07/31/18 – 5:30 P.M.

A group of Tibetan Monks is making a stop in Findlay as they make their way across Northwest Ohio. The Courier reports that the India-based monks are traveling as part of the Sacred Arts of Tibet Tour which kicked off in California. Tour Director Lobsang Wangchuk said that this a teaching tour, including the creation and dismantling of a sand mandala, healing sessions, and chants.

Wangchuk has strong ties to Findlay. His mother lived in the city for 30 years and has friends in the city. The group will arrive in Findlay Wednesday morning. You can learn more on the Courier’s website.

07/31/18 – 2:36 P.M.
UPDATE – 8/1/18 – 6:48 A.M. (A previous version of this story stated Hancock County would have the lowest sales tax rate in Ohio. If the commissioners make the change Hanock County would have the lowest sales tax rate in Northwest Ohio.)

The Hancock County Jail is averaging well over 100 inmates per day which has put the commissioners in a tight spot financially. Commissioner Tim Bechtol said that they are looking at replacing the quarter percent sales tax that expires soon.

Tim Bechtol

Bechtol explained that there won’t be any new taxes and that he’d like to see sales taxes go down.

Tim Bechtol

It would make Hancock County have the lowest sales tax in northwest Ohio making it a win-win situation. Bechtol said that the funds raised would go towards the criminal justice system including the jail expansion.

The commissioners would enact this sales tax themselves and not put it to a levy. If it were put to a levy it wouldn’t go into effect until next April. There will be two hearings for public input before it can be enacted though. There are no dates set while more research is done.

Aside from the sales tax, judges and prosecutors are looking at ways to reduce the number of inmates. Bechtol said that this means people won’t be incarcerated when they need to be. They are also looking into delayed sentencing.

7/31/18 – 6:45 A.M.

A collision between a car and a bike killed a Findlay native late last week. The Columbus Dispatch reports 26-year-old Shannon Mills was riding her bike along Unionville Road around 10:30 a.m. Friday. She didn’t stop at the intersection with State Route 161 and rode into the path of a car driven by 31-year-old Rusti Cottrel of Sidney, Ohio. Mills died at the scene of the crash.

Mills was a 2010 Findlay High School graduate. Her obituary appears in today’s edition of the Courier.

7/31/18 – 5:02 A.M.

Findlay High School is looking for former students who served and died while in the military. Boys basketball coach Jim Rucki says they are trying to find the names of anyone who went to FHS and lost their lives between World War I and the present. The school will put the names on a memorial wall in the building.

Service members don’t have to have graduated from Findlay High School to qualify. Rucki says so far he’s confirmed 37 former students who fought and died in World War II. Most graduated, but some joined the military early.

Rucki says he got the idea from seeing similar tributes at other schools. If you know of someone who should be on the wall, you can contact Rucki by email at jrucki@fcs.org.

The goal is to unveil the memorial at the annual Veterans Day dinner.

MORE: The Courier

07/30/18 – 6:59 P.M.

Valfilm has been doing business in Findlay for the past three years, and business has been booming. Valfilm’s Steve Shiparski said that they have to expand their facilities to keep up.

Steve Shiparski

Shiparski said that they are happy to see the company growing. He added the Brazilian based company wants to increase its community footprint.

Steve Shiparski

Shiparski explained that Valfilm wants to ensure the safety of its workers as well. He said that the company invests a portion of its profits back into itself for updates.

07/30/18 – 6:56 P.M.

Part of a Findlay street will be closed Wednesday for pavement repair. The Mayor’s Office reports that the northbound lanes of Bright Road will be closed from East Sandusky Street to the bridge.

If you have any questions you can reach the Street Department at 419-424-7181