The Wood County Sheriff’s Office says a woman was killed in a two-vehicle crash in the county.

The crash happened at around 2:30 Monday afternoon at the intersection of State Route 25 and Mermill Road.

Crash investigators say Cassy Shank, 50, of Risingsun, was driving a car eastbound on Mermill Road and failed to yield to a northbound pickup truck driven by 57-year-old Michael Spangenberg, of North Baltimore.

The sheriff’s office said Cassy succumbed to her injuries at the scene while an 11-year-old girl who was Cassy’s passenger was flown by medical helicopter to a hospital in Toledo.

Spangenberg was taken to Wood County Hospital for minor injuries.

The crash remains under investigation.

The 2024 ‘Stuff the Bus’ school supplies collection event in Findlay was a huge success.

Tammy Stahl, Executive Director of Christian Clearing House, says the community donated nearly 1,000 backpacks and a bunch of school supplies.

Additionally, they received nearly $1,300 in the money jar.

“We are beyond grateful for the incredible support you’ve shown for our ‘Stuff the Bus’ initiative!

Your generosity has been truly inspiring, and we can’t thank you enough.

There’s still time to contribute! We’re collecting supplies through August 4th.

Thank you for being such a wonderful and supportive community!”

She says If you didn’t get a chance to sign up for ‘Stuff the Bus’, you can still come in person to the Christian Clearing House office starting August 12^th and they’ll do their best to provide essential back to school items.

“We’re here to help ensure your kids are ready for the school year with the supplies they need.”

Annually, McDonald’s, WFIN , WKXA and 106.3 The Fox join with area organizations like Christian Clearing House to “Stuff The Bus” with school supplies for local school children in need.

(From the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office)

We continue to receive notice that these scams are still going around. Please spread the word!

We have received information that people are receiving phone calls from someone claiming to be one of our Lieutenants and claiming the person has missed a court date and, in some cases, asking for money.

THIS IS A SCAM! We do not make calls of this nature.

Please do not give any personal information.

You do not need to call our office unless you have given out any information or given money.

The upcoming Veterans Empowerment Summer Fair and Family Picnic will provide an opportunity for area veterans and their families and friends to learn about local resources, helpful organizations, employment opportunities, and have some fun at the same time.

The event will be held on Saturday, August 3rd on the campus of Owens Community College at 3200 Bright Road in Findlay from 10 to 2 in the Community Education & Wellness Center.

Nichole Coleman is Executive Director of the Hancock County Veterans Service Office in Findlay.

As Nichole mentioned in the audio above the free event is open to the public and will include an indoor resource fair as well as outdoor fun with bounce houses and games.

Get more details below.

(From the Hancock Historical Museum)

Bring your lunch break to the Hancock Historical Museum at 422 West Sandusky Street to enjoy its monthly Brown Bag Lecture Series at 12 p.m. on Thursday, August 1, discussing “Urban Archaeology” presented by Dr. Robert C. Chidester, Cultural Resources Service Director at The Mannik & Smith Group, Inc.

Dr. Robert Chidester is the Cultural Resources Service Director at The Mannik & Smith Group, Inc., where he has been the senior archaeologist since 2009. He attended Heidelberg University in Tiffin for his undergraduate degree and holds a Ph.D. in Anthropology and History from the University of Michigan.

For most people, the word “archaeology” conjures up images of lost civilizations from long ago and far away. However, any archaeologist will tell you that archaeology can be anywhere – even in your own backyard! Archaeologists from The Mannik & Smith Group have been conducting archaeological studies in and around Findlay as part of the Blanchard River Flood Mitigation Program since 2009.

In this presentation, Dr. Chidester will discuss recent excavations that have shed light on the everyday experiences of working-class residents of Findlay in the first half of the 20th century.

Scheduled at noon on the first Thursday of each month and featuring a variety of topics relevant to Hancock County and Ohio, the museum’s Brown Bag Lecture Series is free to members and available for the price of regular museum admission for nonmembers.

No registration is necessary.

For more information, visit Hancockhistoricalmuseum.org or call 419-423-4433

(From Trilogy Health Services)

Trilogy Health Services has announced an investment to expand senior living services at The Meadows of Ottawa. The investment aims to address the growing demand for senior living accommodations and services. It is part of a bigger investment the company is making across the Midwest to senior living and assisted living services in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, and Ohio.

As part of the Ottawa expansion, Trilogy will add 30 new patio homes to The Meadows of Ottawa, which is scheduled to begin in the spring of 2025.

