A man was jailed for drugs and on other charges after a drug task force searched his residence.
The Hancock County METRICH Drug Task Force and partners executed a narcotics search warrant at 8115 Parkwood Drive at the Riverview Terrace Mobile Home Park on Thursday morning.
The task force says it had fielded complaints about the address.
The search of the residence yielded suspected methamphetamine as well as items indicative of drug use and trafficking.
A loaded rifle was also seized.
The task force says Michael J. Bennett, 32, was arrested and booked at the Hancock County Jail.
He’s facing charges of possession of meth, resisting arrest, having weapons under disability, and obstructing official business.
Additional charges of drug trafficking are expected at the conclusion of the investigation.
The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office says a child was struck by a car outside Arcadia Local Schools on Wednesday night.
The sheriff’s office says the 12-year-old girl entered State Route 12 at 7:25 p.m. and was hit by a car driven by Isaiah Johnson that was traveling eastbound on State Route 12.
The girl was taken to Blanchard Valley Hospital with suspected minor injuries.
“Our advocates will be reaching out to the rural communities and providing services to survivors that have barriers that are preventing them from accessing services,” said Executive Director Ashley Ritz.
Ashley says those barriers include transportation, childcare, fear, or simply not being aware of the services Open Arms provides.
She says advocates will meet survivors where they are and connect them with resources, help and safety.
To access services, call the Open Arms hotline at 419-422-4766, or visit their website.
Blanchard Valley Health System (BVHS) is excited to announce its new partnership with the DAISY Award, an international recognition program honoring nurses who have made a special difference in their patients’ lives.
The DAISY Award offers an opportunity for those who have been profoundly impacted by a nurse’s care.
In collaboration with BVHS Nursing Congress, Jessica Moore, RN, director of inpatient nursing, and Nikki Ballinger, RN, chair of Nursing Congress, will serve as co-coordinators of the program.
“We were brainstorming ways to enhance nurse engagement and celebrate nurses, while allowing our patients and families to express their gratitude for the wonderful care they received,” said Ballinger. “The DAISY Award was the obvious choice. It provides such a meaningful way for nurses to be celebrated for the care they provide and remind them why they became nurses in the first place.”
“Nurses touch so many lives,” Moore added. “Patients and families often tell us how much their nurse made a difference, both with their expert clinical care and with their warmth and compassion. We’re excited to introduce a new way to thank the nurses who provide exceptional care, and make sure they know how much their work matters.”
The DAISY Award was created to honor the late Patrick Barnes, who was diagnosed with the autoimmune disease ITP (Immune Thrombocytopenia) at age 33 in 1999. Pat’s family was moved by the incredible kindness and compassion his nurses demonstrated throughout the eight weeks he was hospitalized. After his death, they created the award to honor him.
Pat’s wife, Tena, developed the acronym DAISY, which stands for Diseases Attacking the Immune SYstem. The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses began at the Seattle
Cancer Care Alliance at the University of Washington Medical Center, where Patrick had been a patient. It has since been adopted by thousands of healthcare organizations and schools of nursing in the United States and around the world. The recognition program is run by partner organizations. Nurses may be nominated by anyone, including patients, family members or coworkers.
Each DAISY Honoree is honored at a celebration and receives a certificate in a DAISY portfolio, a beautiful hand-carved “Healer’s Touch” sculpture from Zimbabwe, an honoree pin, a congratulations banner to hang in the unit, a copy of their nomination and a gift bag. Each honoree also receives cinnamon rolls to share, in recognition of the fact that, while Patrick had lost his appetite during his hospitalization, cinnamon rolls were the exception.
Community members are encouraged to nominate a BVHS nurse for their extraordinary efforts. Any nurse at any BVHS facility or location is eligible.
A Hancock County resident has announced he’s running for the Ohio House of Representatives.
Ty Mathews is seeking the Republican nomination in the 83rd Ohio House District in the 2024 primary.
Jon Cross is currently the State Rep. for the 83rd District, which includes Hancock County, Hardin County and portions of Logan County.
Mathews says he’ll bring to the state legislature a strong record of service and deep-rooted dedication to upholding conservative principles and values.
“I am honored and humbled to officially declare my candidacy for State Representative,” said Mathews.
“Our community deserves a steadfast and principled representative who will exhibit integrity and truly represent the people of the 83rd House District. I am committed to being that voice and ensuring the values we hold dear are defended and advanced at the state house.”
(ONN) – The educational period is almost over for Ohio’s new distracted driving law, meaning tickets will soon be issued to violators.
Since May, the Ohio State Highway Patrol says it’s given out more than 1,300 warnings for distracted driving.
Now, the Highway Patrol is prepared to cite those who swipe their screens or watch movies as they drive.
“Seeing someone on their phone, maybe sending a text message or watching a video that is probable cause for a traffic stop,” said Lt. Nathan Dennis with the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
The law does allow people to talk on their phones either through Bluetooth or against the ear.
The distracted driving law takes effect on Thursday, October 5th.
United Way of Hancock County is rallying changemakers throughout the county through its 2023 Annual Campaign.
This year’s campaign theme is “Difference Makers,” emphasizing the fact that each person can make a difference for vulnerable children, families and individuals in our community through charitable giving, advocacy or volunteer work. A variety of campaign-related activities, including bus tours, workplace campaign kickoff events and the upcoming Downtown Restaurant Tour, are being offered to build corporate enthusiasm, provide volunteer engagement, and educate the public on the efforts of local nonprofit agencies.
United Way has set a fundraising goal of $2 million.
“We are grateful for the immense support and unwavering partnership we receive from the Difference Makers in our community,” said Angela DeBoskey, CEO of United Way of Hancock County. “All money raised here stays here to impact Hancock County’s most pressing needs. When you give to our campaign, you are measurably improving the lives of our friends and neighbors.”
