Findlay Hancock County Economic Development Director Tony Iriti says Findlay and Hancock County is facing a worker shortage which not only could stunt growth, but force companies to leave.  According to Iriti, in 2016, Hancock County will need 3111 workers to fill already-open position and jobs opening due to retirements and new positions.  Truck drivers are in demand, as are people with applied engineering skills to fix broken machines.

A bill that seeks to avert an unintended tax increase on some small businesses has cleared the state Legislature. The measure comes after an apparent oversight in crafting a tax break during the frenzy of state budget negotiations. It now heads to Governor John Kasich for his expected signature.

Today is the last day to register for the Findlay Hancock County Chamber of Commerce Informal Luncheon on Issues 2 and 3.  Rich Thompson, the Political Programs Director with the Ohio Chamber of Commerce will review the fine points of both issues.  The lunch is on Friday at the Blanchard Valley Hospital from noon to 1pm.  To register call 419.422.3313.

A recent study by the National Center for State Courts of security at the Hancock County Probate and Juvenile Court has recommended up to $500,000 in improvements.  Court security training, security policies and procedures, along with regular emergency and evacuation drills, could increase security at little or no cost, according to the national center’s recommendations.  The most costly recommendation would be remodeling the first floor of the probate and jurvenile court, with an estimated cost between $195,000 and $ 390,000.  Other recommendations include security cameras, additional security staffing, door alarms, emergency generators and locks. 
 

A federal judge has ruled that the state can shield the identity of people or entities involved in obtaining or using lethal injection drugs for executions. The judge says the state's need to obtain the drugs outweighs concerns by death row inmates that the information is needed to meaningfully challenge the source of the drugs.

Blizzard bags were a hot topic at the North Baltimore School meeting on Tuesday.   Blizzard bags allow students to do school work at home when school is canceled.  Books and iPads contain course materials.  Board President Tami Thomas stated that she was not in favor of using the bags again because parents hated them.  In a 2014 survey, 67 out of 100 parents said the bags are not a good idea, while school staff supported the bags.