Evelyn Marker has been named the permanent executive director of the United Way of Fostoria after serving four months as the interim.  Marker is a former director with ProMedica Fostoria Community Hospital and replaced Ashley Stahl on May 11.  The United Way’s 2015 campaign kicks off tomorrow.

The University of Findlay’s All-Hazards Training Center has received a $611,000 federal grant to train volunteers and remote emergency responders on responding to train derailments involving hazardous materials spills, particularly crude oil.  The one-year grant from the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration will be used to conduct between 60 and 70 one-day training events within a 500-mile radius of Findlay.  UF was one of three nonprofit organizations to receive a grant.

The City of Findlay was not included in the more than 100 cities and school districts that were included in Ohio’s new “open checkbook” website.  Findlay Mayor Lydia Mihalik and city Auditor Jim Staschiak were to meet with state officials to begin the process of transferring city data to the website, but a February meeting was canceled by a state official and was never rescheduled.  Now it seems that the Mayor and Auditor at odds over participation.  While Mihalik supports the website, Staschiak will not commit to publishing information on the site for what he calls “several critical issues”.
 

Ohio has received a $71 million U.S. Department of Education grant to expand charter schools. The move comes as the state reviews possible data scrubbing by a former school choice director and lawmakers push fixing charter oversight. The grant represents the largest single portion of a new $157 million to expand charter school opportunities.
 

Effective October 1, 2015, Mercy Tiffin and Mercy Willard Hospitals will begin benefiting from public safety and service protection as part of Mercy Health’s Toledo Region.  Previously, Mercy had four different services that provided policing, security and emergency management functions at some of the local hospitals within Mercy Health’s Toledo region.  The new regional Public Safety Department is currently working with all the hospital senior leadership and local jurisdictions on reviewing security structures needed at each of their respective facilities.

Hancock County’s commissioners have begun the first steps of updating ditch maintenance funds and will begin with Ottawa Creek.  The commissioners asked Gary Tuttle, district technician for the Hancock Soil & Water Conservation District, to develop an estimate and specifications for clearing a 12-mile length of Ottawa Creek, as it flows through Union and Blanchard townships.  The district has already cleared about 8 miles of the creek of leaning trees and logjams this year. A total of 27 logjams and 22 leaning trees were removed from the creek for about $20,000.  A rough estimate puts the cost of finishing the creek at about $35,000.

Fifth Ward Findlay City Councilman John Harrington announced via his Facebook page that he is running for the Hancock County Commissioner seat held by Brian Robertson in the March 15, 2016 Republican Primary.  Harrington believes that the county has a lot of opportunity for growth and will be running on the platform of a balanced approach to spending, development and cooperation between townships and the city.

The Hancock Historical Museum will host a paranormal investigation from 9:30 p.m. to midnight Oct. 16.  Investigators from Paraex will lead the investigation.  Guests will take an active role in an investigation of the Hull House, Crawford Log House and DeWald-Funk House, working with the investigators to identify any paranormal activity.  Space is limited and guests must be over 16. Advanced reservations are required. Refreshments will be provided.  For more information or to make a reservation, call the museum at 419-423-4433 or visit www.hancockhistoricalmuseum. org.

U.S. Marshals Service and Seneca County Sheriff's Office are trying to locate two fugitives, 42 year old David S. Turpin and 26 year old Brittany L. Lesher, 26.   The two allegedly ran from Bellevue Police Department and Seneca County Sheriff's Office after a search warrant was executed on their vehicle.  The vehicle contained $2000 in cash, suspected heroin and other items of evidence.  Anyone with information can call the Seneca County sheriff's office or Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force's Toledo Division

Former Liberty-Benton teacher Mark Badertscher settled with the district Monday following a two-year legal battle after the school board fired him in 2013.  Badertscher was the district’s agriculture teacher and FFA adviser. He was fired in 2013 after a student choked another student while Badertscher was out of the classroom.  School board members unanimously approved a separation agreement and settlement that amounted to almost $52,000, after deductions.  That amount includes back pay, plus non-wage compensation and benefits, board members said.

Federal authorities say regional banker Fifth Third Bancorp has agreed to an $18 million settlement on allegations that black and Hispanic borrowers had to pay higher auto loan rates. The settlement requires compensation for borrowers who were overcharged and requires changes and monitoring of the way Fifth Third prices what are called "indirect" auto loans originated by dealers.

The Hancock County ADAMHS Board will be holding a town hall meeting on the impact of the legalization of marijuana.  The meeting plans to answer all questions about the impact Issue 3 that is on November’s ballot.  It takes place next Monday which is October 5 at 6pm at St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church on West Sandusky Street in Findlay.

The new AP high school football rankings are out.  Findlay is #5 in Division I and McComb is #9 in Division VII.  In high school soccer, the Findlay Boys are #5 in Division I.

Open Arms Domestic Violence Shelter has announced that 2015 Miss America Kira Kazanstev will be the featured speaker for the organization’s annual meeting on October 19^th.  Kira was a victim of an abusive relationship in college and chose domestic violence as her “platform topic” for the pageant.  The Annual Meeting is free and open to the public.  In lieu of an admission cost, participants are encouraged to bring an item from the Open Arms Wish List.  Reservations are required and can be made online at OpenArmsFindlay.Org or by calling 419.420-9261 by Thursday, October 15. 

