Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted have announced state support for 54 rehabilitation projects that will restore 57 historic buildings across Ohio. The projects are expected to leverage approximately $1.01 billion in private investment.

The projects are being awarded funding as part of the Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credit Program administered by the Ohio Department of Development.

In total, 21 communities across the state are receiving awards, which total $64,132,847 in tax credits.

A project to rehab 331 North Main Street in Findlay received a $221,000 tax credit. The total project cost is $1,350,000.

The brick building was built in 1889 and most recently was home to Nino’s Bar.

Rehab efforts will preserve historical features of the building such as the arched windows and doors and facade.

Some projects in Tiffin are also receiving the tax credit.

The rehabbed building will house office and retail on the first floor and 10 residential units on the second and third floors.

“By rehabilitating these historic buildings today, we can preserve the heart of our communities for future generations of Ohioans,” said Governor DeWine. “Once restored, these sites will help renew local communities and create additional opportunities for Ohioans.”

The awards will assist private developers in rehabilitating historic buildings in downtowns and neighborhoods. Many of the buildings are vacant today and generate little economic activity.

Once rehabilitated, they will drive further investment and interest in adjacent property. Developers are not issued the tax credit until project construction is complete and all program requirements are verified.

More than two dozen mayors from Ohio’s largest cities came together recently to outline their shared priorities for 2023 and emphasize the urgent need for elected leaders to find common ground and work together.

The Ohio Mayors Alliance released a set of policy recommendations to help address concerns over local control, public safety, gun violence, potential fiscal impacts to cities, and the importance of state and local collaboration.

“As we look ahead to 2023, we believe there continues to be great potential for improved collaboration between state and local leaders,” said Findlay Mayor Christina Muryn.

“We also believe that now, more than ever, we must bridge our political divisions and work together to promote bipartisan cooperation and get things done for all Ohioans.”

The recommendations include:

• a state commission to preserve local control and foster statewide collaboration;
• measures to improve public safety and reduce gun violence;
• monitoring the impacts of remote working and protecting the fiscal health of cities;
• improving state and local revenue sharing and targeted grant programs; and
• promoting bipartisanship, civic learning, and public service.

The Ohio Mayors Alliance, a bipartisan coalition of mayors in Ohio’s 30 largest cities, held a press conference in Columbus to outline a set of recommendations to Ohio’s statewide elected officials and new General Assembly members.

The mayors emphasized the importance of bipartisan collaboration and the need for state and local officials to work together in the interest of all Ohioans.

The West Ohio Food Bank is thanking its many supporters as the year comes to a close.

The food bank says the generosity of its supporters has provided more than 6.6 million meals to more than 47,000 people in its service area.

More than 27,000 of the individuals were new to the food banking network in 2022.

“As we say goodbye to 2022, we want you to know that your support gave each of these people hope and we are so grateful for you,” West Ohio Food Bank Tommie Harner said in a message to supporters.

“Thank you for being a supporter of West Ohio Food Bank, and for helping us put food on the tables of our hungry neighbors.”

AEP Ohio says it’s closely monitoring the upcoming winter storm that’s expected to bring high winds, frigid temps and snow to the region.

AEP says their crews are preparing equipment and supplies for possible power outages and that customers should prepare as well.

AEP says crews will work to restore any power outages as quickly and safely as possible — however, road conditions, lingering wind gusts and extreme wind chills could delay some restoration efforts.

“We know our customers depend on us to keep the power on — especially during the extreme cold and at a time when many are celebrating the holidays,” said Marc Reitter, president and chief operating officer of AEP Ohio.

“Our teams stand ready and are prepared to restore power should outages occur. We’ll continue to keep our customers updated on what to expect and are encouraging everyone to be as prepared as possible.”

Get more preparation tips from AEP by clicking here.

Arlington United Methodist Church is having some fun with the season a year their Baby Jesus was stolen from their Nativity along North Main Street in Arlington.

The church said Baby Jesus was eventually returned and it got them thinking about a way to share Jesus with the world and entire community.

“So as a token of that spirit we are going to have a little fun with this season. So this year, if you want Jesus, you can take Him!!!” the church said on their Facebook page.

