COVID cases are still going in the wrong direction in Hancock County.

Hancock Public Health is reporting 405 new cases, 22 new hospitalizations and three new deaths for the week of December 3rd through December 9th.

Hancock County is averaging 57.8 new cases per day and cases per 100,000 is 498.79.

Community transmission in Hancock County remains “high” as defined by the CDC.

The COVID test positivity rate in Hancock County is 15.03 percent.

830 people have been hospitalized with COVID in Hancock County since the beginning of the pandemic and 176 have died from it.

The health department is urging everyone to continue taking COVID precautions over the holidays and to get vaccinated if you haven’t already.

Blanchard Valley Hospital says, while their inpatient and emergency department volumes are higher than they have seen throughout the pandemic, they have been able to maintain operations as normal.

The owners of the Super Wash Car Wash at 1003 North Prospect Road in Bowling Green have increased the reward for tips on the person responsible for an intentionally set fire.

The investigation is being conducted by the State Fire Marshal, Bowling Green Fire and Police Departments.

A reward of $10,000 is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the November fire.

A reward of up to $5,000 is being offered by the Blue Ribbon Arson Committee as well as an additional $5,000 offered by the car wash owners to encourage witnesses to come forward and hold those accountable for their actions.

Chief Josh Hobbs with the State Fire Marshal’s Fire & Explosion Investigation Bureau urges the public to provide any information, even if they think it’s insignificant.

“Many arson cases have been solved by somebody sharing what they saw; even the smallest details can be just what our investigators need to get these individuals arrested and off the street,” he said.

Anyone who has information, photos, or videos of the fire should contact the State Fire Marshal’s tip line at 800-589-2728, the Bowling Green Fire or Police Departments.

(ONN) – A woman accused of taking advantage of an elderly man suffering from Alzheimer’s has been indicted on a theft charge.

Abigail Weidman, 40, of Toledo allegedly picked up the man from his home saying she wanted to get him out of the house.

She would then take the 85-year-old to a bank to withdraw cash and return him home without any money.

Over several months, more than $30,000 was taken out of the man’s account.

The City of Findlay has received the official Better Cities For Pets certification, as part of the Mars Petcare Better Cities For Pets program, showcasing its commitment to creating a pet-friendly community.

Mayor Christina Muryn says more people than ever view pets as members of the family, and with 85 million pet-households in the United States, Findlay is on the forefront of creating a vibrant community where pets are not only welcome, but thrive.

“Pets are an important part of many of our lives. Creating a community that accounts for our furry family members is part of having a vibrant community,” the mayor said.

“I am proud that Findlay has been recognized for the efforts we have taken thus far and am excited to continue to expand our efforts over the next few years as we continue to create environments for all to enjoy our wonderful community.”

Mars Petcare launched the Better Cities For Pets city certification program in 2019 as an extension of the Better Cities For Pets program, which works with local government, businesses and non-profits to help communities make four-legged friends welcome.

The certification, created in partnership with urban-planning organization, Civic Design Center, evaluates cities based on 12 traits of pet-friendly cities across four categories: businesses, parks, shelters and homes.

Applicants that received a certification demonstrated their commitment to creating a pet-friendly community and fostering the well-being of all citizens and pet companions.

(this pictures above and below were taken at a Wags and Walks event held in Findlay)

Ohio hunters had a successful deer gun hunting season last week.

Ohio hunters harvested 70,413 deer during the 2021 deer gun week, which ended on Sunday, December 5th.

This year’s total is an 8 percent increase over the previous three years in which hunters checked an average of 65,280 deer.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources reports during the deer gun week, hunters harvested 25,263 bucks, 36,096 does, and 8,021 button bucks.

Coshocton, Tuscarawas, Muskingum, Ashtabula, and Knox counties had the most deer harvested during gun week.

Deer-gun season is open again on Saturday and Sunday, December 18th and 19th.

Deer muzzleloader season runs January 8th through the 11th.

Findlay firefighters helped brighten the holidays for several local kids and their families.

The Findlay Fire Department again this year participated in Shop With a Firefighter in conjunction with Findlay Hope House and Walmart.

Firefighters took the youngsters shopping at the Tiffin Avenue Walmart.

The kids had $200 to spend on their family members and themselves.

And new this year, the families received an extra $100 to purchase food for a nice Christmas dinner.

Millstream Area Credit Union then wrapped up the gifts for the families.

We spoke with Findlay firefighter Travis Bohn during the event and he said it’s always nice to see the excitement in the kids and their big smiles.

Get more of our conversation with Travis and see video from the event below.

National Wreaths Across America Day is coming up on Saturday, December 18th.

