The summer recreation program Fostoria Community Enriching Our Youth has raised nearly $20,000 of the estimated $23,000 needed to start the program.  While the additional funding is being sought, volunteers are still needed to make sure the program is a success.  The sports program is being offered to children ages 7-17 in Fostoria, Arcadia, Bascom, Risingsun, Bettsville and other areas from June 8 to July 30.

Marathon Petroleum has declared both a common stock dividend and a 2-for-1 stock split.  The dividend will be 50 cents per share, on a pre-split basis. The dividend is payable June 10 to shareholders of record on May 20.  The 2-for-1 stock split will be distributed June 10 to shareholders of record on May 20.  Shareholders will receive one share of common stock for each share they held on May 20.
 

The Fostoria Economic Development Corporation has received the Partnership in Development Award from the Seneca Industrial and Economic Development Corporation.  The award recognizes the organization’s efforts to improve economic development in Fostoria.  According to FECD President Renee Smith, the award is from the “new strong and growing partnership between FEDC and SIEDC.

Governor John Kasich has announced the creation of the twelve member Ohio Collaborative Community-Police Advisory Board.  The board will create standards for hiring, recruiting and local community interaction.  The board, which will be composed of police and community members, will issue an annual report on its work and whether local police agencies are following the standards.
 

The Arts Partnership of Findlay and Hancock County will be bringing two new events to its annual summer events for 2015.  Boogie on Main, Courtyard Concert Series, Riverside Wine Festival and Rib-Off will be joined by Ballet on Broadway and Rock on the Rooftop.  Ballet on Broadway is a new community event to be held on July 11 that will feature a performance from Neos Dance Theatre at dusk with food and drink from local restaurants and work by local artists on display.  On August 28, the first ever Rock on the Rooftop will be held on top of the Alexandria’s parking garage with area bands featured.
 

The Fostoria Glass Festival has named the royalty for the 2015 event.  Sophie Pahl was crowned Glass Queen and Courtney Yarbrouh was named Glass Princess.  Jocelyn and Zoey Smith are now the Little Glass Princesses.  And Laney Bauman is the Wee Glass Princess.  The court will represent Fostoria at various local and area events in 2015.

The summer recreation program Fostoria Community Enriching Our Youth has raised nearly $20,000 of the estimated $23,000 needed to start the program.  While the additional funding is being sought, volunteers are still needed to make sure the program is a success.  The sports program is being offered to children ages 7-17 in Fostoria, Arcadia, Bascom, Risingsun, Bettsville and other areas from June 8 to July 30.

Marathon Petroleum has declared both a common stock dividend and a 2-for-1 stock split.  The dividend will be 50 cents per share, on a pre-split basis. The dividend is payable June 10 to shareholders of record on May 20.  The 2-for-1 stock split will be distributed June 10 to shareholders of record on May 20.  Shareholders will receive one share of common stock for each share they held on May 20.
 

The Fostoria Economic Development Corporation has received the Partnership in Development Award from the Seneca Industrial and Economic Development Corporation.  The award recognizes the organization’s efforts to improve economic development in Fostoria.  According to FECD President Renee Smith, the award is from the “new strong and growing partnership between FEDC and SIEDC.

Governor John Kasich has announced the creation of the twelve member Ohio Collaborative Community-Police Advisory Board.  The board will create standards for hiring, recruiting and local community interaction.  The board, which will be composed of police and community members, will issue an annual report on its work and whether local police agencies are following the standards.
 

The Arts Partnership of Findlay and Hancock County will be bringing two new events to its annual summer events for 2015.  Boogie on Main, Courtyard Concert Series, Riverside Wine Festival and Rib-Off will be joined by Ballet on Broadway and Rock on the Rooftop.  Ballet on Broadway is a new community event to be held on July 11 that will feature a performance from Neos Dance Theatre at dusk with food and drink from local restaurants and work by local artists on display.  On August 28, the first ever Rock on the Rooftop will be held on top of the Alexandria’s parking garage with area bands featured.
 

The Fostoria Glass Festival has named the royalty for the 2015 event.  Sophie Pahl was crowned Glass Queen and Courtney Yarbrouh was named Glass Princess.  Jocelyn and Zoey Smith are now the Little Glass Princesses.  And Laney Bauman is the Wee Glass Princess.  The court will represent Fostoria at various local and area events in 2015.

At the annual State of the City and County addresses, Findlay Mayor Lydia Mihalik believes the city needs to start planning for additional industrial sites.  The mayor also said the city is considering widening portions of Hancock County road 236 and 212 in Northern Findlay to make that area more accessible for industries.  Commissioner Mark Gazarek spoke of the recently released flood study and said it is important to remember that the plan is not final and the county will continue to work to find a solution to flooding.

At Tuesday’s regular commissioner meeting, Seneca County commissions discussed the joint justice center with the City of Tiffin.  Commissioner Fred Zoeller believes the county should move quickly to securing funding because of the possibility of increased interest rates.  Cost estimates for the facility are estimated at $9 million.

The Hancock County ADAMHS board is once again facing opposition to possible locations for two addiction recovery houses in Findlay.  A house at 1030 Oakdale Drive was offered to the board, but the offer was rescinded before the board could act.  Executive Director Precia Stuby told the board Tuesday that if it tried to open a recovery house on Oakdale Drive, residents of the neighborhood would actively try to defeat the board’s next levy and also try to remove board members and board leadership.  Tom Schulz, an Oakdale Drive resident, hosted a neighborhood meeting attended by Stuby on Monday.  Residents told Stuby they would only support a recovery home in a neighborhood zoned for single-family housing if it were “on the fringe” of the community.

