8/30/17 – 5:17 A.M.

The first “Boot” classroom protection device is in operation in Hancock County. Workers installed the emergency door blocking mechanism in classrooms in the Cory-Rawson school district. Superintendent Robert Hlasko tells the Courier after some initial apprehension, he is happy to have the device in place…

Audio: Robert Hlasko

Sheriff Mike Heldman says the idea is to install one of the steel door–blocking devices in every classroom in the county…

Audio: Mike Heldman

Heldman says they still need around $150,000 to finish funding the project.

The Boot has two steel pegs that slide into holes in the floor just behind a door. It makes it impossible for an intruder to enter a classroom.

MORE: The Courier

08/30/17 – 12:09 A.M.

Findlay City Council’s appropriations committee heard from One Energy about paying for a pipe project. Findlay Service Director Brian Thomas said that the city’s engineering department asked them to use larger sanitary and water pipes.

Brian Thomas

The company only needs 8 inch pipes but they are installing 12 inch pipes. One Energy wants city council to help pay for some of the additional costs of getting the lines in place. Work has already been started so Thomas said that it would be preferred if a decision was made quickly.

Thomas added that council doesn’t have anything against the project but wants some questions answered before they offer any money.

Brian Thomas

He added that they hope other companies that could benefit from the larger lines will help share the cost. The committee went ahead and approved the plan so that legislation can be written and put before council. The information should be gathered before council’s meeting next Tuesday.

08/29/17 – 4:08 P.M.

Hurricane Harvey continues to flood Texas but the American Red Cross is on hand to provide relief effort. Director of the North Central Ohio chapter Todd James said that they were able to get things ready beforehand.

Todd James

James said that there are people working around the clock to help people affected by the flooding. James said that they are also on hand to provide shelter.

Todd James

James said that they will focus on recovery steps after the waters start to recede and they can get people in the area. Until then they will continue to set up shelters and provide resources.

08/29/17 – 3:19 P.M.

You might have seen a missing person report on Facebook for Michayla Davis. Findlay Police Lt. Robert Ring said that they believe she left with a man wanted for questioning in a burglary.

Robert Ring

According to Ring, the man she is with is a suspect in the burglary of Cricket Wireless on August 22.  Ring said that they are looking for both of them.

Robert Ring

Ring added that Davis is an adult so they can’t force her to come home when they do find them. He added that he does not believe Davis has anything to do with the burglary.

8/29/17 – 10:11 A.M.

Two more flood prone homes in Findlay have a date with a demolition crew. The Hancock County Commissioners approved buying homes at 119 and 121 East Foulk Street during their Tuesday meeting. The properties cost $49,000 each. The county is using funds from the flood mitigation account to buy them.

The homes sit near the Howard Run ditch. It’s the second week in a row the commissioners have bought a property along Howard Run. Last week they agreed to buy and demolish a home at 439 Davis Street.

8/29/17 – 5:26 A.M.

The investigation continues today following the death of a woman on Vine Street in Fostoria Monday night. The Review-Times reports officers responded to a call from 219 South Vine Street around 9 p.m. for a report of an unresponsive woman in a yard.

No other details on the case are available yet.

8/29/17 – 5:21 A.M.

Forest could be the site of a medical marijuana grower. The Daily Chief-Union reports Green Camp Provisions wants to build a facility on the village’s east side. The company says it would create 21 jobs.

A state board is considering applications from 109 possible cultivators. Ohio is only granting 12 licenses. The company expects to find out if the Forest site gets a license by November.

8/29/17 – 4:54 A.M.

An abandoned gas station on Tiffin Avenue in Findlay is due for a cleanup. The Courier reports the city has filed the proper notices to start a cleanup project at 525 Tiffin Avenue. Law Director Don Rasmussen tells the newspaper the city has issued repeated warnings to the property owner and now has the authority to clear the site.

The state is offering grants to clean up vacant lots like the one in question. The city will clear the lot but leave the underground gas tanks alone for now. Rasmussen says another grant is available to buy the lot and remove the tanks in the future.

Millennium Property Holdings of Romulus, Michigan owns the site. the company bought the old Clark station in 2006 for nearly $150,000. The site has sat empty since then. The company owes more than $18,000 in back taxes according to the Hancock County Auditor’s website.

MORE: The Courier

8/29/17 – 4:21 A.M.

A Tiffin company is planning its second major expansion in three years. American Fine Sinter officials announced yesterday a 20-million-dollar expansion of its factory and the addition of 25 new jobs. The company makes parts for the Toyota Camry, RAV4 and Highlander.