09/12/17 – 7:44 P.M.

There is money set aside in Findlay’s 2018 budget to buy a quint fire engine. Fire Chief Josh Eberle said that he wants to change that.

Josh Eberle

A quint is a fire truck with a ladder attachment. Eberle said that these cost around $750,000. The pumper that he is looking to buy costs about $450,000. There will be a 2% discount if an agreement to buy the truck is made by December. He took the idea to city council’s appropriation committee to ask for two trucks.

The committee said that will recommend council approve buying the equipment this year to save the money. They also recommend buying one so that they won’t have to replace two at the same time again.

09/12/17 – 3:54 P.M.

Flag City Honor Flight will take its second flight in a year for the first time next week. Media and public relations volunteer Vaun Wickerham said that they are busy getting letters put together in mail packets.

Vaun Wickerham

Wickerham said that it’s not too late to volunteer though.

Vaun Wickerham

Wickerham said you can apply to volunteer on their website. Flag City Honor Flight is a charity organization that takes veterans to Washington D.C. There they can see the monuments and war memorials built in their honor.

09/12/17 – 1:44 P.M.

The Putnam County Commissioners sold the Putnam Acres site to the Serenity Living Center. The Lima News reports that the 33,000 square foot building and almost 5 acres of surrounding property were sold for $500,000. They sold the land to Jim and Sherry Webb, who have leased the building for about 2 years and using it for the Serenity Living Center.

Commissioner Vincent Schroeder that the building is a perfect fit for their needs. He added that the $500,000 will be put in the into a capital fund for capital improvements.

9/12/17 – 11:18 A.M.

Local colleges did well in the latest round of rankings from U.S News and World Reports. The magazine ranks the University of Findlay 38th in the Midwest Regional Universities category, and 49th for “Best Value Schools”

Two local colleges scored well in the Midwest Regional Colleges category. Ohio Northern University ranked 4th and Bluffton University ranked 22nd. The magazine also ranked ONU 4th for best value, 29th in engineering programs, and 331st in business programs at the Midwest college level. Bluffton ranked at 22nd in the Best Value category.

U.S. News and World Reports uses things like first-year student retention, the graduation of students, and admission selectivity among other factors in their rankings. Academic rankings and cost compared to other similar schools determine the Best Value rank.

MORE: U.S. News and World Reports

9/12/17 – 5:09 A.M.

The Carey school district could partner with the Wyandot County Office of Economic Development to help students find jobs after school. The Courier reports the project involves computer software that allows students to develop profiles that can serve as resumes when they reach their senior year. At the same time area businesses set up profiles that show the requirements needed to work for them.

Greg Moon is the executive director of the Office of Economic Development. He says the program increases awareness about work opportunities, internships, and apprenticeships. He added that can mean jobs after high school or college. The goal is to bring county residents back to the county.

The cost of the program is $15,000. Moon says American Electric Power Ohio, Wyandot County Young Professionals and United Way of Wyandot County will pay for it.

MORE: The Courier

McComb is getting donations to make improvements at the village park. The Courier reports AARP is giving the village $20,000. The money will pay for two new drinking fountains, park benches, and playground equipment for special needs children.

The AARP is holding a grant ceremony at 4 p.m. on Thursday in the village park near the first shelter house.

The McComb area Heat and Soul group is also giving an additional $2,000 for park improvements.

MORE: The Courier

9/12/17 – 4:51 A.M.

A former Hancock County commissioner candidate won’t face a fine from the Ohio Elections Commission. The Courier reports the commission found Mark Bateson filed campaign finance reports late but decided against a fine. The group took Bateson’s status as a first-time political candidate into consideration.

The Hancock County Board of Elections filed a complaint about the campaign finance reports last year. Bateson says he submitted information to the board about campaign expenses that he paid for with a credit card instead of a check from his campaign account. He submitted receipts for the expenses and filed an addendum to two campaign finance reports.

MORE: The Courier

09/11/17 – 8:16 P.M.

Findlay City Schoolboard heard from their finance committee about the state the district is in. Committee member and board president Shane Pochard said that the school is not doing well financially.

Shane Pochard

Pochard added that the finance committee is going to focus on bringing up enrollment.

Shane Pochard

If that doesn’t happen then the school board will be forced to make cuts within the next year.

Pochard said that the school is not in this position because of poor spending. He explained that lower enrollment and stagnant state funding has helped push the issue.

09/11/17 – 5:36 P.M.

Ohio Means Jobs Hancock County is working to help people get and keep jobs. Ohio Means Jobs’ Michelle Meyer said that they will even help you get to your job.

Michelle Meyer

She said that this can be a big hurdle for some people looking for a job. She added that Ohio Means Jobs will also help pay for a bike if that will help someone get to work.

Ohio Means Jobs Hancock County wants you to land that job. OMJ’s Michelle Meyer said that that they can help you get things set up.

Michelle Meyer

She added that they hold informational one on one meetings to help go over resumes and interviews. You can find more information on their services and job postings on their website at omjhancock.com

09/11/17 – 1:21 P.M.

The Red Cross North Central Ohio Chapter is partnering with the Children’s Museum of Findlay. They will be installing an interactive gaming table in the museum with iPads. The devices will run the American Red Cross Monster Guard: Prepare for Emergencies App. This app teaches children between the ages of 7 and 11 ways to prepare and stay safe for emergencies. This includes floods, home fires, hurricanes, and other disasters. The children will role-play as a monster character and earn points by identifying hazards, locating safe rooms, and putting items in their emergency supplies kit.

The exhibit will open at 10 a.m. Saturday, September 23. Refreshments will be available along with games and prizes for the kids.