Monthly Archives: September 2018

“Garlock’s Big Deal” Looking To Raise Money For Local Charities In The Memory Of Todd Garlock

09/27/18 – 4:12 P.M.

There is an event coming up this weekend to honor the life of a Findlay resident. Findlay City Councilman and Findlay Rotarian John Harrington said that “Garlock’s Big Deal” will celebrate Todd Garlock.

Todd Garlock

Garlock was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia and was hospitalized until he passed away. He had received over 1,000 get well cards leading nurses to call him a “big deal”. He was a regular volunteer for several local charities and served on several boards.

The event will be on East Crawford Street this Saturday with the gates opening at 4 p.m. There will be live music, food, libations, and auctions. Admission is $5 and all of the proceeds will be split between the Findlay Rotary Club, Hancock Home Builders, Black Swamp Bucks Unlimited, and Habitat for Humanity.

Senator Sherrod Brown Addresses Kavanaugh And Taxes On Car Manufacturers

09/27/18 – 3:51 P.M.

U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown was on WFIN to talk about several topics affecting the nation. He said that he is worried about the potential confirmation of Brent Kavanaugh as a U.S. Supreme Court Justice.

Sherrod Brown

Brown said that he worries that Kavanaugh will push to remove consumer safety laws to benefit businesses. He added that this could allow insurance agencies to hike prices.

He also talked about taxes on car manufacturers. He said that manufacturers in Ohio like Jeep Chrysler in Toledo are forced to pay a 21% tax, which is higher than foreign manufacturers.

Sherrod Brown

Brown said that he will have a bill coming before Congress to try and fix this tax issue. He added that there should be more incentive to keep manufacturers in the U.S.

Hancock County Commissioners Set Dates For Public Hearings About Sales Tax

9/27/18 – 11:03 A.M.

The Hancock County Commissioners are moving forward with plans to replace an expiring quarter-percent sales tax with a new quarter-percent sales tax at the end of the year. They voted 2-1 Thursday to hold public hearings on the issue in October…

Audio: Brian Robertson

Commissioner Brian Robertson says if the commissioners approve the sales tax, it would also help the county pay for things like the ag extension, Hancock County Soil and Water, and regional planning. Robertson says all of those agencies are in danger of receiving no county funding without the sales tax.

Commissioner Tim Bechtol voted in favor of moving forward with the new sales tax…

Audio: Tim Bechtol

Commissioner Mark Gazarek voted against the measure…

Audio: Mark Gazarek

The public hearings are set for October 17 at 6 p.m. and October 25 at 1:30 p.m. in the county commissioners office.

Seneca County Gets $500,000 Grant To Fight Drug Addiction

9/27/18 – 7:42 A.M.

Seneca County is getting a $500,000 grant to help aid drug recovery. The Review-Times reports the money is coming from the Bureau of Justice Assistance. Judge Mark Repp says the money means they can put a maximum of 100 people in drug court treatment. Currently, they can help around 60 people.

Repp says of the 40 people using the program right now, only two could not follow with it. The program takes 35 weeks to complete.

MORE: Review-Times

Bluffton University To Inaugurate New President Friday Afternoon

9/27/18 – 7:32 A.M.

Bluffton University will inaugurate its 10th president Friday. The college will hold a ceremony at 3 p.m. in the Yoder Recital Hall. Jane Wood became president in July when she took over for the retiring James Harder.

Bluffton University board of trustees president Kent Yoder will preside over the ceremony. Wood will deliver an inaugural address with the message “Shine the Light.”

A community reception will be held on the Yoder Recital Hall lawn following the ceremony.

Fostoria Man Charged With Arson

A Fostoria man is facing arson charges following a Tuesday night fire at 550 West Center Street. Investigators say 59-year-old Thomas Barfield set his home on fire and then fought with firefighters as they arrived to battle the flames.

Police Chief Keith Loreno says Barfield was intoxicated and trying to grab fire hoses from firefighters. An officer used a Taser on him after he failed to listen to several orders to comply.

Barfield went to ProMedica Fostoria Community Hospital for a medical evaluation following the incident. Officers then took him to the Hancock County jail. Barfield also faces resisting arrest and misconduct at an emergency charges.

MORE: The Courier

Diving Groups Provide Free Scuba Lessons To Veterans At Gilboa Quarry

9/27/18 – 7:17 A.M.

Two scuba diving groups recently partnered with a combats veterans organization for an event in Putnam County. The Putnam County Sentinel reports “Project Barracuda” provided the veterans with Basic Open Water Certification in scuba diving at the Gilboa Quarry.

Columbus Scuba, Mid-Ohio Dive Club, and the Three Eight Veterans of Fallujah & Ramadi organization provided the lessons free of charge to the veterans.

MORE: Putnam County Sentinel

Hancock County Juvenile Court Taking Applications For Van Buren School Board Seat

9/27/18 – 6:48 A.M.

If you live in the Van Buren school district and have an interest in joining the school board, you need to act soon. The Hancock County Juvenile Court is taking resumes and letters of recommendation for an open spot on the board. They’ll take applications until October 15.

Probate Court Judge Kristen Johnson will choose a new board member. The issue wound up in her hands after the school board was unable to pick a replacement for Dolores Cramer. Cramer resigned after moving out of the district.

Scott Grant and Karen Flanagan had applied for the vacancy, but the board couldn’t pick between them.

MORE: The Courier

Three Findlay Men Facing Robbery Charges

9/27/18 – 6:41 A.M.

Three Findlay men are facing robbery charges. Hancock County Prosecutor Phil Riegle says 19-year-olds Mitchell Nagy and Joshua Adams, as well as 23-year-old Jared Muzy, attacked a man in his home on June 23. The group allegedly stole several things from the man’s home during the incident.

Police Captain Robert Ring says the four men all know each other.

MORE: The Courier

Putnam County Officials Happy With PassPort Program

9/27/18 – 5:33 A.M.

A system designed to keep people clean in Putnam County is showing promise. The Putnam County Sentinel reports Sheriff Brian Siefker and Common Pleas Court Judge Keith Schierloh are happy with the way the PassPoint system is working. PassPoint uses an eye scan and a breathalyzer to see if someone is using drugs or alcohol.

Putnam County uses the system to test people out of jail on bond. They typically have to come in for a test twice per week.

Siefker says many people failed the tests at first, but they are starting to see that turn around.

MORE: Putnam County Sentinel