(ONN) – Perrysburg Schools is holding a unique employee recruitment event that will give people an opportunity to try driving a bus, and to recruit potential bus drivers amid nationwide shortages.

The event will help them recruit bus drivers and substitute bus drivers as well as bus monitors.

They have had to get creative to fill these positions.

So they are inviting the public to try something new and drive a school bus without a commercial driver’s license (CDL).

The school district says it is impacted by the nationwide bus driver shortage.

The event will take place on Saturday, March 23, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Perrysburg High School (13385 Roachton Road, Perrysburg, Ohio 43551)

(From the Office of the Ohio Governor)

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed Executive Order 2024-04D to assure Ohioans the state is well-prepared for the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, that will cross a 124-mile-wide band in the state of Ohio.

“The safety and well-being of Ohioans is always at the forefront of everything we do,” said Governor DeWine. “We have been preparing for the April 8^th solar eclipse for several years to ensure this once-in-a-lifetime event can be safe and memorable for all.”

The Executive Order directs all State departments and agencies to be ready and prepared to ensure the health and safety of all Ohioans and visitors before, during, and after the eclipse. Ohio Emergency Management Agency (Ohio EMA) is coordinating the state’s preparation and response to the event, and all law enforcement agencies are prepared to respond with necessary personnel and resources to assist local law enforcement in contributing to the safety and security of Ohio residents and tourists.

Only 21 total solar eclipses have crossed the lower 48 states during the existence of the United States of America. The last total solar eclipse visible in Ohio was in 1806, and the next total solar eclipse will not pass through Ohio until the year 2099.  

The event is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of visitors to the state. The influx of visitors prompted state agencies to work together to ensure everyone is prepared and safe before, during, and after the event.

Travelers are urged to arrive early and stay late to avoid the heaviest traffic. Additional preparedness resources are available at eclipse.ohio.gov and events surrounding the eclipse can be found at ohio.org/eclipse.

OHIO EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

The Ohio EMA urges those traveling to see the eclipse to make a preparedness kit for their vehicle and include items like snacks, drinks, cash, cell phone chargers, and blankets.

Motorists should top off their fuel tank or fully charge their electric vehicle before heading out.

It’s also a good idea to have a family communication plan to ensure you know how to reconnect in case you get separated from friends or family at a large gathering. Make sure children have contact information for parents or guardians with them.

Finally, be aware of weather conditions and where you might seek shelter in the event of severe weather. Be sure to activate emergency alerting features on your mobile devices.

The Ohio Emergency Management Agency’s Solar Eclipse site includes important safety information and other frequently asked questions about viewing the eclipse in Ohio.

OHIO DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

The Ohio Department of Transportation will be fully staffed before, during, and after the eclipse to assist with traffic control. The agency is treating the solar eclipse like a major travel holiday by restricting roadwork and reducing the size of active work zones as much as possible to accommodate the extra traffic. There are locations where this isn’t possible. They include:

I-75 through Cincinnati and Dayton

I-70/71 in downtown Columbus

I-70 in Zanesville

I-475 on the southwest side of Toledo

Several projects in the Akron metro area on I-76, I-77, and SR 8.

Roads are expected to be congested before the eclipse as travelers begin to arrive at their viewing locations. However, the worst traffic congestion is expected to happen after the event is over as everyone tries to head home at the same time.

Travelers can find traffic alerts, construction zone locations, and more than 1,100 live traffic cameras on OHGO.com and the OHGO app.

Due to the potential for cell phone service interruptions, travelers are urged to have a paper map with them to assist with navigation.

OHIO TURNPIKE AND INFRASTRUCTURE COMMISSION

The Ohio Turnpike is a 241-mile toll road designated as I-90, I-80 and I-76 that runs east and west along the state’s northern corridor.

Lane closures, typically set for construction work zones and other maintenance projects, will not be permitted prior, during, or after the eclipse. Currently, a work zone is set for the Tinkers Creek bridge project both eastbound and westbound on the Ohio Turnpike at milepost 185.6 in Summit County. Two of the three lanes will be open in both directions.

Like planning for peak travel days throughout the year, the Ohio Turnpike will be staffed by personnel providing roadside assistance to stranded motorists 24-hours a day. The Ohio Turnpike’s toll booths, 14 service plazas, and eight maintenance buildings will be staffed in anticipation of a high-volume traffic event.

