(ONN) – One piece of legislation currently in the Ohio Legislature would specifically impact LGBTQ youth in schools.
House Bill 8, also known as the Parents Bill of Rights is getting a lot of attention for one section in particular that requires schools to out LGBTQ students to their parents.
There is an exception if the disclosure would result in abuse or neglect.
The bill had its fourth hearing in the Senate Education Committee.
The bill has already passed the House.
(ONN) – The grocery mega-merger between Cincinnati-based Kroger and Albertsons is dead after two courts rejected the merger based on anti-trust and competition concerns.
One was a permanent injunction from a judge in Seattle.
In addition to the competition issue, the judge said the merger would violate the state of Washington’s consumer protection laws.
Albertsons is now suing Kroger claiming Kroger did not do the diligence necessary to secure regulatory approval for the merger valued at almost $25 billion dollars.
Findlay Mayor Christina Muryn was on with WFIN’s Chris Oaks to discuss the latest progress with the Downtown Recreation Area.
The park would be part of the Phase 2 benching project north of the Blanchard River and east of Main Street.
The Downtown Recreation Area will be from Main Street east to the railroad tracks, and from the river north to Clinton Court.
There will also be a triangle-shaped area west of Main Street over to North Cory Street.
Mayor Muryn said the cost estimate from their consultant for the recreation area is $10 to $40 million.
Muryn tells Chris in the audio above that currently they are going over what elements will be included in the park and the cost of those amenities.
The mayor believes the Phase 2 benching project will begin in mid to late 2025 and then work on the Downtown Recreation Area could begin in late 2026 or more likely in 2027.
Muryn said, in regard to the Downtown Recreation Area, the city wanted to ensure that the benching area east of North Main Street not only serves its primary purpose of flood mitigation but also provides a broader community benefit as a recreation and gathering area.
Get more from Mayor Muryn in her interview with Chris in the audio file above.
(From the Tiffin Police Department)
Tiffin PD School Resource Officer (SRO) Doug Skornicka and our beloved School Resource K-9, Scout, paid a visit to Mrs. Jill DeVore’s class at Tiffin Middle School. The students were thrilled to hang out with Scout, and it’s safe to say he was the star of the show! Sorry Doug!
From wagging tails to lots of pets and smiles, Scout soaked up all the attention like a pro. These interactions are about more than just fun—they help foster strong relationships between our department and the youth in our community. It’s amazing to see how a furry friend like Scout can open doors for meaningful conversations about safety, trust, and responsibility.
A huge thank-you to Mrs. DeVore and her class for their warm welcome. Scout is already looking forward to his next visit!
Chief Pauly
(From the Hancock County Probate and Juvenile Court)
On December 5, 2024, Judge Kristen K. Johnson was sworn in as President of the Ohio Association of Juvenile Court Judges. The swearing-in ceremony occurred during the Association’s Winter Conference.
The Ohio Association of Juvenile Court Judges consists of common pleas judges having juvenile court jurisdiction. The Association promotes the common business interests of Ohio Juvenile Court judges and provides leadership for a just and effective juvenile court system throughout the state of Ohio.
The Association addresses issues including, but not limited to: those affecting child abuse, neglect and dependency, unruly and delinquent juveniles as well as court administration of these issues. In addition, the Association works closely with the Ohio Judicial Conference on issues affecting juveniles and juvenile court. The Association meets monthly and as President, Judge Johnson will preside over those meetings as well as serve as a member of the Executive Committee of the Ohio Judicial Conference.
(From the Wood County Sheriff’s Office)
The Wood County Information Technology Department detected ransomware on the county government’s computer network.
As soon as this was learned, Wood County staff began working to investigate and determine the effects of the incident.
In response, the Commissioners’ Office contacted law enforcement as well as nationally recognized third-party cybersecurity and data forensics consultants with whom the County is now working.
The County’s Information Technology Department and this cybersecurity team are working together to test and analyze the systems.
Fire and emergency resources, including 9-1-1 service, continue to operate.
The Wood County Commissioners are grateful to have some of the industry’s top experts helping guide the County in its response and will keep the community informed as updates are available.
The Commissioners express their ongoing gratitude for the public’s continued patience as business continuity measures are implemented.
For additional information, please contact Jeff Klein, EMA Director/Public Information Officer at 419-354-9269.
(From Liberty-Benton Local Schools)
Liberty-Benton’s Amazing Shake was a huge success!
This program helps students develop essential skills like manners, discipline, respect, and professionalism.
Students practiced handshakes and communication, preparing them to shine at any opportunity.
Thank you to everyone who made this incredible event possible!
(ONN) – In east central Ohio, portions of three counties have been approved for fracking.
The Cincinnati Enquirer reports that an Ohio commission approved hundreds of acres in Salt Fork State Park, northeast of Cambridge in eastern Ohio, for fracking.
The record reflects that all but three public comments submitted before the decision was made opposed the fracking designation.
In addition, portions of Egypt Valley Wildlife Area in Belmont County further east and property in adjacent Monroe County were also approved for fracking.
Opponents say the state is actively industrializing pristine public land.
(From the Hancock Historical Museum)
The Hancock Historical Museum has decked the halls and invites the community to its annual Christmas Open House from 5 – 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14.
Admission is free for museum members and $1 per person (cash only) for nonmembers.
Perfect for all ages ready to immerse themselves in the magic of the holidays, adults and children will explore the beautifully decorated museum campus, enjoy live music by the Findlay String Factor, listen to festive storytelling by Cindy Habegger, take photos with Father Christmas and Mrs. Claus and savor seasonal refreshments.
Children can participate in a variety of holiday-themed crafts and games, and the first 100 families will take home a children’s book made possible by the Richard P. Barchent Jr. Educational Fund.
The evening will also feature activities from community partners, including the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library, Hancock Public Health, 50 North, Blanchard River Watershed Partnership and Hancock Park District.
Adults are invited to the museum’s historic Davis Learning Institute during the Open House to craft beautiful baking soda ornaments while enjoying complimentary beverages.
Guests will also have the opportunity to shop for meaningful, local gifts in the museum’s gift shop.
Items include vintage German nutcrackers and smokers from the private collection of Waltraud Mullinger, local history books, apparel, children’s toys and unique pieces of Findlay Glass.
All Findlay Glass is 20 percent off through Dec. 22.
The Hancock Historical Museum is located at 422 W. Sandusky St. in Findlay, Ohio.
For more information about the museum and upcoming events, visit HancockHistoricalMuseum.org or call 419-423-4433.
(From the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office)
On Sunday, December 08, 2024, the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call from a female reporting that her boyfriend shot himself with a firearm. The female also reported that both had been drinking alcohol during the incident.
Deputies and Clinton Township Rescue Fire/EMS personnel immediately responded to a residence in the 5000 block East US 224, Tiffin, Clinton Township, Ohio 44883. Upon their arrival, Deputies discovered a male subject by the name of Gary L. Johnson, 40 YOA, who had sustained a gunshot wound to his shoulder area. He was immediately transported to the Tiffin Mercy Hospital.
Deputies also met with a female subject at the residence at the time of the reported incident. At that time, it was discovered that there was an altercation at the residence involving a firearm. It was also found that alcohol was involved.
Arrested was Laurie A. Stacy, 41 YOA, Tiffin, Ohio, for Using a Weapon While Intoxicated. Ms. Stacy was transported to the Seneca County Jail, where she is presently being held.
Sheriff’s Office Detectives were also called in to assist, and the incident remains under investigation.