Longtime Fostoria City Councilman Dr. David Bettenhausen has withdrawn from reelection in this November’s race.  Bettenhausen was running for one of the three at-large city council seats.  Now incumbent Brian Shaver, City Council President Doug Pahl and newcomer Matthew Davoli are the only three candidates are left on the ballot and are assured a seat on council in 2016. 

The cost of maintaining pipes and treatment plants to keep drinking water flowing across Ohio is projected at $12 billion over the next two decades. The staggering price tag dwarfs the $550 million the U.S. government has given the state since the mid-1990s under the largest federal loan program for improving the nation's drinking water systems.

The Army Corps of Engineers has released a document that gives the steps and timeline for acquiring property needed for a proposed 9.4-mile Eagle Creek diversion channel in rural Findlay.  If the corps’ plan moves forward, the land acquisition process won’t begin until 2019 at the earliest.

House Speaker John Boehner says there will be no government shutdown when funding runs out this week. The Ohio Republican told CBS' "Face the Nation" that he decided on Friday to resign the speakership and his congressional seat after meeting with Pope Francis.  Asked whether there's still a possibility of a government shutdown, Boehner answered, "No."

High school football is in order for tonight.  North Baltimore will take on Van Buren on Mix 96.7 WBVI.  Over on our sister station ESPN Radio 1430 WFOB, Lake visits the Fostoria Redmen…The Gridiron One Game of the Week on wfob.com will feature Tiffin Columbian hosting Bellevue.  It all gets underway at 6pm with the Northwest Ohio Orthopedics Psyche Up Show live from Frickers and ends with the Scoreboard Show…

CSX will temporarily close a railroad crossing in Fostoria.  The rail company will close the Findlay Street railroad crossing on Saturday for temporary repairs. The crossing, the first set of tracks on Findlay Street when turning westbound from South Countyline Street, will remain closed until Oct. 2.

North Baltimore Schools received new sod for the Tigers future football stadium… Cygnet Turf donated black sand sod valued at $100,000 and installed it…Casey Sales and Service provided tiling, crowning the field and raking and seeding…Other community volunteers provided labor, planning and equipment… Bleachers, lighting and fencing still need to be installed…No timeline for the first game on the field has been set.

If you ever hear anyone say there is nothing to do in the Tri-County Area, you can tell them they’re nuts.  Saturday alone is jam packed with events.  The Susan J. Komen Race of the Cure takes place in the morning at the Blanchard Valley Regional Health Center on South Main with lots of activities around the 5K.  The Soul Shine Blues Festival is at the Meadowbrook Park Ballroom.  Oktoberfest in downtown Findlay starts at 2pm.  The Fostoria Rail Fest and Fostoria Area Chamber of Commerce car show is at Fostoria Junior/Senior High School.  The Best of the Midwest Comedy Competition is Saturday night at the Tiffin Ritz Theater.

The Book of Unknown Americans,” a novel by Cristina Henriquez, has been chosen as the featured book for the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library’s 2016 CommunityRead.  Henriquez will visit Hancock County on March 11 during CommunityRead month for a public presentation at 7 p.m. at the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts.  “The Book of Unknown Americans” was one of the New York Times’ Notable Books of 2014 and made it onto many other best of 2014 book lists, including The Washington Post and National Public Radio.

300 supporters were at the Pilgrim Family Restaurant in Findlay to greet Republican presidential candidate Ben Carson.  Carson called for national unity and drew a big roar from the crowd when he alluded to his recent controversial comment that he would not advocate having a Muslim president.  The 64 year old is a retired neurosurgeon and an author is among the top three Republican hopefuls who have never been elected to public office.
 

Governor John Kasich (KAY'-sik) is returning to South Carolina as he tries to gain much-needed national traction for his 2016 presidential campaign. The two-term governor and former congressman is planning stops in Charleston and Hilton Head tomorrow. While Kasich has landed spots in both primetime Republican debates, neither appearance gave him a huge bounce.

There was a big volleyball game in the BVC last night.  #1 McComb took on #4 Arlington.  Both teams were undefeated and McComb had a 63 match winning streak.  McComb came out on top in three sets to win the match 25-14, 25-21 and 25-9.  McComb moves to 13-0 and 6-0 in the BVC while Arlington dropped to 14-1 and 5-1 in the BVC.

Heidelberg University and the Seneca County Health District are seeing a diminishing number of students reporting to the university’s health center with concerns about possible infection from MRSA.  Beth Schweitzer, Seneca County Health Commissioner, says that proactive preventive measures on the university’s part and the coordination of efforts between the school and the health department are contributing factors.  The Ohio Department of Health reported recently that four Heidelberg students tested positive for MRSA.  All of those students have been treated and cleared.

The leader of the Ohio Senate has introduced a bill that would divert government funding from Planned Parenthood. The bill announced today by Republican Senate President Keith Faber (FAY'-bur) is similar to one introduced in the Ohio House in August.

Dayton's Wright State University will host the first presidential debate of the 2016 general election campaign on September 26th of next year. Ohio has been a crucial swing state in recent presidential elections, and the GOP is holding its national convention in Cleveland next July.