Forty-six year old Kenneth R. Hawk who last known address is Bloomville, pled guilty yesterday afternoon to child pornography charges in Seneca County Common Pleas Court.  He was sentenced to seven years in prison.  Hawk was arrested after Tiffin police were alerted of suspicious activity at Tiffin-Seneca Public Library February 25.  Two girls had seen Hawk using a fictitious Facebook page to interact with a girl and alerted police.

The Baltimore Police Department is warning law enforcement agencies nationwide about a gang partnership plan to “take out” officers.  The Baltimore department said it received credible information that gang members, including the Black Guerilla Family, Bloods and Crips entered into the partnership.  Baltimore authorities warned other police agencies to have officers take appropriate precautions to ensure their safety.  The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office and the Findlay Police Department said an announcement would be made during the beginning of each shift to make officers aware of the situation.
 

At yesterday’s committee-of-the-whole meeting, Tiffin City Council unanimously agreed to create legislation supporting a memorandum of understanding with the Seneca County Commissioners.  This moves paves the way for proceeding with a joint justice center.  The memorandum also includes plans to renovate the East Tower property in order to move some county and city offices.

The Hancock County Board of Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services says it is not planning to open an addiction recovery house on Findlay’s Oakdale Drive.  Rumors of the board buying houses on Oakdale Drive to serve as recovery houses have surfaced.  According to ADAMHS board executive director Precia Stuby, the board was offered the house, but the offer was rescinded before it could be presented to the board.
 

Traci Conley has been named the new superintendent of Vanlue Schools.  Conley has served as the high school principal for the past eight years and began as a teacher in the district in 1999.  She will be replacing Rod Russell who is retiring at the end of the school year.

United Steelworkers says it will hold a rally at 9 a.m. Wednesday outside Marathon Petroleum Corp. headquarters before the company’s annual shareholder meeting.  The rally will be attended by elected union leaders and by members of USW Local 13-1 in Texas.  USW Local 13-1 members are on strike at Marathon Petroleum’s Galveston Bay Refinery and its Houston co-generation plant, protesting what they say are unfair labor practices.

Governor John Kasich says his ability to raise money and compete in the early primary states will guide his decision on whether to make a full run for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination.  A taped interview with Kasich aired yesterday on CNN's "State of the Union.".  The second-term governor continued to position himself as the moderate candidate in a GOP field stocked with hard-line conservatives.

The Fostoria Police Department received a $13,500 grant from the National Rifle Association Foundation.  The money will go toward updating and enhancing the department’s outdoor shooting range.  The grant will be divided between supplies, still targets, and moving targets, in addition to other needs.

The City of Bowling Green has named Kristin Otley to next Parks and Recreation Director for the city.  Otley holds degrees in the Parks and Recreation field from Michigan State University and Indiana University and has served the city as Recreation Coordinator since 1997.  She will begin her new duties on July 1.

The City of Fostoria will hold testing next month to establish an eligibility list for prospective firefighters.  The test will be comprised of a physical agility test, written exam and an oral interview.  17 individuals have requested application packets.  In addition to the physical requirements, applicants must be certified paramedics and must be 41 years of age or younger.

21 year old Christopher D. Lemon is the second man to be charged with aggravated burglary following an incident at a Chateau Court residence in Findlay Wednesday morning.  19 year old Shawn Hobbs of Findlay, was charged with aggravated burglary in connection with the same incident.  Both men are being held in the Hancock County Justice Center.

Comcast is abandoning its $45.2 billion purchase of Time Warner Cable.  The company is citing pushback from federal regulators.  The purchase would have put Comcast in control of about 30 percent of television and 55 percent of broadband subscribers.  Time Warner Cable is the predominant broadband provider in Northwest Ohio.
 

Cincinnati Reds reliever Kevin Gregg did it again.  Gregg pitched like a cinder block and gave up the go ahead run in the Reds 4-2 lost to the Milwaukee Brewers.  The Reds return to Cincinnati to take on the Scrubs.  Mike Leake throws for the good guys.  First pitch is 7:10 on Mix 96.7 WBVI

ProMedica Fostoria Community Hospital has received a five-star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.  The rating is based on the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems Survey patients have the option of completing after discharge.  Surveys measured patients’ perspectives of hospital care including, staff and medical professional communication with patients, staff and medical professional responsiveness, cleanliness and comfort of the environment, and patient preparation for post-hospital settings.

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine release recommendations based on findings of a task force looking into police and community relations.  It was recommended that Ohio increase the amount of basic and advanced training and reduce the number of police academies.  Also, all potential police officer candidates should have a high school degree and undergo a drug screening, psychological evaluation and polygraphs.

Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred says Pete Rose will play some role during this summer's All-Star Game in Cincinnati. Manfred says he has not determined a timetable to decide on Rose's application to end his lifetime ban from baseball. The ban started in 1989 following an investigation Rose bet on the Reds to win while he was managing the team.

Fostoria Junior/Senior High School will be hosting the Fine Arts Festival this Sunday.  Artwork from Fostoria City School K-12 students will be on display.  Patrons will be able to see different kinds of artwork, such as self-portraits, drawings, sketches, paintings and ceramics.  The event goes from 1-4pm.

