Monthly Archives: October 2024

Halloween Pet Safety Tips From The Humane Society

The Humane Society and SPCA of Hancock County shared some Halloween pet safety tips during their recent appearance on 100.5 WKXA’s Wet Nose Wednesday segment.

The Humane Society’s Natalie Reffitt brought along her dog Emmett (pictured) as she spoke with WKXA’s Rex Howard about keeping pets safe during Halloween events.

As Natalie mentioned in the audio above, when it comes to dressing up your pet, if they’re fine with it, it’s okay, but you shouldn’t force them to wear something uncomfortable.

As trick-or-treaters come to your door, it’s a good idea to have your pet in a different room or behind a gate so they can’t run out of the door while it’s open.

And she says to make sure to keep candy out of reach of your pets and even be cautious about throwing away a partially eaten candy bar because your dog could find it in the trash and eat it.

The Humane Society and SPCA of Hancock County is located at 4550 Fostoria Avenue in Findlay.

Click here to see what animals they currently have up for adoption.

Friends Of The Library Book Sale

(From the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library)

The Friends of the Library Book Sale is scheduled for October 31- November 2, 2024 to take place in the lower level of the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library. The hours for the sale are as follows: Thursday, October 31 from 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. This is a special preview sale for Friends of Library members only.

Friday, November 1 from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Attendees can fill a bag for $3.00. Saturday, November 2 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Stop in Saturday for a surprise sale. Hint: Price will be lower than Friday’s!

Books, CDs and DVDs that have been donated or withdrawn from the library’s collection are given a new life by the Friends as a result of their book sales. With reduced prices on books, music and movies, the sales are a bargain hunter’s dream.

The Friends help promote and support the library, present special programs, and encourage reading and use of the library. They are volunteers who also raise funds for the library mainly through sales of donated books and other materials.

For more information, visit the Book Cellar, the Friends on the Library used book store on the ground level at the library or call them at 419-434-1044.

Eligibility Of Thousands Of Ohio Voters Challenged

(ONN) – An Ohio law allowing voter challenges is impacting this year’s election.

The law allows individuals to contest another person’s right to vote.

The purpose of the law is to prevent suspected voter fraud.

Every reported case requires an investigation which means time and money.

More often than not, the claims are rejected.

In Ohio, thousands have been challenged just days before early voting began.

One organization driving this is Election Integrity Network.

UF Utilizing Findlay Tree Planting Program To Enhance Campus Landscape

(From the University of Findlay)

University of Findlay is partnering with the City of Findlay to enhance the campus landscape through a tree planting initiative.

As part of the City’s tree planting program, 37 trees will be added to the University grounds on October 23 from 4-6 p.m., thanks to the efforts of UF students and support from certified arborists in the community.

The event will involve 37 UF students who have volunteered to help plant the trees at three different locations on campus: along Howard and Morey Streets, and at the Armstrong Sports Complex.

The City of Findlay is providing the trees and preparing the planting sites, while students will take the lead in planting under the guidance of certified arborists to ensure proper techniques are used.

The day will begin with an orientation at 4 p.m. in the Davis Street Building, room 2237.

Following the orientation, students will be dispatched to their assigned planting sites to start the work.

University of Findlay invites students, faculty, staff, and community members to join in supporting this tree planting initiative by coming out to cheer on the student volunteers or even getting their hands dirty to help plant.

Let’s work together to make our campus greener and contribute to a healthier environment for future generations.

(below is video from an Arbor Day tree planting in April)

Police Chief Becomes A Zombie For Fundraiser

(From the Tiffin Police Department)

This past Saturday, Chief David Pauly suited up as a zombified Tiffin Police Officer for the Tiffin Zombie Run!

This thrilling 5k run/walk invites participants of all ages to dodge hidden zombies throughout the course, all while protecting their sashes from being snatched!

All proceeds from the event support the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Seneca, Sandusky, and Wyandot Counties.

CASA volunteers are specially trained to advocate for abused and neglected children in court, ensuring their best interests are always at the forefront throughout the court process.

Tiffin Police Department is proud to support such a meaningful cause!

Thanks for the invite! Looking forward to participating again next year!