The BVC boys golf championship was held yesterday at Country Acres Golf Course.  Van Buren won its ninth straight championship.  Arlington placed second followed by Liberty Benton.  Cole Thomas of Arlington was named Player of the Year and Eric Hietkamp of Van Buren was named Coach of the Year.

Republican presidential candidate Ben Carson will be stopping in Findlay this morning.  He will be stopping at Pilgrim Family Restaurant on W. Main Cross St., for a “meet and greet” at 9 a.m.  Carson’s campaign website says he is scheduled to be at a rally later in the day at Spring Arbor University in Michigan.

Royal Pizza is back in business in Fostoria for the first time since 2002.  The pizzeria opened at 137 North Main Street with its first full day of operations this past Saturday.  Owner Shaun Babb says he will try to keep the same recipe that the shop was known for.  While the shop does not offer as much space to eat, with the exception of a handful of chairs, the entire kitchen — protected by a sneeze guard — is open to customers who can take a passenger seat in the pizza making process.
 

The Findlay AirExpo is this Saturday at the Findlay Airport.  The CAF Redtail Squadron “Rise Above” Exhibit that tells the story of the Tuskegee Airmen is featured.  A P-51 Mustang Flight Demo will take place, along with helicopter and airplane rides.  The free event is from 8a – 5p.

The Seneca County commissioners approved a cooperative agreement with Tiffin to operate the joint justice center, planned for construction on the former county courthouse property downtown.  The agreement covers use, management and lease of the 36,000-square-foot multi-story building to be constructed adjacent to the county courts annex building. The two structures will be connected by a common security entrance.

City of Findlay Auditor Jim Staschiak told city council during a committee of the whole meeting that the city carried just over $10.7 million into 2015 and will likely carry forward about the same amount of cash into 2016.  With a stable cash balance, the city will also likely continue to increase the amount of income tax revenue it puts toward capital improvements. In 2016, 19 percent of income tax revenue will go toward capital improvements, up from 18 percent in 2015…City Council will plan out its 2016 budget on December 10.

The unemployment rates in the Tri-County area fell in August.  Hancock County’s unemployment rate fell to 3.2, Seneca County dropped to 4.1 and Wood County to 3.7.  Jobless rates fell by a similar magnitude among each of Ohio’s other 87 counties, the state Job and Family Services Department reported.  The statewide jobless rate, which is seasonally adjusted, declined to 4.7 percent in August from 5 percent in July.

The University of Findlay will be receiving a donation from Rowmark Chief Executive Officer Duane Jebbett and his wife, Kathy, in support of the new Center for Student Life and College of Business building.  The university did not announce the amount of the donation.  Jebbett also said that Rowmark will make a major contribution to support the project.  The building, which is projected to cost $15 million, will be constructed between Davis and College streets with no timeline for construction being announced.

US Representative Jim Jordan was in Fostoria yesterday as a guest of the Fostoria Rotary.  Jordan spoke to the organization about the good and the bad in Washington.  The bad centered on recent Supreme Court rulings, the policy change with Cuba, the Iranian nuclear deal, Kentucky Clerk Kim Davis and Planned Parenthood.  Jordan pointed out the good with two issues he is personally working on:  the end of “corporate welfare” and the impeachment of IRS Commissioner John Koskinen.

Hearthside Food Solutions, in McComb, faces over $52,000 in proposed federal fines in connection with an employee losing part of a finger last April.  The has until Oct. 13 to contest the allegations by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.  A lack of adequate safeguards on a dough-cutting machine cost a 55-year-old worker part of his right middle finger while he was unjamming the machine.
 

A proposal to legalize marijuana in the state has drawn support from the American Civil Liberties Union and opposition from a major law enforcement group. The organizations are among the latest to announce their positions on the ballot initiative, known as Issue 3 in the November 3rd election. Early voting begins on October 6th.

It’s Oktoberfest in downtown Findlay this Saturday.  Celebrate German heritage in Hancock County with German music, food and libations, Polka dancing and kids activities.  A Volkswagen car show, brat eating and other contests, the Oktoberfest Pageant will happen, as well as, several beer endurance contests.  It’s from 2 to 10.

Kevin L. Brooks Sr. pleaded guilty in Hancock County Common Pleas Court to three first-degree misdemeanor charges of attempted drug trafficking.  The charges were reduced from three fifth-degree felony charges but could carry more jail time.  Each charge carries up to 180 days of jail time.  Brooks could also face up to five years of probation…Brooks was caught selling less than the bulk amount of alprazolam, a generic version of Xanax, with his wife Cheri Brooks and her son Scottie E. Emmons.
 

The Tiffin/Seneca County joint justice center is closer to becoming a reality after Tiffin City Council voted Tuesday to approve the cooperative agreement and joint use, management and lease agreement with Seneca County for the facility.  The City also approved the contract with Quandel Construction Group Inc. to act as owners' representative for the project.  The joint use, management and lease agreement governing the building's use and maintenance is a 50-year contract between the city and the county, with automatic renewals every five years after.  Seneca County commissioners are to discuss the agreements in their meeting today.

