Category Archives: Local News

Injury Crash Involving Bicyclist In Findlay

A bicyclist was injured when they were hit by a car in Findlay and crashed. 

The crash happened on Tiffin Avenue in front of Chick-fil-A at around 2:30 Wednesday afternoon.

The Findlay Police Department said James White, 71, of Findlay, was eastbound on a bicycle on the roadway when a vehicle being driven by Thomas Tyner, 90, of Findlay, clipped the bike while passing it causing it to crash.

Police said White was taken to Blanchard Valley Hospital for injuries that were not life-threatening.

Police issued Tyner a citation for assured clear distance.

Students Gain Valuable Experience During Mock Interview Day

(From Raise the Bar Hancock County)

440 students

8 districts

115 business professionals

76 local businesses

Mock Interview Day was a success!

This day is truly what inspires us.

A huge thank you to Living Hope Church for allowing us to use your facilities, Premier Bank soon to be WesBanco, FriendsOffice, and The Café at Millstream Millstream Career Center for your support, and to all our incredible interviewers for donating your time and expertise.

We’re grateful to the schools that attended and hope students walked away with a meaningful and impactful experience.

Thank you to YouScience, Tiffin University, and GROB Systems for running informative sessions for students!

Sheriff Advocates For Issues At Ohio Statehouse

(By Sheri Trusty, Public Relations/Community Engagement Coordinator)

Seneca County Sheriff Fredrick Stevens traveled to the Ohio Statehouse on May 7 with Seneca County Commissioner Bill Frankart to advocate for county needs. Both the Sheriff and the Commissioner testified before the Senate’s Government Oversight and Reform Committee about House Bill 96, which makes state operating appropriations for fiscal year 2026-2027.

Sheriff Stevens testified in support of two issues. The first, a 1115 Medicaid Waiver, would fund specific, currently-uncovered health care costs for inmates in the Seneca County Jail. The sheriff also advocated for continued and increased funding for jail renovations.

Under current law, certain mental health and substance abuse disorders that are allowable under Medicaid cannot be reimbursed when the person is incarcerated. Therefore, in order for the person to receive the medical care they need, the jail must fund the treatment, which places an immense and unjust strain on the Sheriff’s Office budget.

Sheriff Stevens explained the high cost of inmate medical care and the relief that would come if a provision for the Medicaid Waiver is approved. In 2024, the jail budgeted $75,000 for inmate medical care and spent over $83,000 in addition to hidden costs, such as the $75,000 annually that is paid for weekly physician visits for nonemergency medical needs.

Sheriff Stevens also addressed jail construction and renovation funding. Each year, Gov. Mike DeWine’s office provides about $50 million in competitive grant funding for jail construction and renovation, which is distributed to a handful of jails. The Sheriff suggested a new method of funding distribution that would benefit all counties across the state.

“Instead of dispersing the money as a competitive grant, I would like to suggest that the State simply disperse it equally among all the counties that have sheriff-run jails,” he said. “Although this would not address new construction, it would allow for the bulk of the aging facilities to receive yearly funds that can be earmarked specifically for remodeling and renovation projects. There are far more aging facilities with renovation/remodel needs than new construction needs.”

The Sheriff’s suggestion could save taxpayer money.

“First, on the State’s end, the current method requires state employees to spend time receiving, reviewing, and scoring grant applications. The entire process is costly and could be eliminated by an equal disbursement method,” he said. “Secondly, renovation funds could address urgent jail maintenance needs, avoiding further, costlier problems down the road. And, as buildings are properly maintained, it could possibly prevent the need for new construction in some counties.”

As a 24/7/365 facility, the Seneca County Jail is the biggest drain on the county budget. Hopefully, Sheriff Stevens’ testimony will help bring taxpayer money back from Columbus.

Along with other county issues, Commissioner Frankart also testified in support of the 1115 Medicaid Waiver and continued funding for jail renovations. The Sheriff and the Commissioner

met with Senator Bill Reineke, the President Pro Tempore, while they were at the Statehouse, and they spoke briefly before a group of Tiffin Rotary members that were guests of Sen. Reienke. The Sheriff and Commissioner attended the day’s Senate session, where they were introduced to the senators and the large crowd in attendance.

“I appreciated the opportunity to talk before the Senate’s Government Oversight and Reform Committee about our needs here in Seneca County,” Sheriff Stevens said.

Marathon Petroleum Reports First-Quarter Results

(From Marathon Petroleum)

Marathon Petroleum Corp. (NYSE: MPC) today reported net loss attributable to MPC of $(74) million, or $(0.24) per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2025, compared with net income attributable to MPC of $937 million, or $2.58 per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2024.

The first quarter of 2025 adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (adjusted EBITDA) was $2.0 billion, compared with $3.3 billion for the first quarter of 2024. Adjustments are shown in the accompanying release tables.

“Our first quarter results reflect the safe and successful execution of the second largest planned maintenance quarter in our company’s history and strong commercial performance,” said President and Chief Executive Officer Maryann Mannen.