The City of Findlay and Hancock County Commissioners have announced the state of the city and county addresses will be held Tuesday, April 28.  Findlay Mayor Lydia Mahalik and all Hancock County Commissioners will provide an update and forecast on their respective jurisdictions.  The free public event will take place at Ritz Auditorium at the University of Findlay at 6pm.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers presented the Blanchard River Flood Risk Reduction study last night to the city.  The two key components of the recommended plan are a levee to stop water from flowing out of the river into Lye Creek, and a nearly 10-mile diversion, which would aim to reduce extra water in Eagle Creek.  Citizens expressed concern about a different area being flood by the diversion.  The $66 million proposed project is still being evaluated by a feasibility study and even when the federal government decides if it is a good investment for the nation it could still take up to 2027 to complete. 
 

The Earl Foust Post 73 of the American Legion has purchased Grooveline, the former Elks North Main Street in Fostoria.  Post 73 previously was located on Zeller Road.  The Legion’s new facility is nearly 5,000 square feet smaller than its previous home and the downtown location pares the group’s previous location of 5 acres down to a little more than 6,000 square feet on Main Street.
 

Owens Community College has been placed on "fiscal watch".  The college is now working with the Ohio Board of Regents to gain financial recovery.  Owens students will not be affected and the school remains accredited with all academic transfer agreements remaining in place.

Nicholas and Brittany Lawler were both indicted by a Seneca County grand jury for their alleged role in the disappearance of Tiffin teen Madelyn Hiser.  Nicholas Lawler was charged with unlawful sexual conduct with a minor and interference with custody.  His wife was charged with interference with custody.  Both are still in jail and are awaiting a May 5 bond hearing…

The Ohio House passed a two-year, $71.5 billion budget Wednesday that overhauls many of the governor’s tax policies, adds more money for schools and revises some of his health care policies.  The proposed budget was approved on a 63-36 vote.  It now goes to the Senate for consideration.
 

19 year old Shawn Hobbs of Findlay was arrested for assault and attempted burglary at a Chateau Court home yesterday morning.  Findlay Police responded to a call that two masked men assaulted a male victim as he tried to enter his residence.  The masked men left the residence after one of them was hit by the victim with an object.  The victim sustained injuries and nothing was stolen.  Police located Hobbs and another man whose identity has not been revealed.  Hobbs is being held in the Hancock County jail.  The other male was questioned and released with charges against him pending.

Attorney General Mike DeWine this morning lays out proposals from a panel studying how Ohio police officers are trained. The task force was set up by DeWine in the wake of recent deadly police-involved shootings, including one at a Beavercreek Wal-Mart store. The recommendations could include reducing the number of police training academies.

In case you have haven’t been affected by the detour yet, a two-lane stretch of Ohio 12 was closed Tuesday for an anticipated five-day period.  Resurfacing and culvert replacement are the projects taking place.  The road is closed just east of Arcadia to Fostoria.  Drivers can find alternate routes if they do not want to follow the posted detour path.

The City of Fostoria approved two ordinances to remove unsightly buildings from the city.  One ordinance requires property owners to register vacant buildings and structures every twelve months to weed out buildings that are abandoned.  The second ordinance requires citizens to keep their lawns trimmed in an effort to improve the aesthetic look of the city. 
 

Hancock County’s unemployment rate declined one tenth of a point in March.  Jobless rates declined among most neighboring counties. Unemployment rates in Allen, Putnam, Seneca, Wood and Wyandot counties fell, too.  The statewide jobless rate was 5.1 percent in March and February, while nationally, the rate was 5.5 percent.

The Army Corps of Engineers announced that it will only take written questions at today’s public meeting on the proposed flood control plan.  The meeting will allow for public input, but participants will be asked to write down questions on cards, to be answered by corps officials near the close of the meeting.  Each question card submitted will be read “word for word, minus any inappropriate language, and will be answered by the study team.  The public meeting on the corps’ draft flood-control report will be held from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Findlay High School.

The Heartland Board of Realtors on Tuesday publicly disagreed with Findlay’s water shut-off policy.  The policy change allows the city to turn off water to property owners who have repeatedly disobeyed city junk ordinances.  The board also expressed concern about how the policy will be handled by the administration.  Mayor Lydia Mihalik defended the policy and said city officials have gotten a lot of positive responses to the policy change.  In a response to complaints about the policy, the city is offering free trash dropoff in conjunction with the Backyard Mission Trip on Saturday.
 

Seneca County commissioners agreed Tuesday to a memorandum of understanding from the City of tiffin to build a joint justice center on Courthouse Square.  Supported by Tiffin Mayor Aaron Montz, the memorandum is to be discussed by Tiffin City Council members at a committee of the whole meeting Monday.  The letter outlines a plan to renovate the East Tower property and move several city and county offices into the building.  At this point, the only point of agreement is construction of a joint justice center.  All other items in the memorandum are to be discussed as the project moves forward.

Nine people have been arrested in two human trafficking stings conducted by the Wood, Ottawa and Hancock County sheriff's offices, along with the Bowling Green Police Department and the Ohio Attorney General's Office BCI&I.  The Wood County Sheriff's Office says the enforcement operations were conducted over the past week at several locations along I-75 between Bowling Green and Findlay.  Eight of the people arrested were charged with solicitation prostitution, a misdemeanor.

