Monthly Archives: September 2018

Elderly At Risk In Opioid Epidemic

Local News

09/17/18 – 6:01 P.M.

Putnam County Crime Victim Services reports that the opioid epidemic has a negative impact on the elderly. Elder victim advocate Becca Peckinpaugh explained that the epidemic can cause medication misuse and abuse by elders and family members suffering from addiction.

She said medication misuse by the elderly can lead to self-neglect. Peckinpaugh explains that this can cause physical harm and mental anguish. she added that this could be done by accident if an elderly person takes too much of their medication.

She added that the older you are the harder it is for your body to handle opioids. She said the largest age group for overdoes from opiate use was 45-55-years-old. This makes up 46% of the people who overdose in northwest Ohio.

The elderly also have higher risks of being used. Family members or caregivers with addictions can steal medication from the elderly.

You can report adult neglect by calling 419-538-4580

UPDATED: Findlay Promotes Robert Ring To Police Captain

Local News, WFIN Top Story

9/17/18 – 5:08 A.M.

Findlay has a new police captain. The city promoted Robert Ring during a swearing-in ceremony in the municipal building…

Audio: Robert Ring

Ring adds he wants to keep moving the department in a positive direction…

Audio: Robert Ring

Ring has worked for the police department for 22 years. He most recently worked to the Detective Division. He was also the commander of the Findlay Police Crisis Management Team.

Findlay hasn’t had a police captain for 20 months, following the promotion of Sean Young to acting police chief in 2017. He sued after the city fired him following a domestic violence incident, which meant the position stayed open during the legal battle.

You can watch the full swearing-in ceremony on the WFIN Facebook Page.

Local Gas Prices Flat Over The Last Week

Local News

9/17/18 – 7:18 A.M.

Gas prices in Findlay are roughly the same as they were a week ago. OhioGasPrices.com reports the average price today is $2.72 for a gallon of regular. That’s up a penny from last Monday.

The statewide average is $2.78 per gallon, an increase of five cents over the last week.

Drivers in Ottawa report paying $2.84 per gallon. That’s a 16 cent increase over the last seven days.

ONU To Name New Building After Great-Grandson Of Founder

Local News

9/17/18 – 6:52 A.M.

Ohio Northern University has announced the name of its new engineering building. The college says the James Lehr Kennedy Engineering Building will honor the great-grandson of ONU founder Henry Solomon Lehr. Kennedy is a member of the board of trustees and has made an estate pledge gift of $10 million to ONU.

Kennedy grew up in Massachusetts but spent every summer during his childhood visiting his grandmother Sarah Kennedy in Ada. He has since built a career as an entrepreneur, inventor, and artist. Kennedy is also mentoring senior engineering design students.

Facebook Post Causes Kidnapping Panic In Fostoria

Local News

9/17/18 – 5:31 A.M.

It’s another example of why you should think twice before hitting the share button on Facebook. The Fostoria Police Department says a Facebook post late last week led to panic about a possible kidnapping when nothing close to that even took place.

The Review-Times reports a mother left her two children with a relative. When she returned home the relative and the children were gone. When the mother couldn’t reach the relative, she reached out to police who helped find everyone. The relative had run some errands and taken the kids with them.

During that time rumors about a kidnapping ran rampant on Facebook. Police Chief Keith Loreno says, “this is a prime example of people posting misinformation on Facebook and causing a panic in the community.”

MORE: Review-Times

Municipal Building Entrance Temporarily Moved

Local News

9/17/18 – 5:22 A.M.

If you have business at the Findlay Municipal Building this week, you’ll have to enter through a different door. The city says they are temporarily moving the entrance to the south side of the building. Officials say they are closing the Dorney Plaza entrance for a window replacement project.

The project should wrap up by September 21.

Road Projects Continue In Hancock County This Week

Local News

9/17/18 – 5:16 A.M.

Several road projects continue in Hancock County this week. U.S. 68 in Arlington remains closed between Liberty Street and the Buck Run bridge. State Route 330 over State Route 15 in Vanlue also remains closed for bridge deck replacement.

Elsewhere you’ll continue to see lane reductions on State Route 568 between Bright Road in Findlay and the Wyandot County line for resurfacing. That project should wrap up late this month.

Crews continue to restrict State Route 330 to one lane between North Street in Vanlue and State Route 568 for a resurfacing project. While crews have finished some work in that area, ODOT says they’ve scheduled the bulk of the project for October.

Health Officials Concerned About Growing Number Of Suicides

Local News, WFIN Top Story

9/17/18 – 5:00 A.M.

Hancock County health officials are paying close attention to rising suicide numbers. Hancock Public Health says 10 residents have taken their lives this year. There were nine suicide deaths in 2017 and five in 2016.

Century Health emergency services coordinator Nancy Stephani says any number of things could be leading to higher suicide numbers this year. She adds that includes things like the heat, financial stress, or drug issues.

Whatever the causes, Stephani says its important to get help for someone who you think might take their own life. She says you can call 911, as Ohio has a law that can force an unwilling person into the hospital if they are having a mental health crisis.

If you’re not comfortable calling 911, Stephani says to call her at Century Health or call the ADAMHS crisis hotline at 888-936-7116.

MORE: The Courier