(ONN) – A new Ohio bill could crack down on trespassing and voyeurism with drones.

A bill cosponsor, Republican Representative Brian Lampton, says there’s no state law right now regarding the use of drones over private property.

This bill would give law enforcement the authority to go after someone who flies one on any private property without permission.

The bill would also prohibit voyeurism.

A drone operator couldn’t spy, eavesdrop, record, photograph or livestream you in a place where you have a reasonable expectation of privacy.

(From Blanchard Valley Health System)

The Blanchard Valley Health System Auxiliary recently awarded 11 $1,000 scholarships to students in Hancock and surrounding counties interested in pursuing a health-related career.

The 2024 BVHS Auxiliary scholarship winners include: Ella Armstrong (Bluffton High School), pursuing a nursing degree at Goshen College; Jacob Barnhart (Findlay High School), pursuing a health sciences degree at The Ohio State University; Brooke Camper (Bluffton High School), pursuing a nursing degree at Cedarville University; Molly Crates (Findlay High School), pursuing a biomedical engineering degree at The Ohio State University; Emma Hoffman (Ottawa-Glandorf High School), pursuing a nursing degree at Bowling Green State University; Paige Maas (Ottawa-Glandorf High School), pursuing a nursing degree at Bowling Green State University; Christian Price (Fostoria High School), pursuing a pharmacy degree at the University of Findlay; Iris Schorsch (McComb High School), pursuing a nursing degree at Owens Community College; Kaytlynn Schroeder (Leipsic High School), pursuing a nutrition and dietetics degree at Bluffton University; Cora Sterling (Findlay High School), pursuing a nursing degree at Ohio Northern University; and Adelaide Wilt (Findlay High School), pursuing a pre-medicine/biology degree at Miami University.

Monies for the scholarship fund are derived from the annual membership dues contributed by Auxiliary members.

To learn more about scholarships offered through Blanchard Valley Health System, please visit bvhealthsystem.org/scholarships.

(ONN) – A new law could increase penalties for sextortion crimes in Ohio.

Ohio lawmakers are working to stop an online crime that’s leading to teen suicide.

Braden’s Law is named after Braden Marcus, a 15-year-old Olentangy High School student.

He died by suicide after falling victim to sextortion in 2021.

The FBI reports more than 13,000 sextortion cases of minors since Braden’s death.

 Braden’s Law would make sextortion a first, second and/or third degree felony in ohio.

“If you’re one of those terrible, evil people that are thinking about committing this crime, maybe you’ll think again,” said State Rep. Brian Lorenz of Powell.

Sextortion is defined as ‘the practice of extorting money or sexual favors from someone by threatening to reveal evidence of their sexual activity.’

(From Millstream Speedway)

Millstream Speedway is excited to announce the dates for its highly anticipated return in 2024.

Millstream Speedway has a rich history, dating back to its opening in 1952. Over the years, it has hosted some of the biggest names in racing and has become a fan-favorite destination for its fast-paced and adrenaline-pumping races.

Under new ownership for the first time in over 20 years, MS Properties and Matt & Beth Cogley have been working hard to get Millstream Speedway ready to welcome dirt racing back to the Findlay/Hancock County area.

“It’s been a real labor of love, and we have been so blessed with the many volunteers who have come out to help us get the facility back in shape!” said Beth Cogley.

After an eight-year hiatus, the speedway will host three special events that are sure to thrill fans and racers alike.

The racing will begin with Ohio Sprint Speedweek Night 8, brought to you by Ohio Logistics on Friday, June 14, 2024. That night will feature the FAST on Dirt winged 410 sprint cars and the USAC Midwest Thunder Midgets. Gates will open at 4 and racing will start at 7 pm. Tickets are on sale at MyRacePass.com.

Next the Great Lakes Sprint Series will invade on Sunday, August 25, 2024 with the Great Lakes Super Sprints (360 cu in winged sprint cars), the Great Lakes Traditional Sprints (the original wingless sprint cars), and the Great Lakes Lightning Sprints (1,000 cc sprint cars).

Garner Trucking proudly sponsors the closing night of the Cogley’s inaugural season on Sunday, October 6, 2024 with the Great Lakes Super Sprints, Stocks vs. Trucks, and Late Models.

Millstream Speedway is located at 7805 Township Road 95, a little northwest of Findlay. 

You can follow the progress on their Facebook page or email millstreamspeedway@gmail.com for more information.

The Hancock County Law Enforcement Memorial Service was held at the Fallen Officers Memorial at the Fort Findlay FOP Lodge 20 on Romick Parkway in Findlay.

The ten officers from Hancock County law enforcement agencies who have died in the line of duty were remembered and honored with their names spoken aloud and a flower placed at the memorial for them.

