The man police say kidnapped a baby from North Baltimore and then crashed into a house in Tiffin has been charged with aggravated murder in the baby’s death.

Authorities say the 7-month-old baby was killed when Jonathan Baker, 23, crashed into a house in Tiffin while fleeing police on June 27^th.

Officers broke out a back window of the vehicle and retrieved the baby who was bleeding and had shallow breathing and the baby was rushed to a hospital but passed away.

Police said Baker was also taken to a hospital after the crash in critical condition.

Baker reportedly was in a relationship with the baby’s mother in North Baltimore and took the baby during a domestic dispute.

Registration is open for United Way of Hancock County’s Fall Days of Caring for both nonprofits looking to submit projects for help and the volunteers who will complete them.

The fall event will take place September 18 – 20.

During Days of Caring, employees of area corporations and small businesses lend a hand to local organizations.

Nonprofits in need of help submit projects, volunteer teams register to help, and the United Way matches up the two groups. In four-hour shifts, the volunteers take on projects such as landscaping, organizing, painting, planning an event, cleaning, or construction.

Shifts run from 8 a.m. to noon or 12 – 4 p.m.

“When volunteers lend a hand to an agency, it not only increases their capacity, but it provides mission support — a morale boost — as well,” said Angela DeBoskey, CEO of United Way of Hancock County.

“You may be sprucing up landscaping, for example, and the physical work is so helpful, but by being there you’re also saying to that agency’s leaders, ‘I care about your mission. I care that you work hard each day to make people’s lives better. I care about the people you are helping.’ That goes a long way.”

During the larger, weeklong Spring Days of Caring in May this year, about 900 volunteers tackled more than 100 projects, completing 3,600 service hours. This was a value to the community of about $114,500, based on Independent Sector’s national value of a volunteer hour of $31.80.

The video below from the spring event shows some Marathon employees helping out at City Mission.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced the future locations of 27 new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations that will be installed along Ohio interstates, making Ohio the first state in the nation to announce charging station sites that will be developed as part of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Program.

One of the charging stations will be located at the Pilot Travel Center at Interstate 75 and State Route 613 in northern Hancock County. Click here for the full list.

“This is an exciting time for Ohio as we continue to lead the charge in electric mobility,” said Governor DeWine. “As more Ohioans purchase EVs, this statewide network of chargers will ensure that our transportation infrastructure is prepared to accommodate these drivers, as well as visitors who travel to Ohio to see all that our great state has to offer.”

During a news conference with Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) Director Jack Marchbanks, DriveOhio Executive Director Preeti Choudhary, and Federal Highway Administration Deputy Administrator Andrew Rogers, Governor DeWine announced that the state will award more than $18 million in NEVI funds for 27 electric vehicle fast charging stations along seven of Ohio’s interstate corridors, including I-70, I-71, I-74, I-75, I-76, I-77, and I-90.

A Tesla charging station opened in Findlay in November of 2021 and you can read more about that by clicking here. 

(From the Taylor Automotive Family)

The Taylor Automotive Family, together with Taylor Hyundai and Taylor Kia of Findlay, is thrilled to announce an extraordinary free concert event that will captivate music lovers of all ages. This spectacular evening of entertainment, combined with family-oriented activities, will take place at the newly constructed Taylor Hyundai of Findlay and Taylor Kia of Findlay dealerships, promising an unforgettable experience for the community. As an exciting highlight, attendees will have the opportunity to enter a giveaway for a chance to win a Free 2022 Hyundai Venue.

Date: August 5th

Doors Open: 3:00 PM

Venue: Taylor Hyundai and Taylor Kia of Findlay Parking Lot

Address: 3701 Speedway Dr. Findlay, Ohio 45840

The event will commence at 3:00 PM, offering a wide array of family-oriented attractions and amenities. Guests of all ages can indulge in a variety of delectable offerings from local food trucks, providing a delicious dining experience. In addition, children can enjoy the excitement of bounce houses, Laurel Princess will be providing Disney and Marvel characters, while everyone can savor cool and refreshing treats from the ice cream stand.

