Governor Mike DeWine on Monday has released his plans for the state budget which includes an initiative to boost the economy.
He was joined by Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted to unveil the budget proposal which lays out his road map to grow Ohio’s economy.
The governor’s plan calls for small businesses to receive hundreds of millions of dollars to help recover from the financial toll of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The $1 billion ‘Investing In Ohio Initiative‘ also includes money to market Ohio as a great place to live and do business.
Today we detailed how our Executive Budget Proposal invests in Ohio's small businesses, communities, and skilled workforce -- plus how we plan to attract more people to our great state. Learn more about the full budget proposal at https://t.co/ASVixWGhFG. #OHBudget@Ohio_OBMpic.twitter.com/TwcY7Cuebx
A Tiffin man is facing charges after a drug task force searched his residence.
The Seneca County Drug Task Force – METRICH Enforcement Unit says it conducted a search warrant at the Main Street residence of Aaron D. Gannon, 36, on Sunday.
Authorities say the search warrant unveiled suspected methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and money.
Charges for possession of meth and drug paraphernalia are pending, as are charges for domestic violence and unlawful restraint.
“The Task Force was receiving a lot of drug intelligence on that specific residence, reporting suspected drug activity for some time,” said Interim Tiffin Police Chief Jason Windsor.
“We have been seeing an increase in Methamphetamine related calls throughout the entire county and area Law Enforcement has made it a priority to address those citizen complaints. This operation was successful due to help from the community and teamwork between all Seneca County Law Enforcement agencies.”
The task force encourages citizens to report suspicious activity to their local agencies or the Seneca County Drug Task Force – METRICH Enforcement Unit Crime Hotline at Local #443-0463; ext: 1140.
The United Way says the 2020 campaign raised a little more than $2 million for programs to improve the lives of those in Hancock County.
“We live in a very generous community,” said Angela DeBoskey, CEO of the United Way of Hancock County.
She tells WFIN News that the United Way is made for times like these.
“To be able to respond in a time of crisis, to see what our communities’ needs are today and then to be able to give resources to what we’re seeing for tomorrow.”
26 programs in Hancock County will receive funding through the campaign effort in 2021.
Additional details are in the following media release from the United Way.
United Way of Hancock County’s 2020 annual campaign has raised slightly more than $2 million for distribution to programs improving lives in Hancock County in the areas of health, education and financial stability.
“We want to thank our cabinet members and the organizations who were presented with extraordinary challenges due to the onset of COVID and still chose to give their employees the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of people in our community who may be struggling with very basic needs,” said Angela DeBoskey, CEO of United Way.
“All nonprofits, including United Way, lost special event and other fundraising revenue so we deeply appreciate everyone who made a decision to stand with us this year,” DeBoskey said.
The largest portion of campaign funds are issued to United Way’s partner agencies through grant awards and designations. This year, $1,631,597 will be issued to 26 programs.
Partner agency program grants are evaluated by trained community volunteers. Programs are vetted for alignment with UWHC’s mission and how well-positioned the agency is to carry out the program and achieve the proposed outcomes. Fifty-three local volunteers were involved in this year’s grant process.
The following is a list of local agencies receiving UWHC funding from grant awards and designations through the campaign efforts:
American Red Cross of Central Ohio will have access to $24,213 for its Disaster Services and Service to Armed Forces programs.
Boy Scouts of America, Black Swamp Council will receive $23,140 for its Scouting and Exploring programs.
Cancer Patient Services will receive $130,409 for its Direct Patient Services program.
CASA/GAL of Hancock County will receive $147,216 for its Child Advocacy program.
The Center for Civic Engagement will receive $30,000.
The Center for Safe and Healthy Children will receive $31,641 for its Forensic Interview program.
Challenged Champions Equestrian Center will receive $36,074 for its Equine-Assisted Therapy program.
Children’s Mentoring Connection will receive $92,320 for its Mentoring Youth at Risk program.
Family Resource Center will receive $57,431 for its Peer Support and Community Prevention program.
Findlay City Schools will receive $66,779 for its Pre-K program.
Findlay Hope House for the Homeless will receive $192,193 for its Shelter and Independence programs.
Girl Scouts of Western Ohio will receive $6,950 for its Scouting program.
HHWP Community Action Commission will receive $196,688 for the Hancock Area Transportation Services (HATS) program.
Hancock County Educational Service Center will receive $26,312 for its Pre-K program.
Open Arms Domestic Violence & Rape Crisis Services will receive $264,696 for its Adult Victims Services, Child Victim Services and Violence Recovery programs.
Raise the Bar Hancock County will receive $30,552 for its Raise the Bar and Leader in Me programs.
The following organizations received grant funding, agency, program and Halt Hunger Initiative designations:
Christian Clearing House will receive $28,175 for its Caring Cupboard food vouchers.
The Findlay Family YMCA will receive $43,700 and its Feed-A-Child program will receive $76,672.
Salvation Army will receive $45,574 for its emergency food pantry.
West Ohio Food Bank will receive $80,860 for its food distribution services to Hancock County food pantries.
United Way will also issue $3,944 in donor designations to other United Ways or nonprofits with which the donor may have a special affiliation.
In addition to its annual campaign efforts, United Way raised $111,153 in Crisis Relief Funding in 2020. Crisis Relief grants were awarded to 7 agencies meeting the basic needs of households during the pandemic. United Way will be initiating another round of Crisis Relief Funding in early 2021.
In addition to the above funding, UWHC supports community development and additional Halt Hunger Initiative programs like the Community Gardens project, assesses Hancock County needs and priorities, and develops volunteer opportunities that increase advocacy and support for nonprofits. Approximately 15% will go to operating costs.
A Bluffton middle schooler died after being involved in a snowmobile crash.
Ethan Scott Leiber, 12, passed away on Sunday.
The Allen County Sheriff’s Office says it responded to a 911 call about a single-unit snowmobile crash near Bluffton, on Alpine Drive near the intersection with Lugabill Road on Sunday morning.
Ethan was found to have life-threatening injuries and was transported to Lima Memorial Health System where he later died.
The sheriff’s office says he was hearing a helmet and the investigation is ongoing.
Ethan’s obituary says the 6th grader enjoyed boating, tubing, snowmobiling, golfing and jet-skiing with his canine companion, Shelby.
The 2021 edition of the “Mental Health & Addiction Recovery Resources Guide” is available in the entrance to the Hancock County ADAMHS Board office (438 Carnahan Ave., Findlay) between 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. weekdays
The guide can also be downloaded by clicking here.
A Spanish translation of the guide will also be available to the public once completed.
The 28-page booklet provides up-to-date information on available treatment, recovery and support services in Hancock County and surrounding communities, and educational information on substance abuse, including addiction and recovery.
Anyone with questions, concerns, or to make arrangements for alternative ways to receive the guide should call 419-424-1985.
