Fostoria City Council approved the permanent expense appropriations for 2016 during emergency finance and city council meetings Wednesday just days before deadline.  Many members need questions answered before voting on the legislation.  There will be a total of $6.5 million in general fund spending for 2016.

The Hancock County Farm Bureau is continuing to oppose the 9.4 mile diversion channel on Findlay’s west side.  Bureau President Gary Wilson says it is no surprise that the estimated cost of constructing the channel went up to $80 million.  According to the Bureau, some of the obstacles facing construction are bedrock, pipelines, railroads and farmers.  The proposed Eagle Creek diversion channel would cross 44 properties.  Wilson indicated the group may issue a statement after their April meeting.
 

The Fostoria Fire Department responded to a call to Westgate Village on Lytle street early this morning.  A fire that started in a trash can spread to a trailer causing significant damage.  Two residents were unharmed in the incident.  According to officials, the fire was unintentional, but is unfortunately a total loss of the property.  The Red Cross is working with the residents to provide assistance.

The Kiwanis Club of Findlay is asking for volunteers to help club members give downtown a spring cleaning this Saturday morning.  The effort is part of the Kiwanis Klean-Sweep, a service project involving nearly 700,000 club members around the world.  Members of Findlay Kiwanis will lead a concentrated “spring cleaning” in downtown Findlay, helping to sweep away the grime of winter and pick up litter in an effort to help ready the shopping and entertainment center for the busier warm weather months.  Interested volunteers should meet at Dorney Plaza at 9 a.m. and bring brooms, dust pans and work gloves.  The work will conclude at 11am.

39 year old Dawn Mullins of Fostoria was injured Tuesday after being struck by a train at an East Fremont Street railroad crossing.  Fostoria police and firefighters responded to the CSX crossing gate near the intersection of Anderson Avenue and East Fremont Street just after noon for a report of a pedestrian being hit by a train.  Upon arrival, officers discovered Mullins lying in the roadway with injuries she sustained after being struck by a southbound train engine.  Mullins was treated and transported to ProMedica Fostoria Community Hospital by Fostoria EMS where she was then taken by air ambulance to Toledo Hospital.  The preliminary investigation has revealed the gates were down and the lights were operating at the time of the incident.

The Maumee Watershed Conservancy District is still considering whether to take control of the Blanchard River flood project in Hancock County.  An update on the project does appear on the conservancy district’s regular meeting agenda for April 5.  Clark Lynn Army said Tuesday that while there is a “good probability” the conservancy district will adopt the project, the decision won’t be made anytime soon.  Army said the conservancy district is still trying to determine if the proposed channel is a “viable project.” 

The Findlay Police Department is investigating a rash of spray-painting incidents in multiple areas of the city.  Buildings, cars and street signs have been spray painted in black graffiti with various words and symbols, including some related to the Latin Kings gang.  Other art and symbols are being investigated to determine their origin.  The department cannot determine if the vandalism is caused by members of the Latin Kings gang, because the vandalism is spread throughout the city.  Those with information are being encouraged to call Crime Stoppers or the Findlay Police Department.

The Ohio Department of Transportation its 2016 construction plans, including three highway projects in Hancock County that will cost $7.7 million.  I-75 from SR 235 to the CR 60 overpass will be resurfaced.  On U.S. 30 in southern Hancock County, resurfacing and pavement repairs will be done at the U.S. 68, Ohio 37 and Hancock County 330 interchanges.  Also, portions of Ohio 12 from Hancock County Road 236 to the eastern limits of Arcadia, and from the western city limits of Fostoria to the Seneca County line will be resurfaced.
 

Yesterday, Fostoria police were able to safely apprehend a teen who threatened to harm himself with a machete.  Officers responded to a Fremont Street residence in the afternoon.   There, they found a 16 year old male juvenile wielding a machete and threatening to commit suicide while standing on the front porch of the residence.  After a 30-minute standoff, an officer deployed a Taser on the teen in order to safely place him into protective custody.  Officials said the teen was suffering from “emotional issues” outside the home while his mother and several family members were inside the residence.
 

