The Findlay Fire Department put out a garbage truck that caught on fire.
It happened in the noon hour on Thursday.
The Rumpke trash truck was driving down Crystal Avenue when it started smoking.
The driver pulled into Crystal Glen Apartments and exited the truck.
The truck then caught on fire and became fully engulfed in flames.
The black smoke could be seen from a distance away.
Responding firefighters quickly put the fire out.
Nobody was injured.
(From the Ohio Department of Transportation)
Electric vehicle (EV) drivers now have another place to charge up in Central Ohio. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) Director Jack Marchbanks celebrated the opening of the nation’s first EV fast charging station built as part of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program.
Located at the London Pilot Travel Center along Interstate 70 at U.S. 42, as part of a collaboration with General Motors, the nation’s first NEVI charging station is equipped with fast chargers installed by EVgo and owned by Pilot Travel Centers LLC. Each charging stall is capable of providing up to 350 kW when charging a single vehicle and when multiple vehicles are charging at the same time, each port will receive up to 175 kW. This amount of power is enough to charge most EVs up to 80% in 20-40 minutes, depending on the vehicle’s battery.
“Ohio continues to be at the forefront of transportation innovation by deploying new technologies to help people safely get where they need to go,” said Governor DeWine. “As the mix of vehicles on the road changes, EV charging stations are part of improving customer service for drivers and businesses who choose to go electric.”
As a leader in creating a statewide network of fast charging stations, Ohio has acted with urgency to give the state an advantage in securing the equipment and workforce needed to successfully implement its plan. Building a reliable network of fast chargers is key to eliminating “range anxiety” for EV drivers and increasing access to cutting-edge technology in every part of the state.
“This EV charging station is just the latest in a long line of transportation firsts in Ohio,” said ODOT Director Jack Marchbanks. “We are ensuring our state has the infrastructure to handle not only the vehicles of today, but of tomorrow.”
In addition to being reliable and conveniently located less than a mile from the interstate, NEVI stations must include access to restrooms and a place to buy food and beverages while you charge. At this Pilot location, customers can also access Wi-Fi and are sheltered from the weather by a large overhead canopy.
“Huge congratulations to Ohio on this historic accomplishment, which is going to help ensure that we position America as a leader in the clean energy economy,” said Senior Advisor to the President and White House Infrastructure Coordinator Mitch Landrieu. “President Biden invested $7.5 billion in EV charging through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help make this milestone happen, and we are thrilled that states like Ohio are helping us build a national network of EV charging stations across the country.”
“Today marks a major step toward America’s electric future, as we work to scale up a nationwide network of electric vehicle chargers by the end of the decade,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “By investing in electric infrastructure, we are creating good-paying jobs, reducing carbon pollution, and securing America’s position as the global leader in automotive innovation.”
“The opening of this landmark EV charging station is a major step in the Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to create a convenient, affordable, and reliable electrified transportation system,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “Ohio’s new station—and the thousands that will follow across the nation—would not have been possible without the unprecedented investments this Administration has made in clean energy solutions that will lower costs and benefit the lives of untold millions of Americans.”
“Our travel centers are uniquely able to provide EV drivers with the comforts and conveniences that people are familiar with on the road,” said Tim Langenkamp, vice president of business development – sustainability for Pilot Travel Centers LLC. “With our Pilot and Flying J travel centers located along all major American highways and interstates, EV drivers will be able to travel with confidence thanks to these investments in charging infrastructure and public/private partnerships like Ohio’s NEVI program. We are thrilled to be the nation’s first NEVI-funded charging station.”
“Public charging infrastructure is critical to spur the mass adoption of electric vehicles, and EVgo is proud to deploy the nation’s first NEVI-funded station,” said Marcy Bauer, SVP of Deployment at EVgo. “Thanks to the leadership of DriveOhio, this is the first of many fast-charging stations that will open across the state. With this new site, Ohioans and EV travelers alike will enjoy greater range confidence with increased access to convenient, reliable fast charging.”
ODOT and Pilot Travel Centers expect to begin construction on nine more EV charging locations in Ohio over the next several months. By the end of 2024, a total of 25 new fast charging stations are anticipated to be operational in Ohio, which represents a total investment of more than $24 million. This includes $18 million in NEVI funding plus $6 million from the private entities selected to install and operate the charging stations, including Pilot Travel Centers, Francis Energy, Meijer, EVgo Services, and ChargeNet Stations.
In total, Ohio will receive $140 million in NEVI funds over five years to support the installation of EV charging stations across the state. While the first round focused on interstates, future rounds will fill in infrastructure gaps along major U.S. and state routes as well. ODOT is currently accepting proposals for the next round of funding through January 25, 2024, at 1 p.m. EST. To learn more about how to submit a proposal, please visit http://drive.ohio.gov/nevi.
Two downtown addresses could become either a cat café or a personal residence in the future depending on to whom they are sold.
123 and 125 East Crawford Street were on the Findlay City Planning Commission agenda.
The Findlay City Planning Commission approved an individual’s application for conditional use for a cat café at the addresses.
The commission also approved a separate individual’s application for conditional use to convert it into residential.
The site is currently vacant and has served as office space in the past.
The applicant who wants to make it a cat café says the cat cafe would operate as a normal café does, but with the addition of a limited number of cats that would be adoptable as well.
There’s a cat cafe in Bowling Green called Tabby and Fidos.