Hopewell-Loudon Local Schools after Superintendent Nichole Jiran resigned Tuesday morning.  Jiran has been with the district for approximately three years.  She has accepted a job with Marion City Schools as director of teaching and learning.  The district will be posting for the job by the end of the week…

The attorney for a 14-year-old Isaiah Oliver of Findlay who was charged with aggravated robbery in the Tiffin Avenue Kroger and Circle K parking lots has filed a motion to keep the media from attending the proceedings in Hancock County Juvenile Court.  According to court documents, Oliver’s attorney, Abigail Hefflinger, wants to close the court proceedings to “protect the nature of the juvenile court process and the rights of the alleged delinquent child,” court documents state.
 

52 year old Robert P. Barney of Fostoria died Monday following a self-ignited fire inside his Columbus Avenue residence.  According to Fostoria Police, dispatch received a call regarding a man threatening to harm himself.  Authorities entered the house and located Barney but retreated when they smelled a flammable liquid.  Once the officers were outside, Barney ignited a fire killing only him.

The Liberty-Benton school board ended the two-year legal battle between fired teacher Mark Badertscher and the school district.  The board accepted the latest court ruling in Badertscher’s fight to be reinstated….Badertscher said he hasn’t yet considered coming back to Liberty-Benton, but hopes the district considers the financial damage done throughout the legal battle.  The former Liberty-Benton teacher now works for the Hardin County Extension office as an agriculture and natural resources educator. 

The City of Tiffin entered into a memorandum of understanding with Seneca County for a partnership for a joint justice center.  The non-binding letter outlines the plan to build a shared justice center on the site of the former courthouse.  Cost for the facility would be split 75 percent-25 percent by the county and city, respectively.

A few coaching changes at area schools have been announced.  Josh McGrain will be Arlington’s new varsity football coach…He replaces Dick Leonard who is retiring.  At New Riegel, Cindy Walerius will forgo coaching volleyball and replace Steve Lucius as head girls’ basketball coach.  Replacing her as the volleyball coach is her son Drew Cardwell.

The City of Findlay will be offering a bulk trash drop off in conjunction with the Backyard Mission Trip this Saturday from 8am-4pm or until the dumpsters is full.  The dumpsters will be placed at the Street Department on North Cory Street for City of Findlay residents only to dispose of unwanted debris.  No hazardous materials or tires will be accepted.

The Bowling Green League of Women Voters will hold a public meeting on Standardized Tests tonight at 7 p.m., at the Wood County District Public Library.  Todd Cramer from Bowling Green City Schools will offer an overview about state testing and how the tests are given, how the results are used and the costs to local school districts.  The event is free and open to the public.

The Seneca Industrial and Economic Development Corporation (SIEDC) will hold its Downtown Summit on Wednesday, May 6, from 4:30-8:15 p.m. at Heidelberg University’s Great Hall.  A project review and updates will be given.  Also, speakers and a panel discussion will touch on topics relevant to downtown Tiffin.  Registration for the event closes on April 29.

The Fostoria Economic Development Corporation held their annual meeting yesterday.  It was reported that in the first ninety days of 2015, more new jobs were created in the Fostoria area than in all of 2014.  The group will focus on three key initiatives in 2015 to continue the trend.  FEDC plans to engage area businesses to better relationships, market the city and improve business attraction.

The North Central Ohio Educational Service Center has signed a $2.8 million dollar contract with Summit Academy.  Summit Academy manages 26 schools in 13 Ohio cities and serves students with Asperger's Syndrome, autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and related issues.  Under the contract, which begins July 1, the center is to provide specialized services, such as speech/language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy and psychological services.

The Army Corps of Engineers have released maps showing the proposed flood plan.  The plan could lower floods in downtown Findlay by 2 feet, but would make flooding near the Findlay reservoirs higher.  The higher floodwater levels near the reservoir would affect primarily farmland, which has drawn opposition from the Hancock County Farm Bureau.
 

Bowling Green State University has hired Michael Huger to be its 17th men’s basketball coach.  Huger, who played at Bowling Green for Jim Larranaga from 1989 to 1993, has been an assistant under Larranaga for the last eight seasons, the last four being at the University of Miami.  He will have a six-year contract worth $325,000 per year.  Huger replaces Chris Jans, who was fired after one year for inappropriate conduct at a local bar.

With the use of heroin and other opiates reaching epidemic levels, The Wood County Opiate Task Force will host “The Opiate Epidemic: A Town Hall Meeting” at 7 p.m. next Thursday at North Baltimore High School.   The event is open to the public.  It will feature a panel discussion on opiate abuse in Wood County and where to get medication-assisted treatment for addiction.
 

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Toledo has selected 15 families including families from Findlay and Leipsic, to receive partial scholarships to attend the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia.  At the conclusion of the meeting, the families, will participate in Pope Francis’ first visit to the United States, which is scheduled Sept. 26-27.  One family was selected from each of the 15 regions of the Diocese of Toledo was chosen.  The families of Dow and Susan Campbell of Findlay and Stanley and Amanda Gerten of Leipsic were chosen.

Former Liberty-Benton teacher Mark Badertscher, fired in 2013, won an appeal on his termination.  The 3rd District Court of Appeals, Lima, disagreed with the school board’s reasoning for his termination and upheld a ruling by Hancock County Common Pleas Judge Reginald Routson that said Badertscher should be reinstated with back pay.  Badertscher was fired more than two years ago after a student choked another student in his classroom while Badertscher was out of the room.

Cities could lose state money for operating traffic cameras under a change the Ohio House has made to the state budget.  The plan would require communities that use the photo-monitoring devices to enforce traffic laws to file a report with the state auditor accounting for the total fines they've collected since a new law came into effect last month.  Those amounts would then be deducted from their local government fund payments.  If a municipality fails to file its report, the state could withhold its local government payments entirely.

