Monthly Archives: March 2017

United Way Seeking Volunteers For Days Of Caring Event

03/31/17 – 5:30 P.M.

The United Way Days of Caring will be held from may 1-5 and focus on doing projects for nonprofit organizations. The event asks for local companies and organizations to form teams and complete projects for local nonprofits. United Way is encouraging volunteers to set aside at least 4 hours of a workday to complete a project.

Past projects included doing things from taking inventory and painting to mulching trails and cleaning kennels. Deadline for team registration is 5 p.m. on April 13. The deadline for agency projects is 5 p.m. on April 21. You can register at liveunitedhancockcounty.org

Lima Street in FindlayClosed On Monday

03/31/17 – 5:17 P.M.

The westbound lane of Lima Street in Findlay will be closed on Monday between Lima Avenue and Main Street. The street will be closed between 8 a.m. and 4 p.am. for the installation of a new waterline. You’re asked to avoid the area if possible.

If you have any questions you can call the engineering department at 419-424-7121.

Fire On Sandusky Street Not Suspicious

03/31/17 – 4:38 P.M.

The Findlay Fire Department is not investigating a Wednesday house fire on Sandusky Street as suspicious. The courier reports that firefighters believe the fire started in front of the home at 8:10 West Sandusky street.

The Fire department received an alarm about the fighter around 8:45 p.m. and firefighters were on scene within minutes. Fifteen fighters initially responded and the blaze was under control around 9:30 p.m.

The home had heavy fire, smoke, and water damage to its structure and contents. The Red Cross assisted the family displaced by the fire.

Race For The Cure Early Registration Starts This Weekend

03/31/17 – 4:35 P.M.

The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure is coming back to Findlay this September but you can register now. Race chair Sandy Franks said that you can get early bird deals starting tomorrow.

Sandy Franks

Three-quarters of the funds raised will go back into the community as grants for support services. The other 25% will help fund research for a cure. You can register at www.komennwohio.org

Hancock County Assistant Prosecutor Sentenced In Hit-Skip Crash Case

03/31/17 – 2:15 P.M.

39-year-old Alex Treece was put on probation for one year and will spend 2 days in jail. Visiting Judge Michael Burkett sentenced Treece to 90 days in jail but suspended 88 so long as he completes a driver intervention program. He must also attend a victims impact panel.

Treece was also fined $800 for leaving the scene of an accident and making an improper left turn. His license has been suspended for one year. He will have to pay restitution of $1,700 to the owner of the car he struck as well.

Treece was apologetic before sentencing but agreed he had to take responsibility. He admitted that he had consumed alcohol the evening of the accident.

He remains on unpaid administrative leave.

Despite Getting Lots Of Rain There’s Isn’t Much Chance Of Major Flooding

03/31/17 – 1:10 P.M.

The area saw some heavy rain Thursday and going into Friday but there’s no need to worry about the Blanchard River. The National Weather Service predicts that the river will reach about 5 feet in Hancock County Saturday morning. The action stage for Hancock County is 11 feet.

Downriver, in Ottawa, the river is much higher but still below the action stage. Water gauges show that the river could be at 19.5 feet by Sunday morning. The action stage for Ottawa is 20 feet.

The National Weather Service predicts the water will start receding by Sunday evening.

Findlay Downtown Main Street Alley Reconstruction Work Starting Next Monday

03/31/17 – 11:33 A.M.

The City of Findlay Engineering Department will be doing reconstruction work on Downtown Main Street alleys. The work will start with the west side alleys first. They’ll begin with Lima Street next Monday and work their way north to the Blanchard River. They plan to have it down by the 2nd week of May.

On May 1 they will begin work on the East Alleys and should have it done by the third week of May.

They do not want to close off people to their homes or businesses unless it is necessary. If you have limited access to your home or business at any time you can call the engineering department at 419-424-7120. They will be able to make special arrangements for you.

Seneca County Officials Review Safety Grant

3/21/17 – 5:21 A.M.

Seneca County Officials are looking at ways to use a $163,000 safety grant. The Review-Times reports the county commissioners want to hear from Sheriff Bill Eckelberry and the North Central Ohio Regional Council of Governments before moving forward.

Commissioner Shayne Thomas said, “We need a shared vision, so we all need to be in the same room.”

MORE: Review-Times

Another Republican Enters State Treasurer’s Race

3/31/17 – 5:13 A.M.

Another Republican is throwing his hat in the ring to run for State Treasurer. Franklin County Auditor Clarence Mingo announced he is running Thursday. State Representative Robert Sprague of Findlay announced he is running for the position earlier this month.

Mingo tells Cleveland.com he wants to start a program to discourage people from using high-interest “payday” lenders.

No Democrat is in the race yet. Current Treasurer Josh Mandel says he’s running for the U.S. Senate.

Some Business Owners Worried About I-75 Construction Impact

3/31/17 – 5:06 A.M.

Some business owners near I-75 have concerns about how the upcoming widening project will affect their business. Others don’t expect any issues. The Courier recently spoke to several businesses about the construction and the issues it could present.

Jennifer Swartzlander is the co-owner of Shirley’s Gourmet Popcorn on Interstate Court. She says the business relies on traffic off the interstate for sales. Swartzlander says customers stop to eat at Cracker Barrel or Tim Hortons and then stop by the pop corn shop. Suzi Kinn runs the Tim Hortons location. She says as long as the exit ramps are open they’ll be okay.

Other businesses see a boost from the construction. John Whitson of Whitson Properties says construction crews stay at hotels near the interstate. Madison Fitzgerald of Culver’s says the restaurant is busier during construction season since workers stop in for lunch.

MORE: The Courier