All posts by Matt Demczyk

Funding Will Help People In Recovery Pay Rent, Utilities

(From the Ohio Department of Development)

The Hancock County Board of Alcohol, Drug Addiction & Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) is one of 11 entities slated to receive funding to help Ohioans recovering from substance use disorder obtain access to safe and stable housing.

In total, $1.2 million is being awarded through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Recovery Housing Program to support 11 Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health (ADAMH) boards in administering transitional housing assistance.

The Ohio Department of Development, which administers this program, provided Hancock County ADAMHS with $25,036 in funding to provide rental and utility assistance to up to twelve individuals in early recovery.

“Recovery doesn’t happen overnight, and no one should have to take that journey alone,” said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Department of Development. “These grants will ensure more Ohioans have the opportunity to reclaim their independence, rebuild their lives, and write a new chapter filled with hope and opportunity.”

“People early in their recovery journey can be overwhelmed with expenses related to maintaining secure housing. This can jeopardize their ability to maintain recovery. These funds will help ease this burden and increase our residents’ success. We are grateful to the Ohio Department of Development for supporting recovery in our community,” said Precia Stuby, executive director of Hancock County ADAMHS. 

The Recovery Housing Program provides rental subsidies for individuals in recovery with incomes at or below 50 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI). These transitional housing options serve as a critical foundation for residents working to rebuild their lives and establish long-term stability.

Funding for the Recovery Housing Program is provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and administered at the state level by the Community Services Division. The 11 ADAMH boards receiving grants will support housing efforts for 1,001 Ohioans this program year.

The Ohio Department of Development empowers communities to succeed by investing in Ohio’s people, places, and businesses. Learn more about our work at development.ohio.gov.

Sheetz Holding Hiring Event For Truck Drivers In Findlay

(From Sheetz)

Sheetz, a major Mid-Atlantic restaurant and convenience chain, announced immediate plans to hire CDL-A truck drivers in the Findlay, Ohio area. Recently named to Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For® list for the 10th straight year, Sheetz will be hosting a hiring event for prospective drivers on Tuesday, April 15 from 9am-3pm EST. The hiring event will take place at 5900 Township Road 230, Findlay, OH 45840.

Preferred candidates are individuals ages 23 years or older with a minimum of two years of verifiable tractor trailer experience and at least 130,000 miles driven. In addition to on-the-spot interviews, event attendees will learn more about Sheetz’s commitment to providing CDL-A truck drivers sustainable careers built on an inspiring culture.

Ranked second on the most recent Best Workplaces in Retail list by Fortune and Great Place To Work®, Sheetz offers CDL-A drivers competitive pay and an industry-leading benefits package, including medical, vision and dental insurance, 12 week fully paid maternity leave, two weeks of paid paternity leave, a 401(k) retirement plan, college tuition reimbursement, an employee stock ownership plan, adoption assistance, flexible schedules, opportunities for advancement, quarterly bonuses, vacation time and more.

Prospective candidates interested in attending tomorrow’s hiring event are encouraged to apply online for a local CDL-A position at jobs.sheetz.com prior to arrival. However, individuals are welcome to attend without submitting an application in advance.

Sheetz currently operates 770+ store locations across Pennsylvania, Michigan, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio and Maryland, with locations open 24/7, 365 days a year.

New Law Impacting Gun Owners In Ohio Goes Into Effect

(ONN) – A new law in Ohio is being hailed by gun advocates as a victory for the Second Amendment.

Senate Bill 58 has two provisions.

One provision prohibits requiring firearm liability insurance for gun owners in the state.

The other provision enacts the Second Amendment Financial Privacy Act which prohibits financial institutions from tracking transactions related to firearms and ammunition.

Sheriff’s Office Conducting Increased Patrols For Distracted Driving

The Wood County Sheriff’s Office will be conducting increased patrols throughout the remainder of April to get distracted drivers off the roadways.

April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

The sheriff’s office says deputies will be paying particular attention to distracted driving along with other violations such as driving under the influence, failure to yield, and speeding, all of which are leading factors in fatal crashes.

