Monthly Archives: March 2023

FPD ‘Citizen Connect’ Incident/Case Search Tool

The Findlay Police Department is letting people know about Citizen Connect.

Lt. Justin Hendren says Citizen Connect is an online tool that allows people to search incidents and cases where they live and work.

 

 

He says searches can be performed in various ways, including date range and by specific geographic location.

Search results will include incident type, report number, and date/time information.

Names and exact address information are not included in search results.

Users may also register to receive personalized alerts to track the crime in their neighborhood.

“Being informed about criminal activity in our community is the first step in preventing future occurrences of crime,” Hendren said.

“Together, we will enhance public safety and improve the quality of life in our community.”

Incident types are based upon information supplied to a dispatcher by the reporting party, this data may differ from the information that is gathered by the reporting officer at the scene.

The Citizen Connect Tool can be accessed by clicking here.

The police department says, for various reasons, including changes in report classification, delays in reporting, and the processing of reports, data can change over time. Some reports may take up to 30 days or longer to process.

 

Leach Named A ‘Top Hospital Marketer’

(Story courtesy of Blanchard Valley Health System)

Amy J. Leach, the director of corporate public relations and marketing at Blanchard Valley Health System (BVHS) in Findlay was recently named one of the nation’s “Top Hospital Marketers” by Xpectives.Health, the leading conference, training and publishing company for the consumer marketing of hospitals, pharmaceuticals and healthcare products.

The “Top Hospital Marketers of the Year Awards” recognize extraordinary hospital marketers driving innovation, spearheading great creativity and working toward better branding for their hospital, health system, or facility. Honorees were judged based on industry reputation, accomplishments, innovation, and notoriety among their peers, partners, and media.

“We’re proud to honor the accomplishments and creativity of each Top Marketer,” said Scott Ehrlich, CEO, Xpectives.Health. “These individuals drive the industry forward, providing consumers with vital information on hospital services.”

Leach and 20 other healthcare marketing professionals from across the nation will be honored at an induction ceremony at the annual Xpectives.Health conference in April in Boston.

“It is indeed an honor to be recognized alongside these impressive and innovative healthcare professionals,” commented Leach. “In this industry, we put our hearts and souls into telling the stories of our associates and patients that touch and impact lives. This recognition validates the work that goes into those initiatives.”

“A lot of people may not be familiar with the work of public relations and marketing departments within the walls of healthcare systems,” Leach said. “Because health care changes so quickly, it’s vital that information be kept up to date so patients and community members can make informed decisions about their health care.” Communications efforts include the signage at every BVHS facility, ensuring patients know exactly where they need to be; educational information on the BVHS website; communications with the news media and other community entities; and the ongoing process of keeping associates themselves informed as things change within health care and within the organization. During the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, Leach’s team diligently kept associates, patients and the broader Northwest Ohio community abreast of ever-changing information and protocols.

“Both the clinical and non-clinical work of BVHS associates directly impacts the lives of members of our community,” said Myron Lewis, president and chief executive officer of BVHS. “The communications efforts help ensure that patients and community members get accurate information in order to help them become their healthiest selves.”

To be named a “Top Hospital Marketer,” an individual must demonstrate excellence in their industry and embody the core values of the presenting organization.

Leach holds a Master of Science Degree in Journalism, with a specialization in Environmental Public Relations, from West Virginia University. She has worked for nearly 30 years in the healthcare public relations and marketing industry, including 12 at BVHS.

 

Person Of Interest In Woman’s Death Arrested In Fostoria

The Fostoria Police Division says a person of interest in a suspicious death in Bowling Green was arrested in Fostoria.

The police department said 29-year-old Jimmy David Cole, of Bowling Green, was arrested on parole violations at a residence at 1521 North County Line Street in Fostoria.

The Fostoria Police Division, Bowling Green Police Department and Ohio Adult Parole Authority coordinated on the arrest.

Police Chief Gabe Wedge said Cole is a person of interest in the suspicious death of 23-year-old Alicia Rose in Bowling Green.

 

Teen Driving Safety Program Visits Hancock County Schools

Hancock Public Health took its ThinkFast Interactive driving program to some area schools recently.

The interactive traffic safety program made stops at Arcadia and Vanlue high schools over the past week.

Students who attended the program learned about traffic safety in a fun and interactive environment.

The program goes over the dangers of driving distracted, impaired and over the speed limit.

The program is funded through a safe communities grant they received from the Ohio Department of Transportation for teen driving safety.

 

Wind Advisory Issued

Findlay and Hancock County are included in a Wind Advisory issued by the National Weather Service.

The Wind Advisory will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.

Southwest winds of 20 to 30 miles per hour will gust up to 50 miles per hour at times.

The gusty winds could blow down some tree branches and some power outages could occur.

Use extra caution if driving a high-profile vehicle and remember to secure outdoor objects.

Click here for the latest forecast and watches and warnings.

 

Chamber Hosting Leadership Forum With CommunityREAD Author

The Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce will host a Women’s Leadership Forum in collaboration with the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library with CommunityREAD author Colleen Oakley.

It will be held on Thursday, April 6th from 11:30 to 1 at the Findlay Country Club located at 1500 Country Club Drive.

Oakley is the author of the CommunityREAD book selection “The Invisible Husband of Frick Island”.

“The Invisible Husband of Frick Island” is an unforgettable love story about an eccentric community, a grieving widow, and an outsider who slowly learns that sometimes faith is more important than the facts. 

Registration is required by April 3rd. Registration is $25 and includes lunch.

Click here to register or call 419-422-3313. 

For additional information, contact the Chamber of Commerce at 419-422-3313 or email info@findlayhancockchamber.com. 