The Portage Quarry Recreation Club closed its doors this month after 37 years.  The site was a popular site for scuba divers.  Jim Palmer Excavating purchased the property five years ago, but let the dive shop continue its lease. The company is planning to move onto the site and reportedly already has started putting clean hard fill into the former limestone quarry.

Pope Francis will end his visit to Cuba today with a Mass at the country's most revered shrine and a pep talk with families before flying north to Washington for the start of his U.S. tour….The pope touches down in the US this afternoon at Andres Air Force Base near Washington…President Obama, the first lady and Vice President Biden will greet the pontiff.

The Portage Quarry Recreation Club closed its doors this month after 37 years.  The site was a popular site for scuba divers.  Jim Palmer Excavating purchased the property five years ago, but let the dive shop continue its lease. The company is planning to move onto the site and reportedly already has started putting clean hard fill into the former limestone quarry.

The Findlay AirExpo is this Saturday at the Findlay Airport.  The CAF Redtail Squadron “Rise Above” Exhibit that tells the story of the Tuskegee Airmen is featured.  A P-51 Mustang Flight Demo will take place, along with helicopter and airplane rides.  The free event is from 8a – 5p.

One woman is dead and another had to be flown to the hospital after a crash outside of Findlay on Sunday afternoon.  19-year-old Mimi Green of Fostoria was driving south on State Route 12 when she struck a car being driven by 50-year-old Stacy Lafountaine, also of Fostoria, who was waiting to turn onto Township Road 215.  The impact from the crash pushed Ms. Lafountaine’s car into oncoming traffic where it was struck by a car being driven by 42-year-old Robert Sasse of Findlay.  A passenger in Ms. Lafountaine’s car, 77-year-old Jane Fishpaw, of Fostoria, was taken to Blanchard Valley Hospital and was later pronounced dead…Green had to be flown to St. Vincent’s Mercy Medical Center in Toledo.  All other injuries were minor.

Ohio's attorney general Mike DeWine says his office has received more than 600 reports of tax-related scams since the beginning of the month.  The scam involves phony calls from people claiming to work for the U.S. Treasury Department.  The caller tells consumers that they are in trouble with the IRS and must call an out-of-state number for more information.  People who respond to the calls are eventually asked for money and instructed to send hundreds of dollars using prepaid cards or money transfers.  The attorney general's office says consumers should not respond to the calls, and Ohioans can contact his office for assistance.

The 14^th Annual Fostoria Rail Fest happens this Saturday from 10 to 4 at Fostoria Junior Senior High School.  Admission is $4 for those over 12.  The highlight of the festival is the Fostoria Iron Triangle Model Train Show.  A display from the North American Rail Car Operators Society and the Fostoria Area Chamber of Commerce Car Show will take place.  The annual event is presented by the Fostoria Rail Preservation Society.

The merger between Heritage and Legacy Farmer cooperatives has been rejected by members.  Heritage Cooperative members approved the merger, while Legacy Farmers Cooperative members rejected the proposal in voting counted Friday.  The merger agreement required 60 percent approval by each cooperative’s voting members for passage.
 

The Seneca Industrial Economic Development Corporation has announce that new upscale restaurant is coming to Tiffin.  The Empire at 138 will open this winter at 136-138 Washington Street.  According to a news release, the establishment will bring a historic flair to white tablecloth dining in downtown Tiffin.  The Empire at 138 will be open for both a casual lunch and an upscale dinner with a menu that offers classic American fare using organic and as many local ingredients as possible.

Artists are being sought to create sidewalk art along Crawford and Sandusky streets on Saturday for the sixth annual Chalk-A-Walk.  Artists, either individuals or teams of up to five people, will decorate 8-foot by 8-foot spaces on the sidewalk.  They will have from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. to complete a drawing in their assigned space. Drawings will be judged and cash prizes will be awarded to the top three.  The event is sponsored by the Gaslight Gallery, which will display photos of the drawings on its website and Facebook page.  Registration is due by Friday. There is no cost to enter.  Forms can be picked up at the Gaslight Gallery, 117 E. Crawford St., or at www.thegaslightgallery.org.One woman is dead and another had to be flown to the hospital after a crash outside of Findlay on Sunday afternoon.  19-year-old Mimi Green of Fostoria was driving south on State Route 12 when she struck a car being driven by 50-year-old Stacy Lafountaine, also of Fostoria, who was waiting to turn onto Township Road 215.  The impact from the crash pushed Ms. Lafountaine’s car into oncoming traffic where it was struck by a car being driven by 42-year-old Robert Sasse of Findlay.  A passenger in Ms. Lafountaine’s car, 77-year-old Jane Fishpaw, of Fostoria, was taken to Blanchard Valley Hospital and was later pronounced dead…Green had to be flown to St. Vincent’s Mercy Medical Center in Toledo.  All other injuries were minor.

Ohio's attorney general Mike DeWine says his office has received more than 600 reports of tax-related scams since the beginning of the month.  The scam involves phony calls from people claiming to work for the U.S. Treasury Department.  The caller tells consumers that they are in trouble with the IRS and must call an out-of-state number for more information.  People who respond to the calls are eventually asked for money and instructed to send hundreds of dollars using prepaid cards or money transfers.  The attorney general's office says consumers should not respond to the calls, and Ohioans can contact his office for assistance.