“If you stop by our nativity you will find in the cradle a box. You will find the Baby Jesus on the box. You can take that box. In it you will find some goodies, Christmas ornaments, and other surprises. It is our gift to you in this season. There will be one box a day set out at random times. Now please!!! Leave the rest of the Holy Family alone. They are waiting for Jesus.”

“On Christmas Eve our “real” Baby Jesus will return. Please just enjoy his presence. We don’t need to repeat last year.”

The Hancock County Board of Health has awarded the 2021 Champion of Public Health Award posthumously to Mr. William E. Ruse for his vision and stewardship of the Hancock Public Health Mobile Health Clinic.

Ruse is former President and CEO of Blanchard Valley Hospital and passed away in August.

Hancock Public Health initiated the Champion of Public Health Award in 2021 to highlight an individual or agency that has helped to further the mission of Public Health in Hancock County, Ohio.

Officials say it was only fitting to introduce the award with the incredible leadership from Mr. William Ruse.

Mr. Ruse attended Xavier University, earning a degree in Pharmacy and later a Law degree from the University of Toledo.

William, also known as Bill, was known to be hard-working, kind, and ahead of his time.

He was a healthcare innovator by establishing technology to streamline the delivery of care to those who needed it most.

Bill was instrumental in the development of the Mobile Health Clinic. The Mobile Health Clinic began servicing Hancock County in the summer of 2022 and has been active in the community providing health screenings, wellness exams, point of care referrals and medication refills.

Laura and her team are at the City Mission several times each month as well as attending health fairs around the county.

The Mobile Health Clinic will bring healthcare services to those who are unable to travel to a clinic or physician office.

The goal of Bill Ruse was to bring quality healthcare services to all of Hancock County, and he succeeded with the creation of the Mobile Health Clinic.

Mr. William Ruse left a legacy on his community, and we are honored to award him the 2021 Champion of Public Health.

The Seneca County Drug Task Force-METRICH Enforcement Unit executed a search warrant at a Fostoria residence.

The task force says the residence at 607 James Marie Court is that of Derrick V. Harris, 51.

The task force says the search of the residence revealed a substantial amount of suspected cocaine as well as criminal tools and money.

The task force says charges of trafficking in cocaine and possession of criminal tools are pending on Harris upon conclusion of the entire drug investigation.

The Winter Break for students in Findlay City Schools is approaching.

The school district is reminding parents and students that Winter Break will be from Thursday, December 22^nd through Monday, January 2^nd.

The first day back for students will be Tuesday, January 3rd, 2023.

You can see the full Findlay City Schools 2022-23 calendar by clicking here.

Hancock County has received grant money for more than a dozen ‘You Belong’ projects in Findlay and Hancock County.

The You Belong Grant Program is a project of the Hancock County Cultural Humility and Health Equity Delegation in partnership with the Hancock Leadership Class of 2022.

Zach Thomas, Director of Wellness and Education at the Hancock County Board of Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services, says the ‘You Belong’ projects aim to create spaces of belonging to build trusting relationships with members of the community.

“Particularly members of our community who may be experiencing disparities or challenges, it’s important that we create those welcoming spaces where they feel comfortable to share and talk about what their experiences are like.”

Zach says the hope is to ultimately be able to address creating a healthy and equitable community across Findlay and Hancock County.

He says the county will use $60,300 in grant funding for 14 ‘You Belong’ projects in 2023 at organizations, community groups, schools and more to show people they do indeed belong in this community.

“We’re very excited about those projects and look forward to seeing how they advance the sense of community and belonging across Findlay and Hancock County.”

Zach says anyone interested in connecting with the Hancock County Cultural Humility and Health Equity Delegation, which is an open community collaborative group, are welcome to contact ADAMHS at 419-424-1985.

The National Weather Service said on Monday afternoon that a significant winter storm will impact the area later in the week.

Forecasters say the winter system will bring extreme cold, strong winds and some snow to the region Friday into Saturday.

There’s high confidence in strong winds around 50 miles per hour and sub-zero wind chills.

The NWS said on Monday that it remained unclear how much snowfall the storm will produce.

People are advised to start making preparations now and to consider adjusting travel plans.