(ONN) – A new law will go into effect soon in Ohio intended to give parents more control over the use of their child’s social media activity.
The Parental Notification by Social Media Operators Act was approved by the Ohio Legislature in July.
It requires websites to obtain parental consent before activating accounts for kids under the age of 16.
Once consent is granted, the websites must send written confirmation of the account to parents.
It goes into effect on January 15th.
(From Hancock Park District)
Even with the colder temperatures in winter many birds still call the park home.
We will search the park for some of Ohio resident birds like Chickadees, Cardinals, Nuthatches, and Woodpeckers and our winter visitors like Juncos and Kinglets.
After our hike we will go inside the Discovery Center to view birds at the bird feeders. Binoculars will be provided or bring your own.
The Winter Bird Hike will take place at Oakwoods Nature Preserve, Discovery Center. 9-11 AM on February 17. Ages 16 and up. Free; registration is not required.
Oakwoods Nature Preserve is located at 1400 Oakwoods Lane, off CR 144, west of Findlay. For more information about other upcoming park programs and events, view the “Programs & Activities Calendar” at www.HancockParks.com” or call the park office at 419-425-7275.
(ONN) – Ohio Department of Transportation vehicles were hit 56 times by drivers on the roadways in 2023, which is a sharp drop from previous years.
ODOT’s Matt Bruning says that number was at 135 in 2022, and 154 in 2021.
Bruning believes the crashes are most often caused by drivers who are either distracted or impaired.
He says there may be several contributing factors to the downward trend in 2023.
Those factors include the new hands-free driving law, more awareness of the move over law, and last year’s mild winter meant fewer plows were out.
(From Dr. Bill Kose with Blanchard Valley Health System)
Healthcare providers routinely order laboratory testing to help determine how to treat their patients. We want to take this opportunity to remind you not only that it’s important to get testing when it’s recommended but also that there are steps you can take to help make the process go more smoothly.
After the COVID-19 pandemic, many individuals have fallen behind on routine appointments and other regular healthcare. If you are not yet caught up on your laboratory tests, we urge you to sooner rather than later to ensure that any problems the lab tests identify can be dealt with promptly.
Your primary care provider can help you determine which tests you should have routinely. Generally, standard recommendations are based on an individual’s age and gender. However, the recommendations may vary depending on your specific situation, such as if there is a family history of a certain condition.
If you see a healthcare provider when you are ill, follow through on any requested tests. Keep in mind that your provider may take action, such as adjusting your medication, based on what the lab results reveal, so it’s best to have accurate information as soon as you can.
If you don’t understand why a certain test is recommended, ask your provider. Patients who better understand their health situation may feel better equipped to make healthier decisions. Also, the associates at the laboratory have expertise in performing the lab work, but the provider who ordered the testing will have more context as to why he or she recommended it specifically for you.
Ask your provider how to prepare for lab work, particularly if you need to fast beforehand. Eating too soon before some tests may make it impossible to get accurate results, and you may be asked to come back at another time.
Additionally, if you have received a laboratory order on a piece of paper, bring it to the lab. That way you, your physician, and the team at the laboratory all have the same information.
Blanchard Valley Health System offers several locations to get laboratory work done, so seek out testing wherever is most convenient for you. While many people come to the Center for Diagnostic Studies at the main campus of Blanchard Valley Hospital, we also offer lab testing at EasternWoods Outpatient Center, Bluffton Hospital, Carey Diagnostic Center, and Ottawa Medical & Diagnostic Center.
BVHS is a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network, which expands our testing capabilities. There are thousands of possible laboratory tests a provider could order, some of which are rarely needed. If BVHS does not offer a particular test, we can work with Mayo Clinic and its laboratory program to help patients obtain it.
Following laboratory testing, we encourage you to sit down for a discussion with your provider. Make sure you understand the information and ask questions if you do not. Remember that some tests may decisively indicate a particular condition. In contrast, others may help identify a trend or the beginnings of a problem that should be addressed before it becomes more serious. There is an increased interest in some types of genetic testing, and those tests may indicate not that an individual will definitely develop a certain disease but simply that the probability is higher. Make sure you understand what your specific test results mean and what steps you should take to address them.
Finally, we want the community to rest assured that our laboratories are held to very strict standards to ensure the accuracy of test results. We at BVHS are committed to encouraging young people to pursue careers in healthcare, and there is a growing need for medical professionals throughout the laboratory field. As science continues to evolve, these opportunities will only grow.
William Kose, MD, JD Vice President of Special Projects, Blanchard Valley Health System
(From Raise the Bar Hancock County)
Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted, Director of the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation, announced Raise the Bar® as one of the 26 workforce partnerships that will receive funding through the Industry Sector Partnership (ISP) Grant.
The program supports collaborations that help bring Ohioans into the workforce pipeline while meeting the needs of job creators and the local economy.
