03/20/18 – 5:50 P.M.
Millstream Career Center had alarms go off two or three times Tuesday. Career tech coordinator Pam Hamlin explained that there was no need concern. The alarms were caused by dust in the ductwork.
Someone was performing work on bricks which created the dust.
3/20/18 – 2:00 P.M.
The Hancock County Commissioners gave their annual State of the County address Tuesday. The topics included the budget, economic development, and crime and safety. Commissioner Mark Gazarek says the county continues to see economic growth but has concerns about filling those jobs…
Audio: Mark Gazarek
Gazarek says that means the county has to continue to work to attract workers from outside of Hancock County.
Commissioner Tim Bechtol says with tightening revenues, planning ahead is a big point of emphasis this year…
Audio: Tim Bechtol
Bechtol adds the commissioners continue to stay in constant contact with all the county offices about budget issues.
The increasing burden on the Hancock County justice system was a major topic during Tuesday’s address. Commissioner Brian Robertson says the county has to find a way to balance the current economic boom with meeting the safety needs of the county…
Audio: Brian Robertson
Robertson says the opioid epidemic and related crime continue to drive up the cost of mandated safety services. As a result, the commissioners aren’t able to fund other initiatives, like the Raise the Bar employment program.
You can see the full address on the WFIN Facebook page.
3/20/18 – 6:47 A.M.
Tiffin Police continue to investigate a robbery at the Denny’s restaurant in the city. The Advertiser-Tribune reports the incident happened Monday afternoon at 315 West Market Street.
The suspect demanded money and ran away with a bag filled with cash. He did not show a weapon.
Police describe the suspect as a 5’8″ balding white man. He was wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt, black shoes, and black pants. Witnesses last saw him running northwest in a parking lot toward Market Street.
Anyone with information should call (419)447-2323.
MORE: Advertiser-Tribune
3/20/18 – 5:29 A.M.
Carey officials learned more about the possibility of having to replace lead water lines during their Monday meeting. Village Administrator Roy Johnson briefed council members about the situation in Flint, Michigan. He also talked about the legal ramifications of the Flint case and what they could mean for Carey in the future.
Johnson suggested the village record where lead lines exist during an upcoming water meter replacement project. He added there are likely many older systems that need replaced.
MORE: The Courier
3/20/18 – 5:19 A.M.
An April agribusiness tour will feature three Fostoria businesses. The Review-Times reports the Ohio AgriBusiness Association’s Ohio Grain Processor’s Tour will feature presentations from ADM, POET Biorefining, and Mennel Milling. Participants will also tour the Mennel facility.
Janice Welsheimer is the director of educational programs for the Ohio AgriBusiness Association. She says the event aims to bring people together within the industry to learn from each other and share best practices.
Jay McAllister of the Mennel Milling Company says its rare for a city to have facilities that process the three main commodities grown in the area. The three businesses handle soybeans, corn, and wheat.
MORE: Review-Times
3/20/18 – 5:09 A.M.
A Cincinnati company will likely replace water meters in Arlington. The village’s Board of Public affairs recommended Neptune Equipment Company to council during their Monday meeting. The contract could cost the village around $183,000.
Village officials say the new meters offer better water readings.
At the same time, the village wants residents to check for water line leaks in their homes. They’ve received complaints about higher water bills recently. A small leak can lead to a higher bill during the two-month water cycle.
MORE: The Courier
3/20/18 – 5:03 A.M.
Deputies arrested a McComb man after he fired a shotgun during a confrontation with neighbors over the weekend. The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office says the incident happened on North Liberty Street around 9:15 p.m. Sunday.
Investigators say they found a hole in a nearby car after 51-year-old Michael Pardon fired the gun. Pardon is facing felonious assault, criminal damaging, and using a weapon while intoxicated charges.
Pardon told deputies he fired the shotgun in self-defense. He said he heard a noise outside his home.
Pardon reportedly had a blood-alcohol level of .228.
3/20/18 – 4:54 A.M.
Bluffton University introduced its next president to the campus Monday. Jane Wood spoke to students and faculty on campus about her vision for the future of the school. Wood said she’s excited about the opening of Bluffton’s new Austin E. Knowlton Science Center. She talked about Bluffton preparing for students for jobs that haven’t been invented yet.
Wood also talked about “exploring the enduring questions of our time.” She added, “Each generation of students needs to recognize and address the social justice or injustice of its time. Bluffton University can continue to differentiate itself and foster its identity through the ongoing search for peace and justice.”
Wood is currently vice president of academic affairs and dean of Mount Marty College in Yankton, South Dakota.
MORE: The Courier
03/19/18 – 7:21 P.M.
Marathon Center for the Performing Arts and Findlay Light Opera Company are joining forces. The collaboration is part of a two-year long partnership plan to bring community theatre to the Donnell Theater. The theater used to be Central Auditorium and is where the Findlay Light Opera Company held its shows.
The partnership is partially funded by a grant from the Hancock County Convention and Visitors Bureau. It will begin this fall with four cabaret shows as part of MCPA’s LIVE @ ARMES Series. There will also be musicals with a community cast in the winters of 2019 and 2020. A full-stage community show will be held on Central Stage in the summer of 2020.
03/19/18 – 5:45 P.M.
Findlay Rotary Club learned more about the levy for Hancock County Jobs and Family Services Monday. Executive director Diana Hoover explained that they need the money.
Hoover said that the money is just for providing services.
The levy will generate around $1.2 million per year. Hoover explained that it will cost $42 for every $100,000 evaluation on a home.