Portable message signs will be placed at various locations along the toll road to keep travelers informed about traffic incidents, driving conditions, or to provide other roadway safety messages.

Participating restaurants at the Ohio Turnpike’s service plazas will extend their hours of operation and increase staffing and supplies. Gasoline and diesel fuel deliveries will also be increased.

For more information, visit www.ohioturnpike.org.

OHIO STATE HIGHWAY PATROL

Troopers will be highly visible and ready to assist motorists in the days leading up to, during, and following the eclipse.

Stopping on the side of roads or exit ramps for non-emergencies is strictly prohibited. Do not attempt to view or capture the eclipse while driving.

Consider factors like traffic and travel time. Establishing a well-thought-out plan that includes departure times and routes can significantly reduce stress and enhance your overall experience.

Motorists can dial #677 in Ohio to report unsafe drivers or stranded motorists.

OHIO DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES 

Ohio state parks and wildlife areas will provide a great backdrop for the astronomical event. A list of Ohio state parks and wildlife areas in or near the path of totality can be found on the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ website, along with information about camping sites, travel tips, and eclipse-related activities happening around Ohio.

OHIO DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENT

Ohio is ready to welcome visitors to experience all Ohio has to offer before, during, and after the eclipse. Visitors are encouraged to extend their stays and take advantage of the many events and activities happening across the state. With 55 Ohio counties in the path of totality, residents and visitors are encouraged to plan ahead and explore. Viewing locations, eclipse celebrations, and other events are all featured on the Ohio, The Heart of it All’s eclipse landing page, complete with an interactive map for users to explore eclipse-related attractions.

Findlay City Schools is reminding students and parents that there will be no school for students on Monday, March 18^th.

That day will be a professional development day for staff members.

“A quick reminder: There is no school for students on Monday, March 18 while our staff members dive into professional development opportunities!”

According to the school district calendar, spring break will be Thursday, March 28^th to Monday, April 1^st.

And there will be no school on Monday, April 8th because of the eclipse. 

Click here to see the full school district calendar.

Ottawa-Glandorf’s Colin White is a finalist for Ohio Mr. Basketball.

According to the OHSAA, the Ohio State University commit averaged 24.9 points, 8.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 2.1 steals per game this season for the Associated Press poll champion Titans, who are 20-3 as of March 4.

White is already a two-time All-Ohio first team selection and has been O-G’s top player on three straight state semifinal teams (runners-up in 2022, 2023).

White has also helped the Titans to 28 consecutive Western Buckeye League wins, three straight league titles, and has been the WBL and District 8 Player of the Year three times.

A four-year starter, White has played in 105 varsity basketball games, with O-G going 90-15 in those games.

He is the all-time career leading scorer in the hot-bed basketball history of Putnam County.

White enters the district semifinal round with 1,876 career points.

See all the finalists by clicking here.

The winner will be announced on Wednesday, March 20.

(From the Hancock Park District)

Join the Hancock Park District for ‘Planetarium: Solar Eclipse’ on Monday, April 1.

On April 8, Hancock County will be in the path of a total solar eclipse. In our indoor planetarium program, we will focus on a solar eclipse: what it is, why it happens, different types, and how often they occur.

We will view what will happen during the eclipse and learn about other astronomical objects that may be seen during the eclipse. Afterward, we will preview other things to look for during the month of April.

Each participant will receive solar eclipse glasses, a pin hole viewer card, and an April sky map. Participants are required to sit on the floor. Ask about accommodations.

Oakwoods Nature Preserve, Discovery Center. 7 PM. All ages are welcome. Free; but register online at www.hancockparks.com by 1 PM on Monday, April 1.

Oakwoods Nature Preserve is located at 1400 Oakwoods Lane, off CR 144, west of Findlay.

For more information about other upcoming park programs and events, view the “Programs & Activities Calendar” at www.HancockParks.com” or call the park office at 419-425-7275.

The Ohio Department of Transportation will hold a public meeting regarding the upcoming construction of the new interchange at Interstate 75 and County Road 99 on the north end of Findlay.

The meeting will be held at Owens Community College on Bright Road on Tuesday, April 16^th at 1 p.m.

The new interchange will be a diverging diamond interchange (DDI), which shifts the eastbound and westbound traffic to the other side of the bridge at signalized crossovers which eliminates left turns across traffic and the left-turn traffic signal phase. The benefit is that all traffic can enter the interstate in a free-flow movement to the ramps.

