(From the Ohio Governor’s Office)

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has officially declared 2024 as the Year of Ohio State Parks. This declaration marks the 75th anniversary of Ohio State Parks and underscores the state’s unwavering commitment to preserving its natural wonders and expanding outdoor adventures.

“Ohio’s state parks, where admission is always free, give visitors an opportunity to gain a deeper appreciation of Ohio’s natural heritage,” said Governor DeWine. “The Year of Ohio State Parks is the perfect time to visit one or more of Ohio’s 75 state parks, experience our state’s natural beauty, and actively participate in the preservation of these treasured lands.”

Ohio’s state parks and waterways are renowned for their breathtaking landscapes and diverse recreational opportunities. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Parks and Watercraft plays a pivotal role in safeguarding these resources, ensuring that Ohioans can continue to enjoy the many benefits of spending quality time in nature.

“We are excited to celebrate what we believe to be the best state park system in the country,” ODNR Director Mary Mertz said. “We have exceptional employees who show a passion for our parks day in and day out, making sure everyone is able to make memories in these picturesque places.”

Park staff serve as stewards and caretakers of the parks, preserving the state’s natural and cultural history. The Year of Ohio State Parks is an historic celebration, emphasizing the outstanding opportunities statewide to honor and appreciate some of the world’s most iconic outdoor destinations.

“We are proud of our parks, and everything they have to offer to Ohioans and those who travel across state lines,” Division of Parks and Watercraft Chief Glen Cobb said. “For 75 years we’ve welcomed visitors, and we encourage them now to join in this statewide celebration.”

Governor DeWine’s proclamation highlights the pivotal role state parks have played to expand access to the outdoors for people of all backgrounds. Through a variety of safe and equitable outdoor activities and events, state parks foster stronger social ties, celebrate Ohio’s rich culture, and showcase the state’s remarkable ecosystem.

Ohio started designating properties as official state parks in 1949 when lawmakers created the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. ODNR is also celebrating a department-wide 75th anniversary throughout 2024 by highlighting the achievements of all 12 divisions, including the Division of Parks and Watercraft.

For more information and to stay updated on the 75^th anniversary celebration events and activities as well as all the programming the state parks have to offer, visit the Ohio State Park website.

(From Destination Seneca County)

Destination Seneca County has announced their major events planned for the Total Solar Eclipse Weekend that will take place starting Friday, April 5, 2024.

The weekend will consist of a Solar Eclipse of the Heart Bingo contest, Out of the Dark Glow 5K & Fun Run sponsored by Mercy Health – Tiffin Hospital, and Elope at the Eclipse, along with other community activities.

For more information pertaining to the 2024 Solar Eclipse in Seneca County visit www.SenecaCountySolarEclipse.com.

The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office is reminding residents about what each weather advisory level means.

A Level 1 Weather Alert means roadways are hazardous, drive with extreme caution.

A Level 2 Weather Advisory means roadways are extremely hazardous with blowing and drifting snow and/or flooding. Only those who feel it is necessary to travel should be on the roadways.

A Level 3 Weather Emergency means most roadways are closed and extremely hazardous. Employees should comply with workplace policies or contact their employer. Violators may be cited.

Hancock County was placed on a Level 1 Weather Alert early Friday morning and it was later lifted. 

The sheriff’s office says, when a level is issued, you should tune in to your local media for updates or scan the QR code that is displayed below, and it will take you to the sheriff’s office website with links that you can select for local news and school closings or delays.

The sheriff’s office asks people to not call their office for weather or level updates during severe weather as their dispatchers will be very busy handling calls.

The sheriff’s office says, if you must travel, have emergency supplies in your vehicle and keep all electronic devices charged up.  

Remember, you can always get the latest forecast and advisory levels by clicking here, and school closing and cancellations by clicking here.

(From the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office)

The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office has recently been made aware of a warrant scam going on in our county.

A person contacts the victim and informs them of an active arrest warrant through the sheriff’s office.

The victim is then directed to go to a local store (Dollar Store, Rite Aid, etc.) and put money on a gift card barcode that is provided by the scammer.

Please be aware that the sheriff’s office WILL NOT contact you by phone and inform you of an arrest warrant.

The sheriff’s office also WILL NOT request money to be paid over the phone. This is a scam. Stay vigilant!

Some overnight snow caused Hancock County to be placed on a Level 1 Weather Alert early Friday morning.

Snow plows were out in force clearing the roads and main arteries didn’t appear to be too bad. 

Findlay City Schools was on a two-hour delay on Friday and many other school districts closed for the day. 

The Level 1 Weather Alert was lifted at around 12:30 Friday afternoon. 

Get a refresher course on the different advisory levels issued by the sheriff’s office by clicking here.

Get the latest forecast, weather alerts and road alerts by clicking here, and school delays and cancelations by clicking here.

(From Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce)

The Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce the launch of the much-anticipated Bluffton Winter Farmers Market, an initiative in response to the community’s continued requests for an indoor marketplace.

Event Details:

Scheduled to take place on the 4th Saturday of each month from January through April, the Winter Farmers Market will open its doors from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The venue chosen for this community event is the Senior Citizen Center located at 132 N. Main St., Bluffton, Ohio.

