A federal judge is hearing arguments on whether Toledo’s voter-approved Lake Erie Bill of Rights is constitutional.

According to the Toledo Blade, the hearing is a pivotal one for the future of the Lake Erie Bill of Rights, which Toledo voters approved by an overwhelming 61-39 percent majority in a special election last February.

Hours after the outcome was announced, Drewes Farms, in Wood County, announced it would sue the city, claiming the measure was unconstitutional.

The State of Ohio would later join the farms’ case, pitting the state against the City of Toledo in the case.

A ruling is expected at a later date.

People in favor of the measure lined the sidewalks and filled the federal courtroom to show their support for a clean Lake Erie.

A Findlay High School student took 3rd place in a national speech competition at Ashland University.

Summer Neds competed in the “Speaking Out for Freedom” competition and spoke on the importance of the self-evident truths.

Neds competed against other students from across the U.S. and had to write and videotape her speech.

Neds’ teacher Jessee Hankins said he is very proud of his student.

In her essay, Summer wrote that: “The American Idea … brings the country together during politically divisive times because, although there are different opinions and beliefs, the citizens will carry on the history of the nation and remember the tragedies and triumphs of their country. This is important because the world is changing and constantly facing new obstacles. During these obstacles, it is only right for the American people to remember their country, the history, and the rocky road their country has taken to get to the point that it is at today.”

The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office is urging people to be safe for Super Bowl LIV, which is this Sunday.

In a post on Facebook, the sheriff’s office recommends making sure you have a sober driver to take you home if you celebrate with alcohol.

Sheriff Siefker said people attending parties should not get behind the wheel if they’ve been drinking.

He adds people hosting parties should take the keys from anyone that has been drinking.

He added that you can call your local sheriff’s office to report impaired drivers.

The Findlay City School District is inviting residents to assist them in their search for a new superintendent.

The district will be holding focus groups on Thursday, January 30th at Millstream Cafe, 1150 Broad Avenue, to develop a profile of the district’s next leader.

The focus groups will be held from 5:30 to 6:15 p.m.

Each session is designated for a targeted audience and will focus on three areas:

1. Major issues facing the district for the next three to five years
2. Performance expectations for the next superintendent
3. Personal and professional qualities to be sought in the next superintendent

People are being asked to attend the focus group that best represents their involvement; School Support Groups, Community, Business, Workforce.

People unable to attend the focus group, but wish to provide feedback, may email the district’s search consultant, Teri Morgan, at the Ohio School Boards Association (tmorgan@ohioschoolboards.org).

After six years, Superintendent Ed Kurt will be leaving the district.

He accepted an offer to become the Superintendent of Margaretta Local Schools, where he is originally from.

Hundreds of students from St. Michael Catholic School gathered outside the Findlay municipal building on Monday.

The group of about 400 students from grades K-8 prayed the Rosary for our local government leaders and first responders.

The event was part of National Catholic Schools Week.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol says alcohol was a factor in a crash on Interstate 75 just north of Findlay that left one person injured.

The highway patrol says Tahlor Kreinbrink, 22, of Deshler, was northbound on I-75 near State Route 613 at about 1 a.m. Tuesday when she lost control and struck the median wall.

Crash investigators say Kreinbrink had to extricated from her car by the Allen Township Fire Department.

She was taken to Blanchard Valley Hospital with injuries that are not life-threatening.

The highway patrol says she was not wearing her seatbelt at the time of the crash.

There were two young children in the vehicle, and both were in a child safety seat and were not injured.

Investigators say alcohol was a factor in the crash, which remains under investigation.

The Findlay-Hancock County Public Library turned 130-years-old on Monday.

Director Sarah Clevidence says they celebrated the library’s birthday with cookies in the lobby and displays showcasing the library’s history throughout the building.

“People have really been amazed at the history we have on display throughout the building, It’s fun to look back through the old pictures and see how progress has moved through the library.”

And in the kid’s section Big Bird had a giant heart that kids could stick their head in and take a picture and share it on social media to show that they love the library.

They definitely didn’t have an app 130 years ago. The library encourages people to download their app to you can have access to the library anywhere.

A chimney that served as a chilling reminder of a Port Clinton teenager’s death is no longer standing.

The owner of the Fulton Street home where Harley Dilly’s body was found removed the chimney on Monday.

City officials say the structure was removed out of respect for Harley’s parents, who live across the street.

Harley went missing on December 20th and was found in that chimney on January 13th.

Police don’t suspect foul play in the 14-year-old’s death.

A public memorial for Harley was held on Saturday.

The community is organizing a scholarship in Harley’s name.

The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Mount Blanchard man after a chase that started in Wyandot County on Saturday afternoon.

The Wyandot County Sheriff’s Office reported that the suspect, 23-year-old Luke Bowman, had driven down a long lane into a woods on County Road 273.

Deputies set up a perimeter and used K9 units and UAV to search for Bowman.

Deputies say that Bowman was eventually found and did not comply with officers but was apprehended.

Bowman is charged with improper handling of a firearm in a motor vehicle, resisting arrest, and disorderly conduct.

The Wyandot County Sheriff’s office says they will also be forwarding charges.

           Picture by Hancock County Sheriff’s Office