“Our Midstream business delivered an 8% increase in segment adjusted EBITDA over the prior year, and executed on our Natural Gas and NGL growth strategies. For our refining business, we are positioned to meet summer demand as seasonal trends are expected to improve margins and we remain constructive on its long-term outlook. We believe we are positioned over time to deliver peer-leading capital returns.”

Judge Asked To Order BOE To Temporarily Refrain From Certifying Issue

One Power Company wants a judge to order the Hancock County Board of Elections to refrain from certifying the results of the Allen Township zoning plan that voters approved in the Primary Election pending the court’s final decision on the company’s challenge to the issue.

One Power Company previously said the ballot language was misleading and the zoning plan singles out the company and would “stifle future expansion/business opportunities in Allen Township.”

The ballot language stated that the zoning plan would establish Allen Township as an agricultural district.

A new pretrial hearing is set for Monday afternoon with Hancock County Common Pleas Court Judge Jonathan Starn. 

Hancock County Farmers’ Market Opening For The Season

(From the Hancock County Farmers’ Market)

Local farms and small businesses are showcased every Thursday beginning May 8 at the Hancock County Farmers’ Market.

  • Adventures with Tea from Kathleen’s Kitchen – loose leaf tea: sampling peach oolong and blood orange; iced teas; baking mixes & granola
  • Betts Maple Syrup – maple syrup
  • Keller Bison – Bison patties, ribeyes, strips, roasts, short ribs, Italian brats, marrow bones
  • kimberly’s Honey – honey, honeycomb, flavored honey
  • Lawrence Produce & The Lawrence Place – asparagus
  • My Own Backyard Herbs & Flowers – Tomato, sweet and hot pepper plants. Lots of culinary and pollinator herbs. Comfrey salve w sage & lavender. Dried herb blends.
  • Old Homestead Soaps and Lotions – Stock up on your goats’ milk soaps and lotions, tallow balm, deodorant, essential oil roll-ons, deodorant, and anything you ran out of this winter.
  • Roger’s Honey – local honey
  • Sweet Dream Gourmet – lemon blueberry jam with lemon white chocolate biscotti
  • Sweets on the EDG – sweet breads, bars, cake pieces, cookies

Taste Tempters – jam, jelly, quick bread, yeast bread, gluten-free bread

  • The Quarry Farm – artisan breads
  • Wild Vine Farm – Our own locally-grown, fresh floral bouquets, salad mix, spinach, mini romaine heads, bok choi, radishes
  • Windy Wild Acres – Asparagus, fresh mushrooms, mushrooms, more mushrooms. The mushroom seasoning line includes our newest “Functional Blend,” made with lion’s mane, reishi, & enoki.

THURSDAYS

4 to 6 pm

200 West Main Cross

Downtown Findlay

BGSU First In Nation To Launch Uniquely Designed Bachelor’s Degree

(From Bowling Green State University)

Bowling Green State University is the first university in the nation to announce the launch of a uniquely designed bachelor’s degree to teach students how to apply artificial intelligence to a specific field of study.

The BGSU Bachelor of Science in AI + X combines a core education in AI with a secondary discipline in one of six fields: computer science, mathematics, physics, history, journalism or public relations. The degree’s unique structure in addition to the option to choose among six fields of study are among its distinguishing features. 

BGSU plans to begin offering the first-of-its-kind degree in Fall 2025, pending approval from the Ohio Department of Higher Education.  

“As a longtime innovator in computer and data science education, Bowling Green State University is excited to once again be leading the way in teaching and research with its first-of-its-kind bachelor’s degree in AI + X,” BGSU President Rodney K. Rogers said. “As a public university for the public good, Bowling Green is committed to offering in-demand programs that support student learning experiences and opportunities while meeting the current and future workforce needs of Ohio and beyond. As more employers implement advanced technologies with AI, this program in AI + X will empower students to design their degree around a specific focus to drive innovation in workforce and industry, leading to great careers and great lives.” 

The rapid development of AI has created a growing demand for professionals who can apply AI principles and technology to address complex, interdisciplinary challenges. 

“AI affects all sectors and industries, so it’s important for students with expertise in AI to also have a contextual field in which to apply and problem solve with the technology,” said Dr. Ellen Schendel, dean of the BGSU College of Arts and Sciences. “The reality is that technical knowledge alone isn’t enough; we need the critical thinking, creative problem solving and content knowledge of a variety of fields to be ready for the challenges and opportunities of AI in our workplaces and communities.”

The new program will be housed in the BGSU Department of Computer Science, with renowned faculty members leading AI coursework on topics such as Python programming, AI ethics and society, machine learning and visualization with AI. 
Students will also take courses in their chosen discipline, blending field-specific knowledge with their AI expertise to increase efficiency, design field-specific solutions and support AI-driven tools and applications. 

Graduates will be qualified for careers as AI developers, data scientists and machine learning engineers and roles within sectors that blend AI with specific domains, including scientific research, social policy, creative industries and business analytics. 

As workforce demands and disciplinary expertise evolve, new content domains can be added to the degree, part of its intentional design to accommodate a fast-changing technology. 