The speaker at the Hancock County Law Enforcement Memorial Service was Mrs. Vaune Akers, the wife of Findlay Officer Doug Akers who died by suicide in 2018, and she’s dedicated to reducing the mental health stigma among first responders.

“It’s okay to talk about it, the conversation has to happen. It shouldn’t be hidden. It shouldn’t be tucked away. Their struggles are real and we have to acknowledge them and tell them it’s okay, you are going to struggle, you are going to need help eventually and it’s okay to ask for it.”

In addition to her professional and familial responsibilities, Mrs. Akers is deeply involved in volunteer work with FIRST H.E.L.P., a non-profit organization committed to reducing the mental health stigma among first responders and providing support to the families of those lost to suicide. 

Get more from our conversation with Vaune in the video of the memorial service below.

(From the Hancock Historical Museum)

The Hancock Historical Museum will feature “Laura” (1944) for May’s classic movie at 7 p.m. Friday, May 17.

Nominated for 5 Oscars, and winner of Best Black and White Cinematography for 1945, “Laura” is one of the most celebrated 1940s film noir films. Manhattan detective Mark McPherson (Dana Andrews) investigates the murder of Laura Hunt (Gene Tierney) in her apartment.

On the trail of her murderer, McPherson quizzes Laura’s arrogant best friend, Waldo Lydecker (Clifton Webb) and her fiancé, Shelby Carpenter (Vincent Price). As the detective grows obsessed with the case, he finds himself falling in love with the dead woman.

Classic Movie Night is free and open to the public. Seating is limited and reservations are encouraged, but not required. Historical information is provided before the movie and guests are welcome to stay for discussion afterward.

The rest of the 2024 Classic Movie Line Up includes:

July 19 – Yankee Doodle Dandy (PG) 1942

Starring James Cagney and Jeanne Cagney

August 17 (Outdoor Movie) – Jurassic Park (PG-13) 1993

Starring Sam Neill, Laura Dern, and Jeff Goldblum

October 25 – Strangers on a Train (PG) 1951

Starring Robert Walker and Farley Granger, Directed by Alfred Hitchcock

December 20 – White Christmas (G) 1954

Starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, and Vera-Ellen

For more information, please call the museum at (419) 423-4433 or visit www.hancockhistoricalmuseum.org.

(From Putnam County Habitat for Humanity)

Putnam County Habitat for Humanity (PCHFH) will begin accepting applications for the 15th partner family with the organization’s New Homeownership program. The next enrollment period is May 15 to June 28, 2024, for a new home that will be built in Ottawa. The home will be completed in 2025.

To be considered as an applicant for this new home, interested individuals must complete the current New Homeownership application and return it to the PCHFH office with the following documents:

• Last two consecutive years of most recent federal tax returns files (first two pages only, signed by applicant(s))
• Eight weeks of pay stubs for each applicant
• Documentation of other household income (e.g. social security, disability, food stamps and child support)

Applications are available to download at www.putnamohhabitat.org. You may also request a printed application by calling 419-523-9621 or visiting the PCHFH office at 150 N. Oak Street, Ottawa, OH 45875 between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., Monday through Thursday. 

Following an initial review, all applicants will receive a letter confirming eligibility for further consideration or a letter stating why the application is denied for this build cycle. The review process can take up to 30 days. All applicants selected to continue in the application process will be asked to complete a Department of Agriculture (USDA) loan application.

Since its inception in 2009, PCHFH has built 13 new homes and rebuilt an entire house. Homeowners purchase their homes through low- or zero-interest mortgages provided by PCHFH or through USDA direct loans. Critical home repair projects completed by Putnam County Habitat for Humanity include bathroom remodels, roof repairs and replacements, electrical repairs, window replacements, wheelchair ramp additions and replacements.

(ONN) – Wildfires in Canada are likely to bring unhealthy air conditions back to the Buckeye State this summer.

Last year’s wildfires in Canada created unhealthy air quality conditions throughout Ohio in the months of June and July with hazy conditions that forced school sports teams to move practices indoors.

Experts suggest that a warmer and drier than usual summer forecast for this summer will create patterns similar to last year.

With Canadian wildfires in the news again, drifting smoke has yet to be a problem in Ohio with most statewide locations reporting good air quality.

The exceptions, so far, are areas around Toledo, Columbus and Cincinnati which are listed as moderate.

(From Marathon Petroleum Corp.)

Marathon Petroleum Corp. (NYSE: MPC) today announced its leadership transition plan, with all positions effective August 1, 2024. At that time, MPC President Maryann T. Mannen will succeed Michael J. Hennigan as Chief Executive Officer and will join the Board of Directors; Hennigan will transition from CEO to Executive Chairman of the Board; and, continuing as the Board’s strong independent voice, MPC Chairman John Surma has been elected to serve as Lead Director.