The Fostoria Farmer’s Market is returning.  The market will be located on West Tiffin Street and run for eight Saturdays from May 2 to September 19.  A variety of items ranging from jams and jellies to rugs and jewelry, as well as, vegetables will be available.  The Fostoria Garden Club manages the annual market…

State lawmakers have introduced a bill with bipartisan support that would make it easier for high-performing charter schools to expand while specifically labeling the worst “poor” and forbid “sponsor­hopping” by under-performing charter operators, among many other changes.  Recent studies show that students at Ohio charter schools were lagging behind their public school counterparts

Bowling Green has created emergency detours in the event there is a traffic backup on I-75.  Orange “emergency detour” signs have been placed on streets in an effort to keep heavy traffic out of the downtown area if there is a traffic incident on 75.  The city's plan is designed to fit eight different traffic scenarios that could happen.

The panel commissioned by Governor John Kasich to study police and community relations in Ohio is closing in on a final set of recommendations.  Panel members have suggested things like statewide committees to investigate police-involved shootings and a central database of any officer fired by a department.  Other suggestions would require a central database of use-of-force incidents.  The panel plans to meet today to discuss those final recommendations.

The city of Toledo is asking a judge to bar protesters at a planned neo-Nazi rally there this weekend from carrying guns. City attorneys say the ban is a matter of public safety. A 2005 rally, also involving the National Socialist Movement, sparked a riot with looting and 100 arrests.

New Riegel Schools will be seeking the assistance of counsel to file legal action against parties responsible for building defects.  The school will also file against the state of Ohio to participate in the repairs.  Water damage has been found since the school was built in 2003…

Independent candidate Jeffery Simon has filed petitions to run for the office of Findlay mayor.  Simon ran as an independent for mayor in 1999.  Simon is the only challenger to incumbent Mayor Lydia Mihalik.  The filing deadline for independent candidates is May 4.

The Ohio State Board of Education voted to eliminate the 5 of 8 rule which requires a minimum number of school nurses, librarians, counselors, social workers, and art and physical education teachers.  The board says the move will give local districts flexibility in hiring and spending decisions to better serve students.  Critics and parents are concerned that districts with financial limitations will either look at eliminating those positions first, or won't have them at all.  Going forward, local school boards will make the call on whether these positions stay.

The Carey school board is considering increasing the size of its new school building by four classrooms.  Architects and contractors will design the addition and provide cost estimates.  The new school will be located at South Vance Street and will house pre-kindergarten through senior high students.  Constructions is expected to be completed in mid-2016.
 

A bill that would move the date of the Ohio primary election back a week next year is getting its first committee hearing this morning.  The bill would move the primary election to March 15^th.  State Republicans want the change to avoid being penalized under new GOP national rules aimed at shortening the party presidential nominating presence.

An Ohio Senate committee has approved an amended Senate bill to allow cities with populations from 35,000 to 50,000 to create an area where people could legally walk outside with open containers of alcohol.  Two outdoor refreshment areas would be allowed in cities of 50,000 or more.  The Senate bill could be voted on by the full Senate this week.

The Cleveland Browns unveiled their new uniforms.  The uniforms include “BROWNS” written on the pants, and “CLEVELAND” across the front of the jersey.  Also, the words “Dawg Pound” — a nod to the team’s rowdy fans — are stitched on the inside of the jersey’s collar.  The Browns will be able to mix and match colors for a possible nine color combinations…

Kona Ice Findlay is helping to ease the pain of tax filing day! Kona Ice will hand out free cups of tropical shaved ice from noon to 3 p.m. Wednesday in the parking lot of the Great Scot Supermarket, 301 W. Main Cross St., Findlay.
 

A lion seized by the state from Tiger Ridge Exotics in Stoney Ridge three months ago was euthanized on Monday because it was having trouble standing and moving around and was no longer eating.  The lion had been in failing health for quite some time, but it stopped eating and had difficulty breathing in recent weeks.  Ohio agriculture officials removed the lion, six tigers and four other exotic animals in January after saying their owner ignored warnings that he needed a permit to keep them.

Ohio State football coach Urban Meyer has received a contract extension that will average at least $6.5 million a year for the next six years.  The contract will run through the 2020 season and will make him the second highest paid coach in college football.

Findlay City Schools has purchased fourteen modular classrooms to ease crowded classrooms and rising enrollment numbers.  The district will be paying $874,000 for the refurbished units that are less than ten years old.  The units will be placed at Jefferson Primary and Chamberlain Hill schools.

Ohio Governor John Kasich told a group in Detroit that he is seriously considering a run for president.  Kasich spoke at the Detroit Economic Club yesterday.  He tried to make a case that he is a different kind of leader who values unity.  Kasich will now head to South Carolina and New Hampshire this week.

Work is continuing on a new water tower in McComb.  Sandblasting of the tower has been completed and primer will now be applied.  The $835,000 tower is scheduled to be in service this June.
 

An Ohio University official says the school won't buy a $1.2 million home for the school's president after the old one was infested by bats.  The decision by university officials to lease the off-campus house for the president and his wife with an option to purchase raised the ire of many in the community who complained it was a waste of money

Jeb Bush will be in Ohio today.  The former Florida governor will be speaking at the annual Ohio Chamber of Commerce meeting in Columbus.  Bush, a likely candidate for the Republican nomination for president has not made an official announcement.