A successful example of a DDI is located in Perrysburg at I-475 and State Route 25.

Construction Engineer Dan Niese says this is an ambitious project for ODOT District 1.

As Dan said, “funky” is one way to describe a diverging diamond and ODOT has a video below to educate drivers. 

The project will construct an additional bridge to the south of the existing County Road 99 bridge over I-75. The new structure will provide three westbound lanes.

Additional improvements will be made along the County Road 99 corridor at the intersections with Technology Drive, Speedway Drive, and Ventura Drive.

A shared-use path for bike and pedestrian traffic will be constructed along the south side of County Road 99 and will utilize the original bridge structure for crossing over I-75.

“This project ensures the expected economic growth in this area of the county will be supported by the infrastructure,” said Chris Hughes, ODOT District 1 deputy director. He cited the support of officials with the city of Findlay and Hancock County as critically important in moving the project forward. “We’re grateful to the city and county for seeing the need for a modern interchange design at this location,” he said.

Construction will begin early this spring and conclude in 2026. 

More information can be found on the project website: I-75/CR 99 interchange improvements | Ohio Department of Transportation

(From the City of Findlay)

The City of Findlay Income Tax Department now offers E-Filing.

See additional details below and contact the Income Tax Department (419) 424-7133 with any questions.

As a reminder, all 2023 City of Findlay income tax returns are due by Monday, April 15, 2024.

The grand opening date has been announced for Findlay’s first Raising Cane’s restaurant.

The restaurant, which, according to its website, serves “only the most craveable chicken finger meals”, is located in front of the Findlay Village Mall on Tiffin Avenue and is aiming at a Tuesday, March 19^th opening.

Raising Cane’s says it doesn’t hold back on its grand opening celebrations and says it will be a fun time.

The Findlay Police Department will have officers on site to help with traffic control.

To celebrate opening day, Raising Cane’s is hosting a variety of activities for the community, including:

●      A “Lucky 20” drawing to award 20 Customers (age 13 and older) Free Cane’s for a Year! Entries will be accepted from 8 to 9 a.m., with the drawing taking place around 9:15 a.m. Customers must be present to win.

●      The first 100 Customers in line who purchase a Box Combos will receive a commemorative T-shirt and a card for one free Box Combo, valid on their next visit.

●      A ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place at 9:25 a.m. featuring representatives from the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce.

●      Raising Cane’s will present a donation check to the Humane Society & SPCA of Hancock County. The Humane Society and SPCA of Hancock County educates the public on care and responsible treatment of animals; provides for and protects unwanted, lost and abused animals; and creates a quality environment for all animals through its policies and presence in the community.

●      A local DJ will be on-site from 7 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 1 – 4 p.m., spinning the latest hits while Customers await their hot, fresh Chicken.

●      Customers will have a chance to spin a prize wheel and win Cane’s swag items.

“We’re excited to open our second Restaurant in Northwest Ohio and serve our ONE LOVE® to this community!” said Erin Rawson, Area Leader of Restaurants. “Our next-closest location is almost an hour away in Perrysburg, so we are thrilled to bring our craveable Chicken Finger meals to Findlay and to get involved in the community beyond our Box Combos by active community involvement.”

The Southeastern Conference unveiled its men’s basketball postseason awards as selected by the league’s 14 head coaches.

South Carolina’s Lamont Paris, a Findlay High School graduate, was named SEC Coach of the Year.

South Carolina says the second-year head coach led the greatest single season turnaround in program history this season as the team set a regular season record with 25 wins.

Their next game is March 14^th in the SEC tournament.

Paris played basketball for Findlay High School in the late ’80s and early ’90s.

WFIN’s John Marshall featured Paris in an On The Road Ohio show last fall, and that can be heard below.

(pic courtesy of South Carolina Men’s Basketball)

The Christian Clearing House 2024 Annual Benefit Garage Sale is coming up soon.

It will be held on March 16th from 8:30 -4 p.m., and on March 17th from 1 – 4 p.m. at Brinkman’s Greenhouse at 1800 E Sandusky Street in Findlay.  

Executive Director Tammy Stahl was on with WFIN’s Chris Oaks to discuss their biggest fundraiser of the year.

Volunteers are being sought and people can sign up to help by clicking here.

The Velvet Chandelier (presale event) will be held on March 14^th from 6 – 8 p.m.

Tickets are $50.

Visit the CCH website at cchsupport.org to purchase tickets.

Tickets are also available in the office.