“Amidst a landscape where senior living options are sparse, our new addition stands as a beacon of opportunity and growth,” said James Sherry, Executive Director of The Meadows of Ottawa. “With unparalleled market potential and a commitment to exceptional care, we are proud to introduce this addition to meet the evolving needs of our residents.”

In the past five years, The Meadows of Ottawa has maintained a 95.5% occupancy rate, underscoring the increasing demand for senior living facilities and services

“Trilogy continues to innovate and find new ways to meet our local seniors where they are,” said Leigh Ann Barney, President and CEO of Trilogy Health Services, “Our goal is to deliver a comprehensive continuum of care in underserved markets while expanding options in our established communities. We look forward to launching these exciting developments, creating new career opportunities, and meeting the growing demand for high-quality senior living accommodations and care.”

In addition to the investment at The Meadows of Ottawa, Trilogy is also set to break ground on the following expansions:

Sylvania, Ohio: Trilogy will add 26 new independent-living patio homes for seniors at The Lakes of Sylvania. The expansion is projected to start in July 2024.

Portage, Michigan: Trilogy will break ground on a new campus in Portage, Michigan, in August 2024. The campus will feature 49 skilled nursing units, 42 assisted living units, and 12 memory care assisted living units.

Harrodsburg, Kentucky: Trilogy will add 32 new patio homes and a clubhouse at The Willows at Harrodsburg. The expansion is expected to begin in September 2024.

Mooresville, Indiana: Trilogy will construct a second-story addition at The Springs at Mooresville, adding 32 new assisted living units. The expansion is projected to begin in September 2024.

Greenfield, Indiana: Trilogy will add 14 patio homes to Springhurst Health Campus. The expansion is scheduled to begin in October 2024.

Noblesville, Indiana: Trilogy will expand The Prairie Lakes Health Campus with 24 new patio homes and a clubhouse. The expansion is projected to begin in the spring of 2025.

“At Trilogy, our mission is to be the best healthcare company in the Midwest,” said Peter Massey, Senior Vice President of Development and Facilities Management for Trilogy Health Services. “Our growth strategy focuses on expanding access to comprehensive care within our regional markets. Additionally, adding new patio homes provides more options for seniors looking to downsize and find a supportive community.”

To download a map and rendering for The Meadows of Ottawa, click here.

For more information about Trilogy Health Services, visit www.trilogyhs.com.

(From the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office)

On Saturday, July 27, 2024, the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office received calls of a male subject shooting a firearm in his front yard. Deputies from the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office, along with officers from the Tiffin Police Department, responded to the location. Since the location was near the Seneca County Fairgrounds, additional Deputies/Officers responded utilizing their drones from the Seneca County Drone Team.

The drones were the first ones to arrive at the location, which was located at 1194 S. Morgan Avenue, Tiffin, Seneca County, Ohio. Officers/Deputies immediately identified a subject in his front yard with a rifle. The male then took aim at the drones but did not fire upon the drones. While the drone teams kept a visual on the subject, responding Deputies/Officers arrived at the scene and were able to place the subject into custody.

Arrested was Rance E. Beecham, 58 YOA, Tiffin, Ohio for Having a firearm while Intoxicated.

“I would like to commend the drone team and responding area Law Enforcement in taking immediate action with the initial report of the subject shooting a firearm in his front yard, locating the gun, and doing exactly what they are trained to do during these types of incidences. Integrating tools like drones and other technology arms law enforcement with the tools they need to continue fighting crime safely and effectively in this digital era.” Sheriff Stevens said.

(From Blanchard Valley Health System)

Blanchard Valley Hospital (BVH) has created a new pediatric-friendly dayroom designed to make a hospital stay less traumatic for children.

The dayroom, on the hospital’s sixth floor, features a mural depicting an ocean scene titled “Adventure Cove” with a “Seek & Find” including a list of animals children can search for, such as an orca and a seahorse.

The dayroom also features new toys for the children. Legos are available, and a piano mat plays musical notes when a child steps on it.

“This provides a safe, colorful, bright place for children to play,” said Julie Rieman, RN, pediatric care coordinator and nurse educator.

“We know being in the hospital can feel scary, and our hope is that this space is reassuring for them.”

The dayroom builds upon previous efforts to make a hospital stay less stressful for children, including providing toys as well as sound machines that can project pictures on the ceiling to help children sleep. Associates bring an activities cart with items like coloring books and Play-Doh to their rooms, and children receiving IV therapy can get a stress ball or something else to hold as a distraction.

