All posts by Matt Demczyk

Marathon Reports Fourth-Quarter 2023 Results

Marathon Petroleum reported its fourth-quarter 2023 numbers on Tuesday.

The oil refiner headquartered in Findlay is reporting net income of $1.5 billion for the fourth quarter of 2023, which compares to a net income of $3.3 billion for the fourth quarter of 2022.

Adjusted net income was $1.5 billion in the fourth quarter of 2023, which compares to an adjusted net income of $3.1 billion for the fourth quarter of 2022.

“In 2023, the business generated $14.1 billion of net cash from operations, driven by strong operational performance and commercial execution,” said Chief Executive Officer Michael J. Hennigan.

“This enabled the return of $12.8 billion of capital to shareholders. We believe MPC is positioned to generate strong through-cycle cash flow with the ability to deliver superior returns to our shareholders.”

 

Latta Among House Members With Perfect Attendance In 2023

(From Congressman Bob Latta’s office)

Today, Congressman Bob Latta (R-OH5) released the following statement after being named by Roll Call as one of only 18 members of the U.S. House of Representatives who voted on all 719 roll call votes in 2023:

“One of the essential duties of my job is showing up, voting, and representing my constituents in Washington, D.C.. I’m proud to be named as one of only 18 members of the U.S. House of Representatives who did not miss a single vote last year. I remain committed to showing up, working hard, and representing those who have entrusted me to be their voice in Congress.”

Latta serves as a senior member of the Energy and Commerce Committee. He is Chair of Energy and Commerce’s Subcommittee on Communications and Technology and is a member of the Energy, Climate, and Grid Security Subcommittee and the Health Subcommittee.

 

Vehicle Found In Reservoir In Fostoria

(From the Fostoria Police Division)

The Fostoria Police Department and the Fostoria Fire Department are aware of the vehicle in Reservoir 4. It was located and reported by city workers several days ago, as water was being pumped out. The vehicle appears to have been there for a while.

At this time, we are waiting for weather conditions to continue to improve and warm up so that we can safely examine it. We have to use extreme caution in the vehicle’s examination, in the event there is evidence of a crime inside. Currently, the vehicle is packed with muddy ice and water.

Once the vehicle is processed and examined, we will work with local tow companies to remove the vehicle and ensure environmental safety as best as possible, depending on the vehicle’s condition. A press release will be issued at that time.

(picture courtesy of Fostoria Police Division)

 

Guardians Talk Upcoming Season During Findlay Visit

The Cleveland Guardians were in Findlay to talk with Guardians affiliate WFIN staff and broadcast sponsors about the previous season and the expectations for the upcoming season.

Sr. VP of Public Affairs Bob DiBiasio and analyst and host of the Guardians Radio Network Jim Rosenhaus spoke during the event at the Findlay Inn and Conference Center.

The two shared the franchise’s philosophy for developing a winning program, shared expectations for the upcoming season, and highlighted some exciting renovations to Progressive Field.

They also mentioned why the Guardians’ home opener on April 8th against the White Sox doesn’t have a start time yet. That’s because that’s the day of the total solar eclipse and they’re still deciding on the best time to play the game.

The Guardians kick off their regular season schedule at the Athletics on March 28th.

 

Local Officials Voice Concerns About Recreational Marijuana

(WTOL-11) – Recreational marijuana dispensaries could be opening around Ohio later this year but officials in Findlay and Hancock County are hesitant to allow them there.

Findlay Mayor Christina Muryn says her main worry is an inundation of billboards and advertisements taking over the city.

“Making sure that we don’t become a state like Michigan where they have the billboards all over the place and it’s kind of glamorized and widely accessible.”

 

And at the county level, the Hancock County Board of Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) is also not ready to support dispensaries either.

Executive Director Precia Stuby says, unlike tobacco and alcohol, there have been no national studies on the effects of cannabis on a variety of pre-existing conditions to make educated decisions on.

 

Sheriff’s Office Participates In ‘Amazing Shake’

(From the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office)

A few of our employees had the opportunity to participate in the very first “Amazing Shake” competition at Liberty-Benton Elementary School.

This competition was created to prepare students for professional careers by teaching them manners, discipline, respect, and professional conduct.

