact on voters, as we anticipate turnout to be relatively low and I’ve always required boards of elections to have paper poll book backups ready to go as a contingency.”

Electronic poll books are never connected to voting or tabulating equipment, so those devices are not impacted. Additionally, all voting equipment, including electronic poll books, undergo rigorous, routine compliance testing before every election. The Secretary of State’s Office and the 88 county boards of elections initiated that process this week ahead of in-person early voting for the May 6 primary election.

The Hancock County Board of Elections, its Director, Deputy Director, Board Members, Poll Workers, and as well as its employees have worked diligently to achieve a process that is believed to be as smooth as possible and meets the requirements of the Secretary of State. In addition to being a paper-oriented check-in process, voters in voting locations will have to check-in at the location designated for their specific precinct. Greeters will be assigned to assist voters to identify the voter’s precinct.

Please be aware it will take you a longer time to cast your ballot because of the process. To prepare for the election, voters can check their precinct by going to www.hancockcountyohioelections.gov. then under the menu click on “Check your information,” then click on “Where do I vote” Under “Precinct Information” you will find your Precinct. The Hancock County Board of Elections apologizes to the voters for this inconvenience.

(From the Fostoria Police Department)

On Tuesday, Mayor Don Mennel swore in Moira White as the newest police officer at the Fostoria Police Department.

Officer White, a former Fostoria Dispatcher, graduated from the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy on Monday.

Congratulations Officer White on your new position!

(From Dr. Bill Kose with Blanchard Valley Health System)

Vaccination remains one of the most effective tools in modern medicine to protect newborns and children from serious infectious diseases. Through widespread immunization programs, the global health community has made tremendous strides in reducing and, in some cases, eradicating life-threatening illnesses that once claimed the lives of millions. Immunizing newborns and children safeguards individual health and supports broader public health goals.

At the heart of vaccination is the concept of prevention. Vaccines prepare a child’s immune system to recognize and fight specific pathogens before exposure to the disease occurs. By receiving vaccines early in life, children are protected during their most vulnerable stages of immune development. This early defense is critical because infants and young children are particularly susceptible to infection complications due to their immature immune systems.

The benefits of childhood vaccination extend beyond personal protection. Vaccinated individuals contribute to community immunity, also known as herd immunity. When a significant portion of the population is immunized, diseases become difficult to spread, thereby protecting those who cannot be vaccinated, such as newborns too young for certain vaccines or individuals with compromised immune systems. This collective protection is vital for the health of society as a whole, especially for those most at risk.

Vaccinations have also dramatically reduced the burden of healthcare costs associated with treating preventable diseases. Diseases such as measles, mumps, and whooping cough, if left unchecked, can lead to serious complications requiring hospitalization, long-term medical care, or even death. Preventing these diseases through immunization helps avoid the significant financial and emotional toll of serious illnesses on families and healthcare systems. The economic benefits of vaccination programs, including reduced medical costs and increased productivity by preventing illness-related absences, are well-documented and contribute to stronger, healthier communities.

Another important aspect of vaccination is its role in disease eradication. Smallpox, a devastating disease that killed millions over centuries, was declared eradicated in 1980 thanks to a coordinated global vaccination effort. Similarly, the world is on the verge of eradicating polio, a crippling disease that once affected thousands of children each year. These historic achievements demonstrate the extraordinary power of vaccines to eliminate diseases and improve quality of life globally.

Vaccination also fosters trust in public health systems. By following established immunization schedules, healthcare providers demonstrate their commitment to evidence-based practices, prioritizing patient safety and well-being. Parents who vaccinate their children reinforce the

importance of scientific progress and community responsibility. As misinformation about vaccines has unfortunately grown in recent years, it is even more crucial for healthcare professionals and public health organizations to continue advocating for vaccines based on extensive scientific research and decades of successful disease prevention.

In conclusion, vaccinating newborns and children offers profound benefits that ripple across individual lives, families, and entire communities. By providing early protection against serious diseases, promoting herd immunity, reducing healthcare costs, and contributing to the eradication of deadly illnesses, vaccines play an indispensable role in safeguarding public health. Continued commitment to childhood vaccination ensures a healthier, safer future for generations to come.

William H. Kose, MD

Vice President of Special Projects,

Blanchard Valley Health System

The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office says a man with two active arrest warrants ran from deputies when they came into contact with him.

It happened in the area of 10456 US 224 in Liberty Township at around 11:10 Thursday morning.

Deputies say they were conducting a criminal investigation in the area when they came into contact with Walter R. Hartley, 44, of Findlay and learned he had two arrest warrants out of Findlay Municipal Court.

Deputies said Hartley took off running and was eventually found hiding in a trash dumpster.

He was taken into custody and transported to Blanchard Valley Hospital for possible heat exhaustion.

The sheriff’s office said Hartley fled from deputies to avoid 19 days in jail and will now be charged with obstructing official business.

(From the Findlay Fire Department)

Why is it important to have working smoke detectors? To practice an escape plan?

To sleep with the bedroom doors closed?

Because the amount of time we have to escape a house fire has been greatly reduced.

Fire Inspector Eric Wilkins on the importance of working smoke detectors.

If you need smoke detectors we can install them for you, just call the fire prevention bureau at 419-424-7814!

(From the University of Findlay)

The University of Findlay’s Mazza Museum invites area residents on Saturday, May 10 to an evening of storytelling, art, and fun with Emmy Award-winning illustrator and author Marc Brown.