Centrex Plastics has sold its Tiffin facility to Missouri based Katy Industries.  Katy is paying $23.9 million plus earnout payments of no less than $2.3 million over three years.  The Centrex affiliate T.R. Plastics is included in the deal.  Centrex will continue to operate its Findlay facility.

The Army Corps of Engineers released the $9 million study of the Blanchard River watershed.  The Corps recommended a 9.6 mile western diversion channel and a levee southeast of Findlay at a cost of $65.9 million.  The project will not be completed until 2027.  A public meeting will be held on April 20 at Findlay High School.

Ohio's lawmakers are considering a proposal that would allow for entertainment districts where patrons could carry open containers of alcohol outside.  The proposal would put a limit of two entertainment districts in cities with at least 50,000 people.  Cities with at least 35,000 could create one area where bar and restaurant customers could walk outside with open containers without breaking the law.

Starting April 20, all of the North Baltimore Fire and EMS runs will be dispatched from the Wood County Sheriff's Office Dispatch Center.  The Center already takes about 40-50 percent of all of North Baltimore’s calls because all 911 calls go to the Sheriff’s Office.  There will be no charge to North Baltimore for the service…

The Ohio Attorney General’s office is warning of possible scams as the tax deadline nears.  Citizens are being contacted by persons from another state or country.  The scam usually involves an impostor who claims that residents owe money for back taxes or are under investigation for tax fraud.  They are then told to call a specific phone number immediately to avoid arrest or legal charges.  Then they're asked to send money to correct the issue.

The Findlay Police Department is investigating a report that a man attempted to pull a woman into a car with other men on West Foulke Avenue Sunday evening.  An 18-year-old female reported that she was followed by a four door silver vehicle with several men in it.  A man jumped out of the car and grabbed her by the wrist, telling her to come with them.  The male who grabbed the female wore a neon yellow hat, gray T-shirt and jeans.  The other suspects were unknown.

Gas prices are up over the past week across Ohio.  AAA says the average pump price statewide is up 9 cents from levels a week ago, to $2.34 a gallon.  The national average held steady over the week, at $2.39.

Reineke Ford Lincoln is bringing Ford Motor Company’s Drive 4 UR School program to the Findlay community in an effort to raise up to $6,000 for the Liberty Benton High School.  For every person who takes the wheel and test-drives a new Ford vehicle at the dealership Reineke Ford Lincoln and Ford Motor Company will donate $20 to the Academic Boosters.  The funds will be used toward the expenses of Academic banquet, student of the month, strides program and more.  The event takes place May 15.

Findlay Warehousing Company has announced it will be adding 80,000 square feet to its 200,000-square-foot warehouse.  The company will also be adding additional employees to the 50 it has currently.  Construction could start in May or June and be completed about year-end.

The Fern Café has been sold to Findlay businessman Jerry Aller.  Fans of their famous meatloaf sandwich need not worry.  Aller says the local favorite will still be on the menu…He does plan to add some new items like salads and other healthy foods to try and attract new customers.

Two bids have been submitted for renovations at Litter Landing.  The planned changes are to take care of two dilapidated buildings and traffic flow and congestion issues.  Hummel Construction of Ravenna and Whitta Construction of Fostoria are the two bidders.  Both bids will be reviewed by project architects.

Gary A. Martin of Rawson who is charged with four counts of first degree rape involving a minor has sought to withdraw his guilty.  Martin has requested the case be continued so a psychiatrist can testify on his behalf.  Martin originally pled guilty to the charges but withdrew the pleas pending a psychiatric evaluation on the effects of the anti-depressant Wellbutrin.
 

The Ohio State Highway Patrol reports that deadly crashes are on the rise and accidents are killing more people this year than last year at this time.  There has been a 50 percent increase in deadly accidents in Northwest Ohio since 2014.  One third of all deadly crashes involve an impaired driver

The Blanchard River rose to the 8-foot “action stage,” but was not expected to reach minor flood stage, which starts at 11 feet at Findlay.  The National Weather Service predicted the river’s rise would stop at 9.6 feet this morning.  Eagle Creek near Findlay rose to 7.73 feet by.  The creek’s “action stage” starts at 8 feet and minor flood stage begins at 9 feet.
 

Beginning April 10 through April 17, 2015, a lane of Lima Avenue will be closed near the Lake Cascades Parkway intersection from 7am to 5pm each day.

Twenty year old Bryant Smith of Findlay pleaded guilty to starting the fire that destroyed Sink’s Flower Shop last summer.  Smith could face from two to 26 years in prison for his crimes.  The prosecutor’s office recommended a prison term not to exceed eight years, along with restitution for insurance deductibles or uninsured property losses.

In a new bill recently introduced in the Ohio House, a person would not need permits, training and background checks to carry and concealed firearm.  The proposal backed by 20 Republicans in the House.  Supporters say Ohio’s current concealed-carry rules are an unconstitutional restriction of a constitutional right.  Opponents are worried about the loss of training and background checks.

Registration forms are available for the 23rd annual Fostoria Glass Pageant.  Participants must between the ages of 4 and 18 and reside in the Fostoria zip code.  Forms are available at the Fostoria Mayor’s Office.  The annual event takes on April 29 at the Fostoria High School Performing Arts Center.

