02/22/19 – 4:55 P.M.

The “Findlay Goes Red” women’s luncheon for the American Heart Association was earlier today. Event co-chair Ginger Jones explained that the event works as a fundraiser but also raises awareness.

Jones said that women may feel hot, heavy, tired, and nauseous to name a few of the different symptoms. She said that the lunch covered all of that and more.

Fellow co-chair Sherri Garner Brumbaugh added that prevention is just as important as knowing the signs. She said that the AHA recommends physical activity as well as monitoring for symptoms…

You can catch a full interview on our facebook page.

02/22/19 – 3:59 P.M.

Raise The Bar has announced a new apprenticeship program called the Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education program. Cooper Tire’s Cathy Huffman is serving as the President of the Board of Directors for the program. She explained that FAME will partner businesses with students and Owens Community College.

The 18-month program will have students taking classes and working to get an advanced manufacturing technology degree.

Huffman added that the students will graduate the program with an associates degree in advanced manufacturing technology. The businesses involved in the program will pay half of the students’ tuition and also hire the students after they graduate.

There are 8 businesses supporting the new program right now. They are; Cooper Tire, Rowmark, Whirlpool, GSW Manufacturing, Nissin Brake Ohio, Veoneer Nissin Brake Systems (VNBS), Ball Metal, and Simona-PMC.

Raise the Bar executive director Laurie Zydonik said that the best part is that the program is scalable to other community needs. The program will officially start in August of this year.

2/22/19 – 7:28 A.M.

A recycling effort is taking place in southeastern Hancock County this weekend. The Hancock County Solid Waste Management District is putting a recycling rolloff container in the front parking lot of Riverdale High School today through 3 p.m. Sunday.

You can drop off flattened cardboard, plastics 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7, aluminum cans, steel food cans, newspapers, office paper, and magazines.

You’re asked to make sure you don’t leave trash around the container.

2/22/19 – 7:20 A.M.

A new Clerk of Courts is on duty in Putnam County. WLIO-TV reports Kimberly Redman was sworn in Thursday afternoon. Redman takes over for Teresa Lammers, who recently retired. Redman trained with Lammers for the last year so she would be ready to take over the role.

Redman will fill the rest of Lammers’ term. She’ll have the option to run for the position in two years.

MORE: WLIO-TV

2/22/19 – 6:46 A.M.

Findlay manufacturers learned about the importance of training to deal with workplace violence on Thursday. The panel discussion stressed the importance of having a plan in place for employees in the event of an active shooter situation.

Hancock County Sheriff’s Sgt. Mark Price says the chances of a workplace shooting are statistically low. But he adds should the worst happen, training is essential. He recommends businesses schedule sessions with law enforcement or a private company.

Price says the first option for employees should always be to evacuate to a safe place. If they can’t do that, they should fight back by throwing items at the shooter. Price says a shooter will try and protect themselves, and that can buy time until the police arrive.

MORE: How to spot potential problems before they escalate to a violent situation.

2/22/19 – 5:28 A.M.

Elected officials held testimony to talk about economic development in Findlay during a session at the Hancock Hotel Thursday. State Senator Rob McColley chairs the Regional Economic Development Alliance Study Committee. State Representative Steve Hambley joined McColly in Findlay to learn more about the issues businesses face in northwest Ohio.

Dean Monske of the Regional Growth Partnership testified the region has a great location for business. He added every mode of transportation is available here. Monske added that northwest Ohio needs more resources from the state because it doesn’t have as many large corporate partners as Columbus, Cincinnati, or Cleveland.

Steve Robinson of Owens Community College also spoke. He talked about the importance of reducing the stigma associated with jobs in the trades. He said great careers are available to people who go to community college or work in the trades, and that more families should take a serious look at them.

MORE: Full testimony from Thursday.

Debate is underway in Bowling Green on a proposed ban on plastic bags. City Council is considering a plan that would stop retailers from offering single-use plastic bags to customers. Supporters say a move away from plastic bags would help clean up the environment. Residents will get a chance to weigh in on the proposal before it comes up for a vote.