Good news for people in need of some new materials from the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library, which has been closed since March 15th.

Beginning on Tuesday, May 12th, the library will be offering curbside service.

Director Sarah Clevidence says patrons are invited to call the library at 419-422-1712 Monday through Saturday between 9 and 4 to make a reservation for curbside service and to request some new materials.

“I know some of our families especially are in need of some picture books for bedtime, or maybe you’d like 10 new action films, we can help with any of those requests.”

When you arrive you’ll notice designated parking spots in the front of the library.

Call the main number, which will be on signs in the parking lot, and library staff will place your materials into a tote in front of the building.

Once the library staff member has gone back into the library you can exit your vehicle and claim your materials from the tote.

If you have items to return, the book drop will be available again starting on Monday, May 4th.

The library says it will be following the latest guidelines available regarding safe handling of library material which currently includes a 72-hour quarantine on returned material, based on recommendations from the CDC and Hancock Public Health.

Patrons can expect a short delay on returned items being cleared from their account.

The library continues to be fine free for overdue materials.

Patrons are reminded that digital materials are always available from the Ohio Digital Library, hoopla, and many great databases on www.findlaylibrary.org

Clevidence says the library is also very thankful for the community’s ongoing support and the overwhelming passage of their renewal levy in the Tuesday primary.

(ONN) – Retail businesses in Ohio can open up under certain conditions, almost two weeks earlier than previously stated, according to a surprise condition in Ohio’s latest stay-at-home order issued on Friday.

The 14-page directive from Health Director Dr. Amy Acton says currently closed retail establishments can begin offering curbside pickup or delivery.

Also, stores that restrict operations to 10 customers on an appointment-only basis can reopen.

The measure is an effort to put retailers on par with restaurants and their ability to do carryout, and to address smaller businesses’ frustration that big box stores have been open throughout the pandemic, often selling the same products.

May 12th is the day the governor has set for overall retail activity to resume in Ohio.

The Findlay Police Department is reminding people that scammers always try to take advantage of people during times of crisis or disaster and that the coronavirus pandemic is no different.

Police say they’ve received calls from residents reporting that someone has contacted them by telephone claiming to be with the police department saying they were collecting donations related to the pandemic.

Police say they are not collecting donations and this is a scam that pops up during any crisis or disaster.

The police department advises people who receive such a call to simply hang up the phone.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol is asking for the public’s help in locating a semi that was involved in a fatal pedestrian hit-skip crash in Allen County.

Investigators say the crash happened on U.S. 30 at about 3 a.m. Thursday.

They say the blue 2013-2020 Kenworth T680 semi would have damage to the front right and a broken or missing headlight.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the highway patrol’s Findlay dispatch center at 419-423-1414.

(the semi pictured is not the actual vehicle)

The City of Findlay and Hancock Public Health say they’re comfortable with church services resuming on May 17th if certain safety measures are implemented.

Throughout the pandemic religious gatherings have been exempt from the stay home order, and Mayor Christina Muryn says she’s been working closely with faith leaders to ensure they did what they could as a community to mitigate the spread of the virus.

The mayor points out that, ultimately, determining when a church would like to resume in-person services will be up to each individual church.

The recommended safety measures include limiting attendance to 50 percent of fire code capacity, encouraging at-risk populations to participate remotely and having everyone wear a face mask.

The full list is below and you can also get more details here.

RECOMMENDED SAFETY PROTOCOLS FOR FAITH ORGANIZATIONS

1) Strongly encourage the at-risk population to watch or participate in the service remotely.
a. At-risk population are those who are 65 or older and/or those with chronic
lung disease; moderate to severe asthma; chronic heart disease; severe
obesity; diabetes; chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis; liver
disease; or weakened immune system. (Link to at-risk populations)

2) Limit attendance to 50% of fire code capacity

3) Equip ushers and greeters with gloves and masks.
a. Discourage hand shaking, etc. (Have ushers open doors to limit the
numbers of people touching handles.)

4) Keep childcare and Sunday School closed

5) Have hand sanitizer at doors for communal use

6) Clean and disinfect high touch surfaces before and after service

7) No communal food. (Coffee, donuts, etc.)

8) Request all attendees wear face coverings

9) Request all attendees check temperatures and not attend if showing any
symptoms of illness (Fever, shortness of breath, cough, or fatigue) Post signage
on doors.

10)Encourage social distancing (6ft + of separation.)

11)Encourage families to stay together. (i.e try to limit kids gathering with other
children)

12)Cover drinking fountains

13)Post signage about good hygiene in bathrooms (Poster)

14)Make sure bathrooms are properly stocked with soap and paper towels for
proper handwashing