Rieman regularly researches how children’s hospitals work to ensure children feel as comfortable and safe as possible.

“We admit a relatively small number of children, but there are many creative ways to replicate these ideas on a smaller scale,” Rieman said. “We want to reassure families that, while we are not a children’s hospital, we are here for this community’s children.”

She added that reducing stress can improve children’s health.

“Children who are calmer while in the hospital are likely to fare better medically,” she said. “For example, reducing this stress upon children will help them sleep better. Sleeping is healing.”

The mural was painted by Findlay native and longtime Northwest Ohio resident Amber Kear.

“I’m just grateful for this opportunity,” Kear said. “Knowing that this might bring some comfort to children when they’re feeling vulnerable is so rewarding as an artist.”

Rieman said “Adventure Cove” is meant to be a colorful and intriguing place for children to explore.

“Our hope is that this will help children find hope in unexpected situations,” she said.

Parents can use a QR code to gather information on the “Seek & Find.”

“This gives them a chance to interact with their child, and strengthen that developmental bond,” Rieman said. “Research has shown that play and bright colors help children’s health.”

While the mural is meant to make the environment more comforting for children, Rieman said associates are also excited.

“Our entire team cares so much about these children, and we’re thrilled to have a beautiful space for the kids and their families,” Rieman said. “As adults, too, we love having such beautiful art where we work.”

Rieman said BVH has a group of nurses who are especially drawn to pediatric patients.

“These nurses go above and beyond for the comfort of these patients, caring for them like they are their own children,” she said. “They’re passionate and committed, and eager to keep learning new things about how to improve this care.”

“Each patient matters to us, and if we can affect even one child in a positive way these efforts are worth it,” Rieman said. “This is a vulnerable time for children.”

The mural was funded through donations from the Palmer Family and Friends of Pediatrics.

If you are interested in donating to community healthcare projects, please call 419.423.5457.

(From WesBanco, Inc. and Premier Financial Corp.)

WesBanco, Inc. (“WesBanco”) (NASDAQ: WSBC) and Premier Financial Corp. (“Premier”) (NASDAQ: PFC) jointly announced today that they have executed a definitive Agreement and Plan of Merger (“Agreement”) providing for the merger of Premier with and into WesBanco. Jeff Jackson, President and Chief Executive Officer of WesBanco, and Gary Small, President and Chief Executive Officer of Premier, made the joint announcement.

Under the terms of the Agreement, which has been unanimously approved by the board of directors of both companies, WesBanco will exchange shares of its common stock for all of the outstanding shares of Premier common stock, in an all-stock transaction. Premier shareholders will be entitled to receive 0.80 of a share of WesBanco common stock for each share of Premier common stock they own upon the effective time of the merger, for aggregate merger consideration valued at approximately $959 million, or $26.66 per share, based on WesBanco’s closing stock price of $33.32 as of July 24, 2024. The transaction values Premier at a price to June 30, 2024 tangible book value per share of 142% and a price to mean analyst estimated 2024 earnings per share of 12.9 times. The merger is expected to qualify as a tax-free reorganization.

WesBanco also announced today that it has entered into subscription agreements with investors to raise capital to support the merger, led by a $125 million investment from Wellington Management. Additional investors include Glendon Capital Management LP and Klaros Capital. In aggregate, $200 million of WesBanco common stock will be issued. The capital raise is expected to close on August 1, 2024. The proceeds of the capital raise are expected to support the pro forma bank’s balance sheet and regulatory capital ratios.

Upon completion of the merger, the shares issued to Premier shareholders are expected to comprise 30% of the outstanding shares of the combined company, the shares issued in the capital raise are expected to represent 8% of the combined company, and 62% of the outstanding shares of the combined company are expected to be held by legacy WesBanco shareholders.

Jeff Jackson, President and Chief Executive Officer of WesBanco, stated, “Today is an exciting day in WesBanco’s 155-year history as we announce our proposed merger with Premier and mark another milestone in our long-term growth strategy. This transformative merger will bring together two high-caliber institutions to create a community-focused, regional financial services partner strongly positioned to serve the unique needs of both our new and legacy communities. We are pleased to welcome Premier’s customers and employees to the WesBanco family and look forward to delivering exceptional customer experiences to our newest markets through a broader offering of banking and wealth management services. WesBanco has built an outstanding reputation for soundness, profitability, customer service, employer of choice and community development, as evidenced by multiple recent national accolades. We look forward to extending our legacy through this merger and bringing even greater value to our customers, teams, communities and shareholders.”

