06/20/19 – 5:02 A.M.

A “suspicious device” spotted at the University of Findlay last night gave people a bit of scare but turned out to be a piece of construction material. The yellow item was spotted around 6:30 p.m. by a UF police officer. It appeared to be attached to a natural gas line leading to the Student Life Building.

The Student Life Building and other buildings nearby were evacuated as the Findlay Fire Department and the Lima-Allen County Regional Bomb Squad were contacted. At about 10:15 p.m., Findlay Mayor Christina Muryn Confirmed that it was a piece of construction and that its source is unknown. She said that the matter would be investigated.

06/19/19 – 12:35 P.M.

Shirley’s Popcorn is getting ready to celebrate their namesake’s birthday. Jason Swartzlander said that they like to pay homage to Shirley and donate to a good cause.

Swartzlander said that this year the money is going to the University of Findlay Clubhouse Program. Dr. Allison Baer said that the program helps students through several literacy programs.

The celebration will be on June 22 at Shirley’s Popcorn in Findlay. All of the proceeds will go straight to the Clubhouse Program

06/19/19 – 10:51 A.M.

The Hancock County Commissioners approved a loan to a local retail business through the county’s revolving loan fund. The $90,000 loan went to Flag City Furniture and Bedding.

The revolving loan fund allows county businesses and industries to borrow funds at low-interest rates for a variety of reasons and then repay the loan over multiple years. The funds are then used for another loan. The fund provides an economic development incentive for businesses to locate or renovate throughout the county.

06/19/19 – 9:20 A.M.

Findlay City Council approved an agreement with the Hancock County Commissioners for a joint endeavor to improve city thoroughfares so they stay open during a major flood. The Courier reports that the council voted unanimously on the agreement. The work can be expected on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way, East Sandusky Street, and Western Avenue.

The county has agreed to use the remaining balance of its flood fund to pay for the preliminary engineering, detail design, construction, and land acquisitions. They will also use the money for the improvements if need be. The city will provide any access needed to city-owned property at no cost to the county. They’ll also maintain any improvements that are done.

The goal is to make the city passable during a flood. Those roads were chosen because they’re needed to keep traffic flowing. You can learn more in today’s Courier.

06/18/19 – 11:33 A.M.

Findlay City Schools received a grant to help kids attend preschool. The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation awarded the district $60,000 to provide assistance to families in need so that the students can attend. The money came from several different funds.

Funds from the foundation and the United Way have helped expand the district from six preschool classes to nine.

06/18/19 – 10:32 A.M.

Construction crews are hard at work at Fostoria City Schools for projects in the elementary and junior/senior high school buildings. Superintendent Andrew Sprang gave the school board an update last night. He said most of the drywall is completed in the 7-12 building. He added that crews are also installing windows and painting. The work should finish up in December.

The PreK-6 building is going through its last phases. This includes the creation of the final classrooms. Sprang said the work in this building should be completed this summer.