Hennigan has led MPC as CEO since March 2020 and joined the Board of Directors in April 2020. Mannen has served as President since January of this year, after previously serving as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since January 2021. Surma became independent Chairman of the Board in April 2020, having served as a member of the Board since 2011. 

“Mike’s leadership of MPC has been marked by a time of tremendous success,” said Surma. “On behalf of the Board of Directors, I want to thank Mike, Maryann and the entire team for their relentless pursuit of shareholder value. Our team’s commitment to MPC’s core values of safety and environmental stewardship, integrity, respect, inclusion and collaboration has been foundational to realizing great achievements.” 

During Hennigan’s leadership as CEO, MPC’s accomplishments include:

• Delivering on transformative strategic priorities to structurally lower cost, improve commercial performance and increase competitiveness of the company’s portfolio;
• Strategic sale of the retail business, resulting in robust capital return program;
• Return of approximately $37 billion to MPC shareholders through dividends and share repurchases, for total shareholder return, with dividends reinvested, of 918% since March 2020; and
• Significant growth of the midstream business operated by subsidiary MPLX LP, including expansion in the Marcellus, Utica and Permian basins.

“We are pleased to have Mike serve as Executive Chairman of the Board as we focus on a successful and seamless transition,” continued Surma. “The Board unanimously supports and looks forward to Maryann’s leadership as our next CEO. It’s an exciting time in the energy sector, and she will take the helm of a company with exceptional employees and an outstanding set of assets.”

Regarding Mannen’s election, Hennigan noted, “Our confidence in Maryann as the right leader for our company is based on her contributions to the MPC success story, as well as her proven track record as an energy-sector veteran of 38 years. She has demonstrated a keen understanding of our business, clear judgment and a strong financial expertise that will serve shareholders well.”

Mannen shared, “I am honored by the trust placed in me to lead this great company. My priorities align with those that have made us the peer-leading energy investment we are today – an unwavering focus on safety, the environment and operational performance as we pursue commercial results that translate into greater shareholder value. I’m excited about our future.”  

About Maryann Mannen
Mannen was elected MPC President effective January 2024, having previously served as Executive Vice President and CFO since January 2021. She has also served as a member of the Board of Directors of the general partner of MPLX LP since February 2021. Before joining MPC, Mannen served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of TechnipFMC (a successor to FMC Technologies, Inc.), a leading global engineering services and energy technology company, since 2017. She previously served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of FMC Technologies, Inc. since 2014, as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since 2011, and in various positions of increasing responsibility with FMC Technologies, Inc. since 1986. Mannen also serves on the board of directors of Owens Corning, an insulation, roofing and fiberglass composites company.

About Mike Hennigan
Hennigan was elected MPC CEO effective March 2020. He has served as a member of the Board of Directors since April 2020. Hennigan has also served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the general partner of MPLX LP since April 2020, as its CEO since November 2019 and as its President since June 2017. Before joining the general partner of MPLX LP, Hennigan was President, Crude, NGL and Refined Products of the general partner of Energy Transfer Partners L.P. He was President and Chief Executive Officer of Sunoco Logistics Partners L.P. from 2012 to 2017, President and Chief Operating Officer beginning in 2010, and Vice President, Business Development, beginning in 2009. Hennigan also serves on the board of directors of Nutrien, a Canadian agricultural services company.

About John Surma
Surma was elected Chairman of the MPC Board of Directors effective April 2020, after joining the Board in 2011. He has also served as a member of the Board of Directors of the general partner of MPLX LP since October 2012. Surma retired as the Chief Executive Officer of United States Steel Corporation in September 2013 and as Executive Chairman in December 2013. Prior to joining U. S. Steel, Surma served in several executive positions with Marathon. Surma also serves on the board of directors of Trane Technologies plc, a global climate innovator that designs, manufactures, sells and services solutions for heating, ventilation and air conditioning, transport refrigeration and custom refrigeration solutions, as well as the Board of Directors of Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG), a diversified energy company.

About Marathon Petroleum Corporation
Marathon Petroleum Corporation (MPC) is a leading, integrated, downstream energy company headquartered in Findlay, Ohio. The company operates the nation’s largest refining system. MPC’s marketing system includes branded locations across the United States, including Marathon brand retail outlets. MPC also owns the general partner and majority limited partner interest in MPLX LP, a midstream company that owns and operates gathering, processing, and fractionation assets, as well as crude oil and light product transportation and logistics infrastructure. More information is available at www.marathonpetroleum.com.

The City of Findlay Street Department will be testing the city’s outdoor warning sirens on Wednesday, May 15 beginning at 9 a.m.

Monthly, Findlay and Hancock County test their outdoor warning sirens at 10 a.m. on the first Monday of the month.  

During that test, a few of the city’s sirens didn’t go off. Repairs were made to those sirens and all city sirens will be tested on Wednesday.

Anyone with questions can contact the Street Department at (419) 424-7181 or publicworks@findlayohio.gov