American Electric Power plans routine herbicide treatment to control brush along power line right of way in Hancock County between May and September.  The work will be performed by Noxious Vegetation Control Inc. of Columbus and will include spraying by truck-mounted equipment and by backpack sprayers.  According to AEP herbicide is applied in areas with woody vegetation, including areas with fence rows, tower bases and other high-density areas.

The Fostoria Athletic Boosters have announced that Sunny Farms Landfill has stepped up to sponsor the 32^nd annual East/West All-Star Football game.  Sunny Farms has committed $6000 to cover the event’s expenses.  With a game sponsor in place, this year’s players will wear upgraded jerseys, and other supplements that have been cutback because of the lack of a sponsor will be reinstalled.  The All-Star game takes place June 20 at Fostoria Memorial Stadium.

Two area schools have named new superintendents.  Bruce A. Kidder will take the helm of Arcadia Schools on July 1.  Kidder is currently the superintendent at Frontier Local Schools near New Matamoras.  Francis Scruci will be the new superintendent of Bowling Green City Schools.  Most recently, Scruci was superintendent at Gahanna-Jefferson City Schools in Franklin County.  He set to begin his new position on July 1, as well.

West Main Cross Street in Findlay will be reduced to one lane each way between West and Main Streets today.  Lanes may also be shifted during the day as crews work to tie a new waterline into the water main below West Main Cross Street.  South Cory Street will remain closed between West Main Cross and Front streets as crews complete waterline installation there.  All work is weather permitting.

14 year old Madalyn Hiser, the Tiffin teen who was missing for nearly two weeks, was charged with inducing panic and disorderly conduct in Seneca County Juvenile Court.  After requests from the prosecution and defense, Judge Jay Meyer closed the proceedings.

Findlay City Council is weighing the possibility of a citizen commission to decide how much elected officials should be paid.  An ad hoc committee plans to meet a third time to develop a plan for the commission creation.  The citizen commission may consider raises for council members, the mayor, auditor and law director.  Suggested pay raises from the commission would be subject to council’s approval.

The City of Fostoria’s general fund revenue increased almost sixteen percent from February 2014 to this February.  The increase was due to anticipated revenue from 2014 finally arriving.  Officials said the increase will not likely become a trend.

The Army Corps of Engineers plans hold public meetings this month on the flood-control plan for the Blanchard River at Findlay.  Corp officials said the draft report and environmental study have been submitted to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.  The EPA must review the documents for compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act.  Once the draft report is approved by the EPA, the public meetings will be scheduled and the report will be made public.
 

A bill introduced on Tuesday in the House with bipartisan support would require cursive writing to be taught in all elementary schools.  Representative Cheryl Grossman of Grove City introduced House Bill 146 that states students would receive handwriting instruction in kindergarten through fifth grade and would be expected to print legibly by third grade and write in cursive by the end of fifth.  Ohio schools base their curriculum on Common Core academic standards which does not require that students be taught cursive handwriting

Drug paraphernalia, traces of illegal drugs, a stolen ATV frame, an Uzi and possible counterfeit money was found in a raid on a house in Risingsun.  Eighteen year old Braxton White was arrested on a parole violation and twenty-four year old Jolene Prichard and twenty year old Derryl Vanlentine, Jr. are suspected of committing burglaries in which guns were stolen in Sandusky and surrounding counties.

Fighter jets from the Ohio Air National Guard 180th Fighter Wing in Toledo will be conducting a training drill this morning in northwestern Ohio.  The jets will be part of an Aerospace Control Alert System test from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.  During that time, northwestern Ohio residents may see jets following a Civil Air Patrol aircraft.  The exercise flights could be delayed by weather concerns.

Each year, the Hancock Leadership class gives back to Findlay and Hancock County with a project to help better the community…This year, the Hancock Leadership Class of 2015 has partnered with the Children’s Mentoring Connection for their project.  The class is recruiting 30 mentors in three months.  The project runs through June 30.  More details are available by contacting the Children’s Mentoring Network.

It was a big day in sports yesterday.  In their Opening Day games, the Reds defeated the Pirates 5-2 after Todd Frazier bailed out Kevin Gregg with a three run eighth inning home run.  The Indians were shut out by the Astros 2-0.  In the NCAA Final, Duke beat Wisconsin 68-63.  It is Duke Coach K’s fifth title.

Columbia Gas customers continue to see a savings on their natural gas bills.  Customers can expect to see a savings of almost $11 from last year at this time on their April bills.  Natural gas prices have decreased sharply over the past decade due to increased supply from the Marcellus and Utica shale deposits, along with aggressive energy conservation programs that have helped drive down bills for consumers.

A Toledo woman is appearing on the Price is Right for the second time.  In 1995, Martha Gysan won big on the showcase showdown.  Now, almost 20 years later, she is back and hoping to win big again.  Gysan says there is no trick to getting picked for the show. She says it just simply boils down to luck.  To see how she does, tune into WTOL 11 Tuesday morning at 11 a.m. 

Forty-eight year old David Johnson of Findlay handed a Toledo bank teller a note asking for money yesterday morning, and then waited for police to arrive.  According to Toledo police, Johnson entered the Superior Street KeyBank and handed the teller a note asking for “all the money.”  The teller placed a stack of cash on the counter, but Johnson then walked away, sat down and waited for the police, leaving the cash and the note on the counter.  According to the police report, Johnson said he wanted to go to prison to die.  Johnson has been charged with robbery.

In a new Quinnipiac University poll, former Ohio Governor Ted Strickland leads Republican Senator Rob Portman by nine points in a possible matchup in the 2016 election.  One reason for the difference is some believe Portman is still not that well-known to voters.  The poll also shows that Ohioans support the legalization of marijuana by a margin of 52 percent for and 44 percent against.   