United Way’s Annual Campaign supports 19 local nonprofit agencies, along with a variety of direct services, community collaborations, and an additional 20-plus programs. These efforts provide critical services to vulnerable children and in the areas of food security, safety and health, workforce development and transportation, and housing. Collectively, these programs serve 1 in 4 people in our community.
Leading the campaign’s efforts for a second consecutive year is Campaign Chair Andrea Kramer, president and owner of City Apparel + Merch. (pictured below)
“As a second-year campaign chair, I can assure you that the United Way is well-positioned to respond to Hancock County’s shifting areas of concern. I can also promise that special attention is placed on ensuring vital and basic needs for all residents through collaborations with local Difference Makers, changemakers and business leaders, and by building trust with donors,” Kramer said.
Kramer is also a member of the University of Findlay College of Business Advisory Board and Promotional Products International Technology Committee; a board member on the Ohio Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation and on the Braden Kramer Foundation; an executive board member for Family Resource Center of Northwest Ohio; a former Dana Scholar Chair; and a member of Findlay Rotary Club.
Michael Steeb, chief financial officer for City Apparel + Merch, and Rich Kramer, chief operating officer for City Uniforms & Linen, are serving as the campaign’s Corporate Division Chairs.
Co-chairing the Commercial Division are John LaRiche, LaRiche Chevrolet dealer, and Chuck Baker, LaRiche Chevrolet general manager.
Education Division Chairs are Heather Ward, vice president of human resources at the University of Findlay, and Kelly Wohlgamuth, coordinator of gifted and ESL services at Findlay City Schools.
Amy Barnhisel, vice president business banking officer at Citizens Bank, and Susan Bunn, associate vice president of treasury management sales specialist at Citizens Bank, are co-chairing the FIRE (finance, insurance and real estate) Division.
Myron D. Lewis, president and CEO of Blanchard Valley Health System, is chairing the Health Division.
Serving as Mercantile Division Chair is Karen Worthington, owner of River + Road.
Chairing the Professional Division is Sean Abbot, attorney at law at Hackenberg, Feighner & Werth, LLC.
Co-chairing the Public Division are Rob Martin, City of Findlay service-safety director, and Kathy Launder, City of Findlay chief assistant to the mayor.
Dr. Andrew Ritz, retired pediatrician with Blanchard Valley Pediatrics, and Jennifer Lysaght, retired personal trainer, are co-chairing the Retiree/Independent Division.
Katie Kramer, owner of Hurdwell, is chairing the Rural Division.
Serving as Youth Division Chair is Madison Tolsma, supply chain business analyst at Marathon Petroleum Corp.
The campaign runs through Nov. 17, with opportunities for workplace and individual giving. All money raised through the campaign stays local to support United Way of Hancock County’s mission to measurably the lives of vulnerable children, families and individuals. Visit www.uwhancock.org to learn more or to donate to the campaign.
The Findlay Police Department has been made aware of a social media post in which an individual alleges that they were approached by an organized group of people at the Tiffin Ave. Walmart who were soliciting money.
The group allegedly followed the individual around the store and used aggressive tactics that caused the individual concern.
The post further alleges that the group attempted to prevent the individual from leaving the property and that this incident was reported to law enforcement.
To date, local law enforcement has not been contacted regarding this alleged incident and no reports have been filed.
After much consideration the Findlay Municipal Court has decided to change the hours of operation.
Effective October 9, 2023 all Court offices will operate under the following hours with the only exception being the Judicial offices will close from Noon – 12:30pm Monday – Thursday for lunch.
Monday 7:30am to 4:30pm
Tuesday 7:30am to 5:30pm
Wednesday 7:30am to 4:30pm
Thursday 7:30am to 4:30pm
Friday 7:30am to Noon
Two hearing time changes have also taken place.
Small Claims court will begin at 4:45pm on Tuesdays and Jail Hearings have moved to 2:00pm.
Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers filed felony drug charges against two Michigan men following a traffic stop in Wood County in August. During the traffic stop, troopers seized 332 grams of heroin, 51 grams of fentanyl, six Oxycodone pills and 120 grams of marijuana. In total, the drugs had a combined value of $46,975.
On August 18, at 4:12 p.m., troopers stopped a Chevrolet Tahoe with Kentucky registration for expired registration on Interstate 75. While interacting with the occupants, troopers detected the odor of raw marijuana coming from inside the vehicle, and a baggie of suspected marijuana was observed. Drugs were located on the driver and passenger during consensual pat-downs. While performing a probable cause search of the vehicle, troopers located additional drugs.
The driver, 35-year-old Victor J. Byrd, and the passenger, 31-year-old Antonio L. Jones Sr., both of Detroit, were incarcerated in the Wood County Justice Center on charges of possession of heroin, a first- degree felony. Both have since been indicted in the Wood County Court of Common Pleas. Byrd was indicted for trafficking and possession of heroin, and trafficking and possession of a fentanyl-related compound, all of which are first-degree felonies. Jones was indicted for trafficking and possession of heroin and a fentanyl-related compound, both first-degree felonies. He is also facing charges of trafficking and possession of a fentanyl-related compound, both first-degree felonies, and aggravated possession of drugs, a fifth-degree felony.
If convicted, Byrd could face up to 44 years in prison and up to an $80,000 fine. Jones could face up to 45 years in prison and up to an $82,500 fine.
On Aug. 18, @OSHP troopers made a traffic stop for a registration violation on I-75 in Wood Co. The traffic stop resulted in the seizure of nearly $47,000 worth of heroin, fentanyl, pills & other #IllegalDrugs. Both suspects have been indicted on additional charges. #HighwayCrimepic.twitter.com/rFZF6TNivF