Risingsun police and the State Fire Marshal’s Office have launched an investigation into a Sunday morning house fire they’ve officially ruled an arson.  The fire at 116 Maple St. started in the rear of the property early Sunday morning.  Police currently have no leads as to who the suspect or suspects involved in the fire may be. A reward of up to $5,000 is being offered by the Blue Ribbon Arson Committee.  As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen whether or not the incident is linked to a separate series of fires last week in other parts of Wood County.
 

18-year-old Izaha Akins of Marion pled guilty to impersonating a state senator and speaking to a class at Mohawk High School.  Akins claimed to be the replacement for state Sen. David Burke, R-Marysville, during a visit to the school.  Akins later was charged with impersonating a peace officer, an offense that includes elected public officials that carries a penalty of three years in jail and a maximum fine of $100,000.  Akins’ attorney, Andrew Wick, said the teen committed the crime to encourage rural schools to improve security. 

Woodville Police is still asking for the public's help to find a teenager whose been missing for more than a week.  15 year old Mya Wallace was reported missing from her Dad's home in Woodville back on March 16^th.  Woodville Police Chief Roy Whitehead says the teen stayed with her dad in Woodville on the weekends but lived with her mom during the week in Mansfield.  Chief Whitehead says the teen and her mom had some disagreements so the teen left a note saying she was running away.  If you any information on the whereabouts of Mya Wallace, please contact the Woodville police.

The City of Findlay will be honoring veterans when it repaints it water tower on the north end of the city.  The water tower is on county road 99 and can be seen from I-75.  When completed in mid-June, the tower will have red and white support beams and a blue tower with the message Findlay Salutes Veterans.  The design was approved by the Findlay Veterans Council and is being funded from the city's water fund.

After nearly 60 years, the Student Book Exchange, or SBX, has closed its doors in Bowling Green.  According to SBX manager and part owner Kent Kokomoor, the decision was ultimately made by the stockholders due to a decline of the book industry.  Text book sales are declining as more classes use electronic books.  SBX, located across from the BGSU campus at the corning of Wooster and Manville Streets, also sold spirit wear, school supplies and a wide variety of other school related items.  A close out sale will take place in the future.  

Findlay Mayor Lydia Mihalik told the Hancock County commissioners that the prospect of obtaining federal funding for construction of Blanchard River flood control is diminishing  .Mihalik informed city officials that city and county officials learned in early February that the Army Corps has again delayed completion of the Blanchard River flood study by six months to one year. The flood study completion had been expected this spring.  Officials may now consider moving ahead using state and local funding.
 

Seneca Mentoring Youth Links is holding their Strike-a-thon at Seneca Lanes in Fostoria on Sunday April 10 to help raise funds to provide mentors for are youth.  There are two times to bowl.  10am and 1pm.  Create a 5 member team and get sponsors.  It is that simple!  Food, door prizes, t-shirts and more.  To register visit senecasmyl.org or call 419.443.0981.

Sarah Stephens-Krupp was officially hired as the Fostoria Area Chamber of Commerce chamber/small business director.  Krupp was the chamber’s executive director from 2006 to 2009…She resigned from the position to care for her two young children.  Krupp will begin her second stint with the chamber the first week of May in a part-time position is funded through the chamber.

Fostoria City Council called an emergency meeting Tuesday night to pass the permanent expense appropriations for 2016 so the budget could be submitted to Seneca County by the April 1 deadline.  However, council did not approve the $6.5 million in general fund spending because city auditor Steve Garner was not in attendance to answer questions.  Officials will attempt to pass the appropriations during another meeting at 6 p.m. March 30 in council chambers.

McComb Village Council further discussed a proposed merger between the Village and Bowling Green water and sewer district at a public hearing yesterday.  The village is struggling to meet state standards and growing maintenance obligations.  Next Monday, Village Council is scheduled to give the final reading to an ordinance that, if approved, would authorize village officials to begin contract talks with the district.  If an agreement is reached, the district would handle the operations of the water and sewer plants, including assets, debts and rates charged.

