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.

MORE: Additional goals set by the committee

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

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.

01/16/19 – 2:21 P.M.
UPDATE – 3:42 P.M. (more information available)

The partial federal government shutdown is making it so that people receiving SNAP food assistance benefits can receive their February benefits today. Hancock County Job and Family Services Director Randall Galbraith explained that the resolution funding the program is expiring.

Since the government is shut-down, Galbraith said they need to get those benefits out by the end of the month because there will be no issuance of benefits in February. He added that they have 30 days to get benefits out.

He added that you’ll want to try and make the benefits last as long as possible.

If you receive the benefits and have questions about your case, you can call the Hancock County JFS at 419-422-0182