Chief Pauly

Narcan Kits Available During Medication Collection Event

Hancock County’s fall collection event for old and unused medications will be held from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, October 26 at the Findlay Municipal Building parking lot on West Crawford Street.

Saturday is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.

People can simply drive in, drop off their old medications for safe disposal and go on their way.

ADAMHS, the Hancock County Board of Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services says, as part of Saturday’s collection effort, Naloxone kits (Narcan) provided by Hancock Public Health will be given to anyone who wants one. Naloxone is a medicine that rapidly reverses an opioid overdose.

Residents are encouraged to bring unused or expired medicines to the collection event to help make sure the drugs are safely disposed of. Biannual collections in Hancock County have resulted in about 12,500 pounds of drugs being properly disposed over the past 12 years.

People who can’t make it to the medication collection on Saturday can drop off their medications anytime in the medication collection drop boxes available in the lobby of the police department, sheriff’s office and municipal building.

ADAMHS recently reported that drug overdose deaths in Hancock County have dropped 60 percent over the last three years.

BVHS Chief Medical Officer Featured Speaker At Summit

(From Blanchard Valley Health System)

Bihu Sandhir, MD, CPE, chief medical officer at Blanchard Valley Health System, will be a featured speaker at the upcoming National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) Health Innovation Summit in Nashville, Tennessee.

Dr. Sandhir will speak on innovative leadership at federally qualified health centers (FQHC), including leveraging technology and empowering the workforce.

She is considered “an experienced leader in healthcare quality whose expertise includes: care transformation, value-based care and population health management, quality and patient safety, care management and care model redesign, electronic health record (EHR) optimization, complex disease management, and external partnerships.”

“Dr. Sandhir is nationally renowned as an expert on quality and has been a sought-after speaker on the topic for years,” said Myron D. Lewis, president and chief executive officer of BVHS. “BVHS selected her as our chief medical officer as part of our commitment to quality at our organization.”

“I am honored to speak at the NCQA Health Innovation Summit,” said Dr. Sandhir. “I am passionate about sharing my expertise and connecting with other healthcare leaders at events like this one. As I begin my tenure at BVHS, I’m looking forward to representing the organization at a national forum, sharing my expertise, and bringing what I learn back to the organization.”

Dr. Sandhir recently joined BVHS as chief medical officer, following a national search led by an interview panel of BVHS physicians and advanced practice providers. She previously spent nearly 25 years in Ohio, spanning medical director roles with Kettering Physician Network in Dayton and Premier Health. Most recently, she served as chief quality officer for AltaMed Health Services, the nation’s largest network of Federally Qualified Health Centers, in Los Angeles (California).

Dr. Sandhir is a member of the American Association of Physician Leadership and the American College of Physicians. As a practicing physician, her work caring for complex diabetes patients has led to her inclusion on the American Health Council’s “Best in Medicine” listing and Dayton Magazine’s “7 Physicians Making a Difference.” She speaks nationally in multiple forums to promote quality and health equity.

To learn more about Blanchard Valley Health System and its services, please visit bvhealthsystem.org.

Students Recognized For Perfect Score On State Test

(From Findlay City Schools)

As promised, we finally got to celebrate the achievements of our 6-12th graders who earned a perfect score on the 2024 Ohio State Test at tonight’s Board of Education meeting!

We are so proud of the academic excellence of these students! Congratulations!

Thank you also to Whittier Primary for the beautiful welcome and overwhelming display of knowledge gained from our new K-5 resource.

Grant Funding To Cover Additional Law Enforcement Training

(ONN) – New state funding will allow for additional law enforcement training.

Ohio’s law enforcement officers can take up to six available traffic safety courses for free thanks to a grant from the Ohio Department of Public Safety.

The courses include training on field sobriety testing, impaired driving enforcement, collision investigation and operating radar among others.

The grant money is available through next September.

Ohio has more than 24,000 law enforcement officers.

City Provides Information About Metronet Utility Work

(From the City of Findlay)

Metronet, a regulated utility, is doing work within the right of way. This is not a City contracted or funded project.

If you have questions, comments, or concerns please contact Metronet’s customer service directly at (877) 386-3876.

You may submit a complaint on the Metronet website https://metronet.com/construction.

