Monthly Archives: July 2023

Commissioner Bateson Suffers Medical Emergency

Hancock County Commissioner William Bateson has been absent from the office since suffering a medical emergency in the middle of June.

He is being treated and his family is optimistic about his recovery.

“We wish him the best and look forward to his return when he’s able,” said fellow Hancock County Commissioner Tim Bechtol.

Bechtol and Mike Pepple are the other two commissioners.

Bechtol said, according to the Ohio Revised Code, after 90 days of being absent the office would be labeled as vacant. But, a communication from Bateson’s doctor would afford another 30 days until the office is labeled as vacant.

After that, the Hancock County Republican Party would name a replacement to serve out the remainder of Bateson’s term through the end of 2024.

Bateson was elected to the Hancock County Board of Commissioners in November of 2020.

Bateson is a lifelong resident of Hancock County and is in agribusiness and operates 750 acres in the Arlington area.

 

BVHS Announces Changes To Board Of Trustees

(From Blanchard Valley Health System)

The Blanchard Valley Health System Board of Trustees is announcing several recent changes to its members and officers.

The Board recently elected Ginger Jones as Board Chair, succeeding Kim Stumpp. Jones, retired Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Cooper Tire and Rubber Company, has served with the Board since 2015, most recently as Vice Chair on the Executive Committee and as Chair of the Finance Committee. Other members comprising the Executive Committee include Frank A. Cosiano, MD, Vice Chair; Myron D. Lewis, President; Kim Stumpp, Immediate Past Chair; Jeffery Shrader, Treasurer; James PF Dowling, MD, Secretary; Beth Kroetz, At-Large Member; and William Hopkins, MD, At-Large Member.

The Board appointed Annette Edgington (General Manager, GSW Manufacturing, Inc.) and Donald Malarky (Retired, Marathon Petroleum Company) as its newest Trustees. Edgington will also continue to serve on the BVHS Finance Committee as will Malarky on the Quality Committee.

Edgington received a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1993 and a Master’s degree in business administration in 2003 from the University of Findlay. As the North America General Manager for GSW Manufacturing, Inc., headquartered in Findlay, her projects have included site selection and startup of two operations in Mexico, presentations to Japanese board members, North American operations finance/accounting, enterprise research planning software implementations, and revitalizing and renovating the Japan West restaurant in downtown Findlay.

Her past and present board and committee roles include serving as board chair for The Findlay-Hancock County Alliance, development chair for the Findlay-Hancock County Economic Development board, and community chair for The United Way of Hancock

County, as well as serving on the University of Findlay Business Affiliates scholarship committee and the BVHS finance committee.

Malarky is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati. He retired after 35 years of service with Marathon Petroleum Company, where he served in numerous locations and positions of leadership prior to locating to Findlay in 2007 as Manager of Major Projects. In this role, he was responsible for the design, development, and construction of MPC’s Findlay Corporate campus and the Hancock Hotel.

Upon retiring, Malarky served as the administrative services manager with responsibility for corporate building facilities, travel and conference services, and corporate/local charitable giving. He has served on boards for the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts, Findlay Economic Development, Findlay Country Club, and Hancock Historical Museum.

Trustee and former Treasurer Joseph Longo, whose tenure has reached term limitations, has served with BVHS governance since 2005 in multiple capacities, most recently on the Finance and Executive Committees. He has been reappointed as a non-voting member of the Board and to the Finance Committee.

Trustee Cheryl Buckland, who has served with BVHS governance since 2008, has retired from the BVHS Board. Buckland’s service has encompassed membership on the Quality Committee and the Governance and Nominating Committee. Trustee Jamie Stall also recently retired from Board service. Stall’s service on the BVHS Board since 2021 has included membership on the Finance Committee.

“We are pleased to welcome our new members to the Blanchard Valley Health System Board of Trustees and its committees. As leaders in our community, they bring a wealth of expertise and dedication to our organization, contributing an enormous amount of their own time,” said Myron D. Lewis, president and chief executive officer of BVHS. “They will provide guidance that will help strengthen BVHS and will ensure our commitment to those we serve.”

