(From the Ohio EPA)

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio EPA Director Anne M. Vogel announced $16.7 million in H2Ohio water infrastructure grants for 14 projects across the state. 

Governor DeWine launched H2Ohio in 2019 as a comprehensive strategy to improve water infrastructure across Ohio and provide increased access to clean, reliable drinking water. 

“Projects like the ones we’re announcing today speak to the very heart of why we created H2Ohio,” said Governor DeWine. “This funding will help Ohio communities pay for much-needed infrastructure that will not only improve water quality but also the quality of life for people who live in these neighborhoods.”

Findlay is receiving $2 million to help repair deteriorating sewer pipelines in the Eagle Creek neighborhood and support the Spring Lake Subdivision Sewer Rebuild.

Findlay Mayor Christina Muryn says the H2Ohio funds have been critical in investing in Findlay and Hancock County.

This new round of H2Ohio funding focused predominantly on supporting the regionalization and consolidation of drinking water and wastewater systems. This included extending water  and sewer services to underserved areas and the elimination of inadequate treatment systems. Regionalization provides opportunities for communities to share the costs associated with building, operating, and maintaining the infrastructure needed to provide safe and clean water to those communities.

Among the grants, $1 million in funding will go to Ravenna Township in Portage County to help regionalize a large unsewered area known as the Chinn Allotment, which contains nearly 200 households. The new wastewater collection system will address ongoing water quality violations cited by the Ohio EPA and the Portage County Combined General Health District.

“We’re very happy that we have a source of funding to address a very specific need in Ravenna Township,” Director Vogel said. “Our goal is always to help communities find solutions to problems like these – particularly when there is a risk to public health and the environment. A great thing about the Governor’s H2Ohio initiative is that it has the unique ability to fill funding gaps that might not be addressed in other existing programs.”

Additional grants include $2.5 million for Toledo to design the replacement of a raw water main that conveys Lake Erie water nine miles to a water treatment plant.

To learn more about Ohio EPA’s H2Ohio work, as well as that of the Ohio Department of Agriculture and Ohio Department of Natural Resources, visit h2.ohio.gov. 

(From the Fort Findlay FOP Foundation) 

The Fort Findlay FOP Foundation is gearing up for its annual “Cops & Kids Go Shopping” event. This unique program pairs income-challenged and at-risk children with local law enforcement officers for an impactful holiday shopping experience.

The event is exclusive, with participating children referred by local teachers and school counselors to ensure those who would benefit most from this opportunity can take part. By fostering this interaction, the Foundation aims to instill trust and community support between youth and law enforcement.

Teresa White, Fort Findlay FOP Foundation Development Director, highlighted the ongoing opportunity for donations to support this meaningful initiative. This year’s fundraising theme, “Be a Cops & Kids Champion,” emphasizes the Foundation’s dedication to nurturing positive relationships between law enforcement and the younger generation.

Teresa was on with WFIN’s Chris Oaks. 

“We firmly believe in the power of positive experiences,” said White. “The ‘Cops & Kids Go Shopping’ event isn’t just about shopping; it’s about forging connections, building trust, and creating enduring memories that can profoundly impact a child’s future.”

Those interested in supporting this cause can make donations through fortfindlayfop20.org/cops-and-kids or by mail to Fort Findlay FOP Lodge 20, P.O. Box 1335, 1769 S. Romick Pkwy, Findlay, OH 45840.

For further information, please reach out to Teresa White, Development Director, at copsandkidsfindlay@gmail.com or 833-LODGE20 (833-563-4320).

Cops & Kids Go Shopping will be held on Sunday, December 10th at the Findlay Meijer. 

Learn more about other Cops and Kids programs the FOP Foundation puts on by clicking here and see video from last year below.

(From the Fostoria Division of Police)

On 11/27/2023 the Fostoria Police Department with the assistance of the Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, and members of the Seneca County Drug Task Force METRICH Enforcement Unit, executed a Child Pornography related search warrant, at 330 Boston Ave in Fostoria Seneca County, Ohio; the home of Robert E. Ware, 51 YOA.

The search warrant signed by Judge Jay Meyer of the Seneca County Common Pleas Court, revealed images and videos of Child Pornography. Early indications from evidence are estimating there to be around 10,000 files of images and or videos of children involved in sexual poses or acts. As of now, these videos do not appear to be homemade, created locally, or contain Mr. Ware.

