01/12/18 – 3:24 P.M.
The Hancock County METRICH Drug Task Force arrested a Findlay man after executing a search warrant. The task force searched 243 Ely Avenue in Findlay around 7 a.m. Friday. In the home, they found cocaine, crack cocaine, meth, drug paraphernalia, a firearm, and cash.
They arrested 22-year-old Timothy Journigan on two drug charges and a charge of weapons under disability. Additional charges are expected as the investigation finishes.
01/12/18 – 1:58 P.M.
An increase in the flu and respiratory illness case prompted two area hospitals to limit visitations. The Blanchard Valley Hospital and Bluffton Hospital have issued the limitation to protect patients. Limiting visitors lowers the risk that patients come into contact with the flu virus or a respiratory illness.
The limitation will remain in place until flu and respiratory illness cases decrease in the area. Until then you’re asked to refrain from visiting if you have any flu symptoms. Children 14 and younger are also asked to refrain from visitations.
01/12/18 – 6 A.M.
A medical doctor specializing in child abuse cases took the stand Thursday in the Brent Houdeshell murder trial. The Courier’s Eileen McClory explained Dr. Randall Schlievert is a specialist in child abuse prevention from Mercy Health Partners. McClory said he believes 2-year-old Breyden Ferell didn’t die by accident.
Detectives also took the stand saying that Houdeshell gave them varying statements. He told detectives that he was fighting with his fiancee, Ferell’s mother, at the time. Later he told detectives that they were not fighting.
We will continue to get updates from McClory as the trial continues.
1/12/18 – 5:31 A.M.
A tanker truck crash near Alvada injured a Michigan man earlier this week. The State Highway Patrol says the crash happened around 12:45 p.m. on U.S. 23 near the village.
29-year-old Andrew Nichols was driving south when he drove off the road and into a ditch. The NBS EMS District took Nichols to Wyandot Memorial Hospital in Upper Sandusky for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
The Patrol did not cite Nichols at the scene of the crash.
1/12/18 – 5:18 A.M.
Voters in the Arcadia school district will see a school renewal levy on the ballot this spring. The Courier reports the school board voted to place a 2.52-mill, three-year renewal levy on the ballot. The levy currently generates around $305,000 per year for the district.
MORE: The Courier
1/12/18 – 5:08 A.M.
Fire damaged a Findlay business early Thursday morning. Firefighters responded to J&J Limo at 413 N. Main Street just after midnight. One person was inside but was able to get out safely.
Firefighters found a hot spot in a wall in the building and put it out.
The flames did around $6,500 worth of damage to the building.
1/12/18 – 5:03 A.M.
A long-planned change in Hancock County’s phone systems is coming this year. The Hancock County Commissioners plan on swapping out old analog systems with digital services by September. The price tag for the change is more than $800,000.
The commissioners heard from county IT manager Curt Smith Thursday. Smith says the plan calls for replacing nearly 300 handsets and more than 300 phone lines.
The county can lease the equipment for a price of around $7,700 a month.
1/12/18 – 4:28 A.M.
The next winter storm will bring ice and snow to northwest Ohio. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for today from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Freezing rain will coat the area in ice as temperatures fall, followed by one to three inches of snow.
01/11/18 – 6:18 P.M.
Fostoria Middle School students have found a place to get their education after a boiler room fire damaged the school. The Courier reports that students in grades 7 and 8 will be moving to St. Wendelin Catholic School. There are no details for when classes will start or for transportation. The cleanup and classroom set up process have begun though.
Officials say that they are still trying to finalize plans for the high school students.
01/11/18 – 5:56 P.M.
Gubernatorial candidate Mary Taylor made a stop in Findlay Thursday. She explained that she wants to simplify taxes for residents and small businesses in Ohio.
She said this will not only make lives easier but will also help create jobs. This is because small businesses can focus on job creation rather than making sure they are following strict tax rules.
Taylor also talked about her running mate, Nathan Estruth. She said that their partnership is what the state needs.
She said that his experience will help her make conservative changes to Ohio. He is a former executive at P&G. You can catch The Courier’s full video of Mary Taylor’s conference below.