03/06/18 – 4:12 P.M.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol will continue to crack down on OVI violations after a successful 2017 campaign. The Findlay post reports that there were over 27,000 impaired drivers removed from Ohio roadways. Of those, troopers from the Findlay post arrested 366 impaired drivers.
Despite the increase in arrests, there were still over 14,000 OVI-related car accidents. This resulted in 397 fatalities and over 8,800 injuries.
03/06/18 – 3:54 P.M.
Car Insurance rates have been going up across the U.S. and Ohio isn’t any different. Co-founder of car insurance comparison site, The Zebra, Joshua Dziabiak was on WFIN to talk about it. He said that there are several reasons rates are going up and one of them is gas prices.
Dziabiak added that weather and technology also play a role in the car insurance rates. Technology can provide a distraction to drivers and software in cars is often expensive to repair or replace.
Dziabiak said that insurance rates are going up on 20% on average across the U.S. In Ohio, the rates are going up by 26%. He added that most people end up paying more than they should. He added that you should shop around before deciding to stick with an insurance provider.
3/6/18 – 11:57 A.M.
The organizers of the annual “Spirit of 1776” program in Findlay took his concerns about the use of Dorney Plaza to the Hancock County Commissioners Tuesday. Don Van Renterghem says his application to use the plaza said the group can’t use the grass during the event on July 4.
Commissioner Brian Robertson says that has to do with the young age of the grass, but otherwise, they are welcome to the space…
Audio: Brian Robertson
After a lengthy discussion, Van Renterghem agreed to put together a visual layout for the event and then work with the commissioners toward a consensus on how to move forward.
The Spirit on 1776 program features historical reenactors giving history lessons following the Independence Day parade in downtown Findlay.
3/6/18 – 7:38 A.M.
The Carey Police Department is upgrading the vehicle its K-9 officer travels around in. The Courier reports village council voted to replace a 2013 Ford Taurus with a 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe. The change allows an arresting officer to transport someone under arrest on their own, rather than waiting for another cruiser to show up.
The cost of the Tahoe is around $37,800, plus an extra $14,000 to outfit the SUV. Village Administrator Roy Johnson says repairing the Taurus would be costly since they would have to take out the K-9 cage assembly. The Taurus already has more than 120,000 miles on it.
Carey Police Chief Rich Kesler says they have money available from drug arrests and forfeitures to cover a part of the expenses.
MORE: The Courier
3/6/18 – 7:19 A.M.
A two-car crash injured two people in Findlay Monday afternoon. The Findlay Police Department reports the crash happened at the intersection of Tiffin Avenue and Woodworth Drive around 5:15 p.m.
28-year-old Brittni Crusa of Findlay was driving east in the 1300 block of Tiffin Avenue when she tried to turn left onto Woodworth. An eastbound car driven by 17-year-old Michael Rinebolt of Arcadia hit Crusa’s car.
Hanco EMS took two people in Crusa’s car to Blanchard Valley Hospital for treatment of their injuries. Police cited Crusa for failure to yield while making a left turn.
3/6/18 – 5:31 A.M.
Arlington has a new village council member. The Courier reports council appointed Beth Waltermire to an open council seat Monday. Waltermire takes the place of Tom Blunk.
Blunk announced his resignation last month since he is moving away from the village.
MORE: The Courier
3/6/18 – 5:26 A.M.
Fire damaged a duplex on East Lincoln Street in Findlay Monday afternoon. Firefighters responded to the home at 311 East Lincoln Street just before 3:30 p.m.
The fire caused heavy damage in the entry area and smoke damage throughout the rest of the building. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
The American Red Cross helped the duplex residents with temporary housing and other needs like food and clothing.
3/6/18 – 5:11 A.M.
A Lima man is facing charges after leading Putnam County authorities on a chase that spanned several miles Monday afternoon. The Columbus Grove Police Department reports the incident began around 1:25 p.m. An officer tried to pull over 38-year-old Timothy Boedicker on West Sycamore Street.
Boedicker sped away, heading west out of the village. He would drive south down State Route 15 into Allen County and then west on U.S. 30 all the way into Delphos before turning east on Lincoln Highway. Officers arrested Boedicker after he finally stopped near Leatherwood Road.
Boedicker faces failure to comply with a police officer, reckless operation, and driving under suspension charges.
3/6/18 – 5:00 A.M.
Hancock County Republicans heard from a GOP candidate for Senate during their annual Lincoln Day Dinner Monday. Congressman Jim Renacci talked about the importance of challenging Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown for his seat.
The Courier reports Renacci talked about what he called Brown’s liberal voting record. Renacci says Ohio is a center-right state, but Brown’s voting record doesn’t reflect that. He added, “I know his voting record and I will compare my voting record to his voting record any day, and in the end, we will be able to make a big difference.”
Renacci also said Democrats are spending big money to try and swing some important positions in Ohio when it comes to redistricting. He said if Brown doesn’t have a strong competitor, he can use his campaign money to influence those races.
Renacci is running in a crowded primary. There are four other people running in the Republican primary.
MORE: The Courier
Ohio Supreme Court Justice Judith Finch made a quick visit in Findlay Monday. Finch said she doesn’t try to interpret the law when she sees a case.
She added that it is the legislative side to make and interpret the rules.
French stopped in Findlay after visiting students at area schools. She said that it is important to make trips around the state to meet those she represents. She will be running for re-election in 2020.