Lewis also thanked the outgoing board members, and stated his appreciation for Stumpp’s time serving as board chair.

“Each of these individuals has made a difference to the health system, to the BVHS family of professionals and to the communities we serve,” he said. “This organization is stronger for their dedication and passion. I would like to thank Kim Stumpp for her service as Board chair, and for her leadership, and to welcome Ginger M. Jones as incoming chair and thank her for her commitment to our efforts.”

In addition, three individuals were chosen to serve on BVHS committees.

New members of the BVHS Finance Committee are Thomas Lause, who retired in 2022 as vice president of business affairs, chief financial officer and treasurer for the

University of Findlay; and Kurt Ohlrich, vice president of finance for The Mennel Milling Company.

A new Quality Committee member is Kristin Day, plant leader, Findlay operations, Whirlpool Corporation.

To learn more about Blanchard Valley Health System and the services the organization offers to the region, please visit bvhealthsystem.org.

 

Highway Patrol Project Focusing On Move Over Violations

(From the Ohio State Highway Patrol)

The Ohio State Highway Patrol joins forces with other members of the 6-State Trooper Project to focus on Move Over violations. The initiative began on Sunday, July 16 at 12:01 a.m. and will continue through Saturday, July 22 at 11:59 p.m.

The high-visibility enforcement initiative includes the Indiana State Police, Kentucky State Police, Michigan State Police, Pennsylvania State Police and the West Virginia State Police, as well as OSHP.

Since 2018, Ohio State Highway Patrol cruisers were struck in 61 crashes that were “Move Over” related. During that same time period, the Patrol issued 26,739 Move Over violation citations. These crashes resulted in the deaths of two civilians and 56 injuries to officers and civilians. In 2022, there were only 11 such crashes, 38 percent fewer than in 2021.

“Too many times our troopers have seen the aftermath or been involved in a crash where the driver failed to move over,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent. “Moving over protects the lives of everyone who works or uses our freeways.”

Ohio law requires all drivers to move over to an adjacent lane when approaching any vehicle with flashing or rotating lights parked on the roadside. If moving over is not possible due to traffic or weather conditions, or because a second lane does not exist, motorists should slow down and proceed with caution. A version of the move over law exists in all 50 states.

The 6-State Trooper Project is a multi-state law enforcement partnership aimed at providing combined and coordinated law enforcement and security services in the areas of highway safety, criminal patrol and intelligence sharing.

The public is encouraged to call #677 in Ohio or 911 to report drug activity, and dangerous or impaired drivers.

More information and statistics related to Ohio’s Move Over law can be found here.

 

Shelter Dogs To Be Part Of Next ‘Move With The Mayor’ Event

There’s an event coming up offering people a chance to get outside and get active and possibly also make a connection with a shelter dog.

Dogs from the Humane Society and SPCA of Hancock County who are longing for their ‘furever’ home will be part of the Wags and Walks event at Emory Adams Park.

The event coming up on Wednesday, July 26 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. is part of Findlay Mayor Christina Muryn’s Move with the Mayor campaign.

“The mayor wants to get people active, at least 30 minutes of activity, and what better way than to walk a shelter dog,” said Natalie Reffitt with the Humane Society at a previous event.

People will have the chance to take a shelter dog for a walk around the park to see if they make a connection.

The event will be held at the shelter house next to the Fort Findlay playground.

People are welcome to bring their own pets.

Click here to see what animals are currently up for adoption at the Humane Society and SPCA of Hancock County.

 

Concert Celebrating Findlay Rock Of The ’60s Coming Up At MCPA

The Findlay Rocks the ‘60s Goes LIVE! show is coming up at the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts.

The live show is based on the Findlay Rocks the ‘60s! exhibit at the Hancock Historical Museum.

“A celebration of music’s greatest era – the 60’s – honoring the local bands that ruled the day, the national acts that graced our historic venues, and the people who made it all possible.”

“Join Scott Lavender, the Flag City Rock and Soul Revue, and emcee and tour guide “Big Dave” Crosser in a journey through the decade.”

