4/19/18 – 7:10 A.M.
The heavy lifting for the Fostoria school building project kicks off next month. The school is holding a groundbreaking ceremony for the new building on May 10 at 11:30 a.m.
Superintendent Andrew Sprang says the event will focus on the district’s students. One student from each grade level will take part in the ceremony.
MORE: The Courier
4/19/18 – 6:53 A.M.
A three-car crash injured an 8-year-old boy in Findlay Wednesday afternoon. The Findlay Police Department reports the crash happened at the intersection of North Main Street and Foulke Avenue around 4:15 p.m.
31-year-old Melissa Kirkendall of Findlay was driving on East Foulke when she pulled into the path of a southbound car driven by 25-year-old Amber Johnson. Johnson’s car then hit a third car on the other side of the intersection.
Hanco EMS took 8-year-old Jaden Johnson to Blanchard Valley Hospital for treatment of his injuries. Officers cited Kirkendall for failure to yield.
4/19/18 – 6:46 A.M.
The three candidates running for the Republican nomination in an Ohio Senate race will sit down for a forum tonight. State Senator Robert McColley of Napoleon, Robert Barker Jr. of Van Wert, and Craig Kupferberg of Findlay will take questions during the forum at the University of Findlay’s Center for Student Life and College of Business.
The program will start just after the 6 p.m. news on 1330 WFIN and 95.5 FM. You can also listen at WFIN.com and watch on the UFTV YouTube page.
The winner of the primary will face Democrat Adam Papin of Bryan in the November general election for the right to represent the 1st Senate district.
4/19/18 – 5:35 A.M.
Putnam County is taking advantage of a state grant aimed to keep people out of prison. The Putnam County Sentinel says the program aims to find prison alternatives for people with low-level felony convictions. Putnam County Common Pleas Judge Keith Schierloh says the grant helps pay for the cost of using the W.O.R.T.H Center in Lima or halfway houses.
Schierloh says prison alternatives are often less expensive and sometimes better for rehabilitation.
The program does not apply to violent offenders, or to sex offenders and drug traffickers. Schierloh says he still has the power to send low-level offenders to prison if he needs to.
MORE: Putnam County Sentinel
4/19/18 – 5:23 A.M.
A St. Louis company has bought two Findlay plastic businesses. American Plastics announced it bought Centrex Plastics and Creative Plastic Concepts Wednesday. American Plastics said it will use all the current operations at both Findlay locations.
Nick Reinhart owned both Centrex and Creative Plastic Concepts. He is staying on board as the chief innovation officer with American Plastics.
Including the Findlay facilities, American Plastics now owns 15 facilities nationwide. The company also owns an injection molding and manufacturing facility in Tiffin.
MORE: The Courier
4/19/18 – 5:12 A.M.
A jury heard the opening statements in the sexual imposition trial of a former Bluffton doctor Wednesday. Assistant Lima Prosecutor Nicole Smith said James Gideon inappropriately touched six female patients during examinations. Gideon’s defense attorney said that the accusations stemmed from misunderstandings and his client not explaining procedures well enough.
In one instance, a woman accused Gideon of touching her breasts and genitals. Gideon’s lawyer says the doctor needed to move her breast so he didn’t puncture her lung with an injection. He added any other contact was accidental.
Some of the prosecution’s opening arguments hinged on massages Gideon gave patients before treatment. Gideon’s attorney says his client had read about the therapeutic benefits of massage. He added Gideon began using massage before giving shots to some patients in May 2017.
Gideon faces six misdemeanor sexual imposition charges. A jury of four men and four women are hearing the case.
MORE: The Courier
4/18/18 – 5:54 P.M.
A candidate for Ohio Governor stopped in Findlay Wednesday. Mike DeWine and running mate Jon Husted talked to local business and education leaders about their concerns. Much of the conversation focused on finding people to fill open jobs. DeWine says he sees promise in some local programs…
Audio: Mike DeWine
Husted adds the Findlay area has a template that can benefit the rest of the state…
Audio: Jon Husted
DeWine and Husted also talked about ways to address government bureaucracy. Husted says he believes the improved use of technology can help government employees better serve Ohio residents.
The opioid epidemic is a hot topic on the campaign trail as well, and DeWine also addressed the issue…
Audio: Mike DeWine
DeWine says he also supports working with the Bureau of Workers Compensation to help employers get employees who are dealing with addiction assistance.
DeWine says he would also direct law enforcement to target higher-level offenders as governor. Husted adds that increased use of drug courts could open up space in jail for drug traffickers…
Audio: Jon Husted
Husted says local communities have shown they are very good at running drug court programs.
4/18/18 – 3:12 P.M.
A jury is in place for the trial of a former Bluffton doctor. Four men and four women will serve as the jury for the trial of James Gideon. Gideon faces six counts of sexual imposition. The counts are misdemeanors, which is why there are only eight jurors as opposed to 12.
Some of Gideon’s female patients have accused him of inappropriately touching them during examinations.
The state medical board suspended Gideon’s medical license last year pending several allegations of sexual misconduct.
The trial is taking place in the Lima Municipal Court.
MORE: The Courier
4/18/18 – 2:44 P.M.
Walmart stores in northwest Ohio are offering free health screenings this weekend. The company says the second Walmart Wellness Day is set for Saturday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
The event will feature free blood glucose, blood pressure, and body mass index screenings. You can also get immunizations at discounted prices.
Stores with a vision center will offer free vision screenings.
4/18/18 – 2:31 A.M.
The winter that won’t go away has forced the 419 Day celebration inside. Organizers planned on holding the Thursday event outside on Main Street, but are moving it to the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts.
More than 25 local businesses will gather to promote the area with special deals, door prizes, and giveaways. The event runs from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Organizers say the day celebrates living and working in the 419 community which includes areas of Findlay, Bowling Green, Fostoria, and more.