As the day progresses, the excitement will reach new heights with the free concert portion of the event. The evening’s lineup will feature the outstanding performances of local Findlay band 100 Proof, taking the stage at 5:30 PM. Their dynamic sound and energetic presence will electrify the audience, setting the stage for an unforgettable musical experience.

The highlight of the night will be the headlining performance by Findlay native and country singer Josh Melton. With his soulful voice and authentic storytelling, Josh Melton will take the stage at 7:00 PM, captivating the audience with his heartfelt lyrics and captivating melodies. Prepare to be swept away by his undeniable talent and extraordinary stage presence.

In addition to the sensational entertainment, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in an incredible giveaway. Taylor Automotive Family is giving away a 2022 Hyundai Venue to one lucky winner. To enter the giveaway, attendees can register at Hyundai of Findlay or Kia of Findlay from now until 5:00 PM on the day of the event. Don’t miss this chance to drive away in a fantastic car!

Admission and parking to the concert is free. Parking will be available at the venue and surrounding areas, keep an eye out for signs and parking attendants for directions. All parking will be within walking distance.

For the latest updates and announcements regarding the event, please visit www.taylorauto.com or follow at https://www.facebook.com/TaylorAutomotiveFamily. Join us on August 5th for a day filled with family-oriented fun, exceptional music, and a celebration of our vibrant community spirit.

(From Blanchard Valley Center)

Santa Claus will be making a rare summertime appearance in Findlay when Blanchard Valley Center – the Hancock County Board of Developmental Disabilities – sponsors its first-ever, Christmas in July: Mission to the North Pole on July 25 from 5:30-8 p.m.

“Think of it as a combination scavenger hunt and search for a secret treasure all wrapped up in one,” said Blanchard Valley Center Public Relations Manager Nadine Weininger.

“It’s going to be a fun night for everyone, and we’re really looking forward to it.”

Participants will meet and receive their playing card at the patio of the Millstream Art Plaza at the corner of Main & Sandusky streets.

Participants will receive a free Christmas stocking or a red bag from Friends Office, while supplies last.

Weininger said participants can begin the search after 5:30 p.m., but the route must be completed by 8 p.m. Participants will get sent out on one of three different search routes.

This is being done to avoid congestion, but also to keep the event as challenging as possible.

At each location, participants must complete a task and get their game card stamped. Area businesses and non-profits are serving as destinations for the treasure hunters.

As with any good Christmas-themed event, the participants will finish their quest at Findlay’s own “North Pole.”

Weininger was asked the location of Findlay’s North Pole. To which she responded, “Ha! Nice try. You’ll have to enter the Mission to the North Pole to find out.”

Once participants reach the North Pole, they will have to complete a final task – a wreath toss. Participants must get at least two wreaths on the North Pole, after which they will receive their final game stamp.

All completed game cards will be entered into a raffle drawing to take place on July 26. For more information, visit Blanchard Valley Center’s Facebook page. To register, complete the form by clicking here.

(ONN) – Former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder is challenging the 20-year prison sentence he received after being convicted of masterminding the largest corruption scheme in state history.

The 64-year-old Republican’s appeal to the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals has been expected.

Householder has been held in county jail since a judge sentenced him on June 29th to the maximum penalty for racketeering allowed under federal law.

A jury convicted Householder in March of orchestrating the $60 million bribery scheme funded by FirstEnergy, an Akron-based utility.

It aimed to secure Householder’s power, elect allies, and then to pass and defend a $1.3 billion nuclear plant bailout.

A Findlay woman was transported to Blanchard Valley Hospital after crashing her car on Wednesday afternoon.

The Findlay Police Department says Shakira Garza, 24, was westbound in the 2200 block of Tiffin Avenue at around 4:45 p.m. Wednesday when she swerved to avoid a stopped car and lost control.

