(From Bowling Green State University)

Building on its momentum, Bowling Green State University is again breaking enrollment records for the second consecutive year as it welcomes its largest freshman class in history of over 4,000 students to start the academic year, with new student headcount up 4% over Fall 2024, up 14% over Fall 2023 and up 36% compared to Fall 2021.

Drawing more students from across Ohio and surrounding states, the BGSU class of 2029 is the highest achieving in University history with a cumulative 3.74 grade point average and an average ACT score of 25.

“We are so grateful that, again, a record number of students and families have chosen Bowling Green,” said BGSU President Rodney K. Rogers. “This growth is absolutely a reflection of our laser-like focus on the student experience. Bowling Green is big enough to provide all the opportunities of a large university, but small enough that each student can actually take advantage of it, all in one of America’s best and safest college towns.

We have consistently invested and grown in-demand academic programs, as well as introduced a University-wide program called Life Design that empowers students to know how to fully leverage all their college experience has to offer. That has been an incredible combination, with more and more students wanting to join our learning community.”

In addition to reaching record new student enrollment, BGSU is also seeing a 17% increase in the number of students transferring from other institutions, particularly community colleges in northwest, northeast and central Ohio and southeast Michigan, many of which offer pathway programs to the University through innovative partnerships.

Further, BGSU is experiencing 32% growth in students from several counties in Michigan, where the University offers an in-state tuition scholarship.

More students are entering BGSU this fall after previously experiencing Bowling Green as a high school student through Ohio’s College Credit Plus program, with a 15% increase over last year in the number of students having already earned college credits.

High-demand degrees and programs
Committed to meeting workforce needs in Ohio and beyond, BGSU continues to invest in high-demand degree programs that are sought after by both students and employers, particularly in science, technology, engineering, mathematics – or STEM – and healthcare fields.

BGSU is seeing a 36% overall increase in its engineering programs one year after launching reimagined degrees in robotics engineering, electronics and computer engineering and mechanical and manufacturing engineering. Housed in the College of Engineering and Innovation, the programs build upon the University’s longstanding ABET-accredited offerings in applied engineering education, and by Spring 2026, students will learn and gain hands-on experience on the latest robotics and advanced manufacturing technology in the new, state-of-the-art Technology Engineering Innovation Center.

The University is also experiencing a 48% increase in new students enrolling in computer science, a pioneering program for BGSU, which was the first in Ohio at a college or university. Driving further innovation in computer and data science education, BGSU is the first in the nation to launch an AI + X bachelor’s degree, pending approval from the state of Ohio, which combines a core education in artificial intelligence with a secondary discipline in one of six fields: computer science, mathematics, physics, history, journalism and public relations.

There is also a 22% growth in new students entering pre-professional programs, which build a foundation for careers in dentistry, law, occupational therapy, optometry, pharmacy, physical therapy, physician assistant and veterinary medicine. BGSU pre-professional programs also offer pathways for students to seamlessly transition into the University’s innovative hybrid, accelerated Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) programs, along with the University of Findlay’s Doctor of Pharmacy program, which can be completed in six years versus the traditional eight-year path.

“We are thrilled to welcome yet another record-breaking, academically prepared first-year class to BGSU, continuing our overall momentum,” said Cecilia Castellano, vice president for enrollment management. “BGSU continues to develop and offer in-demand degrees and programs that prepare students for meaningful careers and lives, while meeting Ohio’s workforce needs. We are so grateful that more students and their families are choosing BGSU for an education of value and top-ranked experience in a comprehensive, safe learning community.”

Additional BGSU academic programs experiencing overall growth this fall include construction management, up 89%; exercise science, which can lead to admission to the University’s DPT and OTD programs, up 27%; nursing, up 9%; and psychology and mental health-related studies, up 21%.

Programs drawing particular interest from transfer students this fall include business, education, exercise science, nursing, psychology and sport management.

Unparalleled student experiences and opportunities
As the No. 1 public university in Ohio for student learning experiences and opportunities, BGSU gives learners the chance to enjoy the size and academic and personal resources of a large, comprehensive research university while also empowering them to take advantage of moments that support their life and career interests, all of which are factors behind this fall’s new student growth.

Four years after its full rollout, the nationally recognized BGSU Life Design program also continues to drive enrollment and significantly differentiate a Bowling Green education by allowing students to shape their college experience and career goals with design thinking principles that promote on-time graduation and reduced overall debt.

As the only university in the country offering Life Design on a large scale, BGSU supports students from their first day of class through graduation and beyond. Through the Radbill Center for College and Life Design, students individually connect with Life Design coaches for academic and personal support during the early stages of their college career. Later, they can leverage resources offered through the Kuhlin Hub for Career Design and Connections to make key introductions with industry professionals and alumni that lead to mentorship, co-ops, internships and fulfilling career opportunities, even beyond graduation, underscoring The Wall Street Journal’s ranking of BGSU as the No. 1 university in Ohio for career preparation.