Mr. Ware was arrested on 5 counts of Pandering Sexually Oriented Matter Involving a Minor, ORC 2907.322 (A)(5) all felonies of the 4th degree. However, because of prior convictions of this charge, all of Mr. Ware’s charges have been enhanced to Felonies of the 3rd degree. Mr. Ware is currently incarcerated and being held at the Seneca County Jail.

The investigation was spearheaded by Fostoria Police Detective Kyle Reinbolt, (an ICAC Task Force Member), along with assistance from Ohio ICAC and the Tiffin Police Department.

“Whether the images and videos of the children possessed by Mr. Ware are from other countries or not is irrelevant to me, they are of children. As I have said in the past, there is no greater threat than those who prey upon children. We will continue to go after these individuals, giving them each their day in court and bring them into the eye of the community!”

Gabe Wedge – Chief of Police – Fostoria Police Department

U.S. Senate candidate and current Ohio State Senator Matt Dolan was in Findlay on Friday.

Dolan stopped by the WFIN Studios ahead of his talk at the Hancock County GOP’s First Friday Luncheon at the Moose Lodge at 1028 West Main Cross Street.

Dolan, whose family owns the Cleveland Guardians, is vying for the Republican nomination in the March primary to take on Democrat Senator Sherrod Brown in November 2024.

Bernie Moreno and Frank LaRose are also seeking the Republican nomination.

Dolan says he believes both of his primary opponents are running primary campaigns that will be difficult to pull in enough independent voters to defeat Sherrod Brown. 

Dolan says, while he’s not seeking Donald Trump’s endorsement he is talking a lot about Trump policies.

“I’m talking about his regulation relief, his tax relief, his Abraham Accords in the Middle East that brought stability. Those are the things we need to get back to and execute on.”

Dolan says his focus is on improving Ohioan’s lives each and every day and he’s taken that focus to both the private and public sector.

“Joe Biden’s failures have led to an inflation tax on every American household. These price increases are the direct result of reckless spending by Democrats like Sherrod Brown. I cut taxes and wasteful spending in Ohio. I’ll do it in the U.S. Senate.”

(Dolan is pictured below speaking at the Moose Lodge on Friday afternoon)

(ONN) – Ohio is the first state in the nation to report an outbreak of pediatric pneumonia cases, similar to what’s already sweeping China and parts of Europe.

In Warren County, north of Cincinnati, health officials have declared an outbreak of pneumonia in children.

They say 145 kids have been diagnosed with the respiratory infection since August.

The average age of these patients is 8 years old.

The declaration comes as China is in the midst of its own outbreak, hospital wards filled to capacity with doctors seeing a rise in several known respiratory illnesses.

The director of the CDC tried to ease fears saying China is not dealing with a new virus like COVID.

(From Raise the Bar Hancock County)

Findlay-Hancock County is celebrating the triumphs of recent graduates from its WorkAdvance training program, proudly announcing their successful job placements at The Rowmark Group.

Under the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association’s Good Jobs Challenge grant, funded by the US Economic Development Administration, WorkAdvance propels individuals toward promising manufacturing careers.

Over just two weeks, participants complete comprehensive job readiness training, soft skill development, and technical skills education, setting the stage for rapid career advancement.

Kendra Lenz, Vice President of Human Resources at The Rowmark Group, expressed her enthusiasm for the program’s impact: “The graduates from the WorkAdvance program bring a unique blend of skills and determination to the workplace. We are thrilled to have them as part of our team.”

Jerome, a recent program graduate, shared his heartfelt sentiments during the latest graduation ceremony: “I’m just gettin’ all emotional ’cause I just never been celebrated like this before and it feels good to accomplish somethin’. But [I know] this is only the beginning. I appreciate everything y’all taught me – it was well needed.”

In collaboration with Owens Community College and Habitat for Humanity of Hancock County’s Financial Opportunity Center, WorkAdvance continues to thrive in Findlay-Hancock County. Raise the Bar® plays a crucial role in making this program accessible to individuals who want good paying jobs with manufacturers that invest in personal and professional growth. “WorkAdvance is one of many paths individuals can take to obtain a local job. However, WorkAdvance goes above and beyond to make sure our community’s members are employable and overcome barriers to work,” shares Tricia Valasek, Raise the Bar® executive director.