The creator of the beloved “Arthur” books and PBS children’s series will speak at 7 p.m., in the TLB auditorium of the Winebrenner Building on the UF campus.

The event is free and open to the public.

“Marc will share insights into his creative journey, storytelling, and illustration process in an engaging presentation that families won’t want to miss.”

Brown recently donated the majority of his original artwork – more than 1,000 pieces – to the Mazza Museum.

He said the Arthur books began with a bedtime story he told his son about an aardvark that was worried about the size of its nose.

“My son thought it was funny and it took on a life of its own,” he explained. “Later I thought, that was fun, maybe I should write it down.”

Today, Brown has more than 150 books published selling over 65 million copies.

He is a six-time Emmy award winner for the “Arthur” TV series, which is the longest-running animated children’s show in TV history.

He believes that picture books should “educate and entertain,” and his tales of Arthur always focused on fun stories featuring “a way to deal with a problem and how to solve it.” “I would get ideas from real life – every day there’s a story waiting to be told,” Brown said.

At the presentation, the author/illustrator will share details of his creative journey, explain his creative process of illustration, and reveal his latest projects. Following the presentation, there will be book sales and autographing, and Brown’s books will be on sale at 15% off retail.

Registration to attend the event is required.

Register at oilers.findlay.edu/marc-brown by Thursday, May 8.

Authorities in Wyandot County say they are investigating the suspicious death of a male individual.

The Wyandot County Sheriff’s Office said the body of a deceased male was located on County Highway 9, in Sycamore Township, in the early morning hours of Wednesday, April 23.

A driver had called 911 stating they had hit someone who was lying in the middle of the road.

The body was transported to the Lucas County Coroner’s Office for an autopsy.

Authorities are investigating the incident and ask anyone with information about it to contact the Wyandot County Sheriff’s Office.

(From Hancock County Engineer Doug Cade)

We will be closing County Road 37 in Eagle Township between US 68 and County Road 75 for 1 week beginning Monday, April 28^th through Friday, May 2^nd  for bridge repair work.

This will be a full closure and traffic is advised to find an alternate route.

We appreciate your patience while these needed repairs are being constructed.

(From the Fostoria Area Chamber of Commerce)

FOSTORIA, OH – April 22, 2025 – The Fostoria Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce that applications are now officially open for LAUNCH Fostoria, the community’s small business competition aimed at supporting entrepreneurs and encouraging local economic growth. Applications will be accepted now through May 2, 2025. Please submit your completed application to director@fostoriachamber.com or to the Fostoria Learning Center, 342 Perry Street Fostoria, by May 2nd.

Who’s Eligible?

LAUNCH Fostoria is open to anyone interested in opening or growing a business in Fostoria.

Businesses must be for-profit, independent business.

May not have earned more than $250,000 in the past year revenue.

LAUNCH Fostoria gives aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners the opportunity to win startup or expansion funding, connect with mentors, and gain visibility within the community. Finalists will participate in pitch preparation sessions, receive valuable feedback, and compete in front of a live audience and panel of judges.

Competition Timeline:

• April 4 – May 2: Application period open
• May 12-14: Application Review and Selection
• May 16: Contest Decision Notice
• May 22: Pitch Clinic: a best practice of how to pitch
• June 26: Semi Finals: First round of pitches to judges only including Q&A

August 15: 5:30 p.m. Required dress rehearsal and tech check for Finals

6:30 p.m. Finals: Public Event where finalists will pitch, and the public will vote on winner

Past winners of LAUNCH Fostoria include thriving local businesses such as, Beyond Laser Creations, Calico Charlie’s Candy & More, and In the Axe, who have gone on to grow their presence and impact in the Fostoria community.

“This is a chance for anyone with a business dream or growth idea to bring it to life, right here in Fostoria.” said Jocelyn Reinhart, Director of the Fostoria Area Chamber of Commerce. “We’re thrilled to support innovation in our own backyard and provide a platform for local entrepreneurs to shine.”

Past winner Jena Stearns from Beyond Laser Creations stated, “Winning the inaugural LAUNCH Fostoria competition was the spark that ignited everything. It gave me the confidence, support, and visibility to take a dream and build it into something real. Today, Beyond Laser Creations stands not just as a business on Main Street, but as a creative hub for our community—proof that with passion, hard work, and the right support, incredible growth is possible.”

Applications and full competition details are available online at www.fostoriachamber.com/launch.

For more information, contact the Chamber at 419-435-0486 or director@fostoriachamber.com

(From Tiffin Police Chief David Pauly)

This evening, I had the privilege of recognizing two of our own for their exceptional service to the Tiffin community.

Officer Christofer Perry was awarded the Tiffin Police Department’s Life Saving Award for his courageous and compassionate actions on March 20, 2025. While conducting a welfare check, Officer Perry discovered a man in a shed who was moments away from taking his own life. Thanks to Officer Perry’s calm demeanor, CIT training, and heartfelt response, the man chose to live—and received the medical and mental health support he desperately needed. Officer Perry’s actions quite literally saved a life.

Officer Cade Garrett received the Distinguished Service Award for his exceptional work during a complex theft investigation. Officer Garrett’s persistence, attention to detail, and well-documented reporting led to the recovery of over $11,000 in stolen tools and criminal charges of the individual responsible. His dedication and follow-through reflect the high standards we hold ourselves to as a department.

I’m proud to serve alongside these men and grateful for their commitment to protecting and serving with integrity, compassion, and determination. Please join me in congratulating Officer Perry and Officer Garrett on these well-deserved honors!

Chief David Pauly