The 14^th Annual Fostoria Rail Fest happens this Saturday from 10 to 4 at Fostoria Junior Senior High School.  Admission is $4 for those over 12.  The highlight of the festival is the Fostoria Iron Triangle Model Train Show.  A display from the North American Rail Car Operators Society and the Fostoria Area Chamber of Commerce Car Show will take place.  The annual event is presented by the Fostoria Rail Preservation Society.

The merger between Heritage and Legacy Farmer cooperatives has been rejected by members.  Heritage Cooperative members approved the merger, while Legacy Farmers Cooperative members rejected the proposal in voting counted Friday.  The merger agreement required 60 percent approval by each cooperative’s voting members for passage.
 

The Seneca Industrial Economic Development Corporation has announce that new upscale restaurant is coming to Tiffin.  The Empire at 138 will open this winter at 136-138 Washington Street.  According to a news release, the establishment will bring a historic flair to white tablecloth dining in downtown Tiffin.  The Empire at 138 will be open for both a casual lunch and an upscale dinner with a menu that offers classic American fare using organic and as many local ingredients as possible.

Artists are being sought to create sidewalk art along Crawford and Sandusky streets on Saturday for the sixth annual Chalk-A-Walk.  Artists, either individuals or teams of up to five people, will decorate 8-foot by 8-foot spaces on the sidewalk.  They will have from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. to complete a drawing in their assigned space. Drawings will be judged and cash prizes will be awarded to the top three.  The event is sponsored by the Gaslight Gallery, which will display photos of the drawings on its website and Facebook page.  Registration is due by Friday. There is no cost to enter.  Forms can be picked up at the Gaslight Gallery, 117 E. Crawford St., or at www.thegaslightgallery.org.

An apartment complex in the 400 block of West Tiffin Street in Fostoria is a total loss after a fire last night.  In addition to the Fostoria Fire Department, the Tiffin Fire Department was called to assist.  No injuries were reported, but the fire caused around $80,000 in damage.

The Tiffin Heritage Festival starts today and runs through Sunday.  The 37^th annual event has activities at Hedges-Boyer Park and downtown.  At the park, visitors can experience living history and kids can experience life in the old days.  Downtown will be filled with food vendors and live entertainment.  Tiffin Eagles 402 will also have live entertainment and food from Wade’s BBQ and Jolly’s Root Beer.

Seneca County has approved to apply for a $500,000, zero interest loan for the construction of a compressed natural gas fueling facility.  The county is working toward converting municipal vehicles and local school buses to run off of compressed natural gas instead of gasoline or diesel.  A study done two years ago shows that local businesses and school districts could benefit from the transition.  The county should know by December on the status of the loan.

Members of the Legacy Farmers and Heritage cooperatives will decide today if the two organizations will merge.  Ballots will be tabulated during a special board meeting.  A 60 percent approval by voting members is necessary and each cooperative’s members must favor the merger.  If approved, the agreement would be effective March 1, 2016 and retain the name Heritage Cooperative.

Findlay City Council approved a payment of $255,000 to help construct 86 parking spots at the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts.  The parking spots will be available to people in the downtown area weekdays from 8a to 5p.  Safety Service Director Paul Schmelzer said the idea is that people who work downtown will use the lot to free up spots in front of businesses for customers.

Fostoria City Auditor Steve Garner gave his July financial report to council last night.  The news was that the general fund had a negative balance of almost $131,500.  Garner attributed the numbers to several things, including a 3% drop in tax receipts for July and overtime expenses from injuries.  According to Garner, at this time of year, a drop in tax receipts is typically a timing issue depending on when companies in town submit their tax payments.

Tickets are still available for the 4^th Annual Foundation Park Hog Roast & Benefit Auction, being held on Thursday, October 8^th at Stacy’s Place in the Fostoria Plaza.

Tickets are $30 and are pre-sale only.  Fostoria’s Dell’s Restaurant will cater and many great auction items will be available.  All proceeds will go to operating, maintaining and renovating Foundation Park.  For tickets, call the Greater Fostoria Community Foundation at 419.435.2823

Hancock County Commissioner Brian Robertson said at least one idea is being discussed in regard to the potential increase in hotel/motel bed tax revenue.  The construction of a reception hall on the fairgrounds is a possibility.  The hall would benefit the fair board and be a likely draw for out-of-town visitors.  The Hancock County commissioners’ office was granted permission in Ohio’s new state budget bill to increase the county hotel/bed tax by up to 3 percent for permanent improvements.   Recently, a group of business and education leaders proposed raising the tax to the commissioners.
 

Fostoria City officials honored sixteen year old Olivia Lear of Fostoria at last night’s council meeting.  Mayor Eric Keckler announced the teen had passed away shortly before 7pm as she lost her battle with osteosarcoma – a cancer that develops in the bone.  The city honored Lear last Sunday with a ceremonial lighting of Christmas orange decorations outside the Municipal Building.  Lear’s favorite color and holiday is orange and Christmas..

Seneca County health officials believe an outbreak of a bacterial infection at Heidelberg University has been contained. Four football players were confirmed with a MRSA skin infection. The students were successfully treated with antibiotics and no other cases have been confirmed.

