10/20/17 – 5:09 A.M.

We’re learning more about who could take Cliff Hite’s former 1st District Ohio Senate seat. The Courier reports State Representative Robert McColley of Napoleon plans to toss his name into the hat. The newspaper adds State Representative Craig Riedel of Defiance is also considering plans to pursue the seat.

State Representative Robert Sprague of Findlay and Mayor Lydia Mihalik both say they are not interested in the job. Sprague is running for State Treasurer. Mihalik tells the newspaper, “I have one of the best jobs as mayor of Findlay.” No one from Hancock County has expressed interest in the position according to county Republican Party Chair Jim Baker.

Plans to fill the State Senate seat vacated by Cliff Hite are coming together. Senate President Larry Obhof says the Republican Caucus will accept applications until 4 p.m. on November 6. They’ll screen applicants early next month. Hite’s term runs through the end of next year.

Hite stepped down earlier this week citing personal health reasons. He also admitted to being inappropriate with an employee in the state house.

MORE: The Courier

10/19/17 – 6:30 P.M.

There is a training opportunity soon to expand access to behavioral health providers for service members, veterans, and their families. The Star Behavioral Health Providers are offering Tier 1 training on November 6. This training will provide an introduction to the military culture, information on the deployment cycle and the effect it has on service members and their families.

The training is free to the community and count as continuing education units for eligible providers. You can register now online at starproviders.org

10/19/17 – 5:47 P.M.

There has been a change of plans for this years Halloween Parade in Findlay. Chairman Ron Knopf announced today that there will be a route change to avoid the construction downtown.

Ron Knopf

Knopf said that the parade committee had been in conversation with the city about the progress of the construction.

Ron Knopf

You can view an updated map online at hancockleadership.org/parade

10/19/17 – 11:23 A.M.

When the Hancock County Commissioners pulled the flood mitigation sales tax issue from the ballot, the organizers of Hancock United for a Better Blanchard agreed to ask people to take down signs opposing Issue 3. However, many have re-purposed the signs to oppose Issue 4. It’s a fact not lost on Commissioner Brian Robertson….

Audio: Brian Robertson

Robertson says he doesn’t know if that’s an appropriate campaign policy.

10/19/17 – 11:12 A.M.

Hancock County Commissioner Brian Robertson wants to talk with people discussing the county sales tax issue on social media. Robertson says people are spreading misinformation about the levy. He cited one post that said there is no plan for how the county could spend money raised by Issue 4…

Audio: Brian Robertson

Robertson says he thinks it’s important to address rumors head-on. He says he’s seen some posts with inaccurate information and wants to meet with those making the posts…

Audio: Brian Robertson

Robertson adds there’s certainly room for disagreement, but he wants to make sure people are debating with accurate information.

10/19/17 – 5:15 A.M.

The University of Findlay celebrates homecoming this weekend. Festivities kick off with a football game against Kentucky Wesleyan College Friday night at 7 p.m. The school will announce the homecoming court and the 2017 Distinguished Alumni recipients during the game.

The annual 5k run/walk is set for Saturday morning at 8 a.m. The Alumni Association Annual Breakfast follows at 9 a.m. in Winebrenner Theological Seminary.

The weekend ends with a worship service in Winebrenner Theological Seminary at 10 a.m. Sunday.

10/19/17 – 5:08 A.M.

Plans to renovate parts of the Arcadia school building may have hit a slight snag. The Courier reports a new state code may force the district to change their plans. Jerry Murray of RCM Architects told the school board the code could impact the design of a shelter inside the school to protect students during a bad storm. Murray said he’s studying the new code to learn more about it.

Murray also told board members they could apply for state matching funds to help pay for renovations. The Ohio School Facilities Commission could provide up to $1 million for the project. The plan’s estimated cost is currently $2.5 million.

MORE: The Courier

10/19/17 – 4:59 A.M.

A crash involving a motorcycle sent one person to the hospital Wednesday night. The Findlay Police Department reports 22-year-old Darnesha Gales of Findlay was driving south on Crystal Avenue around 7:10 p.m. When she tried to turn left into the Crystal Glen Apartments, she hit a motorcycle ridden by 23-year-old Brandon Silver of Findlay.

Hanco EMS took Silver to Blanchard Valley Hospital for treatment of a head injury. Police cited Gales for failure to yield. They also cited Silver for violating the novice motorcycle helmet requirement.

10/19/17 – 2:43 P.M.

Congressman Bob Latta was on WFIN to discuss President Trump’s decision to stop subsidy payments to Obamacare insurers. Latta said that he agrees with this decision and added that the payments should never have been made.

Bob Latta

He added that although this court decision is under review he believes that they are correct. Latta explained that he think this decision is meant to get things rolling.

Bob Latta

Latta added that there have been chances to get something figured out for a healthcare plan. He said that he hopes this decision will get some success in getting Obamacare repealed and replaced.

10/19/17 – 2:00 A.M.

The Findlay Rotary Club celebrated local school teachers at their 27^th annual Golden Apple Awards. Lisa Saums from Liberty Benton earned the award in the elementary division.

Lisa Saums

The other elementary semi-finalist nominees were Kelee Garmong from Wilson Vance and Angela Ross from Lincoln.

In the middle school division Kelly Cheney of Donnell Middle School came out on top.

Kelly Cheney

She was up against Wendi Davis of Cory-Rawson and Andy Honse of McComb.

Jill Erickson of Liberty Benton took the prize in the high school division.

Jill Erickson

Shelby Bratt of Vanlue and Nicole Steinmetz of Riverdale were the other nominees for this division.

All of the teachers that were nominated thought that having a positive relationship with their students is the most important thing for teaching. The three winners will now join the Golden Apple Academy to continue to help out teachers in the community.