The Findlay Education Association and Findlay City Schools have reached a tentative agreement on a two-year contract and will vote on it this week.  Both parties declined to release any details of the agreement until both sides have voted.  The union will have a private meeting of members today to discuss the contract and then will vote all day Wednesday at Donnell Middle School while the board of education will vote in a special meeting on Thursday.  Negotiations on the last teacher contract, which lasted three years and ends in June, were completed in June 2013.

Carey Village Council authorized Administrator Roy Johnson to investigate funding options for a new ladder truck for the fire department that has an estimated cost of $945,000.  The truck will replace a 1996 International model, which will be used as a trade-in.  Fire Chief Chad Snyder said the current truck does not extend high enough to handle firefighting above the buildings.  The village will seek funding for 50 percent and will finance the remainder.

Lakota Local Schools board of education approved an agreement Monday with the Jefferson County Educational Service Center for an educational program for the summer, designed to assist students struggling with certain subjects.  The program, which will cost the schools $1,000, is an online course curriculum that is similar to what many people would call “summer school.”  The contract is for services that will start June 1 and end Aug. 31.

The City of Fostoria is prominently featured in this month’s issue of the North Coast Business Journal.  The publication highlights the success Fostoria is experiencing in economic development, events, activities and destinations in Fostoria and examples of different organizations in the community.  Articles written by Fostoria Mayor Erik Keckler, FECD President Renee Smith, Celena Runion of the Fostoria Area Chamber of Commerce and others can be found.  To read the entire issue, visit www.ncbj.com.

Police in the Village of Bloomdale are on the lookout for a man they say tried to break into a home early on Friday morning.  Police say a woman and her children were sleeping in their home around 1:00 a.m. when a man began banging on the rear door.  The woman says the man then kicked open the door but she managed to hold the door closed until he left.   According to the woman, later that morning, the man came back and threw a large ornamental block through the window where her children were sleeping, nearly striking a two year old and throwing shattered glass onto the beds of the children and then fled in a silver or gold car.  Bloomdale Police say the suspect may possibly be black or Hispanic and to contact them if you have any information about the incident.

Those seeking to become U.S. citizens will be hosted at University of Findlay next month for a naturalization ceremony.  According to the university, the event will take place Wednesday, April 6 at 12:30 p.m.  The ceremony will be open to the public with the Honorable Judge Jack Zouhary presiding.  Nancy Tate, former director of the League of Women Voters of the United States and 2016 Woodrow Wilson Visiting Fellow at the university will be speaking as well as Dr. Naghmana Masood, a naturalized U.S. citizen who is native to Pakistan.

The Wood County District Public Library has received a large donation from a former employee.  Lolita Guthrie who handled the genealogy department passed away at the age of 90 in November, donated $120,000 to the library.  It is undecided what the money will go toward, but it will be used for genealogy purposes. 

The Bowling Green Police Division is the latest recipient of a defibrillator device donated by the Bowling Green Rotary Club.  The BGPD received the AED was installed in the building that night.  Rotary President David Anderson said that this is the ninth such AED that has been placed in locations around the city through the efforts of his group, the Kiwanis Club and and the Exchange Club.  Anderson noted that the Rotary Club’s Piano Wars event will be held April 22 at Snook’s Dream Cars. The funds raised through the event will be used to place additional AEDs through the city.

The Fostoria Economic Development Corporation awarded the newly established Donald P. Miller Award to its namesake Roppe Holding Company President and CEO Don Miller at its annual meeting yesterday.  The new award was created to honor Miller in acknowledging economic excellence in Fostoria.  Miller joined Roppe Rubber in 1958 and, under his leadership, helped the company grow and expand. In the early 1980s, he assisted in the creation of Fostoria’s economic development corporation.

