Monthly Archives: July 2018

Man Arrested After Standoff With Hancock County Sheriff’s Deputies

July 27, 2018Local NewsMatt Demczyk

07/27/18 – 4:57 A.M.

A man was arrested this week after a standoff with Hancock County Sheriff deputies northeast of Mount Blanchard. Deputies responded to a call around 9:30 Wednesday of a man threatening to commit suicide. He had a handgun during the incident.

A hostage negotiator tried to talk the man down but negotiations broke down. The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office called in the Wood County and Hancock County Emergency Response Teams. The teams used two armored vehicles to approach the man and talked to him through a loudspeaker.

The standoff ended around 5:45 a.m. on Thursday when the man surrendered.

Findlay Named Best Hometown In Ohio

July 26, 2018Local NewsMatt Demczyk

07/26/18 – 3:41 P.M.

Findlay has been named as an Ohio Magazine’s Best Hometown in 2018-19. Findlay was chosen because of its strong business environment, welcoming sense of community, and thriving downtown. Editors evaluated nominees in six categories including community spirit, education, entertainment, health and safety, business, and culture and heritage.

Findlay made the list back in the 2012-2013 list as well.

Officers Find Cocaine In Fostoria Drug Bust

July 26, 2018Local NewsMatt Demczyk

07/26/18 – 2:37 P.M.

The Fostoria METRICH Drug Enforcement Unit executed a search warrant today in the city. Officers searched 655 Woodward Avenue, which is the residence of 24-year-old Marques Smith, 47-year-old Laura Lopez, and 47-year-old Larence Smith. Officers found suspected Cocaine, US currency, criminal tools, drug paraphernalia & evidence indicative of drug trafficking.

Suspects in the case could face charges of trafficking crack cocaine, permitting drug abuse, and possession.

Police Investigating The Death Of A Findlay Man Stabbed On College Street

July 26, 2018Local NewsMatt Demczyk

07/26/18 – 12:36 P.M.

A Findlay man is dead after he was stabbed yesterday. The Findlay Police Department reports 19-year-old Tyler Wilson was stabbed in the chest around 11 p.m. near 725 College Street. There were four men outside arguing including Wilson when he was stabbed.

Wilson was taken to Blanchard Valley Hospital where he later died.

Police interviewed the others involved and identified the man who stabbed Wilson. He is cooperating with police.

Wilson made regional headlines after being bullied years ago. A bully had broken his arm in 2011 and then beat him up three years later. Police Lt. Robert Ring said that there is no connection to that in this case.

The Courier reports that Wilson had been charged with armed robbery in February. A plea was set for July 30. Ring said that this doesn’t appear to have any connection to Wilson’s death.

No other information has been made available while police continue their investigation. After it is completed, the case will be handed over to the Hancock County Grand Jury.

Parts Of Northwest Ohio Now Considered In Drought Condition

July 26, 2018Local News, WFIN Top StoryMatt Demczyk

7/26/18 – 10:12 A.M.

It’s official, parts of our area are in a drought. The latest update from the U.S. Drought Monitor shows the northeastern part of Hancock County is now “abnormally dry.” That’s the lowest level for drought intensity rankings.

All of Seneca and Wood counties are in the abnormally dry area. All but the very southern edge of Henry County is in the designation as well. The northern parts of Wyandot County are also affected.

Around 11 percent of the state is now considered abnormally dry. Parts of Lucas and Williams counties are now experiencing a moderate drought. That’s the second lowest level for drought intensity rankings.

Follow Up: Questions About AEP Neighbor To Neighbor Cooling Assistance Program

July 26, 2018Local NewsMatt Demczyk

7/26/18 – 9:59 A.M.

A few days ago we reported on a summer cooling assistance program from American Electric Power. Some of you told us you had problems signing up for the Neighbor to Neighbor program, so we reached out to AEP to get more information about how the program works.

One complaint we heard was that the program is only for customers who are currently disconnected. A company representative tells us that is not the case. It is also for customers facing a disconnect notice. You may have to meet other income-based qualifications though. For example, applicants have to have yearly income at or below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines.

AEP says if you make more than that but still need assistance, they have other programs that could help. Budget and average monthly payment plans are available. There are also community assistance plans available through the HHWP Community Action Commission.

We have more information available on our website.

MORE: Neighbor to Neighbor Program Information
MORE: AEP Budget Plan Info
MORE: HHWP Assistance Plans

Findlay City Schools Moving Forward With Security Levy

July 26, 2018Local News, WFIN Top StoryMatt Demczyk

7/26/18 – 9:35 A.M.

Residents in the Findlay City school district will likely see a levy on the ballot in November. The school board voted unanimously to place a 1.5-mill safety and security levy in front of voters this fall. The five-year levy will generate between $1.2 and $1.3 million every year if approved.

The school board will hold a final vote on the matter once the county auditor returns an exact dollar amount. They should have that by their August 6 meeting.

The levy would pay for security personnel, mental health services, and safety and security equipment.

MORE: The Courier

Marathon Petroleum Income Tops $1 Billion In Second Quarter

July 26, 2018Local News, WFIN Top StoryMatt Demczyk

7/26/18 – 9:27 A.M.

Marathon Petroleum’s second-quarter numbers dwarf the company’s results from the same time last year. An earnings report released Thursday shows the company’s income reached $1.7 billion. That compared to $962 million in the second quarter of 2017. The refining and marketing segment accounted for most of the increase. The segment posted just over $1 billion in income for the second quarter. That’s up from $562 million a year ago.

The midstream segment also had a positive second quarter. It saw $617 million in income. That’s nearly double the 2017 figure. Speedway’s second quarter was down compared to 2017. The convenience store chain posted $159 million in income, compared to $238 million a year ago.

In a statement, President and CEO Gary Heminger said, “Our ability to execute and capture opportunities in a volatile commodity environment demonstrated the power of our integrated business model and drove extraordinary results.”

Former Seneca County Sheriff Dies

July 26, 2018Local NewsMatt Demczyk

7/26/18 – 7:07 A.M.

A former Seneca County Sheriff has died. The Advertiser-Tribune reports H. Weldin Neff passed away at the age of 88 early Wednesday morning. Neff served as the sheriff in Seneca County from 1979 to 1989 and again from 1997 to 2000.

Funeral arrangements are pending at the Engle-Shook Funeral Home & Crematory in Tiffin.

MORE: Advertiser-Tribune

Carey Village Solicitor Stepping Down

July 26, 2018Local NewsMatt Demczyk

7/26/18 – 6:52 A.M.

Carey is looking for a new village solicitor. The Progressor-Times reports Jessica Monday will step down on August 1. Monday tells the newspaper her law practice continues to grow, and she no longer has time to do both jobs.

Mayor Jennifer Rathburn says she will hold interviews with replacement candidates over the next few weeks.