Area schools were given a look a some of the state’s school report card.  The vast majority schools did not fare well in kindergarten through third grade literacy which shows how well schools assist struggling readers.  Arlington, Bluffton and Carey were the only schools to receive a B grade.  All others fared worse.  In four year graduation rates, most schools received an A or B with the exception of Fostoria which received an F and Lakota a D.

Congratulations to Jeffrey’s Antiques Gallery that was voted Best Antique Shop and  to Dietsch Brothers that was voted Best Ice Cream in the annual Ohio Magazine Readers’ Ballot.  Dietsch Brothers was also chosen as a favorite of the editorial staff.  For more information and a full listing of Best Of Ohio voting, visit www.ohiomagazine.com.

The Findlay City Planning Commission has conditionally approved plans for the Hancock Hotel.  Marathon plans to construct the $20 million, five story hotel on the northeast corner of Main and Lincoln Streets in downtown Findlay.  Construction is set to begin this spring, but the company will need Findlay City Council approval about vacating a 10 by 60 foot section of public right of way in front of the proposed hotel.  The area is needed to accommodate pillars that will support a canopy.

The Hancock County Board of Developmental Disabilities announced Thursday that Superintendent Connie Ament has stepped down. Ament, who was expected to retire on March 31, will remain available as a consultant until that date.  Assistant Superintendent Kelli Grisham will take over the superintendent duties at Blanchard Valley Center beginning Sunday.  No reason was given for Ament’s earlier-than-anticipated departure.

Tiffin Mayor Aaron Montz named former Mercy Tiffin Hospital president and CEO Dale Thornton as his choice for city administrator.  Thornton was hired by Mercy Tiffin Hospital in 2003 and retired in 2013.  He is an adjunct professor in the School of Business at Heidelberg University.  Thornton said he anticipates starting the job Feb. 1, pending approval of Tiffin City Council.

Representatives from Columbia Gas hosted two informational meetings at the Wood County District Public Library to tell Bowling Green residents what to expect during a gas line replacement project.  More than 10,000 feet of natural gas lines will be upgraded during the first quarter of the year, affecting 360 residents.  The project area includes East Poe Road; Frazee, Leroy, Reed, Merry and Evers Avenues; and Main, Prospect, Summit and Enterprise Streets.