Fostoria Economic Development Corporation President Renee Smith announced Thursday the hiring of Robert Jimison as the new downtown development/ tourism director. Jimison was one of the 14 Ohio State University students who spent the fall semester crafting multifaceted “The Fostoria Downtown Plan.”  He is scheduled to graduate in May with a Bachelor of Science in City and Regional Planning, and will begin his position June 6.

18 year old Izaha Akens of Marion who impersonated a state senator during a visit to Mohawk High School in December was jailed this week after violating his bond.  Wyandot County officials discovered Akins attended an event in Washington, D.C., after a common pleas court judge told him he wasn’t allowed to leave the state.  Previously, Akins went to Mohawk High School in December and claimed to be the region’s new state senator. 
 

Hancock County officials discussed options for improving court security while accommodating the proposed redesign of the adjacent Dorney Plaza.  Hancock County Commissioners Phillip Riegle and Brian Robertson met with representatives of the National Center for State Courts, headquartered in Williamsburg, Virginia, to discuss how to best improve security at the entrances of both the Hancock County Courthouse and Hancock County Probate and Juvenile Court…Possible options include a single entrance with “tentacles” to each of the courts and the Findlay Municipal Building with a simple connector between the city building and the probate and juvenile court might work because the buildings already abut.

A new frozen yogurt shop will be opening in Downtown Tiffin later this Spring in the Laird Arcade.  Nadine Felton and her family are opening FroZone in the last street facing store front within building.  The last vacancy in the Laird Arcade will soon be filled.  The Tiffin Community Reinvestment Group will be holding a competition for business ideas for the space, and the winner receives free rent for a year.

In Hancock County, in the race for Hancock County Commissioner, Incumbent Brian Robertson defeated Findlay City Councilman John Harrington with 63% of the vote.  In the tightly contested race for Hancock County Recorder, incumbent Tracey Coldren won over Heather Pendleton with 57% of the vote.  Hancock County residents said yes to the Hancock Park District’s levy request by a large margin, as did the Van Buren Village Tax Levy and Arcadia Local School District Levy.

In Seneca County, in the two races for Seneca County Commissioner, incumbent Holly Stacy bested challenger Richard Focht with 53% of the vote.  Shayne Thomas received 57% of votes in beating challenger Christopher English.  Stacy and Thomas will not face anyone in the November election.  The Tiffin Municipal Tax also passed with 61% of the vote…

Robert Sprague has again easily defeated challenger Kevin Rettig for the Republican nomination for the 83rd District seat in the Ohio House.  He will now face Democrat Mary Harshfield in the November election.  Wes Goodman won the Republican nomination to represent the 87th District.  Goodman, of Cardington, won a three-way race for the Ohio House seat representing Wyandot, Crawford and Morrow counties, northern Marion County and the southwest corner of Seneca County.  He defeated Steve Reinhard and Tom Whiston and will not face a challenger in the November election.

Former Ohio Governor Ted Strickland defeated Cincinnati councilman P.G. Sittenfeld for the Democratic nomination to the US Senate.  He will now face former House member Republican Rob Portman in November.  In the race for a state Supreme Court judgeship, Republican Pat Fischer defeated Colleen Mary O’Toole and will face Democrat John O’Donnell, who was unopposed, in November.

The Hancock County Commissioners approved a settlement agreement with Phillip Beatty of Findlay who filed suit against the county, Bluffton Paving and W.L. Markers of Columbus after suffering brain injuries after being hit by a road reflector that was scraped off Hancock County Road 220 by a snow plow in January 2013.  A total of $500,000 was awarded to Beatty with Bluffton Paving paying $20,000 and W.L. Markers paying $465,000.

Hancock County’s sales tax posted record collections for sales made in December.  Collections were $1.6 million.  19% higher than numbers reported for the same time period in 2015.  According to Hancock County Auditor Charity Rauschenberg, sales tax collections for the year are now 10 percent higher than those reported for the same time period in 2015.

