Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Matiss Kivlenieks died of chest trauma from an errant fireworks mortar blast on the 4th of July.

That’s according to a medical examiner in Michigan who performed an autopsy on the 24-year-old.

Authorities previously said that Kivlenieks died from hitting his head during a fall while trying to get clear of a hot tub when fireworks started firing in his direction.

Police said that the fire department and paramedics arrived at a home in Novi, Michigan at 10:13 p.m. on Sunday.

“We are shocked and saddened by the loss of Matiss Kivlenieks, and we extend our deepest sympathies to his mother, Astrida, his family and friends during this devastating time,” said Blue Jackets President of Hockey Operations John Davidson.

“Kivi was an outstanding young man who greeted every day and everyone with a smile and the impact he had during his four years with our organization will not be forgotten.”

https://twitter.com/BlueJacketsNHL/status/1412034447663407106

One person died and multiple others were left injured after a shooting during a 4th of July block party in Toledo.

Toledo police say the call came in around 12:30 Monday morning about the shooting and people fighting in the area of Lawrence Avenue and Wall Street.

A total of 12 people were shot when a brawl broke out.

A 17-year-old was life-flighted to a hospital where he died.

The injured include an 11-year-old boy.

WTOL-11 is reporting that many of the people who were at the block party are not cooperating with the investigation.

He said it was not immediately clear what started the brawl and that there were no suspects.

Governor Mike DeWine is thanking Ohio’s National Guard troops for their help in distributing food to those who needed it during the COVID-19 pandemic.

DeWine visited several food banks on Friday to express his gratitude in person.

Guard members have been helping out with food distribution for nearly a year-and-a-half, helping to feed more than 2.9 million Ohioans.

The troops are now being transitioned out of their mission.

National Guard troops had been working side by side with West Ohio Food Bank staff, partner agencies, and volunteers since March 25th, 2020, all through the COVID pandemic.

“We have been so grateful to have the National Guard with us over the past year helping to assist our staff in getting food to those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said
West Ohio Food Bank CEO Tommie Harner.

With the mission of the National Guard now over, the West Ohio Food Bank is once again relying heavily on volunteers who are looking to give back to their communities.

People who want to volunteer should call 419-222-7946 or click here for more information.

On Thursday, July 8th there will be a food distribution at Upper Room Church of God at 520 West Bigelow Avenue in Findlay from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

https://twitter.com/GovMikeDeWine/status/1411046257506893841

The Humane Society and SPCA of Hancock County is reminding pet owners that, while fireworks are fun for you, they aren’t very much fun for your pets who are more sensitive to loud noises.

The Humane Society says Achilles (pictured above and below) is available for adoption and wants to give everyone some 4th of July tips to keep their furry family members safe.

1. Take a current, clear picture. If your pet does get loose you will have a picture ready-to-go.

2. Make sure you put a collar with ID tags on your pet. For your feline friends please use a break-a-way collar.

3. Leave the television or radio on to drown out the noise of the fireworks.

4. If you are having people over, consider putting your pets inside a room they cannot escape from (so they won’t be able to escape with people coming in and out of your house).
We recommend even bringing in your outside pets.

5. Take your walk(s) well before fireworks start.

6. Going somewhere to watch the fireworks? Leave your pets at home – they will thank you! As much as your pets love you or love going on rides, trust us when we say your pets are much safer in the security of their own home.

Findlay’s 4th of July fireworks show is being held on Saturday, July 3rd at 10 p.m. at the Hancock County Fairgrounds.

Gates open at 4 p.m.

The Flag City 4th of July Parade will be held in downtown Findlay at noon on Sunday, July 4th.

A young child riding a bike was life-flighted to a hospital after being struck by a car.

It happened on U.S. 6 in Erie County at around 7:45 Thursday night.

The Highway Patrol says the 7-year-old was riding his bike on the shoulder of U.S. 6 traveling westbound, with his babysitter pushing a stroller behind him, when he traveled completely into the westbound lane of travel and was hit by a westbound vehicle.

The vehicle, driven by a 17-year-old girl from Fairview Park, attempted to swerve but was unable to avoid the collision.

Both the bicycle and vehicle came to rest in the middle of the road.

The boy was life-flighted to a hospital in Cleveland.

The driver of the vehicle was not injured.

The crash remains under investigation.

Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague, of Findlay, has announced the Compass Award honorees for the month of July.

