There’s an update on one of the defendants in the FirstEnergy corruption case.
The former Ohio House speaker sentenced to 20 years in prison is appealing his conviction.
Larry Householder was found guilty of orchestrating a $60 million dollar bribery scheme to bail out FirstEnergy.
It’s the largest bribery scheme in Ohio history.
Householder has already appealed his prison sentence.
According to court documents, Householder’s attorneys claim he was used as a scapegoat.
A motorcyclist was injured when he lost control of his bike and crashed in Findlay.
It happened around 1:30 Tuesday afternoon in the 700 block of Howard Street, a little east of Broad Avenue.
Police say Dylan Ward, 31, of Findlay, was driving west on Howard Street on his 2023 Suzuki motorcycle when he went off the north side of the road and struck a tree in the front yard of a house.
He was thrown from the motorcycle and struck 744 Howard Street.
The motorcycle sustained heavy damage as you can see in the video below.
Ward was taken to Blanchard Valley Hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening, according to police.
He was issued a citation for operating without reasonable control.
(From the Findlay Police Department)
On 02-27-24 at 1101 hours a construction crew performing work on 401 Washington Street located two hand grenades and a military-style smoke grenade in the residence.
The residence was not occupied; it had been used as a staging area for several construction companies in the past.
The Northwest Ohio Bomb Squad out of Toledo, Ohio was contacted. They responded to the scene and determined that the two hand grenades were likely inert training munitions. They determined the smoke grenade was likely functional. They collected the munitions for destruction.
No other dangerous ordinance was located on the property.
No ownership can be determined at this time.
(From Blanchard Valley Center)
The levy on the ballot for March 19, 2024, is a 5-year 2.5 mill levy that generates approximately $4.4 million annually. In addition, there is another levy that will be on the ballot in spring 2025, a 5-year 1.9 mill levy. The 1.9 mill levy generates approximately $3.2 million annually. The County Board has not asked for new money since 2005. In 2023, approximately $6.8 million in local taxes were spent on children and adults with developmental disabilities in Hancock County.
“Over the years, the way we have provided supports has changed, but our mission has remained rock solid, and that is to help provide people with developmental disabilities with the best life possible. We’re able to do that because of the great backing we receive from the community,” said Superintendent Kelli Grisham.
BVC’s Nadine Weininger has more on the levy.
The Hancock County Board of Developmental Disabilities/Blanchard Valley Center offers a roadmap of opportunities from birth through the end of life.
Beginning at birth, the County Board offers Early Intervention services to help families and children with suspected delays. We are partnering with the Hancock County Educational Service Center (ESC) to provide educational services to Blanchard Valley School’s preschool and school-age students. Transition-age services include bridging the gap between high school and adulthood. This area focuses on employment and independent living. Project LIFE offers 10-week work rotations to interns at local businesses.
For adults, the Service & Support Administration (SSA) coordinates residential supports where staff come into their home or a group home where hours may range from five hours a week to 24/7 care. Most of the people we support are either community-employed or receive day services.
In addition to the above-mentioned, Hancock County Special Olympics allows 185 athletes, ages 8 and older, to participate in sports at varying skill levels. Life engagement and advocacy groups allow for adults with developmental disabilities in Hancock County the opportunity to meet new people and explore their community. The County Board is ultimately responsible for ensuring the health and welfare of people with developmental disabilities in Hancock County. When there are allegations of abuse or neglect, our investigative agents spring into action.
Photo attached: Superintendent Kelli Grisham and investigative agent Russ Teegardin.
(From ADAMHS)
The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office annual event, “Creating Community for a Better Tomorrow,” will be held on April 4 at the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts.
This year’s topic is “Vaping: Things You May Not Know.” Those who attend will gain insights into the widespread prevalence of vaping in the community, especially among youth, its harmful effects, local prevention strategies and what you can do to support young people to live healthy lives.
The program is free and open to all city and county residents, and those who attend will receive complimentary solar eclipse glasses.
A resource fair will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 4, followed by presentations starting at 6 p.m.
Speakers for the event include Jamie Belcher, from Sandusky County Public Health, Stefan Adams, a counselor in the Findlay City Schools, Brian White from the Findlay Police Department, and members of the Family Resource Center prevention team.
The Hancock County Community Coalition on Addiction is sponsoring the event.
—————————————————-Speaker bio————————————————-
Belcher is the health educator at Sandusky County Public Health where she focuses on behavioral health and suicide prevention and the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Committee Coordinator for the Prevention Partnership Coalition of Sandusky County.
Belcher’s also implements the Tobacco Use Prevention and Cessation Grant where she focuses on vaping education, nicotine cessation, and policy change.
She has an Associate of Arts Degree in Social Work from Terra State Community College and a Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion and Education with a concentration in Community Health from the University of Cincinnati. She is a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) and an Ohio Certified Prevention Consultant (OCPC). She has been involved in the field of prevention for over 20 years.