Fostoria City Council received the 2016 budget at their meeting last night as officials asked for its passage less than to week before the April 1 deadline.  Finance Committee chair Brian Shaver expressed frustration about the timeliness of the budget submission because council did not have enough time to see the final copy.  An emergency meeting will now be scheduled by the end of the month to approve the budget by the April 1 deadline.

Today is the crucial Ohio Primary giving the state’s voters a say in the run for the White House.  Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio and John Kasich need to score big to stop Donald Trump.  Hillary Clinton needs to stave off Bernie Sanders…At the state level, the nominations for the US Senate is up for grabs.  Democrat Ted Strickland or PG Sittenfeld will face Republican Rob Portman in November.  Ohio will also have a Supreme Court race among several local races.  The polls close at 7:30.

At last night’s school board meeting, Fostoria City Schools Superintendent Andrew Sprang addressed concerns about the district’s recent grades in the state’s report card.  Sprang said that “failing district” is not a good description of the district.  He noted 97% of students meeting the Third Grade Guarantee is up from last year and 25% of students were scoring in the Advanced Plus, Advanced and Accelerated categories.  Sprang did point out that the district is doing more than prepping students for a test and are getting them ready for life outside of school, too.

 
Ohio's average price for regular gas going into the workweek remains lower than a year ago but has climbed from this time last month.  The price per gallon in Ohio was about $1.93.  That's up about 37 cents from a month ago, but 31 cents less than the $2.24 average at this time last year…Gas prices that have been lower recently due to lower crude oil prices are likely to continue to climb as the refinery maintenance season begins and as some refineries cut production in response to abundant supplies.

Findlay City Schools appointed three new principals at last night’s school board meeting.  Janice Panuto will lead Glenwood Middle School, Kim Plesec will lead Jefferson Primary and Mike Scoles, Lincoln Elementary.  The board also named John Dell as the district’s new transportation coordinator.

In other Findlay City School news, the district will be working with the Family Resource Center’s “Wrap Around” program.  The program is aimed at students in kindergarten through third grade to help identify students with behavior problems proactively.  The Center works first with teachers and district staff to identify students who have trouble with the school setting.  Then a facilitator from the center can bring together the student’s parents, teachers, counselors and supporters to make a plan to help the child. 

The St. Wendelin girls basketball team’s run for a state title fell just short on Saturday.  The Lady Mohawks lost to Waterford 29-27 in the Ohio Girls Basketball Division IV State Final.  Allie Rutter led St. Wendelin with 11 points.  This was the Mohawks first trip to the state finals and finished their year at 26-4.

Police in Bowling Green are warning students to be careful Monday morning after two men robbed a food mart overnight.  It happened at the Falcon Foodmart on East Wooster, across the street from the Bowling Green State University campus.  Police say the men involved using knives during the robbery and ran towards campus when they left.  The men are believed to be dangerous. 

A man arrested after trying to jump on the stage at Republican Donald Trump's campaign rally in Dayton reportedly told police he planned to grab the microphone and yell that Trump is a racist but didn't intend to hurt anyone.  The Dayton Daily News reports that it has obtained a police report that says 22-year-old Thomas DiMassimo told officers that he'd given his car keys to his girlfriend at Saturday's rally anticipating that he'd be arrested.  DiMassimo, of Fairborn, was charged with misdemeanor inducing panic and disorderly conduct and was released on bail.

The Fostoria St. Wendelin Lady Mohawks play in the Division IV State Semi-Final today in Columbus.  This is the second year in a row the Lady Mohawks have played in the state tournament.  They are led by Division IV Co-Player of the Year Kamryn Troike.  Tip-off is at 3pm against 21-7 Jackson Center from the Schottenstein Center.  Of course, the game can be heard on both ESPN Radio 1430 WFOB and Mix 96.7 WBVI.

The Hancock County Agriculture Hall of Fame inducted four new members.  Veterinarians Dr. C. Richard Beckett and Hobart “Doc” Schoonover, former county extension agent Marion Kroetz and former Hancock County Fair Manager Gene Stuckey where honored.  The award recognizes those who have been instrumental in the success and excellence of agriculture in Hancock County, either as a producer or in an agriculture related profession. 