Valasek continued “Our funding allows us to cover certain expenses for program completers that others would have to navigate or secure on their own. It’s an honor to lead WorkAdvance and enable completers like Jerome to find stable, well-paying employment locally.”

WorkAdvance graduates work with a Financial Opportunity Center coach for one year to make informed decisions and take proactive steps toward achieving professional and financial goals. Graduates also receive a Chromebook and $500 in points to spend online with City Apparel + Merch to obtain work equipment and apparel.

WorkAdvance and FOC Coach Jennifer Galbraith shares, “By the time the training is completed, it is amazing to see the increase in self-confidence and the pride they have in themselves. It is truly inspiring.” Raise the Bar® is currently enrolling participants for its next training, which will occur in January 2024.

Prospective trainees are encouraged to reach out to Jennifer Galbraith at Jen.Galbraith@hbitatfindlay.org to secure their spot. About Raise the Bar®: Raise the Bar® prepares and connects an adaptive workforce for Findlay-Hancock County through education and training. The organization strives to meet emerging employment needs, fostering a thriving community of skilled professionals.

Details on Raise the Bar’s WorkAdvance program available at www.workadvancefindlay.org. About WorkAdvance: WorkAdvance is a workforce development model that can help unlock participants’ potential by guiding them along a pathway to a productive manufacturing career.

The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation’s ‘Fun for All’ series of free community events continues in December.

According to the Community Foundation’s website, the December events are as follows.

2 – Lunch with Santa
12-2 p.m.
50 North
Visit www.50north.org for details
Registration ends November 27 or until registration is full

5 – National Lampoons Christmas Vacation Movie
7 p.m.
Marathon Center for the Performing Arts

15 – It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play
8 p.m.
WFIN 1330AM or 95.5FM
Visit It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play | Fort Findlay Playhouse for details

16 – Wellness Event
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
50 North
Registration ends December 1 or until registration is full

“We’ve heard time and time again that finding affordable, family-friendly activities is a challenge in Hancock County. The Community Foundation is proud to provide Fun for All to help bridge the gap,” said Community Foundation President and CEO Brian Treece.

Brian says the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation is thankful to its community partners for making the events possible.

(ONN) – A Republican-sponsored bill that would ban nearly all diversity and inclusion training requirements at Ohio’s public colleges and universities doesn’t have the votes to move forward in the legislature, according to the House leader.

Ohio House Speaker Jason Stephens told reporters that he will not push the legislation to a floor vote in the GOP-dominated house, as it simply doesn’t have enough support.

The multifaceted measure would drastically change the way students learn and faculty teach across the nation’s fourth-largest public university system and comes alongside efforts of other Republican-led states targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education.

Supporters of the measure have called it necessary to help protect conservative speech on campuses.

University students and faculty have spoken out against the bill saying it encourages censorship.

(From the Hancock Park District)

Hancock Park District’s 28th Annual Photography Contest is now underway.

To be eligible for judging, photographs must be taken in the Hancock Park System (i.e., parks owned and/or managed by the Hancock Park District), from the Blanchard River Greenway Trail, or of the Blanchard River (e.g., landscapes, wildlife, and outdoor recreation).

Eligible photographs at Riverside Park must be taken along the waterfront, which is the area managed by the Hancock Park District. Please visit www.HancockParks.com Park News section, for complete entry rules and guidelines and to submit your photographs.

Photographs must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM, December 31. All qualified entries in the Photography Contest will be posted on the Hancock Park District Facebook page between January 2, 2024, and January 16, 2024, where the public can vote for one “People’s Choice” winner.

The photograph with the most “likes” will be named the People’s Choice winner. A cash prize of $200, along with a plaque will be awarded.

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.

(From the City of Findlay)

The City Income Tax Department will be closed on Monday, December 4, 2023-Friday, December 8, 2023, from 8:00am-5:00pm for staff training purposes.

Tax return forms will still be available at the kiosk outside of the City Income Tax Department office and on the City’s website by visiting www.findlayohio.com/incometax.

Documents may still be dropped off in the drop box in the parking lot south of the Municipal Building or in the drop box inside the Municipal Building doors as the drop boxes will be attended to each day.

The Income Tax Department will open again on Monday, December 11, 2023 at 8:00am as usual.