Striking union workers at Marathon Petroleum’s Catlettsburg, Kentucky refinery will return to work this week after a new labor contract was approved Friday.  The workers, members of the United Steelworkers union, have been on strike for more than two months.  Workers at four other U.S. sites will remain on strike, including those at Marathon’s Galveston Bay refinery in Texas City, Texas, and BP’s refinery in Oregon, Ohio.
 

14 year old Madalyn Hiser of Tiffin, who had been missing since March 22 was found safe on Friday night at an apartment complex in Anderson, Indiana.  However, the teen is now in jail after being charged with inducing panic.  Hiser met an Indiana couple on-line named Nicholas and Brittany Lawler, aged 25 and 23.  Tiffin Police say they've been arrested and charged with interfering with custody.  Hiser will return to Tiffin today and will be placed in the Seneca County Juvenile Detention Center while awaiting her first court appearance.
 

Valfilm, located in the former Down Chemical facility in Findlay, plans to add 80 jobs by year-end 2018 and this week won a 55 percent, eight-year payroll tax credit from the state for those jobs.  Valfilm North America retained 55 jobs when it took possession of the plant two months ago.  Valfilm’s films are used for food packaging, metal adhesion and embossing.

It’s Opening Day for both the Cleveland Indians and Cincinnati Reds.  Johnny Cueto gets the start for the Reds as they face the Pittsburg Pirates.  First pitch is slated for 4:10.  The Cleveland Indians are in Houston to face the Astros.  Cory Kluber takes the mound for the 7:10 start.  Both games can be heard on 1430 WFOB.

Keep your yard clean or you might not have any water.  The City of Findlay made a rule change that allows officials to shut off water to properties that violate the city’s ordinances requiring owners to dispose of trash, junk and broken down vehicles and to fix “dilapidated structures. ‘  The change did not need to be approved by City Council because the city already had the power to cut off water service for enforcement reasons.  Officials have said turning off someone’s water will be a last resort and will only be used in some of the most extreme and continuing situations.
 

Findlay attorney Kelton Smith has withdrawn for the Findlay City Auditor race.  Smith’s withdraw means At-Large Councilwoman Anne Spence will face incumbent Jim Stashciak in the Republican primary on May 5.  Smith’s name will appear on the ballot but signs will be posted that any vote for Smith will not be counted.  No Democrats are seeking the post.

The City of Findlay Green Waste Site located at 350 West High Street will reopen tomorrow.  The site hours will be Tuesday through Friday from 2 p.m. – 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.  The Green Waste Site is intended for residential use only.  No contractors will be permitted to use this site.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol is now accepting applications for troopers to ensure they are fully staffed.  The Patrol is accepting applications approximately 2500 applications.  Individuals must be 20 to 34 years old with at least a high school diploma or GED.  Women are also being urged to apply.  If interested, please visit the Ohio State Highway Patrol website.

Ohio motorists are seeing lower gas prices to start the work week.  The state average for a gallon of regular gas was $2.25 in Monday's survey from AAA.  That's 13 cents less than a week ago and $1.36 cheaper than this time last year.

A boil advisory remains in effect for the downtown area of Fostoria.  Residents and business were asked to begin boiling water at 6pm last night and to continue for forty-eight hours or until further notice.  The city is working on a mainline.

North Baltimore school officials will be asking voters to renew an income tax on the May ballot.  The renewal is on a one percent five year tax.  The tax that generates $695,000 annually for general operating expenses was first approved in 2006.

Former Bettsville Local School treasurer Roger Luring was sentenced to five years of community control after being convicted of having an unlawful interest in a public contract.  According to the March 2013 charge, Luhring hired Luhring Roofing, which is owned by his brother, to make repairs at the school.  Luhring is to report to his supervising officer today.  He also is to pay a $1,000 fine and court costs.

Betco of Toledo is renovating and adding on to an existing facility in Bowling Green that will bring 170 new jobs.  Betco makes cleaning products for industrial and commercial use and currently has three different locations in Toledo.  They will be under one roof in Bowling Green in the former Cooper Standard Hose Plant on Van Camp Road.  Production at the new site will begin in January 2016.

The Ohio Public Works Commission awarded Tiffin $500,000 in grants and interest-free loans to rebuild North Sandusky Street.  The project to rebuild all four lanes is to begin at Hall Street and run south to Miami Street.  Grants for the project total $300,000, while $200,000 would be a 10-year, interest-free loan.  The city estimates the project cost to be $1.3 million.  Repair of sewer lines under North Sandusky Street is to begin this summer, while the rebuild is expected to begin late this year or early next year.

A suspect in a Detroit area robbery last week that left one dead was treated at the Blanchard Valley Hospital for a gunshot wound the same night.  Thirty-one year old  Ujuan Burton of Oak Park was dropped off at BVH by a woman and later taken by Life-Flight medical helicopter to Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center in Toledo.  Findlay police were suspicious, did an Internet search and found information about the party store slaying and notified Clinton Township police.
 

Governor John Kasich is set to sign a bill today aimed at reducing the toxic algae in Lake Erie.  The wide-ranging bill would stop farmers in northwestern Ohio from spreading manure on frozen and rain-soaked fields.  It also would bring an end to the dumping of dredged sediment in the lake within five years.  Both are thought to be contributing to the growth of algae in the lake.