Pictured (left to right): Lieutenant J. Seem, Captain M. Price, Sergeant F. Smith and Deputy (SRO) B. Kendrick

 

Findlay Resident Appointed To Second Term On Ohio DD Council

(From Blanchard Valley Center)

Findlay resident Molly Dible has been appointed to the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council (DD Council) for a second two-year term by Gov. Mike DeWine.

Dible currently serves as vice chair of the DD Council. She will continue sit on the DD Council with fellow Hancock County resident Matthew LaFontaine. Dible and LaFontaine both receive supports from Blanchard Valley Center (Hancock County Boards of Developmental Disabilities).

“I am so proud of Molly and Matthew,” said Blanchard Valley Center Superintendent Kelli Grisham.

“The governor thought enough of the job Molly did in her first term to appoint her to a second term to the DD Council. That’s so awesome. They both do a great job of proudly representing Blanchard Valley Center and Hancock County.”

Dible has been involved in Blanchard Valley Center-sponsored advocacy groups since 2012. Locally, she has served as secretary for Aktion Club of Hancock County, is a member of the Speaks Out advocacy group, is a statewide trainer for Project Steps Toward Independence and Responsibility, served as secretary of the Northwest Region of the Ohio Self Determination Association, and is an advocate for We Thrive Together.

At the DD Council, Dible is a member of the Community Living Committee, Outreach Committee, Leadership Committee, Bylaws and Policies Committee, and Children and Health Committee.

“Molly is very organized at her meetings,” said Danielle Fisher, a Blanchard Valley Center employee who assists Dible at the DD Council meetings. “She is really on top of things and makes sure to voice her concerns at the meetings.”

Her second term will run through 2026. Dible works with a provider for transportation needs in Hancock County. She receives a waiver that pays for assistive technology to ensure her safety in her home.

In her free time, Dible enjoys attending Challenged Champions Equestrian Center, doing yoga, and being a substitute for a bunco club. The DD Council is a 30-member board appointed by the governor.

DD Council members are people with developmental disabilities, parents and guardians of people with disabilities, representatives from concerned state agencies, nonprofit organizations, and local agencies providing services to people with disabilities.

(Dible is pictured above with BVC’s Nadine Weininger in a picture provided by BVC)

 

Girl Scouts STEAM Day At Owens Community College

(From Owens Community College)

More than 150 area Girl Scouts (grades K-12), their leaders and caregivers will participate in STEAM Day at the Owens Community College Findlay Campus on Saturday, February 3rd, where they will take part in hands-on activities related to Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM).

Girl Scouts will rotate through stations with Owens faculty, including:

  • Biology (dissecting cow eyes, seeing a virtual cadaver)
  • Mechanics (program robotic arms, play with hydraulics)
  • Nursing (use stethoscopes and blood pressure cuffs)
  • Welding (virtual welding)
  • Physical Therapy (strength and mobility exercises)

The day’s activities are designed to help Girl Scouts think both analytically and creatively. A majority of girls who attend events like this report being more confident in their science and math abilities after participating—an important impact on their future education and careers. (Women comprise about half of today’s workforce, but only 34% of the STEM workforce.)

The event is sponsored by Girl Scouts of Western Ohio and Marathon, in partnership with Owens Community College.

 

 

ACLU Of Ohio Preparing Lawsuit Over HB 68

(ONN) – There is a new development in the fight over transgender rights in Ohio.

The ACLU of Ohio says it is planning to sue the state over House Bill 68.

The lawsuit will specifically target the part of the bill that bans gender-affirming medical care for transgender minors.

Just last week the Ohio Senate finalized a veto override vote for House Bill 68.

The bill bans transgender-affirming care and hormone therapies along with banning transgender girls from playing girls’ sports. 

 

AEP Work To Close Portion Of South Main Street

(From City of Findlay)

Main St. from Lincoln St. to Lima St. will be closed to allow AEP to remove wire. The closure will begin on Tuesday, January 30th at 9:30am and continue for approximately one hour.

During this time AEP will have signage and flaggers on-site to help direct traffic in this area.

Avoid these blocks if possible. Short delays are expected in these areas. Weather and Contractor schedule is permitting.

The Findlay Engineering Department will release updates on information and schedules when it becomes available. Please do not hesitate to contact them if you have any questions about any of these projects at 419-424-7121.