A Wood County jury found 41 year old Ronald Doogs of Fostoria guilty on one count of rape and four other counts of sexual activity with a minor.  Doogs’ case involves incidents which occurred in 2012.  The verdict came on Thursday after four hours and forty-five minutes of deliberations.  Doogs was placed in custody of the Wood County jail on a $40,000 bond with no 10-percent allowed.  His sentencing will take place on November 3.

Findlay’s leading business and educational leaders from Marathon Petroleum, Cooper Tire and Rubber, Blanchard Valley Health System and University of Findlay want a 3 percent increase in Hancock County’s hotel/motel bed tax to benefit the new, $17 million Marathon Center for the Performing Arts and the Hancock County Fair.  In a letter sent to the Hancock County Commissioners, two percent of the tax would go to the playhouse and 1 percent would go to the fair.  However, officials from the performing arts center said it may not be needed because it plans to build an endowment for operating expenses.  The Hancock Agricultural Society said it was too early to comment.

Findlay area officials are visiting with leaders in Japan this week as part of an “economic mission trip.”  Mayor Lydia Mihalik along with University of Findlay President Katherine Fell, Director of Findlay and Hancock County Economic Development Tony Iriti, Assistant Director for Economic Development Tim Mayle, and University of Findlay associate professor of Japanese and chair of the Language and Culture Department Hiroaki Kawamura will meet with business leaders, educators and politicians.  Part of their trip will be spent in meetings and presentations at the U.S.-Japan Association Conference.  The group will also be meeting with various businesses.
 

Findlay City Schools and Millstream Career Center will be collaborating with McLane Co. to prepare more students to enter the workforce after graduation.  McLane is building a large grocery distribution center in Findlay, which is scheduled to open in 2016.  Findlay City Schools Superintendent Ed Kurt said creating a workforce development relationship with McLane is a win-win situation for both the company and the district.  Kurt said he wants to work with the company to help design additional programs at Millstream that will train students interested in working at McLane.
 

An investigation continues of an outbreak of MRSA at Heidelberg University in Tiffin.  MRSA is a staph infection that is resistant to penicillin.  There are now 30 cases being investigated, with four confirmed as MRSA and two confirmed negative.  The university and health department are still waiting for the results from 24 more possible cases.  The MRSA outbreak is focused on the Heidelberg University football team, with all four confirmed cases from the program. 

Fire crews spent the early morning hours battling a house fire caused by an explosion this morning in North Baltimore.  The fire happened on County Road 5 near Otsego Road in Wood County.  The owner of the home says the house is a total loss and that he believes a propane tank exploded.  A couple and their three grandchildren live at the home. No one was injured in the explosion or fire.

The Ohio Turnpike is working to beef up wireless coverage along the 241-mile toll road through a new partnership with Diamond Communications. In a deal struck last month, the Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission granted Diamond exclusive rights to market and manage its communication towers, buildings, light poles and other structures for the location of wireless carrier equipment.

The city of Fostoria is giving 16 year old Olivia Lear who is in hospice care with cancer an early Christmas.  Hundreds of members of the community, Fostoria Fire Division and Fostoria Police Department gathered on the lawn of Fostoria's municipal building to light the city's Christmas tree Sunday night.  The lawn was decorated with candy canes, reindeer with red garland and fake snow.  Christmas is 16-year-old Olivia Lear's favorite holiday.  Lisa Lear, Olivia's stepmother, said Olivia was in a hospice center in Bowling Green and didn't make it to the day's events, which also included a winter wonderland ball at the VFW across the street.

Cheri Brooks of Findlay, on probation for a felony conviction related to the Vera Jo Reigle murder case, pleaded guilty Friday to selling prescription drugs from her home. Brooks will be sentenced on November 4 in Hancock County Common Pleas Court and could receive up to 12 months in prison.  Brooks remains free on an own recognizance bond.
 

A 64-year old man fell from the roof of 10450 W. Ohio 18 Saturday afternoon… According to published reports, he was working, with his son, on the roof when he fell from atop a ladder, landing on the ground.  Initially, at 5 p.m. Life Flight was sent to ProMedica Fostoria Community Hospital, however, at 5:07 p.m. Life Flight was requested to the scene.  It arrived five minutes later.  The extent of his injuries was unknown at press time.
 

The 1^st Annual St. Wendelin Golf Scramble Fundraiser is this Saturday at Loudon Meadows Golf Course in Fostoria with a 9am shotgun start.  There is still time to get a team together at $50 per player or $200 for a team.  All money raised will go to the SW Boys Basketball and Baseball Programs.  Please contact Coach Aaron Sheets at 419-619-2136 to get involved.

It is week three for high school football tonight.  On ESPN Radio 1430 WFOB, Fostoria travels to Port Clinto.  It will be McComb at Van Buren on Mix 96.7 WBVI.  And on WFOB Gridiron One at wfob.com, Arcadia hosts Vanlue.  Don’t forget the NWO Orthopedics Psyche Up  and Scoreboard Show before and after the games.

The Black Swamp Arts Festival in downtown Bowling Green gets underway this evening.  Organizers say the festival will have even more youth art activities and new bands on three live music stages this year and thousands of people are expected to attend, rain or shine.  The Black Swamp Arts Festival is ranked as the 67^th best in the nation and organizers say it’s the best in Ohio.  A shuttle system will be available from four parking lots near downtown for patrons to take advantage of.
 