 

Sheriff’s Office Investigating Fatal Crash

The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal crash.

The crash happened on State Route 103 near Township Road 70, west of Arlington.

The sheriff’s office responded to that location at 12:27 Friday morning on the report of a vehicle on fire.

The sheriff’s office says a Chevy Tahoe was traveling westbound on State Route 103 when it went off the road and into a field, striking several trees.

The sheriff’s office believes the collision with the trees caused the SUV to catch on fire.

The driver was declared deceased at the scene. Their identity was not immediately released.

The crash remains under investigation.

 

BVHS Named One Of Best 50 Healthcare Supply Chains

Blanchard Valley Health System says it was recently named to the list of the “Best 50” healthcare supply chains in North America by Global Health Exchange (GHX).

To create the list, GHX, a healthcare business and data automation company, analyzed the performance of more than 4,100 hospitals in the U.S. and Canada that are part of its digital trading network.

The list scored several areas, including maximizing automation and increasing exchange utilization and trading partner connections.

The Best 50 supply chains list, released annually, aims to recognize the highest performing healthcare provider organizations in North America for their work in improving operational performance while driving down costs through supply chain automation.

The Best 50 honorees stand out among North America’s premier hospitals for setting the standard for supply chain excellence during the 2022 calendar year (January 1 through December 31, 2022).

In 2022, BVHS generated more than 36,000 purchase orders for more than 173,000 line items, according to Mark J. Johannigman, BS Pharm, Pharm D., R.Ph., corporate director of pharmacy services and supply chain at BVHS. The organization utilized more than 1,700 vendors.

More than 18,000 items are on the master list of routinely ordered items, not counting pharmaceuticals.

Among the many items BVHS must order are basic medical supplies like masks, gowns and gloves; IV products and tubing; lab supplies; implants and surgical items; and equipment of all types, such as X-ray machines, MRI, CT scanners, beds and stretchers, according to Johannigman.

“Part of our success comes from developing consistent processes and the ability to use data to prepare for shortages and backorders,” Johannigman said. “We have been able to plan for shortages and come up with solutions and alternatives before they become a problem. In addition, we have great people on our team, which has helped us become a more clinically integrated supply chain. We are honored to receive this award.”

The 2022 recipients will be honored at the 2023 GHX Summit taking place May 9 through May 12, 2023, at the Hilton Chicago.

(story courtesy of Blanchard Valley Health System)

 

Health Department To Honor ‘Champions Of Public Health’

The first week of April has been designated as National Public Health Week and this year Hancock Public Health will recognize one individual and one community agency as 2022 Champions of Public Health.

The Hancock County Board of Health reviews nominations provided from staff within Hancock Public Health.

The Board then reviews the nominations and considers actions, commitment, and impact by the individual or agency toward community health and wellness.

The 2022 Champions of Public Health will be honored on Tuesday, April 4th at 11 a.m. with a ceremony at Hancock Public Health at 2225 Keith Parkway in Findlay.

The ceremony is open to the public.

To reserve a seat, contact Cheryl Miller at 567-250-5192 or email cmiller@hancockph.com.

 

Interstate 75/County Road 99 Redesign Project Fully Funded

The Findlay-Hancock County Economic Development office says the Ohio Department of Transportation has approved the final $26.9 million for the redesign of the Interstate 75/County Road 99 interchange on the north end of Findlay.

The Diverging Diamond project, the only one funded in District 1 this round, is slated to begin construction in 2024 and will cost a total of $34.2 million dollars.

The City of Findlay allocated $1,420,000 to the project, Hancock County contributed $200,000, with the remaining balance being funded by the State of Ohio.

“The diverging diamond will be a real game changer for our commercial and industrial community,” said Dan Sheaffer, Director, Findlay-Hancock County Economic Development.

“The upgrade will result in an asset that will not only serve our legacy companies but will also help attract new business.”

 

 

The funding for the project was approved through ODOT’s Transportation Review Advisory Council (TRAC).

TRAC was established by Ohio Revised Code in 1997 to help ODOT develop and modify a selection process that approves funding for the development and construction of projects greater than $12 million.

“As TRAC members, we review many applications across the State of Ohio. This project has a substantial economic impact, and it is no small feat to be awarded such a significant investment,” said Tim Mayle, TRAC member.

He said the project has been supported by many of Findlay’s industrial and commercial businesses. Over the past several years, 2.37 million square feet of industrial capacity has been constructed across 12 facilities along the County Road 99 corridor.

The project will reconstruct the Interstate 75 and County Road 99 (I-75/CR 99) interchange to better accommodate existing and future traffic. It will include upgrades along County Road 99 from just west of Technology Drive to just east of North Main Street. Together, the improvements will reduce congestion, reduce the risk of crashes, and make travel in the area easier and safer.

The project includes the construction of a new bridge next to and south of the existing bridge, reconfiguring the existing bridge, reconstruction or widening of the existing ramps and widening of County Road 99 from Technology Drive to Main Street, storm sewer upgrades from Main Street to the outfall at Howard Run, drainage and erosion control, traffic signals, traffic control and lighting, and construction of sidewalks and a shared-use path.

“I am thrilled that this much-needed project is coming to fruition. This investment along the corridor is going to further support Findlay’s momentum of economic growth while ensuring a safe, efficient, and welcoming entrance to this key area,” said Findlay Mayor Christina Muryn.

During the construction phase, expected to begin in spring 2024, traffic will be maintained in order to minimize the impact to local business.

Signage and wayfinding will also be installed to assist in this effort. The newly constructed interchange is expected to become operational by the fall of 2025.