02/28/19 – 1:39 P.M.

CommunityREAD is a month-long community event put on by the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library and it’s this March. Assistant director Sarah Clevidence said that this year’s chosen book is “Only Child” by Rhiannon Navin and covers grief…

The library will host events covering the book, the grieving process, and will even have an opportunity for ALICE Training. You can visit findlaylibrary.org for more information and for a list of adult and children’s events and activities.

2/28/19 – 11:34 A.M.

A routine item approved by the Hancock County Commissioners Thursday ended a piece of county history. The commissioners authorized the final flood mitigation payment to the Maumee Watershed Conservancy District.

The more than $287,000 payment came from money raised by a quarter percent sales tax that started a decade ago. The sales tax set aside money for mitigation projects following the devastating 2007 Blanchard River flood.

The tax expired at the end of 2018. The county commissioner replaced it with a new quarter-percent sales tax to pay for construction of a new juvenile and probate court and a possible jail expansion.

2/28/19 – 11:20 A.M.

Hancock County Commissioner Mark Gazarek raised concerns about the bid process for the construction of a new jail during Thursday’s commissioner’s meeting. Gazarek says discussions already held with contractors have raised some red flags with others who might bid on the project…

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Gazarek adds he was against the meetings and believes it’s unethical to have companies come in for meetings before formally requesting bids.

Commissioner Brian Robertson disagreed. Robertson says the previous meetings were part of due diligence…

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Robertson says previous meetings with contractors have allowed the commissioners to learn more about what the scope of the jail project might include, but haven’t gotten into specifics.

The commissioners passed a resolution Thursday that authorizes them to seek letters of qualification from companies interested in providing a jail assessment study. Gazarek says the study will take into account the needs of the entire Hancock County justice system.

02/28/19 – 10:35 A.M.

The United Way of Hancock County president and CEO has stepped down from the position for retirement. John Urbanski announced his retirement effective yesterday. Urbanski said, “I have thoroughly enjoyed working with our funded partners, programs, and initiatives, as well as the United Way staff and the hundreds of volunteers devoted to the mission and impact of the United Way of Hancock County”.

The Board of Directors will be seeking a replacement over the next several months. In the meantime, CEO8 Consulting, LLC, led by Chris Ostrander will serve as executive leadership throughout the transition.

2/28/19 – 7:29 A.M.

It appears Fostoria 2nd Ward Councilman John Schuld mistakenly filed to run as a write-in candidate for the position. Board of Elections officials say he didn’t need to file to run and won’t be part of the election.

Schuld received an appointment to fill the unexpired term of Greg Flores last June. Flores’ term doesn’t expire until December of 2021.

State law says that people appointed to partisan elected positions have to run in the next election cycle. People appointed to non-partisan positions don’t have to run until the term ends. Fostoria has a charter-style government so council races are non-partisan.

MORE: Review-Times

2/28/19 – 7:21 A.M.

The Loudon Township trustees are voicing their opposition to the Sunny Farms Landfill in Seneca County. The group voted Wednesday night to pass a resolution opposing renewal of the Sunny Farms Landfill license until the facility fixes issues with bad odors.

The Jackson Township trustees and Fostoria City Council have passed similar resolutions.

The Seneca County Health District could determine the renewal of the Sunny Farms Landfill license at a meeting tonight. The meeting is at 6 p.m. at Franks Hall on the Tiffin University campus.

MORE: List of grievances from Loudon Township.

2/28/19 – 6:51 A.M.

Liberty-Benton is looking for people interested in farming land owned by the school district. The school board announced they would accept bids from people interested in the 10 acres on Hancock County Road 9.

The district will open bids on March 20. The one-year lease will start on April 1. They will advertise for bids soon.

MORE: LB to make up two school days due to cancellations.