(From Blanchard Valley Health System)
Blanchard Valley Health System (BVHS) will soon open the first 12-bed Acute Rehabilitation Unit (ARU) in Hancock County. In the ARU, patients receive a minimum of three hours of physical, occupational, and/or speech therapy five days each week, a more rigorous therapy schedule than a patient might experience in a skilled nursing facility. However, they generally spend less time in the ARU, with an average stay of two weeks.
“We are committed to investing in programs and services that enhance the quality of patient care and increase our community’s access to essential services to improve patients’ functional abilities and independence,” said Myron D. Lewis, president and chief executive officer at BVHS.
“Patients will need to be able to tolerate this more intense approach to rehabilitation,” said Jessica Moore, RN, director of inpatient nursing. “It will not be the right fit for everyone, but the right patient will find that it may allow them to heal more quickly and return home after completing rehab. We expect the ARU to allow us to discharge patients sooner and reduce the likelihood they will be readmitted to the hospital.”
Before discharging a patient to the ARU, the inpatient team at Blanchard Valley Hospital will determine whether that patient is a good fit. The majority of patients in the ARU are expected to be those recovering from stroke or traumatic injuries.
Construction is ongoing on the fourth floor of BVH, and the organization is now seeking associates to work in this new unit.
“We are repurposing existing space that has been underutilized,” Moore said. “This will allow us to better meet patient needs by adding the ARU to the continuum of care that includes existing BVHS services such as skilled nursing care at Birchaven Village or the extended recovery unit at Bluffton Hospital. ARU care has not been available in Hancock County before, and we know that there is a need and patients will benefit.”
“Patients should experience a seamless transition, simply moving from the sixth to the fourth floor of BVH,” said Craig Hughes, ATC, AT, operations manager of rehabilitation and sports medicine. “They will receive the same quality care. Whether the patient goes to the ARU or to skilled nursing, the goal remains the same: to get the patient as healthy as we can while helping them return to their previous level of function.”
The ARU at BVH will include a room for activities of daily living, designed to look and feel like home, with a simulated bathroom and kitchen. This will allow patients to practice everyday skills like cooking or washing clothing, so healthcare professionals can see if they need help or are ready to safely perform these activities upon returning home.
There will also be an activity and dining room. Social interaction between patients is woven into the ARU approach.
“Social interaction has a healing component,” Hughes said. “We know that patients who are more engaged with others tend to fare better both physically and mentally.”
BVHS is currently hiring registered nurses and licensed practical nurses for day and night shifts at the ARU. The organization will begin hiring for clerical staff and patient care technicians in March. Associates can begin training immediately and will assist in other departments until the ARU opens.
Previous acute care or rehabilitation experience is helpful, but not required. Many experienced nurses are already preparing to work at the ARU, so newer nurses early in their careers are also encouraged to apply.
Moore said it should be an exciting place to work because the ARU looks at the patient holistically. Nursing works closely with case management, physical and occupational therapy, social work, and physicians.
“You will get to see these patients get better,” Moore said. “Some may be struggling to walk when they arrive, but you will see them regain their independence. This should be rewarding work and is a real opportunity to witness how nurses make a difference in their patients’ lives.”
BVHS is partnering with Lifepoint Rehabilitation, a business unit of Lifepoint Health and a leading provider of rehabilitation program management services for more than 200+ centers and other post-acute and outpatient care settings across the nation. Lifepoint Rehabilitation will support BVHS with management programs and best practices in quality rehabilitation services. Nurses working at the ARU will be BVHS associates.
“BVHS has a long-standing reputation for clinical excellence, innovation in patient care, and outstanding quality outcomes,” said Russ Bailey, president of Lifepoint Rehabilitation. “We are excited about the opportunity to partner with BVHS as we implement programs best tailored to meet patients’ needs and provide local employment opportunities. We share in the organization’s commitment to excellence and care philosophy.”
“The new rehabilitation unit at BVH will offer exceptional care to patients recovering from serious illness or injury, including stroke and brain injury,” said Barbara Pasztor, RN, chief operating officer and chief nursing officer at BVHS. “We believe that working with Lifepoint Rehabilitation will advance rehabilitation services available to our patients and help to establish our hospital as a regional center of excellence.”
For more information about openings at BVHS, please visit https://www.bvhealthsystem.org/careers/
Ohio’s Primary Election is coming up on March 19th and WFIN has been holding candidate forums to get you familiarized with the candidates.
On Monday, February 26th we heard from the candidates for Hancock County Sheriff; Mark Price, Mike Cortez, and Dan Harmon. (video below)
On February 19th, we heard from the Republican candidates in the 83rd District of the Ohio House of Representatives, incumbent Jon Cross and challenger Ty Mathews.
