The Findlay-Hancock County Public Library unveiled its new Bookmobile on Wednesday.

The Chamber of Commerce helped out with a ribbon-cutting in the front parking lot and then people were able to tour the new bookmobile. (video below)

We spoke with library Director Sarah Clevidence at the celebration.

She says the new bookmobile will help them continue to be able to reach patrons in communities like Arcadia, Jenera, Vanlue and others.

The new bookmobile is replacing the one they’ve been using since 2005.

The bookmobile travels to nine locations around the county, visiting the smaller villages in the library’s service area on a weekly basis to deliver services to people where they are.

This is National Library Week and the new bookmobile was unveiled on Wednesday which was National Library Outreach Day

The theme of this year’s National Library Week is “Welcome to your Library,” which promotes the idea that libraries extend far beyond the four walls of the building.

The family of former Columbus Zoo & Aquarium Director Jack Hanna says the conservationist has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

A letter from Hanna’s three daughters – Kathaleen, Suzanne and Julie – says their dad is unable to participate in public life as he once did as his condition has severely worsened in the last few months.

The 74-year-old Hanna became famous as a khaki-wearing wildlife conservationist through his appearances on ‘Late Night with David Letterman’ and several syndicated television shows that have aired across the country.

“While Jack retired from his official role at the end of 2020, his legacy will be ever-present in our work as we continue to fulfill our organization’s mission to lead and inspire by connecting people and wildlife,” the zoo said on its Facebook page.

“We appreciate the Hannas sharing this information when they were ready, as we can only imagine how difficult all of this may be. Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease, and Hannas’ focus needs to be on Jack’s ongoing care and Julie’s recovery.”

A judge in Ashland County has made his ruling in a mask mandate lawsuit.

Cattlemans Restaurant in Savannah is suing the county health department because the department suspended their food service license because they refused to wear masks.

An Ashland County Common Pleas Court judge officially sided with the restaurant this week, allowing it to operate without requiring masks.

The judge ruled that Governor DeWine, through the Ohio Department of Health, has no legal authority to issue or enforce mask mandates.

DeWine’s office said it can’t comment on ongoing litigation but pointed to a moment in one of the governor’s recent COVID-19 updates ( audio below) in which he talked about the effectiveness of masks in preventing the spread of the virus.

The Hancock Park District says the Hancock County Chapter of Pheasants Forever oversaw prescribed burns on prairie areas at Litzenberg Memorial Woods, Oakwoods Nature Preserve, and Bright Farm Conservation Area.

The park district says the planned fires are overseen by trained individuals and are management tools intended to:

-Minimize the spread of pest insects and disease
-Remove unwanted plant species that threaten species native to an ecosystem
-Provide forage for wildlife
-Improves habitat for threatened and endangered species
-Recycle nutrients back to the soil
-Promote the growth of trees, wildflowers, and other plants.

In the picture above, provided by the park district, Hancock Park District Park Operations Manager Angela Kaiser walks the perimeter of the prairie at Litzenberg Memorial Woods on Tuesday morning as the Hancock County Chapter of Pheasants Forever members administer the prescribed burn.

Health officials are holding a Second Dose Clinic on Saturday, April 10th for people who received the first half of a two-dose vaccine at the mass vaccination clinic that was held at the University of Findlay on March 13th.

Hancock Public Health says the clinic is by appointment only.

Appointments are at the same time as the original appointment unless otherwise confirmed.

Like the first clinic, the Second Dose Clinic will be at UF’s Koehler Complex. More information is below.

More than 2,000 people received the vaccine at the clinic on March 13th.

Some people received the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

For other weekly clinics people can call Hancock Public Health at 419-424-7105 and select option 1 for COVID-19 vaccine information and scheduling.

(ONN) – The now-former director of the Ohio Department of Health who led Ohio through the early days of the coronavirus pandemic has announced she will not run for the U.S. Senate next year.

Dr. Amy Acton issued a written statement expressing gratitude for those Ohioans who encouraged her to consider a Senate run.

Acton urged those holding public office to be “honest, collaborative and empowering” and said to her fellow Ohioans, “do not accept anything less from your elected officials.”

Acton’s name is one of many thrown into the speculation about who will succeed Senator Rob Portman, who previously announced he would not be running for re-election in 2022.

Dr. Acton said she is taking a step back from public life to consider the next chapter in her life.

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and The Findlay Police Department is urging drivers to put down their phone and concentrate on the road.

Crime Prevention Office Brian White says distracted driving isn’t all about cell phone usage – he’s seen drivers eating, putting on makeup and even reading a book while behind the wheel, all of which could result in a crash.

He says they see far too many Assured Clear Distance Ahead (ACDA) crashes that could be avoided if drivers were simply paying attention.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 3,142 people were killed in distracted driving related crashes for 2019.

A Findlay Walmart was evacuated on Monday after a bomb threat was called in.

Police say the Walmart on West Trenton Avenue received a phone call at approximately 4:08 p.m. saying that there was a person in the store with a bomb.

No other information could be obtained before the caller hung up.

At the request of Walmart management, Findlay police officers assisted with evacuating the store.

The store was searched and nothing of interest was located, according to police.

No one was injured.

UPDATE- Police say Michael has been safely located and is now home. The police department thanks everyone who shared the post and offered help in finding him.

The Findlay Police Department is asking people to keep their eyes open for a child who ran away.

They say 10-year-old Michael Henning left a residence in the 200 block of East Lima Street.

He was last seen wearing black pants with teal or green stripes and a gray or black sweatshirt with a green shirt underneath.

People should contact police dispatch at 419-424-7150 if they have any information.