No injuries were reported after a fire ignited in the kitchen of a Circle Drive home in Fostoria Thursday morning.  Fire crews responded to several calls of a fire at 752 Circle Drive at approximately 7:45 a.m., where they found “heavy smoke” venting from the open front door.  The homeowner “accidentally activated the wrong control on their electric stove,” which caused the wrong pan to heat up resulting in a grease fire.  The 1,000 sq. ft. single-family home accrued fire damage to the kitchen and smoke and soot damage throughout the house.

In his final update to the Seneca County Commissioners, former executive director of the Seneca Industrial Development Corporation David Zak said the county has had a resurgence in economic development activity since January 2014.  There have been 550 new jobs created, 2500 jobs retained and $100 million invested in the county.  Zak, who is become the vice president of advancement and development at Tiffin University credited his staff, committee members, Fostoria, Tiffin and the county for their effort in the success, too.

Findlay City Council’s Streets, Sidewalks and Parking Committee met Tuesday to discuss the proposed parking and traffic changes on Crawford Street.  The changes are now being called an “experiment” by officials and could only last a year if they do not seem to be working.  The Findlay traffic commission will have until October 2016 to reverse the changes or make them permanent.  The proposal has West Crawford Street becoming one-way westbound from Main Street, and East Crawford Street will be one-way eastbound from Main Street.  Reverse-angle parking will also be added to the south side of the street.
 

Bids for demolition of the former Hancock County commissioners’ office on Broadway Street in Findlay were opened yesterday.  ADC Holdings of Findlay was the lowest bidder at a total of $55,940.  Commissioner Mark Gazarek said once the demolition is complete, stone will be spread on the lot this fall.  The Findlay-Hancock Public Library has expressed interest in constructing a drive through book drop on the south end of the building.

Instead of a renewal levy, the Hancock Park District will place a .8 mill, eight year replacement levy for operations on the ballot in March.  If approved, the replacement levy would generate about $1.38 million annually.  A renewal levy would generate about $1.36 million annually.  The board will have to approve a resolution placing the issue on the ballot once the amount is determined.
 

A man is asking a court to order his six tigers and other exotic animals returned to Ohio after they were seized by the state and moved from a holding facility to sanctuaries elsewhere.  In a filing Tuesday, Kenny Hetrick's attorney says Ohio's Department of Agriculture overstepped its authority last month by relocating the animals to facilities in Arizona, Florida and South Dakota without notifying him.  He wants them returned to the state holding facility in Reynoldsburg or to his property near Toledo.  The filing says the department violated its own transfer order and his constitutional rights by moving the animals again.

Cedar Point is expected to make a highly anticipated announcement this morning at the theme park.  The park is expected to reveal its newest ride: a dive coaster.  The coaster will reportedly be called Valravn. It's expected to be a 223-foot tall ride that drops riders face down.

The city of Fostoria and Fostoria Economic Development Corporation launched new websites today.  Officials state the reason for the website changes is two-fold: to provide accurate, easy-to-find information and to market the city.  The new website, located at www.fostoriaohio.gov.  Additionally, FEDC will also launch its own website.  Previously, their site was combined with the city, Fostoria Area Chamber of Commerce and the Fostoria Area Visitor’s Bureau.  The new site can be found at www.fostoriaedc.org.

The 2015 Findlay-Hancock County Halloween parade, presented by the Hancock Leadership Alumni Association, will be held in downtown Findlay at 7 p.m. October 27.  Any group, organization, business, school or individual interested in participating is required to register online at www.hancockleadership. org/parade. Registration opens September 13 and is available through October 23.  Early registration fees are $90 for floats, vehicles and walking groups, and $25 for nonprofit organizations.

Ohio's four casinos have generated about $479 million in revenue this year, and that total will rise as state regulators release the figures for August.  The latest monthly report is due Tuesday from the Ohio Casino Control Commission.  The casinos brought in about $69 million in July, which was up the previous month and also up slightly from the same month a year earlier.  About one-third of the revenue is collected in taxes and given mostly to counties, school districts and host cities.

A federal judge in Cincinnati has delayed a mental assessment hearing for a former bartender accused of threatening to kill House Speaker John Boehner. The judge already has ruled Michael Hoyt not guilty by reason of insanity. Hoyt has been diagnosed as bipolar and said he believed Boehner was the devil.

Ohio motorists can expect to have plenty of company on the roads this Labor Day weekend.  The AAA Auto Club says 1.5 million Ohioans are expected to be among the 35.3 million people in the U.S. taking trips of at least 50 miles away from home this weekend.  That's the highest number of projected travelers during the holiday weekend since 2008.  Gas prices have stabilized since a mid-August spike to around $3 a gallon because of refinery problems in Indiana. Last year, the average price for a gallon of regular gas in Ohio was $3.49 during Labor Day weekend.  As of Thursday, it was $2.26.

Joe Vera III of Arcadia sentenced to prison Thursday for aggravated robbery and endangering children, both involving 14-year-old children.  Vera was sentenced by Hancock County Common Pleas Judge Joseph Niemeyer to five years in prison for aggravated robbery and 17 months for endangering children with credit for 161 days spent in jail.  The sentences will be served consecutively.