A former Seneca County Area Transportation or SCAT director Susan Phillips was arrested on a bench warrant Wednesday after she allegedly failed to appear to a scheduled court hearing.  Phillips of Tiffin was found guilty during a jury trial in August to complicity to theft.  Visiting Judge Charles Wittenberg sentenced Phillips to three years community control and ordered she pay restitution of $6,500 to SCAT.  Court records state Phillips had a bench warrant issued for her arrest Tuesday after she allegedly did not appear for a restitution review hearing Feb. 29.

City of Tiffin and Seneca County officials have agreed the proposed joint justice center should have a cupola and a storage mezzanine for documents, files and evidence.  The cupola will cost about $325,000 and give the building an iconic look.  Additionally, the city’s portion of the cost for the new joint justice center will be capped at $3 million.

Residents of the North Baltimore School District will be given an opportunity, and encouraged, to spend more time with family members this weekend.  From Friday through Sunday, school work and other activities will not be scheduled during a “Homework Hero” time span.  The school district will be “shut down” from Friday after school through Sunday.  Homework, sports and various practices will not be scheduled.  And there will be no tests scheduled for Monday in all grades.  According to school officials, the purpose of Homework Hero is to provide families more time to communicate, spend quality time and have fun.

Tiffin City Council agreed to join Seneca County and several area villages to participate in an application for a $500,000 Local Government Safety Capital Grant.  The grant is to partially fund a $1 million fiber-optic network to connect computer systems used by government, police, fire and emergency rescue services countywide.  The remaining $500,000 is to be provided by a 10-year, zero-percent interest loan.

Fostoria City Council’s Law and Ordinance Committee has proposed an ordinance that will prohibit all parking on the north sides of Jackson Street, between Main and Countyline streets, and Center Street, between Countyline and Vine streets.  The move is in response to citizens’ concerns about congestion from parking on both sides of Jackson Street.  The legislation is expected to go before council at either one of the next two regular meetings.
 

Beginning with tax year 2016, any City of Fostoria resident who owes $200 or more in municipal income taxes not withheld will be required to file a declaration of estimated tax and make payments on a quarterly basis instead of once a year.  City tax administrator Holly Cassady said the threshold for requiring estimated tax payments will be $200 and the amount each person will owe will be determined by the amount of tax due after withholding for Fostoria and credit for taxes paid to another city.  The first quarterly payment will be due April 18 — the same day as the annual income tax filing deadline.
 

City of Findlay officials are applying for a $4 million state grant to help pay for widened roads and trails that would connect all of the city’s parks.  According to City Engineer Brian Thomas, the city would only have to match 5 percent of the state’s contribution, or $200,000.  The proposal would add two lanes of traffic, which would also be bicycle-friendly, to East Sandusky Street from Blanchard Street to Bright Road, and a bicycle/pedestrian path along the south side of East Sandusky Street.  Pedestrian and bicycle paths also would be added to the east and west sides of South Blanchard Street, and a similar path would be added to the south side of Lincoln Street.
 

After learning the estimated cost for a proposed joint justice center are higher than expected, county commissioners voted Tuesday to cap the City of Tiffin's contribution to the project at $3 million to reassure the city its share of the burden would not increase as work continues.  Although the project's stakeholders hoped construction costs would be around $10 million, the project's architect, announced Monday that the estimated cost is $12.5 million to $14.5 million, depending on decisions made concerning the building's appearance and its heating, ventilation and air conditioning system.

It could cost as much as $2.7 million to remove sediment and debris backing up behind the Riverside Park dam in Findlay.  In June last year, Hancock County and the City of Findlay split a $15,000 bill to hire Hull & Associates, Dublin, to study the problem.  However, two endangered species of freshwater mussels could slow or increase the cost of the proposal.

