1/22/18 – 5:20 A.M.

The closure of the Electronic Classroom of Tomorrow, or ECOT, has affected around 24 kids in Hancock County. ECOT was an online charter school that kids could attend as an alternative to the typical classroom setting. The Courier reports around two dozen students from Hancock County attended the school for at least part of the year.

Findlay had the most students enrolled, with around 17 “full-time equivalent” students. Arlington, Cory-Rawson, McComb, and Riverdale also had students in their districts enrolled in the program.

Reports from January 12 shows around 247 students in the Findlay City School district attend a charter school. The most popular selection is Findlay Digital Academy.

ECOT has been running out of money amid a legal dispute with the state. Officials say the charter school didn’t sufficiently document student participation to justify all its funding.

MORE: The Courier

1/22/18 – 5:08 A.M.

A local business owner wants ODOT to do more to prevent crashes in the construction zone on I-75 in Findlay. Garner Transportation Group Chief Executive Sherri Garner Brumbaugh tells the Courier the agency needs to post better warning signs. The request comes after a crash that backed up the northbound interstate for hours last week.

Brumbaugh tells the newspaper she spoke to ODOT about poor signage during the northern part of the interstate widening project, but that not much changed. She and Sheriff Mike Heldman are meeting with ODOT officials in the next couple of weeks.

Brumbaugh says ODOT should post flashing warning signs about slowed or stopped traffic farther in advance of the delays. She’s also calling for rumble strips a half-mile before the construction zone.

MORE: The Courier

1/22/18 – 4:26 A.M.

At least two Ohio lawmakers don’t want to get paid during the federal government shutdown. Congressman Bob Latta of Bowling Green has asked that his salary be withheld until soldiers are getting paid again. Meantime, Senator Sherrod Brown will donate his paycheck to an Ohio diaper bank. The pair is giving up their money while fingers are being pointed over the shutdown and the furlough of thousands of federal workers in Ohio. A vote on a spending bill to reopen the government is scheduled today in the Senate.

01/19/18 – 4:41 P.M.

ODOT announced that the Harrison Street overpass is almost rebuilt. The Courier reports that the overpass could be reopened as early as next week. Striping for the overpass is set for Wednesday as long as the weather cooperates. The overpass will be reopened as soon as that work is done.

The overpass was originally set to reopen in the spring.

01/19/18 – 4:27 P.M.

The State Highway Patrol wants you to be safe driving around commercial vehicles like trucks and buses. Findlay post’s Lt. Matt Crow said there are areas you shouldn’t be in.

Matt Crow

The “no-zone” is directly in front, behind and on either side of the vehicle. Crow said that if you can see the driver in their mirrors then they can see you.

Crow added that throughout 2018 they will be cracking down on driving violations around commercial vehicles.

01/19/18 – 3:12 P.M.

The Subway on Tiffin Avenue in Findlay was hit with a quick change scam last week. Findlay Crime Prevention Officer Brian White explained that a quick change scam is all about confusion.

Brian Thomas

White said that this type of scam is easily avoidable.

Brian Thomas

White explained finishing one transaction before moving to the next will help avoid confusion and keep you handing back too much change.

01/19/18 – 2:21 P.M.

President Donald Trump referenced Hancock County when talking about the opioid epidemic haunting the United States. Hancock County ADAMHS executive director Precia Stuby said that this doesn’t surprise her.

Precia Stuby

Stuby said that this has stirred up some conversations on social media. She added that it showed how much awareness is in the area.

Precia Stuby

Stuby said that this has been working to help raise awareness. She added that it has been great for ADMAHS public relations.

1/19/18 – 5:22 A.M.

Carey’s village council voted to sell a piece of property owned by the village during a Thursday meeting. The Courier reports Neil Puchta Jr. of Carey is buying a little less than an acre of land on Toledo Street for $20,000. The price comes at a discount, as the Wyandot County auditor’s office appraised the property at more than $45,000.

However, council acknowledged the land needs at least $25,000 worth of concrete repair.

The property is the former home of Carey’s public works department. It was originally a lumber yard.

MORE: The Courier

1/19/18 – 5:15 A.M.

A former Riverdale teacher has a plea hearing scheduled for next week. WKTN Radio reports the news comes after the court canceled the trial date for Brooke Rosendale earlier this month. The plea hearing is set for January 26 in the Hancock County Common Pleas Court.

A grand jury indicted Rosendale on three counts of sexual battery last June. She’s accused of sexually assaulting a female student.

MORE: WKTN Radio

1/19/18 – 5:09 A.M.

The United Way of Hancock County has found a new date for its annual campaign wrap up meeting. The organization says they’ll host the meeting Tuesday night from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at The Anvil on East Main Cross Street.

The United Way moved the date of the event after bad weather forced its cancellation on January 12.

United Way campaign co-chairs Chris and Dina Ostrander will announce the total raised during the 2017 fundraising effort. The event is open to the public.