(From the United Way of Hancock County)

This year, the United Way of Hancock County is distributing $347,000 toward local programs working to fight hunger.

The United Way’s grant review team strategically increased funding in this area in response to rising grocery prices and a demonstrated increase in individuals and families seeking help.

Food security funds will support the Findlay YMCA‘s Feed-A-Child program, which administers the summer lunch program and provides weekend meal bags for students; supplemental food vouchers through Christian Clearing House; West Ohio Food Bank‘s distributions to Hancock County food pantries; and food programs at The Salvation Army Findlay Corps.

The United Way of Hancock County recently announced that its 2023 annual campaign raised $2 million which will be distributed among several local programs.

Dr. Brian Treece, President & CEO of the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation, made a video to look back on the accomplishments of 2023 and what’s to come for the Foundation in 2024.

Brian says, in 2023, the Foundation surpassed $85 million in grants and scholarships awarded since its inception in 1992.

In 2023, he says the Arlington Heart & Soul team entered the data analysis phase of its work, and a fourth Hancock County community launched its Heart & Soul initiative in Arcadia.

Looking ahead to 2024, he says the Foundation has awarded nearly $82,000 to area schools and organizations for educational opportunities surrounding the solar eclipse on April 8^th.

He says the ‘Fun for All’ Series of free community events is continuing in 2024 after a very successful first year in 2023 in which more than 10,000 people attended the events.

“On behalf of the Foundation board and staff I’d like to thank everyone who made these successes possible in 2023 and will partner with us for the exciting things to come this year.”

Brian mentions many more successes from 2023 and things to come in 2024 in the video below.

There’s a new push to enforce the death penalty in Ohio.

Officials in favor of the enforcement say as long as the death penalty is an eligible punishment under Ohio law it should be enforced.

State Representatives have filed a new bill to enforce existing law.

They note this shouldn’t change how often a jury decides to impose the death penalty but when they do the state should follow through with carrying out capital punishment as a way to give justice to victims’ families.

Officials say one of the ways capital punishment could be carried out is through the use of nitrogen gas.

Alabama recently became the first state to carry out an execution in that way.

(WTOL-11) – Some students from Bowling Green State University are heading to the Super Bowl in Las Vegas as part of their studies.

BGSU’s Sport Management Alliance is sending a group of more than 25 students on their annual trip to the NFL Championship.

The group spent months raising tens of thousands of dollars for travel, hotels and food.

The group will spend about a week working in promotional events and helping the NFL put on the biggest sports party in America.

The students have plans to run athletic departments and work in front offices after college, and there’s maybe no bigger game than the Super Bowl.

Marathon Petroleum reported its fourth-quarter 2023 numbers on Tuesday.

The oil refiner headquartered in Findlay is reporting net income of $1.5 billion for the fourth quarter of 2023, which compares to a net income of $3.3 billion for the fourth quarter of 2022.

Adjusted net income was $1.5 billion in the fourth quarter of 2023, which compares to an adjusted net income of $3.1 billion for the fourth quarter of 2022.

“In 2023, the business generated $14.1 billion of net cash from operations, driven by strong operational performance and commercial execution,” said Chief Executive Officer Michael J. Hennigan.

“This enabled the return of $12.8 billion of capital to shareholders. We believe MPC is positioned to generate strong through-cycle cash flow with the ability to deliver superior returns to our shareholders.”

(From Congressman Bob Latta’s office)

Today, Congressman Bob Latta (R-OH5) released the following statement after being named by Roll Call as one of only 18 members of the U.S. House of Representatives who voted on all 719 roll call votes in 2023:

“One of the essential duties of my job is showing up, voting, and representing my constituents in Washington, D.C.. I’m proud to be named as one of only 18 members of the U.S. House of Representatives who did not miss a single vote last year. I remain committed to showing up, working hard, and representing those who have entrusted me to be their voice in Congress.”

Latta serves as a senior member of the Energy and Commerce Committee. He is Chair of Energy and Commerce’s Subcommittee on Communications and Technology and is a member of the Energy, Climate, and Grid Security Subcommittee and the Health Subcommittee.

(From the Fostoria Police Division)

The Fostoria Police Department and the Fostoria Fire Department are aware of the vehicle in Reservoir 4. It was located and reported by city workers several days ago, as water was being pumped out. The vehicle appears to have been there for a while.

At this time, we are waiting for weather conditions to continue to improve and warm up so that we can safely examine it. We have to use extreme caution in the vehicle’s examination, in the event there is evidence of a crime inside. Currently, the vehicle is packed with muddy ice and water.

Once the vehicle is processed and examined, we will work with local tow companies to remove the vehicle and ensure environmental safety as best as possible, depending on the vehicle’s condition. A press release will be issued at that time.

(picture courtesy of Fostoria Police Division)

The Cleveland Guardians were in Findlay to talk with Guardians affiliate WFIN staff and broadcast sponsors about the previous season and the expectations for the upcoming season.

Sr. VP of Public Affairs Bob DiBiasio and analyst and host of the Guardians Radio Network Jim Rosenhaus spoke during the event at the Findlay Inn and Conference Center.

The two shared the franchise’s philosophy for developing a winning program, shared expectations for the upcoming season, and highlighted some exciting renovations to Progressive Field.

They also mentioned why the Guardians’ home opener on April 8^th against the White Sox doesn’t have a start time yet. That’s because that’s the day of the total solar eclipse and they’re still deciding on the best time to play the game.

The Guardians kick off their regular season schedule at the Athletics on March 28^th.

(WTOL-11) – Recreational marijuana dispensaries could be opening around Ohio later this year but officials in Findlay and Hancock County are hesitant to allow them there.

Findlay Mayor Christina Muryn says her main worry is an inundation of billboards and advertisements taking over the city.

“Making sure that we don’t become a state like Michigan where they have the billboards all over the place and it’s kind of glamorized and widely accessible.”

And at the county level, the Hancock County Board of Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) is also not ready to support dispensaries either.

Executive Director Precia Stuby says, unlike tobacco and alcohol, there have been no national studies on the effects of cannabis on a variety of pre-existing conditions to make educated decisions on.

(From the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office)

A few of our employees had the opportunity to participate in the very first “Amazing Shake” competition at Liberty-Benton Elementary School.

This competition was created to prepare students for professional careers by teaching them manners, discipline, respect, and professional conduct.

Pictured (left to right): Lieutenant J. Seem, Captain M. Price, Sergeant F. Smith and Deputy (SRO) B. Kendrick