2/20/18 – 5:17 P.M.

Jon Cross received a major endorsement in his bid for the 83rd District Ohio House Representative seat. The sheriff’s of three counties in the area have announced their support of Cross’ campaign. This includes Hancock County Sheriff Mike Heldman, Hardin County Sheriff Keith Everhart, and Allen County Sheriff Randall Dodds.

All three announced their support in a video endorsement released by the Cross campaign. Heldman said that the three have met with Cross and appreciate his ability to listen, learn, and build partnerships.

02/20/18 – 5:03 P.M.

The domestic violence case against a former acting Findlay police chief has been dropped. The Courier reports the offense against 46-year-old Sean Young was dropped after he completed a diversion program. This included a 6-month Batters’ Intervention Program and 70 hours of community service at the Salvation Army.

Young pleaded guilty to domestic violence charges in June of 2017. If he had failed to complete the program he could have faced up to six months in jail and fined up to $1000.

The charges stemmed from an incident in February where he threw a camera at his wife.

2/20/18 – 5:25 A.M.

Arlington is looking for a new village council member. The Courier reports Tom Blunk announced his resignation Monday night. Blunk told council members he is moving to McComb.

Blunk will serve in his role through the end of the month.

MORE: The Courier

2/20/18 – 5:20 A.M.
UPDATE – 10:12 A.M. (Notes location of mural in the municipal building)

A mural in the Findlay Municipal Building has attracted the attention of an activist organization. The Freedom From Religion Foundation recently sent a letter to Clerk of Courts David Spridgeon. It calls for Spridgeon to remove a mural that features an eagle and a verse from Psalms 91 that reads, “Under His Wings Shall You Find Refuge.”

The foundation claims the mural shows government sponsorship of religious messages. The letter says the message “alienates the 24 percent of adult Americans who are non-religious.”

The mural is not in the court itself. Director of court operations David Beach says the mural is on the third floor, while the court is on the second floor.

2/20/18 – 5:08 A.M.

A Findlay church is holding a prayer vigil tonight in response to the Parkland, Florida, school shooting. The event starts at 6 p.m. at First Christian Church at 1624 Tiffin Avenue, Suite B.

Organizers say the event is for people of all faiths. They want people to come and talk about their pain, grief and even outrage over mass shootings.

2/20/18 – 5:03 A.M.

High water has closed several roads in Hancock County. The sheriff’s office says you should keep a lookout for road closed signs, and never try and drive through high water areas.

Affected Roads:

• County Road 109, east of Hancock County 220 in Allen Township.
• County Road 216 at County Road 23 in Washington Township.
• County Road 180, south of Ohio 568 in Marion Township.
• Ohio 330, north of Vanlue in Amanda Township.
• Allen Township Road 229, north of County Road 108.
• Ohio 613, west of Interstate 75 in Allen Township.
• County Road 236, at Cass Township Road 216.
• County Road 96, at Ohio 235 in Blanchard Township.

02/19/18 – 6:08 P.M.

The Findlay Rotary Club heard from representatives of the Ohio Casino Control Commission on Monday. Executive Director Rick Anthony said that Ohio’s 4 casinos help bring money to Hancock County by paying 33% tax on their winnings.

Rick Anthony

According to the 2010 Census, Hancock County had a population of over 74,700 and showed signs of growth.

Director of Licensing and Investigations Matthew Oyster told the group that casinos have a lengthy application to fill out.

Matthew Oyster

After being approved the casinos are monitored and regulated by the OCCC to make sure the games remain fair.