“The AI + X degree reflects our commitment to preparing students for the future of work, where the ability to integrate AI with domain-specific knowledge is essential,” said Dr. JK “Jake” Lee, professor and chair of the BGSU Department of Computer Science. “From data visualization and machine learning to AI ethics, students will gain both the technical depth and cross-disciplinary perspective needed to lead in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.” 

Building on its reputation as a leader in technology, BGSU is introducing this degree at a pivotal time when AI is being integrated across industries, driving job demand. 

According to a 2024 PwC AI Jobs Barometer report, AI-related job postings are growing three and a half times faster than general job postings. The report also found that sectors integrating AI show five times greater productivity growth. 

BGSU has been a leader in computer science for more than five decades, becoming Ohio’s first public university with an undergraduate computer science program long before it became the in-demand field it is today.  

BGSU also remains one of the few universities in the country to offer a full range of data science programs, from a bachelor’s degree to a Ph.D.

More Than 100 Free Smoke Alarms Installed For Local Families

(From the American Red Cross North Central Ohio Chapter)

On Saturday, volunteers and members of the American Red Cross of North Central Ohio and Liberty Township Fire Department installed more than 100 free smoke alarms for families during a Sound the Alarm home fire safety event in the Riverview Terrace Mobile Home Park.

“We are grateful to everyone who supported our Sound the Alarm event to help keep hundreds of our neighbors safe from home fires,” said Todd James, Executive Director, North Central Ohio Chapter. “Home fires are a constant threat in our community, accounting for most of our disaster responses. Today’s efforts will make a lasting difference to help save lives and protect those who are most vulnerable.”

SAVING LIVES FROM NATION’S MOST FREQUENT DISASTER Home fires are the nation’s most frequent disaster, including in Northern Ohio where a home fire occurs every 8 seconds on average.

This Sound the Alarm event is a critical part of the national Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, which has helped save at least 2,266 lives since launching in October 2014. Locally during this time, the North Central Ohio Chapter and local partners have installed thousands of free smoke alarms and made hundreds of households safer.

Visit redcross.org/NOH to learn more and make a donation to the Red Cross to help people prepare for, respond to and recover from home fires.

LAUNCH Fostoria Application Deadline Extended To Welcome More Entrepreneurs

(From the Fostoria Area Chamber of Commerce)

The Fostoria Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce an extension of the application deadline for the 2025 LAUNCH Fostoria small business competition, offering more time and opportunity for local entrepreneurs to apply. The new deadline to submit applications is May 16th.

LAUNCH Fostoria is a business pitch competition designed to support and invest in aspiring entrepreneurs looking to start or expand a business in Fostoria. By extending the deadline, the Chamber aims to build on growing interest and ensure that even more creative, driven individuals have the chance to bring their ideas to life.

Who’s Eligible?

LAUNCH Fostoria is open to anyone interested in opening or growing a business in Fostoria.

Businesses must be for-profit, independent business.

May not have earned more than $250,000 in the past year revenue.

Completed Applications may be dropped off at the Chamber office located in the Fostoria Learning Center, 342 Perry St. or emailed to director@FostoriaChamber.com

“This competition is all about celebrating innovation, supporting small business growth, and moving Fostoria forward.” said Jocelyn Reinhart, Chamber/Small Business Director at the Fostoria Area Chamber of Commerce.

The program offers business training, mentorship, and the opportunity to compete for funding that can help launch or grow a business. Applicants who have already submitted their materials are still in the running and do not need to reapply.

For more information and to submit your application, visit fostoriachamber.com/launch.

Students Graduate From D.A.R.E. Program

(From the Tiffin Police Department)

The Tiffin Police Department proudly congratulates the incredible students of Calvert Catholic Schools and Bridges Preparatory Academy on graduating from the D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education and “Keepin it REAL” program! Your hard work, open hearts, and willingness to learn about making responsible and safe choices have inspired all of us. You are the future leaders of our community, and we’re proud to stand beside you on this journey.

This important program would not be possible without the strong support and dedication from school leadership and staff at Calvert Catholic Schools and the Bridges Preparatory Academy. A sincere thank you to:

Head of School – Calvert Catholic Schools – Jeremy Marinis

Principal – Calvert Catholic Schools – Mrs. Marilyn Seislove

Dean of Students – Calvert Catholic Schools – Mr. Mike Lento

Mrs. Tammy Frederick

Mrs. Mary Griffin

Mr. Dave Kraft

Mrs. Megan Pfleiderer

Principal – Bridges Preparatory Academy – Paul Shoemaker

Mrs. Obringer -Bridges Preparatory Academy

Mrs. Wethington – Bridges Preparatory Academy

Your partnership with the Tiffin Police Department brings the mission of D.A.R.E. to life—empowering students to make positive decisions, resist peer pressure, and stay true to themselves.

To our D.A.R.E. Officers – Officer Perry and Officer Traxler: thank you for your passion, dedication, and the connection you’ve built with our youth. To the families and communities supporting these students—you are shaping a brighter tomorrow.

To every graduate: you’ve taken a bold step in learning how to lead with integrity, kindness, and strength. Keep being real. Keep choosing wisely. And remember—we are always here for you.

Chief Pauly