Recently, Life Design at BGSU established a course specifically for students in the University’s Deciding Student Program, resulting in 91% of students declaring a major or narrowing down their choices after just one semester. To date, BGSU has introduced Life Design to more than 10,000 students, including 75% of first-year students in the Fall 2024 cohort, with a continued goal of reaching 100%.

Home to more than 300 student organizations, BGSU also offers a vibrant, connected learning community with countless opportunities for engagement in and out of the classroom, including with the Falcon Marching Band, which serves as the largest student organization on campus and as one of the nation’s biggest collegiate marching bands.

In addition to competing in NCAA Division I athletics in the Mid-American Conference, BGSU offers competitive, non-scholarship club sports teams that play against opponents from colleges and universities nationwide. During the 2024-25 academic year, BGSU sponsored 17 men’s and women’s club sports teams as well as another 24 co-ed teams in sports such as powerlifting, curling, equestrian and dodgeball.

“With this record-setting first-year enrollment, Bowling Green will continue to reinvest in the student experience, from programs, opportunities and support, to faculty and staff and facilities,” said President Rogers. “We are deeply grateful for our faculty and staff who are steadfast in their commitment to our students and our mission as a public university for the public good.”

For more information about BGSU and to apply or schedule a campus tour, visit BGSU.edu/apply.

(From the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office)

A huge THANK YOU to the City of Willard in Huron County for hosting an awesome training day for our first responders and the Seneca County Drone Team, featuring the Tiffin Police Department and Seneca County Sheriff’s Office!

We were excited to come together with agencies like Fremont PD, Bellevue PD, Tiffin PD, Seneca County Sheriff, Tiffin University, Lindsay Fire, Huron County Sheriff, Huron County EMA, Willard PD, and the Willard Dive Team for a day of collaboration.

Our team was proud to provide the mobile command trailer to support this successful event. The training focused on water-based scenarios, including searching for people in the water, dropping personal flotation devices (life jackets to help keep people afloat in water), and using drone PA systems.

A special shoutout to the Willard Dive Team for their expertise and for working with our drone operators for some great cross-training.

Together, we’re stronger and better prepared to serve our communities. Thanks to all who made this day a success!

-Sheriff Stevens

(ONN) – It has been three years since Ohio lawmakers passed a law allowing guns inside school buildings to prevent a shooting.

Select staff inside the Benjamin Logan Local School District in Bellefontaine are known as the Armed Response Team.

Their guns are kept in a safe or on their hips in an effort to provide immediate response to an armed intruder at any of their three school buildings.

Under House Bill 99, those who choose to be armed in schools only need 24 hours of training, but schools can require more.

(ONN) – When the Ohio Legislature reconvenes this fall, stricter human trafficking penalties will be on the agenda.

Lawmakers will be discussing the Human Trafficking Prevention Act.

It aims to increase the penalty for kidnapping, abducting and human trafficking of children under 13 or those with developmental disabilities.

Charges would be made harsher and the sentences would be increased to 15 or even 25 years to life in prison for the criminals.

The Ohio Legislature is scheduled to get back into work in mid-September.

(From Liberty-Benton Local Schools)

There’s nothing like the first day of school!

 Welcome back to all of our students, staff, and families.

Let’s soar together into a fantastic 2025–26 school year!

(From the City of Fostoria)

If you notice individuals in neon safety vests carrying handheld computers around town, don’t worry—they are certified arborists with Davey Resource Group, here on behalf of the City of Fostoria.

These professionals are conducting a citywide tree inventory, an important step in building and maintaining a healthy, sustainable urban forest. The inventory will help us better manage our trees, plan for future planting, and ensure our community enjoys the many benefits trees provide for years to come.

The arborists are permitted to be in public spaces to complete their work and will be out and about starting today until around mid-September.

*Please note that these arborists are taking inventory of public trees only, not residential owned trees.

We appreciate your cooperation and support as we take this step toward a greener, healthier Fostoria!

(From the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts)

This year’s Day of Giving is extra special. Marathon Center for the Performing Arts is celebrating 10 years of enriching our community through unforgettable performances, impactful arts education, and powerful community programs.

On Tuesday, August 26, we invite you to join us in raising the curtain on the next decade of the arts at MCPA.

Your support on this day will help us:
• Expand arts education and inspire the next generation
• Increase access to live performances for all in our community
• Invest in the future of our region’s cultural life

Together, we can ensure that the magic of the performing arts continues to thrive for years to come.

Save the date, spread the word, and join us on August 26 at MCPA.org/Donate

If your donation form arrived early, you don’t have to wait!

Send it back to MCPA or give online at MCPA.org/Donate

(From the Office of the Ohio Attorney General)

In indictments filed this week by the office of Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, 10 Medicaid providers are accused of stealing a combined $1.9 million from the government health-care program for the needy.