Her car spun around and struck the north curb and a no parking sign.

The police department said Shakira was taken to Blanchard Valley Hospital by Hanco EMS for an arm injury.

She was issued a citation for failure to maintain control.

(From Bluffton Historian Fred Steiner)

A Bluffton history day, recalling the 90^th anniversary of the Dillinger bank robbery will take place in Bluffton on Saturday, Aug. 12.

Sponsored by Bluffton Forever and the Bluffton Icon, several events will take place downtown, with the complete activity schedule released later this month.

On Aug. 12, Fred Steiner will present a detailed account of the 1933 robbery at 11 a.m. and noon at the corner of Main and Cherry, where it took place. He will also give the account at 3 p.m. on Vine Street at Greenhorn Restaurant.

A 90^th anniversary edition of the booklet “Four Guys Walk Into A Bluffton Bank…and the rest is Bluffton oral history,” will be available for sale during these presentations.

“Additional events are in the planning stages,” said Steiner. “These will provide activities for persons of all ages to explore Bluffton history.”

In August, 1933, John Dillinger and gang members held up the Citizens National Bank taking $2,100. The FBI called Dillinger Public Enemy Number 1, giving Bluffton its 20^th century 15 minutes of fame. That fame continues in its ninth as the robbery placed Bluffton forever in the Dillinger legend.

(Picture provided by Fred Steiner) The Main Street Bluffton panoramic view shows where the known bullets were fired during the Dillinger robbery.  This view also shows where people were standing on the street at the time of the robbery.

(From Family Resource Center)

Family Resource Center has developed a program designed to address the emergency basic needs of individuals in Hancock County.

“People need to have their basic needs met before they can start to make healthy choices,” said Cristina Christensen, Criminal Justice Program Supervisor at Family Resource Center.

“Without access to food, shelter, or clothing, a person’s mental health suffers right alongside their physical health. It is crucial to emphasize that meeting basic needs is a fundamental, bedrock step in improving an individual’s mental health.”

Funded with support of a grant from The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation, the program will distribute bags full of emergency items such as no-prep foods, first-aid supplies, a sleeping bag, pillow, and blanket, a portable fan, a few clothing items, a poncho, and one additional item that is being included after the results of a survey among clients served suggested it.

“We asked about the most useful item for individuals, and surprisingly, it was a phone charger. So, we made sure that every bag has a phone charger including cords for the most common types of phones,” said Christensen.

Family Resource Center will distribute the emergency need bags upon request.

“We are grateful for the support of the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation in addressing emergency basic needs within our community,” said John Bindas, President & CEO of Family Resource Center.

“We believe that by addressing these fundamental needs, we can help pave the way for long-term positive change in the lives of our clients.” To learn more about Family Resource Center, visit www.frcohio.org.

(From Destination Seneca County)

The National Depression Glass Association, Inc. has announced that it will be hosting the 48th Annual Glass Show & Sale Convention in Tiffin on Saturday, July 13 from 10 AM to 5 PM and Sunday, July 14 from 11 AM to 4 PM in 2024.

The show returns to Tiffin for the first time since 2016 and will take place at the Tiffin Middle School, 103 Shepherd Drive. Nationally known glass dealers will be set up for this popular glass show that attracts collectors from all over the United States. In addition to the show and sale, the organization is to hold a silent auction and live auction, along with glass identification, educational seminars and displays, and hourly door prize drawings. Additional seminars are to be announced closer to the show. Admission is $10 and is good for the entire weekend.

The show is in a handicapped accessible facility with free parking. Lunch and snacks will be available for purchase.

Visitors are also encouraged to visit the Tiffin Glass Museum & Shoppe, 25 – 27 South Washington Street, where over a thousand pieces of glassware and memorabilia items from the old factory are displayed. The retail shop offers Tiffin glass and other fine glassware for sale. Extended hours will be observed during the weekend.