For questions about Metronet’s contractors please contact Micheal Neville, Project Director, at (7403617545 or Micheal.Neville@Metronet.com

All employees are legally contracted through the firm and paying the required taxes while working in the Findlay area.

Below are some frequently asked questions about Metronet provided by the company:

Q: I’ve received information from Metronet. Who are they?

A: Metronet is a leading provider of 100% fiber optic internet, television, and telephone services. Metronet will install a citywide fiber-optic1 network either underground or on existing utility poles, giving city of Findlay residents access to gigabit2 speed internet, some of the fastest in the world, along with stunning television picture quality, and clear, reliable telephone service. Metronet currently provides service or is under construction in over 200 communities across 16 states. This collaborative investment provides the city of Findlay residents an additional choice for internet, television, and telephone bringing competition into the marketplace. Metronet has a website dedicated to addressing any questions or concerns residents may have about the construction process. Visit https://metronet.com/construction or call (877) 386-3876.

Q: Who are these people in my yard? Are they allowed to be there?

A: Yes. Metronet is obtaining the necessary permits to build out their network. Just like other utility companies, Metronet has the right to access the city’s right of way, which extends across streets from sidewalk to sidewalk, and easement areas, typically located along the street, the sidewalk, the rear lot line, or between two lots. Utility companies use easements to construct and maintain overhead and underground lines. Metronet crews have legal access to these areas to install their fiber cables, in addition to equipment such as boxes buried at ground level, typically placing them in a central location utilized by multiple utility providers. If your easement is within a fenced area of your property, Metronet will need access to this area as well. For more information about easements, and what you can expect during construction, click the CONSTRUCTION PROCESS tab at https://metronet.com/construction. If you have questions or concerns, call Metronet’s customer care line at (877) 386-3876.

Q: What if my lawn, fence, etc. is damaged during construction?

A: The construction phase of this project is temporary, and Metronet crews do their best to minimize the impact to property; however, technicians do need to either hang fiberoptic cables on utility poles or run them underground in order to extend service to subscribing residents. Metronet has a website dedicated to addressing any questions or concerns residents may have about construction. Visit https://metronet.com/construction and click on the ASK QUESTIONS tab to submit your question or concern. Residents can also call (877) 386-3876. Metronet promises to answer all inquiries and address any concerns within 24 hours (one business

Q: Can I move the flags in my yard?

A: Please do not remove the flags. Metronet is legally required to have utilities locate their underground transmission line, such as gas, water, and electric lines prior to construction. The flags show where the existing utilities are, helping Metronet crews avoid these areas. Once these colorful flags or temporary landscape-safe spray paint appear in your yard, or along the street, construction should begin within a week. Once construction is complete, the flags will be removed. Weather permitting, Metronet will rake, seed, and straw your lawn in the areas where digging occurred.

Q: I have a sprinkler system, dog fence, sump pump line or other underground item. What do I need to do to make sure these items are marked and avoided during construction?

A: It is very important to notify us of these items. Metronet will provide flags to you to mark these items, or you can choose to use landscape-safe spray paint (not provided by Metronet). You may also report these items to us at https://metronet.com/construction by clicking the “Ask Questions” tab.

Q: Why is Metronet going through my yard – I never said I wanted the service!

A: Metronet is creating a fiber network throughout the city, so people who want to sign up for service may do so. As with other utilities, the goal is to make it as widely accessible as possible, although there is obviously no requirement for any home sign up for service.

Q: How long will Metronet be in my yard doing work?

A: Metronet workers may be in your yard from 30 minutes up to one day. If other utilities are overhead, Metronet will install the fiber optic cables on existing poles. If utilities are underground, Metronet will bury the network in those same areas. Before doing underground work, Metronet will have the other utility companies locate their transmission lines and will temporarily move any obstacles within the utility easement.

Q: What’s a utility easement?

A: Utility easements are located on most properties and are designated by city ordinance to be accessible to utilities, such as gas, water, electric, and cable providers. Metronet will locate its fiber-optic network in these utility easements. Metronet’s construction website contains a wealth of information about what to expect during construction, including a video explaining utility easements. Visit the CONSTRUCTION PROCESS tab at https://metronet.com/construction to view the video and read additional information regarding construction.