4/16/19 – 4:33 A.M.

Conversations are underway in Bowling Green about how to prevent hate crimes. The Latino organization La Conexion launched the discussion last night with city officials by proposing employee training and zero-tolerance policies for racism and hate. Potential solutions are being developed after two men were arrested last month for attacking two people at a restaurant.

04/15/19 – 7:22 P.M.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol will be cracking down on distracted driving this week. The enforcement initiative began on Sunday and will last until late Saturday evening. According to a release from the patrol, 51 people lost their lives and more than 6,800 were injured in Ohio last year due to distracted driving crashes.

Distracted driving can be any action that takes your eyes off the road, your hands off the wheel, or your mind off of driving. There will be zero tolerance during this enforcement period.

04/15/19 – 6:04 P.M.

We learned a little more about the development of the former site of the Argyle building in downtown Findlay. Findlay-Hancock County Economic Development director Tim Mayle said that some people were concerned about the loss of the Wine Merchant and adjacent businesses. He said although no plans are set in stone, the developer isn’t looking to get rid of that building.

He added that there have also been concerns about a loss of parking since the developer will have to buy the lot behind Wine Merchant. Mayle broke down the parking plans…

Mayle said that with this breakdown, the public parking spots will be maintained ultimately leaving parking in downtown unaffected.

04/15/19 – 3:39 P.M.

United Way of Hancock County interim CEO Chris Ostrander presented at the Findlay Rotary Club Monday. Ostrander said that the United Way hasn’t been the easiest to work with in the past and there have been internal issues with funding. He adds that they are taking a hard look fixing these issues though…

Ostrander explained that they will be implementing a new finance committee to help maintain transparency for the public. He added that he won’t step down as the interim CEO until these changes are implemented, which he said he hopes is soon.

According to Ostrander, the United Way is well on the path to finding a new CEO. He said that they had 64 applicants and narrowed that down to 3 candidates.

Ostrander said that it is important to know that the candidate will fit in at the United Way. He added that the partner agencies are a big part of the United Way’s mission, so it is only fair to listen to their input on the candidates as well.

Ostrander said that they will hopefully have a new CEO ready to take over in the next month or so.

04/15/19 – 11:15 A.M.

Two postal workers were victims of dog bites in Findlay last year and new technology from the United States Postal Service looks to stop dog attacks. The hand-held scanners used by carriers to confirm customer delivery include a feature to indicate that there’s a dog. Customers will be asked if they own dogs, which will be relayed to the devices. The USPS also has an interactive map that shows where dog attacks on letter carriers happened in 2018. This helps educate communities and employees.

The USPS also announced sending 3-D printed postcards to customers whose dogs may pose a risk. According to the USPS, this helps spread awareness and leads to prevention.

Aside from technology, The USPS says you can help by putting your dog in a separate room before opening the front door to get packages from a carrier. You may also be asked to pick up your mail at the post office if your dog isn’t restrained.

4/15/19 – 7:29 A.M.

Local gas prices continue to trend higher. OhioGasPrices.com reports the average price in Findlay is $2.74 for a gallon of regular today. That’s after hitting $2.82 per gallon late last week, the highest average price since early October of 2018. Prices are up 9 cents over the last week.

Drivers in Ottawa report paying $2.65 per gallon today. That’s up 11 cents from last Monday.

The statewide average stands at $2.67 per gallon. That’s a penny increase over the last seven days.

4/15/19 – 6:59 A.M.

A Findlay man is running his 20th Boston Marathon today. 62-year-old Chris Roberts and his son are in New England to run one of the most famous marathons in the world. Roberts says he’s run the race in all sorts of conditions, from cold weather with strong headwinds, to temperatures soaring into the 80s.

Roberts says the terror attack at the marathon in 2013 didn’t do anything to dampen the spirits of future marathons. He says that while security is tighter, crowds are bigger than ever. In 2014 Roberts ran the race in a shirt with an American flag on it and received “USA!” chants all along the course.

MORE: Roberts’ reflects on some of his other Boston Marathon experiences