Nine home-health aides and one provider of home-delivered meals face varying felony charges of Medicaid fraud and theft for allegedly billing Medicaid for services they did not provide. Two of the defendants alone account for more than $1.7 million of the alleged fraud.  

The Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, an arm of Yost’s office, investigated the cases and secured the indictments in Franklin County Common Pleas Court.

“Would-be thieves ought to think twice before setting their sights on Medicaid dollars,” Yost said. “Our Medicaid Fraud Control Unit is always on the lookout for sticky-fingered criminals to bring to justice.”

Among those indicted:

• Gabrielle Trudell Carn, 36, of Columbus, was removed from a client’s plan of care in February 2024 but allegedly continued to bill for 10 hours of services almost daily for six more months, causing a $33,368 loss for Medicaid. 
   
• An unusually high number of claims for home-delivered meals drew investigators’ attention to Terri Cotton, 54, of Cleveland. Records spanning more than two years show that she regularly billed Medicaid for up to 100 home-delivered meals a day for each of her four clients. The loss to Medicaid totaled $1,271,639.
   
• Records show that Shylynn Flint, 24, of Blanchester, billed for services when she was traveling in Las Vegas and for dates on which she had canceled or missed shifts, leading to a $5,217 loss for Medicaid.
   
• Two clients reported that Toya Hale, 52, of Canton, failed to provide services, but a third client claimed that Hale never missed a shift. Through a review of Cash App transactions, investigators determined that Hale and the third client were engaged in a kickback scheme. Additionally, some services in Hale’s billing records overlapped with her other job at the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority. The loss to Medicaid totaled $10,204.
   
• Creshawnda Hughes, 33, of Akron, allegedly billed often for more hours of services than she provided, claiming reimbursement for up to eight hours per shift when she had worked only two hours. The loss to Medicaid totaled $25,900.
   
• Airline and hotel records show that Regina Johnson, 34, of Avon, was traveling in Florida, Massachusetts and Texas on dates she billed for services, leading to a $20,140 loss for Medicaid. When confronted by investigators, she confessed to submitting the fraudulent claims.
   
• Yolanda Knox, 50, of Dayton, allegedly billed for services when traveling, when clients were not home, and on holidays and weekends when she did not work. In some cases, Knox sent her adult children to provide services on her behalf. The loss to Medicaid totaled $56,666.
   
• Sirina Powell, 50, of Canton, allegedly used her mother’s name and provider credentials to bill Medicaid for services, including some that were never provided. According to clients, Powell also went by her mother’s name when providing services. The loss to Medicaid totaled $5,758.
   
• Records show that Juan Watson, 36, of Cleveland, often billed for 16 hours of services per day, but clients reported receiving services that lasted only a few hours. Additionally, Watson allegedly billed for services when he was traveling out of state. The loss to Medicaid totaled $431,579.
   
• A service recipient reported that Cheyenne Williams, 61, of Cleveland, stopped providing services in March 2024, but records show that she continued to bill Medicaid for 10 more months. Williams also allegedly billed for holidays she did not work. The loss to Medicaid totaled $19,726.

Ohio’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, which operates within the Health Care Fraud Section, collaborates with federal, state and local partners to root out Medicaid fraud and protect vulnerable adults from harm. The unit investigates and prosecutes health-care providers who defraud the state Medicaid program and enforces the state’s Patient Abuse and Neglect Law.

Indictments are criminal allegations. Defendants are presumed innocent unless proved guilty in a court of law.

(From the City of Findlay)

The City Income Tax Department will be closed on Thursday, September 4, 2025, from 12:00 pm-2:00 pm for staffing training purposes.

Tax return forms will still be available on the City’s website by visiting www.findlayohio.gov/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 are attended to each day.

(From the Hancock County Naturalists)

The Hancock County Naturalists will host their next monthly meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 11, at Oakwoods Nature Preserve, 1400 Oakwood Ave., Findlay. The evening’s featured program will focus on bats, with guest speaker Scott Butterworth, district manager for the Ohio Division of Wildlife.

Butterworth will share general information about bats, then spotlight species native to Ohio and their importance to the ecosystem.

Butterworth grew up near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and earned a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Science and a Master of Science in Wildlife Management from Penn State University. He worked for the West Virginia Wildlife Resources Section for nearly a decade, including time with the Nongame Wildlife Program. Since 1997, he has served with the Ohio Division of Wildlife and is now the District Manager covering 20 counties in northwest Ohio from the District Office in Findlay.

Membership and events are open to those aged 15 and older. Annual membership fees are $15 per adult, $20 per couple, and $10 for youth. For more information, contact Jane Riker at 419-306-3697 or emaggin117@aol.com. The group’s website is hancockcountynaturalists.org.

The Hancock County Naturalists, a membership organization, was established to further the study of the fauna and flora of Hancock County and the surrounding area and to participate in selected conservation and educational projects.