2/12/19 – 7:44 A.M.

Work is moving along for the Fostoria school building project. Superintendent Andrew Sprang says they are ready to enter the fifth phase of the elementary project. That includes creating more classrooms out of existing space in the building. They’ll also add onto the kitchen area and install new technology and phone systems.

Sprang says work on the new grades 7 through 12 building is also “progressing really well.” Crews are working on closing off the building from the elements. Once that’s done they’ll start installing the HVAC and plumbing systems.

MORE: Fostoria Schools earn Momentum Award

2/12/19 – 7:28 A.M.

Three people have filed a class action lawsuit against the Sunny Farms Landfill near Fostoria. Plaintiffs Myra Spires, Nikki Frisch, and Nate Heiser all claim odors from the landfill have reduced their property values.

The suit alleges the landfill has, “failed to sufficiently collect, capture, and destroy landfill gas generated at its landfill to prevent fugitive emissions and to otherwise prevent odors from the landfill and pollution treatment plant from invading the homes and property of the plaintiffs”

The suit also says more than 150 households have contacted the landfill to document the odors. The group wants to represent businesses and residents who live within 10 miles of the landfill.

MORE: Full details of the lawsuit.

2/12/19 – 5:25 A.M.

McComb is getting rid of a parking restriction in downtown. Village council voted to end a two-hour restriction for part of Main Street during their Monday meeting.

Council also talked about recycling bins Monday. Council members say they have received a positive response about bringing the option back for residents. The portable bins are available on the first Tuesday of each month through the following Thursday at the village garage on Maple Street.

MORE: McComb Heart and Soul Group to Meet

2/12/19 – 5:18 A.M.

A new website aims to help children who have had a traumatic experience at home. The Findlay Police Department and Hancock County Sheriff’s Office are using HancockHandleWithCare.org to make sure the children in these situations get the care they need.

Barb Bish is the Findlay School District’s community relations coordinator. She says officers or deputies will fill out a report on the website after they respond to a domestic situation where kids are present. Bish, or members of the Hancock County Educational Service Center, will then contact a counselor in the child’s school so they can offer help.

The website also has information about child abuse, human trafficking, and parental drug use.

MORE: Findlay Schools change how they pay off duty police officers for security.

02/11/19 – 7:40 A.M.

The American Red Cross and members of a University of Findlay club will be visiting over 800 homes in northwest Findlay. The organizations will be installing free smoke alarms, replacing batteries in existing alarms, and helping families create escape plans. The effort is called “Sound the Alarm”. It is being put on by North Central Ohio Chapter of the Red Cross and the University of Findlay’s American Society of Safety Professionals Club.

The event will be on February 23 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

02/11/19 – 7:22 A.M.

A local paranormal investigator thinks that the Hancock County Courthouse is haunted. The Courier talked to Tim Murphy, a member of the Hancock County Common Pleas Drug Court team and ghost hunter. Murphy started Hancock County Paranormal Investigators with his friend Melissa Soto. In December, the group was allowed to spend a night in the Hancock County Courthouse, which dates back to the 1880s.

Murphy told the newspaper he captured the sounds of people walking and talking, a screeching noise and the ringing of a bell. He said he also felt a burning sensation on his neck and back while in the law library on the fourth floor.

The group has also explored Maple Grove Cemetary and area residences.  You can learn more about the group’s methods and Murphy’s adventures on The Courier’s website.

02/11/19 – 5:25 A.M.

A Rawson Woman was hurt in a crash at the intersection of Trenton Avenue and Northridge Road yesterday. The Findlay Police Department reports that the accident happened around 5:30 p.m. 48-year-old James Henry was stopped in the left-turn lane when he tried to turn right onto Northridge Road. He hit 48-year-old James Cramer of Findlay who was stopping for the light in the eastbound through lane of Trenton Avenue.

Hanco EMS took 47-year-old Tracy Henry, a passenger in James Henry’s car, to Blanchard Valley Hospital. Police cited James Henry for an improper lane change.

02/11/19 – 5:13 A.M.

If you witnessed a bank robbery on Tiffin Avenue in Findlay Saturday afternoon, it was all for an upcoming film. The Courier reports local film crew filmed at First National Bank after the business had closed. The crew worked with the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office, the Findlay Police Department, and the City of Findlay for the scene.

The finished piece will be entered into a short film contest in Cincinnati. The courier will have a feature-length article about the project in the coming days.

02/11/19 – 5:06 A.M.

There was an accident on West Main Cross Street in Findlay that injured one person as snow fell yesterday afternoon. The Findlay Police Department reports 50-year-old Thomas Westrick lost control around 3:20 p.m. in the 800 block of the street. He fishtailed before striking a tree on the south side of the road.

Hanco EMS took Westrick to Blanchard Valley Hospital. Police cited him for failure to control.