On February 12th, a forum was held with the candidates for Hancock County Prosecutor, Heather Pendleton and Sean Abbott.
The next forum on WFIN will be held on March 4th a forum will be held with the candidates for Hancock County Commissioner; Jeffrey Hunker, Holly Frische, and Jeff Wobser.
The forums are held live at the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts from 5 to 6 p.m. and are moderated by WFIN’s Chris Oaks.
The forums can be heard on AM 1330 & 95.5 FM WFIN, WFIN.com and Alexa and also viewed live on WFIN Facebook and WFIN.com.
See what candidates and issues are on the ballot in Hancock County by clicking here for the Board of Elections.
(From the United Way of Hancock County)
United Way of Hancock County (UWHC) CEO Angela DeBoskey has announced her retirement effective upon the successful recruitment, hiring and onboarding of a new CEO in 2024.
DeBoskey guided UWHC through a changing philanthropic environment during her five-year tenure, during which she led the organization with the values of stabilization, transparency and relationships.
“Angela has been a dedicated and passionate leader, and a wonderful asset for our community. She established strong positive momentum that will continue well beyond her time,” said UWHC Board Chair John Motter, adding that DeBoskey approached her announcement with the same care she does her work in the community.
“True to who she is and how she leads, Angela transparently shared her intentions with our executive committee well in advance of the announcement,” Motter said. “This allowed us to fully digest the scope of the transition, and develop a solid process for communication, recruitment, hiring and onboarding our next leader who will further our vision and momentum.”
With the confidence of the UWHC Board, DeBoskey will continue to lead the organization through the transition. She will participate in the process and bring her successor up to speed.
“Together, we’ve done so many things I’m proud of to serve our community,” DeBoskey said. “We’ve accomplished the goals set to stabilize and modernize the organization both structurally and within the community, and I am committed to working through a strong succession plan with board and staff to find and onboard the next CEO who will champion United Way of Hancock County into the future. I love the people and purpose of our United Way and intend to do all I can to make this transition uncommonly strong.”
Under DeBoskey, UWHC has:
giving/volunteerism emerge, including:
○ The development of a “Shadow Board” for young professionals to prepare and
practice for board and committee service, and launch experienced candidates
into nonprofit service
○ Hosting “Difference Maker Tours” to orient donors, community members,
businesses and investors into the variety of programs UWHC supports, exposing
participants to people’s needs, county statistics and why their engagement, skills
and support make a difference
○ A Board and Committee Service Program to identify individuals’ unique skills and
talents and match them with niche opportunities to serve nonprofits in leadership
positions; placing 45 people into service the past two years
○ The revitalization of its Volunteer Center to be a hub for exploring opportunities
to serve and build community, with over 10,000 hours per year dedicated to group
and individual opportunities, from one-time events to deep regular service
relationships, ensuring funds are put to best use through trusted accountability, and
allowing partner agencies to devote more time to direct service
“United Way is full of difference makers, of programs and people who invest in hope. Angela has
created opportunities for a better tomorrow, and truly makes a difference in building and
fostering a stronger, thriving Hancock County. She fully embodies and exemplifies what it
means to LIVE UNITED,” said Motter. “We are proud of her accomplishments and grateful for her leadership and her commitment to leave United Way stronger and prepared for the next generation as we approach our 70th year of service.”
The UWHC Board will review the characteristics, requirements, experience and expectations for the next CEO in March, with plans for recruitment to commence in April. The board intends to interview and hire its next CEO in June, with onboarding continuing through October, at which point DeBoskey will step away from the organization.
Upon her eventual retirement, DeBoskey plans to spend well-deserved time with her family that has graciously allowed her to pour her time and efforts into the community.
An accident occurred around 9:00 am Friday on the corner of Blanchard Street and East Sandusky Street in Findlay.
The driver of a Chrysler 300, heading south on Blanchard Street, attempted to pass other vehicles in a no-passing lane when the driver of a Chevy Silverado attempted to turn north from the Circle K Gas Station and Convenience Store and collided with the Chrysler. The front of the pickup ended up on top of the Chrysler’s hood.
No injuries were reported.
(Photo submitted by Steve Artressia)
The City of Findlay and Findlay Shade Tree Commission have allocated a total of $100,000 in federal funds to utilize for community tree planting in calendar year 2024.
Residents within the Findlay City limits can request a tree by visiting FindlayOhio.gov and selecting Request a Tree on the homepage.
Get more details below or by clicking here.
The Findlay Shade Tree Commission was created in 1978 by Findlay City Council to address the need to care for Findlay’s aging urban forest.
The Shade Tree Commission’s responsibilities are to provide leadership in the selection, promotion, planting and care of trees in public areas like street right-of-ways, parks, cemeteries and other city properties, as well as hazardous tree removal.
In May of 2023, Findlay once again earned the Tree City USA designation.