The fourth and final public forum held at Bowling Green State University Thursday about the fate of WBGU-TV.  University officials have been holding the forums as they consider whether and how to participate in an upcoming Federal Communications Commission spectrum auction.  Those who spoke offered words of support for the university to keep the station in some capacity either by maintaining the status quo or moving to VHF spectrum.  The BGSU administration will present its recommendation to the Board of Trustees on Sept. 18.  The trustees will have the final say in the matter.

The Hancock County Fair continues today at the Old Millstream Fairgrounds in Findlay.  On tap is KOI Drag Racing in the South Grandstand at noon and 7pm…Anything that has a motor can race.  4-H Freestyle Riding will be in the North Grandstand at 6pm.  Junior Fair Best Dressed Goat is a 5:30 in the South show arena.

Livestock feeds maker Hamlet Protein is building a $750,000, 976-square-foot addition to its plant north of Tall Timbers Industrial Center and south of Hancock County 212.  Increased sales and more anticipated growth are driving the expansion, which will include additional equipment and storage.  In addition to the expansion Hamlet Protein will also be adding two more employees.

The City of Fostoria is hosting an event in remembrance of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.  The public is invited to the event that is to pay tribute to victims of the attacks and honor fire, police and emergency personnel.  The ceremony will take place at the Fostoria Fire Station at 11 a.m. on the 11^th.  Fostoria Mayor Eric Keckler is to host the ceremony which will be brief and intimate.  Fostoria Fire Chief Ken Chapman and Fostoria Police Chief Keith Loreno also are to speak at the ceremony. Afterward, there will be a moment of silence and a prayer.

The Village of North Baltimore has received about 20 resumes from candidates seeking to be the next village administrator.  Current administrator Donna Dettling is leaving in November for the same position in Archbold.  The consulting firm of Clemons Nelson and Associates was hired earlier this month at a cost not to exceed $4,000 to help find administrator candidates. 

The 2015 Hancock County Junior Fair royalty for 2015 was crowned during the opening night of the county fair yesterday.  Queen is Hannah Brown, daughter of Michael and Deanna Brown and a senior at Liberty-Benton High School.  King is Logan Young, son of Brian and Elizabeth Young and a senior at Liberty-Benton.  Harness racing is the highlight for the fair today.

The Seneca County METRIC Enforcement Unit, along with assistance from other area law enforcement agencies, confiscated more than $250,000 worth of marijuana during their annual drug eradication effort.  The groups uncovered 251 plants from various fields and wooded areas in Seneca County with a street value of $251,000.  The officers covered the county’s 550 square miles with a trained spotter in a police helicopter.

You can now find any local business in Tiffin digitally with a new app called Discover Tiffin!  The new mobile device application uses the GPS information from a mobile device to access information about nearby businesses.  Tiffin Mayor Aaron Montz has desired one for the city since his first day in office.  The initial cost for the design and implementation was $2000.  The city will now pay $150 a month for push notifications.  Montz added that one of his favorite app features is that citizens can report city or non-emergency police and fire issues.

Saturday’s fire at Nye’s Trailer Park on North Countyline Street in Fostoria that damaged five mobile homes has been ruled an arson.  According to the Fostoria Police Chief Keith Loreno evidence from the fire will be submitted to the Ohio State Fire Marshal Forensic Laboratory.  A reward of $5000 is being offered to anyone with information that can lead to an arrest or conviction in the crime.  The fire also damaged four other residences.

Findlay’s Marathon Center of the Performing Arts announced its premiere season’s line-up.  The season will open with actor/songwriter (father of Robin Thicke) Alan Thicke in the musical “Kenny Rogers Presents “The Toy Shoppe” on Friday December 18.  Other performers include Christian music acts, plays, the Toledo Symphony, musicals and other performances.  Tickets for the season will go on sale September 14.  The University of Findlay, The Arts Partnership, the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library, the Findlay Academy of Ballet, and the Center Stage Dance Academy of Ottawa have scheduled events well into next year and will set their own ticket prices. 
 

The Hancock County Fair kicks off its 76^th year tomorrow at the Old Millstream Fairgrounds.  New this year will be Ninja Warrior obstacle course and KOI Drag Racing.  Ninja Warrior competition will be held Wednesday through Saturday, and the championship round will be held Sunday.  KOI Drag Racing, to be held at the south grandstand starting at 7 p.m. Friday is like classic drag racing, where two vehicles race to a finish line, but this version allows anything with a motor to participate.  Tractor and truck pulls, horse pulls and the demolition derby will be back.  Daily admission is $7.
 

The quality of McComb’s water has improved as fire hydrant flushing continues to help rid waterlines of brownish water.  Officials say the village is producing clean, clear water and is flushing hydrants to remove any manganese and sediment that is in the main lines.  McComb residents should flush their home water systems to remove any discoloration in their pipes.  The distribution of free water has been discontinued.

Governor John Kasich disagrees with President Barack Obama's decision to rename Mount McKinley as Denali, the name used by native Alaskans. Alaska's governor and congressional delegation have praised the long-sought change, which was announced on Sunday. But stripping the mountain of its name honoring former President William McKinley, a son of Ohio, drew criticism from Ohio lawmakers.