The sheriff’s office says there will also be zero tolerance for driving under the influence and seat belt violations.

Awakening Minds Art Honors Board Member/Supporter

(From Awakening Minds Art)

Awakening Minds Art presented the inaugural Sarah Crisp-Ricker Award to Tamera Rooney during its annual meeting held Thursday evening. The award recognizes a volunteer or staff member who demonstrates exceptional commitment to the organization’s mission to provide therapeutic and educational visual art programs to individuals of all ages and abilities.

Rooney was recognized for her long-standing involvement with the organization, including her role as a board member and early supporter. Her board term concluded the same evening, and she was invited to serve as a lifetime board member.

During the meeting, the organization also announced its new slate of officers for the 2025–2026 term:

  • Kyle Frias, president (re-elected)
  • Jordan Hamilton, vice president
  • Sarah Crisp-Ricker, secretary
  • Cassi Cronin, treasurer (re-elected)

Outgoing officers include Allison Trutt, former vice president, and Rachel Fix, former secretary.  Other board members include Shelby Cole.  New Board members inducted were Jake Warrington, Mellisa Johnston, Kristen Kachur.  

The annual meeting included board members, staff, instructors, and community supporters. Attendees received an update on the organization’s activities over the past year and were briefed on plans for the upcoming year.

MCPA Mainstage Season Reveal Party Coming Up

(From the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts)

Save the date for our 2025/2025 MCPA Mainstage Season Reveal Party!

Find out what great shows are coming to MCPA and have a chance to win two season tickets!

Join us as we unveil the 2025/2026 Mainstage Series in celebration of our 10th Anniversary Season, and attend for a chance to win two season tickets!

MCPA.org/MainstageReveal

Person Walking On Railroad Tracks Struck And Killed By Train

(From the Findlay Police Department)

On 04/11/2025 at 0603 hours, the Findlay Police Department was sent to the CSX railroad tracks between the 300 block of Clinton Ct. and the 300 block of E. Main Cross St. on a report of a train versus pedestrian accident.

It was discovered that a southbound CSX freight train had struck and killed a person who was walking on the railroad tracks.

The deceased was transported to the Lucas County Coroner’s Office at the direction of the Hancock County Coroner, Dr. Mark Fox.

The deceased was identified as Chad M. Valentine, 52, of Arcadia. 

Several railroad crossings were closed due to the incident but all reopened around 1 p.m. Friday. 

Assisting at the scene was: Findlay Fire Department, Hanco Ambulance, City of Findlay Public Works Department, and personnel from CSX Railroad.

3 Arrested By Drug Task Force In Findlay

(From the Hancock METRICH Enforcement Unit)

On 04/10/25 at approx. 1600hrs the Hancock County METRICH Drug Task Force assisted by the Findlay Police Department Emergency Response Team (ERT) executed a narcotic search warrant at 312 Lester Ave Findlay OH.

The search of the residence yielded suspected methamphetamine, suspected Crack Cocaine, and drug paraphernalia. Multiple items indicative of drug trafficking were located.

As a result of the search the following people were arrested and incarcerated at the Hancock County Justice Center:

Brianne Settlemire (age 37)

312 Lester Ave

Findlay, Ohio

Charge: Permitting Drug Abuse F5.

 

Jeremiah Meeks (age (44)

312 Lester Ave

Findlay, Ohio

Charge: Possession of Methamphetamine F3, Possession of Crack Cocaine F5

 

Shela Long (age 35)

501 W. Tiffin St

Fostoria, Ohio

Charge: Possession of Drug Paraphernalia M4

Additional charges of drug trafficking, and possession of drugs are expected at the conclusion of this investigation.

Roundabout Closing For Repairs

HANCOCK COUNTY TRAFFIC ADVISORY

The U.S. 68 and State Route 15 roundabout on the south side of Findlay will close Monday, April 14, for approximately two weeks for concrete repairs.

View the location on OHGO:

https://www.ohgo.com/nw-ohio?lt=40.98949207478228&ln=-83.65094130645447&z=16&ls=incident,construction,construction-future,camera