This announcement marks Raise the Bar’s 4th consecutive ISP award.
Over the next 18 months, Raise the Bar will focus on helping job seekers and employers in the manufacturing, transportation, and logistics sectors.
Strategies will expand employer and educator engagement, increase awareness of industries and occupations, and increase accessibility and attainment of industry credentials.
“It’s an honor to be among the partnerships receiving these grant funds,” shared Tricia Valasek, Raise the Bar’s executive director while speaking with WFIN’s Chris Oaks.
Valasek continued, “Our community’s workforce development strategies are data informed and designed to meet our employers’ needs, today and into the future. We look forward to continuing our excellence in work, and we are very grateful for the employers and partners who support us in our efforts.”
Efforts that will unfold during this funding round include the launching of a data dashboard, giving robust insight into the metrics that inform the county of its current and future talent pool; the mapping of partners and funding available throughout Ohio to assist employers with training employees; the continuation of the wildly successful Career Expo Series and Summer Educator Experience, supporting teachers and students in grades K-12; and creation of marketing and branding materials that highlight Hancock County as a place to work in manufacturing and transportation.
About Raise the Bar®: Raise the Bar® prepares and connects an adaptive workforce for Findlay-Hancock County through education and training. The organization strives to meet emerging employment needs, fostering a thriving community of skilled professionals. Details on Raise the Bar® available at www.raisethebarhancock.org.
About the Industry Sector Partnership Grants: Industry Sector Partnerships are designed to develop regional workforce strategies, with the goal of driving collaboration between local businesses, education and training providers, and community stakeholders. Ohio has invested $12.5 million in Industry Sector Partnerships over the last four years.
(From the Ohio State Highway Patrol)
According to provisional statistics, nine people were killed in eight fatal crashes on Ohio roadways this Christmas holiday weekend, resulting in the fewest deaths during a Christmas reporting period since 2018.
The four-day Christmas reporting period began Friday, December 22 at midnight and ran through 11:59 p.m. on Monday, December 25.
Of the nine people killed, five were not wearing a safety belt and impairment was a factor in two of the crashes.
During the reporting period, troopers arrested 213 people for operating a vehicle while impaired and 21 for illegal drugs. Troopers also issued citations for 228 safety belt and 75 distracted driving violations. Additionally, troopers assisted 1,049 motorists on Ohio roadways.
In comparison, there were 12 people killed during the 2022 Christmas holiday, which ran from December 23 to 26.
The public is encouraged to continue using #677 to report dangerous or impaired drivers, as well as drug activity. A statistical analysis of the Patrol’s enforcement activity and crash data over the holiday is available here.
The Findlay Police Department says Blanchard Valley Hospital in Findlay received a bomb threat on Tuesday.
Police say the threat was emailed to the hospital and stated that explosives were in the building.
The Findlay Police Department, Findlay Fire Department, and Hancock County Sheriff’s Office responded, and hospital security were already on the scene.
Police say personnel searched the interior and exterior of the hospital grounds and a bomb detection K9 unit arrived on scene to assist in the search.
After a thorough search of the property, nothing suspicious was located.
Police say the message received was vague and was determined to be part of a swatting style message that was received at several hospitals in multiple locations across Ohio.
(From the Fostoria Police Division)
Today is a day of mixed emotions for members of the Fostoria Police Department, as we say goodbye to one of our four legged partners.
After 10 ½ amazing years, K9 Marley is retiring. Since day one, this guy has been an unbelievable asset to our department.
Marley and his handler, Officer Don Dennis have set the bar very high for newcomers K9 Bandit and K9 Creed.
During retirement, Marley will continue to live his best life with Officer Dennis and his adorable family.
Congratulations Marley on your well-deserved retirement. You will be missed!!!
Findlay City Schools says Findlay First Edition Director Kevin Manley returned to his teaching position on Thursday.
He had been on administrative leave since the end of November when the school district announced that an investigation was underway into reports regarding student behavior and the culture of the Findlay First Edition program “that do not align with our values and expectations for our students,” said Superintendent Dr. Andy Hatton.
Dr. Hatton made clear at the November 27 school board meeting that the reports did not include allegations of boundary issues involving FFE Director Kevin Manley and students.
Dr. Hatton said the school district retained a third-party investigator to conduct an unbiased comprehensive investigation.
Findlay City Schools says the interview phase of the investigation has concluded and they are awaiting the final findings of the investigation.
(From Liberty-Benton Local Schools)
Liberty-Benton Local Schools received a $100,000 check from Marathon Petroleum Corporation on December 21, 2023, as part of the Thriving Communities grant.
Superintendent Otley expressed gratitude, emphasizing that the generous gift will help offset safety and security upgrade expenses.
The enhancements, implemented last summer, include door sensors, video surveillance upgrades, line-of-sight solutions, secondary locking devices, emergency notification systems, and structural improvements.
This contribution allows the district to invest further in safety infrastructure.