01/17/19 – 4:50 P.M.
The University of Findlay’s annual Comedy Jam is coming up at the end of the month. Director of Student Involvement Sharinda Welton said that this event has really grown over the years.
She added this year they have a special meet and greet…
The event will be on January 26 starting at 8 p.m. at the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are $20 and can be bought by calling 419-425-1346.
01/17/19 – 3:57 P.M.
The Children’s Mentoring Connection of Hancock County is celebrating 45 years of service with an upcoming bowling event. CMC’s Staci Shaw explained that the “Bowling for Kids” is coming up in March but you can get signed up now.
CMC offers their services for free and Shaw said that this event helps allow that to continue. They help set children up with mentors that have volunteered to spend time with the kids.
The event will be March 9 and 10 with various times available. You can get signed up and learn more information at cmchancock.org.
01/17/19 – 2:39 P.M.
One person has decided to take their name out of the race to be elected Findlay’s mayor. Current Councilman-At-Large Jeff Wobser had taken out petitions for the seat but said he’s decided against it.
Wobser said that he does have petitions out to be re-elected for Council-At-Large.
1/17/19 – 12:08 P.M.
State Representative Jon Cross met with the Hancock County Commissioners Thursday to talk about issues facing local governments. Cross says he believes this legislature and administration will try to give local governments some budget relief…
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An increase in local government funding could help the county pay for things like child protective services. That’s an area that has put a large strain on the Hancock County budget.
Commissioner Mark Gazarek suggested the state take over paying indigent defense costs. Cross says it’s an idea worth looking into…
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Cross says another commitment he’s making is to continued Blanchard River Flood Mitigation. He says not funding the project wouldn’t make sense, because there are many large and small businesses that generate millions of dollars in revenue hanging in the balance.
1/17/19 – 11:35 A.M.
Hancock County Commissioner Brian Robertson recently paid a visit to the Miami County, Indiana Jail. Robertson says he’s working to get ideas for jail solutions in Hancock County…
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Robertson says the jail uses pods that can house 4, 6, or 8 inmates…
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County officials are continuing discussions about ways to solve the jail overcrowding situation. Robertson says the Miami County jail could provide a good template for something that will work here.
Robertson says some of the conversations about jail solutions has focused on possibly moving the facility. He adds they need to conduct a feasibility study to see if that would work.
1/17/19 – 5:24 A.M.
Roughly 30 people attended a meeting in Fostoria earlier this week to talk about a comprehensive plan for the future of Seneca County. Organizers told those on hand about a plan to achieve major goals over the next 20 years.
The goals include creating a strong economy, increasing housing options, and enhancing mobility around the community.
Charlene Watkins is the executive director of the Seneca Regional Planning Commission. She says the meetings give the commission a chance to get input from the community on how to achieve their goals for the future.
1/17/19 – 5:17 A.M.
Pandora Mayor Jeremy Liechty recently gave his first state of the village address. The Putnam County Sentinel reports Liechty highlighted several items that happened in 2018. He mentioned upgrades to the restrooms at the Arthur-Lugibihl Community Center and upgrades to lighting at the village park as positives that happened last year.
Liechty says officials will continue to look for options to pay for a new water tower. Back in October, the village learned it didn’t qualify for a grant program that paid for projects with a maximum cost of $600,000. Pandora had requested more than $940,000.
MORE: Putnam County Sentinel
1/17/19 – 5:09 A.M.
The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office is giving an update on an effort to reduce the number of people in jail. The Putnam County Sentinel reports the office has been using the PassPoint system for six months now. The machine conducts an eye scan and a breathalyzer test for people out of jail on bond.
Common Pleas Court Judge Keith Schierloh tells the newspaper the system is working well. He adds that it gives him insight on a person’s accountability.
Sheriff Brian Siefker says he sees improvement as well. Siefker says those that have a positive test quickly learn they have to change their ways. Siefker adds that as a result, they are seeing more clean tests.
MORE: Putnam County Sentinel
1/17/19 – 4:58 A.M.
A man is facing charges in Hancock County for allegedly stealing a truck so he could go steal from a Findlay store. The Hancock County grand jury recently indicted 40-year-old Jason Durst on a charge of receiving stolen property.
County Prosecutor Phil Riegle says Durst took a pickup truck from the Taco Bell on Tiffin Avenue and drove to the nearby Walmart. A police report says Durst then attempted to steal items from the store.
01/16/19 – 4:57 P.M.
Update – 1/17/19 – 4:23 A.M. (Indicates at Holly Frische has already submitted her petitions)
Several Republicans have taken out petitions to run for Mayor of Findlay. Current 1st Ward Councilwoman Holly Frische has already submitted hers, and now councilman Jeff Wobser has signed out petitions to run for the position. Brandon Dugger and Christina Muryn have also taken out petitions.
Those that have taken out petitions have not necessarily turned them in yet. They have until early February to return the petitions to secure their candidacy for the May primary.