Museum Director Sarah Sisser and Judge Reginald Routson were on with WFIN’s Chris Oaks to discuss the concert.

 

 

People who love Findlay and the music of the ‘60s won’t want to miss this one time only event.

The concert will take place at the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday, July 29th.

Get ticket information by clicking here. 

Ticket price also includes one-time admission to the Findlay Rocks the ‘60s! exhibit at the Hancock Historical Museum, July 26-30.

 

Sheriff’s Office Seeking Help IDing Individual

The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s help in identifying an individual.

The sheriff’s office posted a surveillance picture of the person on their Facebook page.

The sheriff’s office said the person is female, and anyone who can identify her is asked to call 419-422-2424.

No details were provided by the sheriff’s office about why they are trying to identify the individual.

 

Hancock Park District Holding Family Fishing Event

(From the Hancock Park District)

Get out in the parks and go fishing as a family. Learn about the basics of fishing as we try to catch some fish that live in Giertz Lake on Thursday, August 17th. All skill levels are welcome. A fishing pole will be provided or bring your own. We will have corn and hotdogs available for bait or bring your own lucky lure! All participants who are 16 years of age or older will need a valid Ohio Fishing License.

Riverbend Recreation Area, Big Oaks Activity Area, Lakefront Activity Area. 6:30-7:30 PM. Families with children ages 5 and up. Free; but register online at www.HancockParks.com by 1 PM on Thursday, August 17.

Riverbend Recreation Area is located at 16618 Township Road 208, Findlay. For complete information about upcoming programs and events, view the Programs & Activities Calendar at www.HancockParks.com or call the park office at 419-425-7275.

 

OSHP Enters ‘Best Looking Cruiser’ Contest

(From the Ohio State Highway Patrol)

The Ohio State Highway Patrol has entered the 10th annual “Best Looking Cruiser” contest sponsored by the American Association of State Troopers (AAST).

Voting for the best-looking cruiser began on July 17 and will end on July 31 at 12 p.m.

Visit the Patrol’s Facebook, Twitter or Instagram pages and click the link in any of our contest posts or visit the SurveyMonkey website to vote the Ohio State Highway Patrol as having the best-looking cruiser.

When visiting the SurveyMonkey website, scroll to the bottom of the page and select Ohio from the drop-down menu.

Agency rankings will be updated on the AAST’s website throughout the contest.

Last year, Ohio finished in thirteenth place.

Please help vote for the Ohio State Highway Patrol as the 2023 best-looking cruiser.

The top 13 photos receiving the highest number of votes will be featured in the 2024 AAST wall calendar and the photo that gets the highest number of votes will be featured on the cover.

 

AED Used To Save Student-Athlete Who Suffered Cardiac Arrest

(ONN) – A 15-year-old student-athlete in the Columbus suburb of Worthington is alive, thanks to the quick thinking of his coaches.

Canen Dickman spent seven days in the hospital after he collapsed during conditioning for soccer.

He blacked out, fell to the ground, and immediately went into cardiac arrest.

The coaches and players sprung into action, grabbing an AED and using it to save his life.

Worthington Kilbourne High School has already ordered an additional AED to be placed outside closer to the field and readily available in the future.

Pam Dickman, Canen’s mother, says she doesn’t know if Canen will ever be able to play sports again but she’s thankful for the quick actions that saved his life.

 

Apartment Building Planned For Findlay Neighborhood

A new apartment building could be coming to Findlay.

The Findlay City Planning Commission approved plans for a three-story, 24-unit apartment building on West McPherson Avenue.

The units would have one bedroom.

The building would be located on the south side of McPherson Avenue a little east of Hurd Avenue.

The planning commission approved the plans with conditions.

The conditions are that the site gets approval by city council to be rezoned from O-1 Office/Institution to M-2 Multi-Family High Density, and that variances are provided from the Board of Zoning Appeals to increase the allowed total units from 16 to 24 and the reduction in parking from 53 to 41.

The Board of Zoning Appeals next meets on August 10th at 6 p.m.