Volunteers will head out to Findlay’s Maple Grove Cemetery and other area cemeteries to place wreaths at Veterans’ graves. (video from last year below)

Wreaths were placed at the graves of 1,200 Veterans in 2020, and organizer Sherri Garner Brumbaugh says they’re working toward one day being able to recognize each and every one of the 5,000 Veterans who are buried at Maple Grove Cemetery.

The mission statement of Wreaths Across America is Remember, Honor, Teach.

REMEMBER our fallen, HONOR those serve, and TEACH those in the community about our veterans sacrifices.

We talked to the organizer of the local event, Sherri Garner Brumbaugh, in the video below from last year’s event.

In addition to Findlay’s Maple Grove Cemetery, there will also be Wreaths Across America events at St. Michael’s Cemetery, Benton Ridge Cemetery and Arlington Village Cemetery at 10 a.m.

As older adults hit the road to join family and friends over the holidays, Governor Mike DeWine, the Ohio Department of Transportation, the Ohio Department of Public Safety the Ohio Department of Aging, and AAA are reminding Ohio drivers to “Stay Fit to Drive” by following a few basic safety tips.

In conjunction with the American Occupational Therapy Association’s Older Driver Safety Awareness Week (Dec. 6-10), the Governor is also unveiling a new web page with resources specifically created for older drivers, as well as their family, friends and caregivers.

“Although older adults are among the safest drivers on Ohio’s roads, their risk of being injured or killed in a crash increases with age,” said DeWine.

“This new website puts resources for older drivers in one place to help them stay independent longer while reducing risks to themselves and others on the road.”

People age 65 and older make up the fastest growing segment of drivers nationally and in Ohio.

Between 2010 and 2019, the U.S. population of people age 65 and older grew by 34%, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

In recent years, fatal crashes involving this age group have also increased.

Data from the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) shows the number of deaths involving older drivers spiked in 2019, when 271 people died in crashes on Ohio roads, representing 23 percent of all traffic deaths statewide.

While older driver crash deaths declined in 2020 when many older drivers stayed home, they are rising again this year as vaccinations increase and older adults resume activities.

To help prevent crashes, Ohio has state and local program resources that can help older drivers adopt strategies to stay safe on the road, as well as find alternatives to driving if they can no longer do so safely.

These resources can be found on the new website, transportation.Ohio.gov/olderdrivers.

In addition, the Ohio Department of Aging has tips and resources for older Ohioans and their families.

They help older drivers maintain their driving abilities and independence and understand the factors that affect their ability to stay behind the wheel safely.

They also provide advice for discussing the topic with family members and finding transportation resources.

The Ohio State Buckeyes struggled more than usual on defense this year – but now, help is on the way.

Jim Knowles will be the new defensive coordinator for the Buckeyes.

Knowles is the current defensive coordinator at Oklahoma State, where his Cowboys have been among the best units in the nation.

Oklahoma State ranked third in the country this year in yards allowed per game.

They also finished in the top ten in points allowed.

The 56-year-old Knowles will join the Buckeyes on January 2nd, after the Rose Bowl.

The United Way of Hancock County has reinstated its Senior Cheer program to offer support to area seniors living in care facilities, as the pandemic wears on and levels of isolation continue.

“Last year, between classrooms, church groups, corporate groups, individuals, and other organizations, we were able to reach out to nearly 650 seniors with more than 750 pieces of cheer, said Sarah Mayle, volunteer coordinator for UWHC.

“It has been incredible to see such a strong outpouring of support from the community to brighten the day of our seniors. We’d love to see it again.”

Senior Cheer is a great opportunity to spread cheer for whole classrooms or groups, as well as individuals.

“It can be uplifting cards, notes, pieces of art, small gifts – really just about anything designed for a smile, goes,” Sarah said.

Currently, five Hancock County care facilities are enrolled in the program with the potential to reach about 300 seniors.

This winter, a team from the marketing department of Marathon Petroleum Corporation kicked off Senior Cheer’s first round of cheer, which included about 50 cards, puzzle books, cozy socks and lip balm.

The items were delivered to Birchaven Village. Senior Cheer will be delivered on a rotating basis to facilities to distribute it evenly.

Groups or individuals interested in signing up for Senior Cheer can email UWHC’s Volunteer Senior Cheer Manager at adminvolunteer@uwhancock.org or call the office at 419-423-1432.

UWHC will not reinstate last year’s pen pal program.

Both volunteers and recipients are encouraged to email a selfie or photo as they send or receive cheer for the program, an additional way for all to connect and build excitement.

Photos are not required, but those received will be shared on UWHC’s Facebook page.

Cheer and small gifts can be dropped off at UWHC’s new office – 318 W. Main Cross St., second floor – along with cheer.

Care facilitators suggest: Lip balm, sweet treats (no nuts, no homemade), large print word search, large print books, or large print crossword puzzles.