12/21/18 – 5:30 A.M.
We wrap up the first week of our 2018 year in review by looking back at the merger of the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts and the Arts Partnership. The organizations announced the move in May…
Heather Clow:
MCPA executive director Heather Clow explained at the time that there would be no program changes. All Arts Partnership employees kept their positions as part of the merger.
The move became official on July 1.
12/20/18 – 3:21 P.M.
The American Heart Association unveiled a new initiative for Findlay and Hancock County. AHA’s Kerri Rochelle said that they will supply wellness kits to help businesses motivate employees to stay healthy.
The themes include things like watching what you eat and walking more. Rochelle said these kits come at no cost.
You can call to get one at 419-936-0638.
12/20/18 – 11:24 A.M.
The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation has awarded the first round of its special grant opportunity related to safety. Safety was one of the top issues discussed in the 2017 Community Conversations done in partnership with United Way of Hancock County.
There were 5 recipients of the grant money. The Family center got $3,500 and the American Red Cross North Central Ohio Chapter got $5,000. The Northwest Ohio Rescue and Restore Coalition of Hancock County and Boy Scouts of America Black Swamp Area Council both got $10,000. 50 North received got the most with $10,045.
12/20/18 – 10:55 A.M.
You’re invited to Dorney Plaza in Findlay tomorrow to sing carols and celebrate Christmas. Mayor Lydia Mihalik said she is excited to announce Movement Church has volunteered to help make the event better than last year.
Mihalik added that the event will feature Findlay High School’s award-winning show choir, Findlay First Edition. The event starts at 5:30 p.m.
12/20/18 – 7:31 A.M.
Fostoria needs a new law director. Tim Hoover announced he was leaving his post at Tuesday’s council meeting. Hoover says he and his family are moving to a home outside of city limits. He’s served as law director since 2007.
Mayor Eric Keckler says he has started looking into the steps he needs to follow to legally hire Hoover’s replacement.
12/20/18 – 7:25 A.M.
Another Hancock County school will start the next school year after Labor Day. The Arlington school board voted to start the 2019-2020 school year on September 3 during a meeting this week. Classes will still end before Memorial Day in 2020.
12/20/18 – 7:20 A.M.
Putnam County is looking for a new coroner. The Lima News reports Dr. Anna Horstman has announced her resignation, effective January 1. Any one interested in the position should contact the Putnam County Ohio Republican Part Central Committee by December 31.
Voters elect coroners in Ohio, so Horstman’s party has the right to appoint a replacement for the rest of her term.
MORE: Lima News
12/20/18 – 7:01 A.M.
For the first time in 13 years, Pandora has a new mayor. The Putnam County Sentinel reports former village council president Jeremy Liechty recently took the oath of office. Liechty takes over for John Schlumbohm, who resigned this month as he prepared to become a Putnam County Commissioner.
Council now has to find someone to take Liechty’s spot on council. Any village resident interesting in serving should contact the village office. The term lasts through the end of 2021.
MORE: Putnam County Sentinel
12/20/18 – 6:53 A.M.
Arcadia residents will see a school renewal levy on the May ballot. The school board voted in favor of placing a 1 percent income tax renewal in front of voters during a Wednesday meeting.
The tax pays for general operating expenses. School officials say it brings in around $822,000 per year for the district.
MORE: Arcadia school board approves open enrollment for next school year.
12/20/18 – 6:45 A.M.
After six years of controversy, the Putnam County Commissioners approved payouts to 10 property owners along Road 5 during a meeting this week. The Putnam County Sentinel reports the payouts to property owners along the road range from just over $800 to more than $27,000.
Many of the cases settled before going to court earlier this year. The commissioners are waiting on visiting judge Dale Crawford to sign the verdicts in two cases before they issue payments.
Several property owners sued the county after the government used eminent domain to seize the land needed to expand Road 5. They claimed the county didn’t offer them proper compensation. They also argued the county violated sunshine laws when they met to talk about the project.
MORE: Putnam County Sentinel