1/10/19 – 5:01 A.M.

Findlay Auditor Jim Staschiak is running for reelection. The Findlay Republican submitted petitions to run for office to the Hancock County Board of Elections Wednesday. Staschiak says he wants to focus on the auditor’s office, where he says he can do the most good for the city.

Staschiak has served as city auditor since March of 2011. The Republican Party appointed him to fill the position after Robert Sprague became a state representative. Findlay voters then elected Staschiak in 2011 and 2015.

Staschiak is only the second person to file petitions to run for office in Findlay this year. 1st Ward Councilwoman Holly Frische has submitted papers to run for mayor.

MORE: Other elected officials are circulating petitions

01/09/19 – 4:51 P.M.

There will be a presentation to help those who have lost a loved one at Blanchard Valley Hospital later this month. “Understanding Depression in Grief” will help you identify depression, understand the difference between “feeling” and “being” depressed, and offer healthy coping mechanisms. Jamie Wilkinson-Franks of Stepping Stones Counseling will be the presenter and will be open for discussion afterward.

The presentation will be on January 21 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Marathon Auditorium at the hospital. For questions or more information, you can call 419-423-5351.

01/09/19 – 4:47 P.M.

The Hancock County Republican Party is taking resumes from people who want to fill the Findlay mayoral term. Current Mayor Lydia Mihalik will vacate the seat to take a state position. The term ends on December 31st of this year.

Resumes and any supporting information must be mailed to Linda Casey at the GOP Headquarters by February 1. Candidates will be contacted by the Candidate Review Committee to set up interviews.

01/09/19 – 4:38 P.M.

The Literacy Coalition of Hancock County is hosting a story writing competition for children in Kindergarten through 5th grade. Shannon Andersen of the Literacy Coalition said that the Tell-A-Tale competition used to be themed but that’s not the case this year.

Andersen explained that the winners of the competition will get a special award.

Andersen added that the stories have to be under 350 words and submitted by February 1. They can be submitted to the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library, the Arlington Library, the Literacy Coalition, or the Bookmobile

1/9/19 – 5:25 A.M.

The United Way of Fostoria is inching closer to their 2018 fundraising goal. Executive Director Evelyn Marker says so far they’ve received pledges for more than $197,000. The goal for the campaign is $205,000. Marker says she is hopeful more money will come in as companies report their pledges.

Marker adds, “Two hundred thousand dollars is a lot of money, especially in a town this size. But we’re doing really well and I’m happy with where we’re at right now in this campaign.”

MORE: Fundraising totals by division

1/9/19 – 5:18 A.M.

The Hancock Park District held its annual reorganization meeting Tuesday. The board reappointed Gary Hirschfeld as the chairman. Scott Younger and Ed Ingold will serve as vice chairmen. Younger will serve as the representative to the parks foundation board.

The board also voted to accept more than $269,000 worth of gifts, grants, and donations to the park district. The majority of that money is around $277,000 set aside for the reconstruction of Shelter 2 at Riverbend Recreation Area. The parks foundation donated the money for that project.

MORE: Eight current parks foundation trustees elected to serve this year

1/9/19 – 5:03 A.M.

Hancock County voters could see a renewal levy for the Blanchard Valley Center this May. The Hancock County Commissioners voted Tuesday to have the county auditor’s office determine the amount of money a 2.5-mill, five-year levy will generate for operations at the BVC.

Voters last renewed the levy in 2014. At the time, the levy generated about $3 million per year for the organization. It provides around 25 percent of the center’s operating revenue.

Once the county auditor comes back with an amount, the commissioners will vote on a second resolution to put the levy on the ballot.

MORE: County Engineer Doug Cade was appointed by the commissioners to the Ohio Public Works Commission Integrating Committee

01/08/19 – 3:37 P.M.

There will be a dinner to showcase how technology can help people with developmental disabilities become more independent. Nicole Bowen of the Hancock County Board of Developmental Disabilities said that technology can replace having someone stay at home to take care of a person with a developmental disability.

Bowen explained that the dinner will look at how technology can be used to set reminders and maintain safety. This allows for greater independence and freedom.

The dinner will be at the BVC Training Center from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. this Thursday. You can register by calling 419-425-8747.