Monthly Archives: June 2018

Grant Could Help Reduce Jail Overcrowding In Hancock County

Local News

6/14/18 – 10:53 A.M.

A grant could help Hancock County address its jail overcrowding problem. Cayla Fortman is with the Hancock County ADAMHS board, and says a $50,000 innovation fund grant would help provide ways to keep people out of jail…

Audio: Cayla Fortman

Fortman tells the county commissioners the grant could help provide a coordinator to find better ways to use existing resources…

Audio: Cayla Fortman

Fortman says the plan would look at who ends up in jail the most and find ways to divert them before they end up behind bars.

Fortman adds they’ve seen similar programs get results in Washington State…

Audio: Cayla Fortman

She says other communities have used the technical assistance to create better treatment programs for people before they end up in jail.

The program wouldn’t need any funding from the county. Fortman says they’ll know if they get the grant in September.

Demolition Work Underway On Former North Main Street Bar

Local News

6/14/18 – 5:24 A.M.

Another flood-prone building near downtown Findlay is coming down. Crews from ALL Excavating & Demolition started tearing down Nicki’s bar on North Main Street earlier this week. The county had tried to buy the building as part of flood reduction efforts for several years. They were able to buy it after the owner of the bar passed away last year.

A FEMA grant is helping pay for the work. The building cost the county $145,000 to buy and just under $36,000 to demolish. It was the last building standing on the east side of North Main Street just north of the Blanchard River.

Ohio Supreme Court To Hear Arguments In Putnam County Murder Case

Local News

6/14/18 – 5:07 A.M.

The Ohio Supreme Court will hear an appeal in a Putnam County murder case. The Putnam County Sentinel reports the court has agreed to hear an appeal from the county prosecutor in the case of Travis Soto. In 2006, Soto pleaded guilty to a child endangerment charge stemming from the death of his 2-year-old son Julio. In 2016, he allegedly admitted he had beaten the boy to death.

Authorities charged Soto with murder, but Soto’s lawyer argued that amounted to double jeopardy. The 3rd District Court of Appeals agreed and sent the case back to the county. Prosecutor Gary Lammers now has 30 days to prepare his case.

MORE: Putnam County Sentinel

Upcoming Public Hearing Focuses On Blanchard River Water Quality

Local News

6/14/18 – 4:55 A.M.

A public meeting about the Blanchard River widening project is coming up later this month. The Courier reports a June 26 meeting will focus on water quality improvements. It’s set for 6 p.m. in the Lindamood Room of the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library.

The meeting is a requirement from the Ohio EPA. The public can submit comments and questions about any water quality issues the project may pose.

Stantec Engineering has said the project will improve water quality in the river. The widening plan will replace dams with riffle structures. The structures create fast, turbulent water and improve the water quality. Stantec also expects the benches dug into the river will create good wetland areas.

MORE: The Courier

Expert Talks About Suicide Prevention On WFIN

Local News

06/13/18 – 6:50 P.M.

Suicide hotlines have been busy following the tragic deaths of Anthony Bourdain and Kate Spade. WFIN had an expert on the line to discuss warning factors and what happens next. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention chief medical officer Christine Moutier said that there are several factors that play into why someone would commit suicide.

Christine Moutier

She said that an adverse or abusive childhood also leads to an increase in risk. Moutier added that that suicide has biological roots.

Christine Moutier

Moutier explained that research has answered a lot of questions and lead to many discoveries when it comes to suicide. She added that more research needs to be done to help those at risk.

Red Cross Teaches Over 1200 Area Children How To Handle Emergencies

Local News

06/13/18 – 6:11 P.M.

The American Red Cross’ Pillowcase Project has helped teach over 1 million kids how to respond to an emergency situation. The North Central Ohio Chapter executive director Todd James said that the program has done wonders locally.

Todd James

James said that these presentations teach kids how to set up an emergency kit and when to use it. He said that the presentations are free and can be scheduled by emailing northcentralohio@redcross.org or calling 419-946-2811.

Hidden In Plain Sight Trailer Looks To Teach Parents About Warning Signs

Local News

06/13/18 – 4:55 P.M.

The Hidden in Plain Sight Trailer is an educational tool donated by the Hancock Leadership Class of 2018. The Hancock County ADMAHS Board’s Zach Thomas explained that it will help parents look for evidence of risky behaviors.

Zach Thomas

Hancock County Sheriff crime prevention officer Beth Baker added that you have a right to know what is happening in your house.

Beth Baker

Baker explained that teens can try to hide evidence of risky behaviors like alcohol or drug abuse in various ways.

The interactive trailer is available for school and church functions. You can schedule to use it on the sheriff’s website.