Diverse Vendor Offerings:

The market promises a delightful array of offerings, catering to a wide range of tastes and preferences. As of this press release, a total of 15 enthusiastic vendors are geared up to showcase their unique products. Visitors can look forward to exploring and purchasing:

Freshly baked goods that tantalize the taste buds

Artisanal soaps and lotions for a touch of luxury and care

Nutritious nuts packed with flavor and health benefits

Pure and natural honey straight from local hives

Rich and aromatic maple syrup perfect for breakfast delights

Fresh herbs and microgreens to enhance culinary creations

And more…

Explore Bluffton: Support Local Merchants

While in town for the Winter Farmers Market, we encourage attendees to explore and support our local merchants. Bluffton boasts a diverse range of businesses offering unique products and services that capture the essence of our community. From charming boutiques to cozy cafes, there’s something for everyone to discover and enjoy. Make the most of your visit by embracing the spirit of Bluffton and shopping local!

The Bluffton Winter Farmers Market aims to be more than just a marketplace; it’s a community gathering point where residents can connect, support local businesses, and enjoy quality products in a warm and welcoming environment.

(From the Ohio Treasurer’s Office)

Ahead of the 2024 growing season, Treasurer Sprague is reminding Ohio’s farmers, agribusinesses, and agricultural cooperatives (co-ops) that reduced interest capital is available to them through the long-standing Ag-LINK program. For the first quarter of 2024, program participants will receive a minimum loan discount of 2.65%.

“For decades, Ag-LINK has helped Ohio’s agriculture community to save money on operating costs, but our recent reform efforts have reimagined this program to make it even more powerful in light of high prices and interest rates,” said Treasurer Sprague. “After a record-breaking 2023, we’re once again putting the power of Ohio’s balance sheet to work for all those who work so hard to put food on our tables.”

Through Ag-LINK, farmers, agribusinesses, and co-ops can receive an interest rate reduction on new or existing operating loans. For nearly 40 years, the program has helped Ohio’s agriculture community to finance the upfront costs for feed, seed, fertilizer, fuel, equipment, and other expenses. Loan caps are assessed and set by the Treasurer’s office on an annual basis. The loan cap for 2024 has been set at $500,000. 

An eligible borrower:

Is either organized for profit or as an agricultural cooperative;

Must have headquarters and 51% of operations maintained in Ohio;

Must use the loan exclusively for agricultural purposes; and

Must agree to comply with all program and financial institution regulations.

In 2023, Ag-LINK saved Ohio’s farming community more than $14.1 million, setting a new single-year record and shattering the previous year’s record of $2.038 million in savings. Over the 12 month-span, the program provided interest rate reductions on a total of $614,083,754 in loans to 3,132 borrowers.

The new annual records set in 2022 and 2023 were the direct result of Ag-LINK reform efforts that included the transition to a year-long application period, the addition of co-ops as eligible program participants, and the removal of outdated loan caps, as well as increases to the overall costs of borrowing.

“Finding ways for Ohio’s growers to save money and drive down operational costs is among our association’s top priorities for 2024,” said Tadd Nicholson, Executive Director of Ohio Corn & Wheat. “Programs like Ag-LINK help us to do just that. We’re grateful for Treasurer Sprague’s continued focus on this program and his recent work to modernize it and make it stronger.”

More information on the Ag-LINK program, including how to get started, can be found at www.tos.ohio.gov/ag-link/.

(From Hancock Regional Planning Commission)

The Ohio Department of Development has set aside $500,000 for Hancock County to direct towards the demolition of commercial and residential buildings as part of the FY2024-2025 Building Demolition and Site Revitalization Program.

Commercial and residential buildings on sites that do not contain or present environmentally hazardous substances or conditions and are located within Hancock County are eligible properties. Post-demolition site restoration costs such as grading, seeding, greening and improvements may also be covered.

Barns and other agricultural buildings are not eligible unless accompanied by a residential structure that is also to be demolished.

All costs are expected to be covered by the grant program. Property owner must grant Hancock County and its demolition contractors temporary access to the property in order to demolish structures. All application materials due to Hancock Regional Planning by 4pm on Friday, March 1, 2024.

If you have a structure you would like to be demolished and meets the above guidelines, please contact Kaysie Penzinski at (419) 424 -7095 or kpenzinski@findlayohio.com.

Application packets can be picked up at 318 Dorney Plaza, Rm 304, Findlay, Ohio or accessed on Hancock Regional Planning’s website at www.hancockrpc.org.

(From City Mission of Findlay)

City Mission and St. Andrew’s Annex will continue to operate their warming centers until Sunday evening.

If you require a warm place to stay during this cold front, you are welcome to visit City Mission’s warming center from 8 PM to 8 AM or St. Andrew’s Annex from 8 AM to 4 PM.

Please take care and stay safe during these cold conditions.

Findlay and Hancock County are included in a Winter Weather Advisory issued by the National Weather Service.

Get the latest forecast, weather alerts and road alerts by clicking here, and school delays and cancelations by clicking here.

(ONN) – Ohio Governor Mike DeWine is calling on lawmakers to regulate the sales of a cannabinoid known as delta 8.

DeWine says the products are too easy to buy and purchases should be age restricted.

He warned the products need more regulation and could be deceiving to kids as candy.

The Ohio Poison Control Center reports that over the last three years, there have been at least 257 reports of delta 8 poisonings here.

Last year there were 102 of them, including 40 involving children under the age of six.

Currently, there are no laws restricting the sale of delta 8.