With highly compatible cultures and business models, the proposed merger will create a regional financial services institution with approximately $27 billion in assets, significant economies of scale, and strong pro forma profitability metrics. With complementary and contiguous geographic footprints, the combined company would be the 8^th largest bank in Ohio, based on deposit market share, have increased presence in Indiana, and serve customers in nine states.

Excluding certain merger-related charges and transaction related provision for credit losses, the transaction, with cost savings fully phased in, is anticipated to be more than 40% accretive to 2025 earnings. Estimated tangible book value dilution at closing of 13% is expected to be earned back in approximately 2.8 years, using the “cross-over” method. The merger is subject to a number of customary conditions, including the approvals of the appropriate regulatory authorities and approvals by the shareholders of both WesBanco and Premier. It is expected that the transaction should be completed during the first quarter of 2025. Upon completion of the merger, four members of Premier’s current Board of Directors will be appointed to WesBanco’s Board of Directors.

“The combination of WesBanco and Premier makes for an excellent strategic fit. Both organizations value community level banking, are well aligned from a culture perspective, and are focused on performance,” said Gary Small, President and Chief Executive Officer of Premier. “The expanded reach of the organization will serve as a catalyst for growth and increased investment in products and services, to the benefit of all stakeholders: customers, associates, shareholders, as well as the communities we serve.”

At June 30, 2024, WesBanco had consolidated assets of approximately $18.1 billion, deposits of $13.4 billion, total loans of $12.3 billion, and shareholders’ equity of $2.5 billion.

At June 30, 2024, Premier had consolidated assets of approximately $8.8 billion, deposits of $7.2 billion, total loans of $6.8 billion, and shareholders’ equity of $1.0 billion.

When the transaction is consummated, WesBanco will have more than 250 financial centers, as well as loan production offices, across nine states. The transaction will expand WesBanco’s franchise by 73 financial centers located primary throughout northern Ohio, as well as in southern Michigan and northeastern Indiana. Officials of both organizations are optimistic that organizing around customer services and product delivery can be accomplished with as little employee disruption as possible.

As a condition to WesBanco’s willingness to enter into the Agreement, all of the directors and executive officers of Premier have entered into voting agreements with WesBanco pursuant to which they have agreed to vote their shares in favor of the merger.

Financial advisors involved in the transaction were Raymond James & Associates, Inc., representing WesBanco, and Piper Sandler & Co., representing Premier. Raymond James & Associates, Inc. also served as placement agent on the private placement.

Legal representations in the transaction include Phillips, Gardill, Kaiser & Altmeyer, PLLC and K&L Gates LLP for WesBanco, Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough, LLP for Premier, Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP for Raymond James and Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP for Wellington Management.

About Premier Financial Corp.

Premier Financial Corp. (Nasdaq: PFC), headquartered in Defiance, Ohio, is the holding company for Premier Bank. Premier Bank, headquartered in Youngstown, Ohio, operates 73 branches and nine loan offices in Ohio, Michigan, Indiana and Pennsylvania and also serves clients through a team of wealth professionals dedicated to each community banking branch. For more information, visit Premier’s website at www.PremierFinCorp.com.

About WesBanco, Inc.

With over 150 years as a community-focused, regional financial services partner, WesBanco Inc. (NASDAQ: WSBC) and its subsidiaries build lasting prosperity through relationships and solutions that empower our customers for success in their financial journeys. Customers across our eight-state footprint choose WesBanco for the comprehensive range and personalized delivery of our retail and commercial banking solutions, as well as trust, brokerage, wealth management and insurance services, all designed to advance their financial goals. Through the strength of our teams, we leverage large bank capabilities and local focus to help make every community we serve a better place for people and businesses to thrive. Headquartered in Wheeling, West Virginia, WesBanco has $18.1 billion in total assets, with our Trust and Investment Services holding $5.6 billion of assets under management and securities account values (including annuities) of $1.8 billion through our broker/dealer, as of June 30, 2024. Learn more at www.wesbanco.com and follow @WesBanco on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

(From the Ohio Department of Transportation)

Interstate 75 rest area maintenance: 

The I-75 rest areas just south of the city of Findlay (MM 153) will close according to the schedule below for water system maintenance.

CLOSURES

Southbound rest area: Monday, July 29-Thursday, Aug. 1

Northbound rest area: Tuesday, July 30- Friday, Aug. 2