The monthly recognition program commends organizations, programs, and individuals across the state who are working to guide Ohioans toward financial literacy and empowerment.

Compass Award honorees for July include the Habitat for Humanity Findlay/Hancock County Financial Opportunity Center

Habitat for Humanity Findlay/Hancock County recently opened the Financial Opportunity Center (FOC) to engage, educate, and empower area residents to become financially self-sufficient.

The FOC uses evidence-based approaches to help individuals and their families secure gainful employment, build credit, reduce debt, and grow wealth.

By providing incremental levels of support and resources based on an individual’s goals and needs, the FOC meets participants where they are and pairs them with a coach to help them reach their career, financial, and educational goals.

“Smart financial decisions are built on a strong foundation of financial education,” said Treasurer Sprague.

“We’re fortunate to have people and organizations across the Buckeye State using innovative and evidence-based approaches to teach financial literacy to Ohio’s next generation. By helping young people understand personal finance and giving them the tools to make wise decisions, we can guide them on the path to success. The Compass Awards recognize and commend these critical efforts.”

https://twitter.com/OhioTreasurer/status/1410600730134683651

The AEP Ohio Neighbor to Neighbor Program is now accepting applications for utility assistance grants for the 2021 summer cooling season.

Through a partnership between AEP Ohio and Dollar Energy Fund, the Neighbor to Neighbor Program supports families in need with a grant applied directly to their AEP Ohio account to prevent disconnection of, or to restore their electric service.

Cooling assistance is available once per program year on a first-come, first-served basis. Eligible account holders may apply through August 31st, 2021, while funds are available.

“The global pandemic was extremely difficult for many families and individuals we serve in Ohio, and some continue to face significant economic challenges,” said Jon Williams, managing director of customer experience and distribution technology for AEP Ohio.

“As a good community partner and neighbor, we’re committed to supporting people who are struggling to make ends meet. Through this cooling program, we can help our customers – especially the elderly and those with health problems – maintain their electric service during the hot summer months.”

Since AEP Ohio and Dollar Energy Fund launched the Neighbor to Neighbor Program in May 2009, more than $15.4 million in assistance has been granted to more than 64,000 Ohio households.

To apply, customers may contact one of the AEP Ohio Neighbor to Neighbor Program’s network of more than 120 Ohio community-based organizations.

To qualify, an applicant’s total gross household income must be at or below 300 percent of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines.

Households must have an outstanding balance on their bill of at least $50 and behind on bill payment 30 days or more.

Full eligibility guidelines and application instructions can be found at AEPOhio.com/helpaneighbor.

A Findlay business was evacuated due to a bomb threat.

It happened at around 8:30 Thursday morning at Freudenberg-NOK Sealing Technologies at 555 Marathon Boulevard.

The Findlay Police Department responded to the facility to investigate a report of a bomb threat written on a bathroom stall.

Police arrived to find the business already evacuated.

Police said a search of the building revealed no suspicious items or devices, and employees were allowed back inside.

Flag City Night Out is returning this year after being canceled last year due to the pandemic.

The free, family-friendly community event will be held at Findlay’s Riverside Park near Carnahan Avenue on Tuesday, August 3rd from 6 to 9 p.m.

The event is designed to bring community members and public safety professionals together in the same place.

People are encouraged to bring their kids to see a large assortment of emergency vehicles like fire trucks, ambulances and police cruisers.

There will be free food and refreshments, live demonstrations and entertainment.

“Meet friends, neighbors and public safety professionals that share your passion for a safer community.”

If you’re driving somewhere for the 4th of July weekend you’re going to have a lot of company on the roads.

Kimberly Schwind with AAA Ohio says air travel is just low enough that this will be the busiest 4th of July ever on the roads in Ohio and nationally, with overall travel numbers nearly back to pre-pandemic levels.

She says the heaviest traffic congestion will occur during the late afternoon on Thursday, Friday and Monday

The Ohio Department of Transportation, the Ohio State Highway Patrol and AAA are reminding drivers to be alert and patient if traveling over the Independence Day weekend.

AAA expects overall Independence Day weekend (July 1-5) travel volumes to nearly recover to pre-pandemic levels, and auto travel to surpass the records set in 2019.

Of the more than two million Ohioans that plan to travel this Independence Day, 95 percent of them will drive to their destinations.

https://twitter.com/AAAOhio/status/1407730222938656773