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

01/16/19 – 1:57 P.M.

The Hancock County Humane Society reminds you to keep an eye on your pets as winter weather hits our area. The Humane Society’s Natalie Reffitt explained that the best option is to give them shelter.

She also said you should always check paws and water dishes to ensure the safety of your pet.

Reffitt added that you need to get your dog licenses by January 31. The dog licenses are $20 and can be picked up at the Humane Society.

1/16/19 – 5:30 A.M.

North Baltimore Mayor Janet Goldner gave her state-of-the-village address Tuesday. Goldner says some big accomplishments in 2018 included hiring a new village administrator and police chief. She also highlighted work at the park, including new a concession stand and tennis courts.

Goldner says 2019 will see plenty of projects. They include work on downtown revitalization, neighborhood enhancement projects, and the replacement of waterlines on a section of Main Street.

MORE: Discussion about North Baltimore tax collections.

1/16/19 – 5:24 A.M.

Congressman Bob Latta will serve as the ranking member of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology for the 116th Congress. The committee covers issues related to electronic communications.

Latta says he remains committed to getting broadband access to rural areas. He also says he wants to help develop 5G infrastructure.

Latta served as Chairman of the Digital Commerce and Consumer Protection Subcommittee last Congress.

1/16/19 – 5:16 A.M.

Fostoria City Council heard more about issues with the Sunny Farms Landfill during their Tuesday meeting. Nate Heiser talked to council members about the upcoming events aimed at getting the landfill owners to reduce odors from the facility. Heiser says he hopes representatives from the government and the company come to a meeting later this month with answers in hand.

Heiser says he has also talked to health officials, the Seneca County commissioners, Loudon Township trustees, the Ottawa-Sandusky-Seneca Solid Waste District, and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency. He adds that State Representative Bill Reineke is making this his top priority.

Heiser says while he understands Fostoria doesn’t have jurisdiction over the landfill, it’s important that the city stays on top of the issue.

MORE: Mayor Eric Keckler talks about the community effort

1/16/19 – 5:08 A.M.

The Putnam County Commissioners learned more about a proposed solar farm Tuesday. The Lima News reports a representative from Avangrid Renewables told the commissioners their goal is to make the project competitive and to make sure the village of Miller City sees benefits. Director Jeff Reinkemeyer says the 150-megawatt solar farm could bring in $1.3 million in property tax revenue.

Commissioner Vince Schroeder says Miller City residents are under the impression the village will get a sewer system if the project moves forward. Reinkemeyer says that is the goal.

For the project to move forward the county commissioners will have to approve a pilot program. Reinkemeyer says his company will also have to find someone to buy the power generated by the solar farm.

MORE: Lima News

01/15/19 – 3:08 P.M.

The Marathon Center for the Performing Arts is taking audition registrations for the Hancock County Children’s Choir. The choir is a community-based treble voice children’s chorus open to children in Hancock County in grades 2-5. The auditions for new members will be January 28 from 5 to 7:30 pm at MCPA.

The group rehearses on Monday evenings from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and rehearsals will begin on February 4. You can find the registration forms for auditions at mcpa.org.

The Findlay Rotary Club is sponsoring a speech competition next month. The annual Four-Way Speech contest takes place on February 19. Area high school students can get contest guidelines and registration information by emailing Tammy Stahl at tstahl@hcchfindlay.org.

Registrations are due by February 11. There is a $750 award for first place. Second place takes home $500, and third place gets $250. The winner moves on to the district competition in March.