(From the Tiffin Police Department)
At approximately 1550 hrs on December 13th the Tiffin Police Department received call to conduct a welfare check on the resident at 44 Adams Street (Rear).
Family was concerned the subject was off his medication, paranoid and suicidal.
Additionally, the subject was armed with a machete. Upon arrival to the residence, the subject brandished his machete and threatened to kill officers if they entered the residence.
After learning the identity of the subject Tiffin Police confirmed there was an active arrest warrant for him as well.
Officers continued to try and talk with the subject, but he continued to make threats to the officers and refused to come out of his residence.
Black Swamp Emergency Services Unit was requested to respond and negotiators worked several hours in the effort to convince the resident to come out of the house for a peaceful resolution to this event.
The resident cut off all contact with the negotiators and refused to exit the residence.
At approximately 1907 hrs, Black Swamp Special Operators made entry into the residence, located the resident hunkered down in the bathroom and placed him in police custody.
The resident was uninjured, however due to other medical concerns was transported to Tiffin Mercy Hospital for treatment and under police custody.
Thank you to the Black Swamp ESU and negotiators, Seneca County Sheriff’s Office, Fostoria Police Department, Tiffin and Fostoria Fire Department, and the Tiffin Drone Team for bringing this event to a peaceful end.
Thank you,
Chief David W. Pauly
Findlay firefighters helped brighten the holidays for several local kids and their families.
The Findlay Fire Department again this year participated in the Shop With a Firefighter program, in conjunction with Findlay Hope House and Walmart.
Firefighters took the youngsters shopping at the Walmart on Tiffin Avenue.
The kids bought a gift for each member of their family and also spent some money on themselves.
And families also purchased everything they would need for a nice Christmas dinner.
Millstream Area Credit Union and Baker’s Café then wrapped up the gifts for the families.
“It’s really cool to follow around some of the firefighters and kiddos and hear the conversations they have,” said Starr Laytart with Hope House.
“It does bring joy to the hearts of everybody who’s involved with this program.”
We also spoke with Findlay firefighter Travis Bohn (below) who said it’s one of his favorite events of the year.
“It means the world to us and it is one of our favorite days of the year, and I’m already looking forward to next year.”
He said this is the fourth year he’s been in charge of it and the department has been participating for around 30 years he believes.
Get more of our conversation with Travis and see video from the event below.
(From The Workforce Partnership of Putnam County)
The Workforce Partnership of Putnam County (WPPC) is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a significant grant by the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation to support the development of additional workforce activities to benefit Putnam County and the region.
“We are honored to receive this grant from the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation, which validates our ongoing workforce efforts,” said Karl Schimmoeller, director of the WPPC.
“This funding will enable us to continue to prepare, connect and grow an adaptive, highly skilled manufacturing workforce for Putnam County.”
The grant will fund the following: – Workforce activities with K-12 schools. – Adult training for entry level manufacturing positions. – A website and marketing materials for the WPPC.
This grant program is only available to industry sector partnerships like the WPPC.
24 ISP grants were issues throughout the state.
Without the foresight of the Putnam County CIC, Putnam County OMJ/JFS and the Putnam County Commissioners to create the WPPC, there would not have been an opportunity to bring these tax dollars home to Putnam County.
This is the 2nd grant the WPPC has been awarded in 2023.
The 9th Annual Kahuna’s All-Star Christmas Jam raised a lot of money and toys for the local Toys for Tots chapter.
The annual event featuring The Big Kahuna of 106.3 The Fox and his All-Star Band was held at Alexandria’s in Findlay on December 6th.
“We had a great turnout, I think the biggest crowd we’ve ever had and certainly the most toys we’ve ever had donated,” Kahuna said.
There was no cover charge and people were asked to donate a new toy or make a monetary donation to Toys for Tots.
The All-Star Christmas Jam this year brought in $1,559 in monetary donations and six large garbage bags and two full Toys for Tots boxes full of toys.
“It was a great outpouring of support for the Toys for Tots program and for the band,” Kahuna added.
For comparison, at the 2022 All Star Jam, $1,041 was raised along with three boxes of toys.
(ONN) – A new bill introduced by Ohio lawmakers would increase penalties for those who drive under the influence.
Under the proposal, a first offense would increase fines from a minimum of $375 to $750.
A second offense within 10 years would go from a minimum of $525 to $1,200.
The bill would also increase prison time for those who commit aggravated vehicular homicide while under the influence and decrease the number of prior offenses in order for the court to impose increased prison times.
December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month.
(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.
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.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol says a person was killed when the vehicle they were riding in crashed into a hospital in Fostoria.
The crash happened at approximately 6:40 Tuesday night on Van Buren Street in Fostoria.
The Highway Patrol says its preliminary investigation shows that a Ford pickup, operated by Howard Stevenson, 58, of Bloomdale, was southwest on Van Buren Street when he failed to negotiate a curve and the vehicle lost control and drove off the right side of the roadway struck a sidewalk and then went off the left side of the roadway.
The vehicle then continued through the ProMedica Fostoria Community Hospital parking lot, striking the hospital.
The driver and passenger were both taken into the hospital for treatment.
The driver sustained serious injuries and was transferred by air ambulance to ProMedica of Toledo Hospital.
The passenger, identified as Penny S. Stevenson, 55, of Bloomdale, succumbed to fatal injuries at the ProMedica Fostoria Community Hospital.
Neither occupant was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.
The incident remains under investigation.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted on scene by Fostoria PD, Fostoria Fire Department and Franks towing.