Fostoria St. Wendelin senior Kamryn Troike has again been named as Ohio’s Division IV co-Player of the Year.  She has led the Lady Mohawks to the state semi-finals for the second year in a row.  Troike has scored over 2,000 points in her career and averaged 25.4 points, 12.3 rebounds and 5 blocked shots per game this year.  Sharing the honors with Troike are Hannibal River’s Jensen Caretti and Deja Winters of Richmond Heights.
 

Prosecutors say they broke up a crime ring in Wood County, indicting five people for several crimes over several counties last year.  Five people from various areas around the state are responsible for thefts of items ranging from ATVs, catalytic converters, generators and much more.  The crimes happened over multiple counties including Wood, Lucas, Seneca, Ottawa and Hancock.  Wood County Prosecutor Paul Dobson says that Ohio law states that a person can be prosecuted in any jurisdiction where any element of the offense happened.

The Seneca County Joint Justice Center’s price has gone up.  The cost went from 2014 price of $10 million to $13.5 million.  Tom Potts, president of Silling Associates, the project's architect, told commissioners, city officials and judges the $10 million estimate provided by Burgess and Niple two years ago did not include several required parts of the project, including a heating, ventilating and air conditioning unit for the facility and work to restore the soil to make it appropriate to build on.

Bowling Green officials will meet with county commissioners today to ask whether they’re willing to put money toward rebuilding the Interstate 75 interchanges at Wooster Street.  According to Bowling Green Mayor Dick Edwards, the $5.1 million project will improve an area rated poorly for safety and also carry economic development incentives.  Separate from plans to study improvements to the Wooster Street corridor, the Ohio Department of Transportation will build several roundabouts to more efficiently move traffic on and off the highway, beginning in 2017.  Bowling Green’s current share of the cost is about $2.65 million.

The Village of Arlington has ended the village-wide spring trash pickup day.  Each spring, residents could place unwanted items at the curb to be hauled away.  Both the cost and mess left behind were reasons behind the decision.  In recent years, the village has spent around $10,000 for a trash hauling service to dispose of the items.

The Fostoria St. Wendelin girls basketball team is returning to the state tournament after defeating Fayette 37-29.  It will be the second straight trip to the state tournament for the Lady Mohawks.  They will face 21-7 Jackson Center at 3pm in the state semifinals at the Schottenstein Center in Columbus.  That game will be heard on both Mix 96.7 WBVI and ESPN Radion 1430 WFOB.  If they win, they will play Saturday at 5:15pm against wither Waterford or Willoughby Cornerstone Christian.

Kroger has completed the nearly $6 million investment in renovations at its two Findlay stores on Tiffin Avenue and Sixth Street.  Nearly $4 million was invested in upgrading the Tiffin Avenue store with the addition of an in-store Starbucks coffee shop, and a new cheese shop.  The decor in the Sixth Street store was also updated, and the floral department was relocated.  Kroger will have open houses at both stores from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Friday with Mix 96.7 WBVI broadcasting live from the Tiffin Avenue location.

38 year old Daniel Betts of Findlay was sentenced to 14 years in prison on two counts of vehicular homicide and one count of operating a vehicle under the influence.  Betts was guilty of drunkenly driving his truck and striking John and Kimberly Clark of Fostoria, killing both last May.  His operator’s license was suspended for like, too.  This was Betts’ fourth OVI offense in 22 years

The St. Wendelin Lady Mohawks downed Arlington 50-46 last night to reach the Regional Finals.  The will face Fayette Saturday at 7:30 in Elida.  In boys action, Liberty-Benton beat Tinora on a last second basket by Anthony Masterlasco, son of proud mom Amy who works for Tri-County Broadcasting.  The will take on Archbold who beat Van Buren on Saturday on 3pm in Napoleon in the district final.  Tonight, it is McComb and New Riegel at Liberty-Benton for the District final 7pm.

John Harrington’s primary campaign for Hancock County Commissioner has outspent incumbent Brian Robertson.  The deadline for filing pre-election campaign finance reports was 4 p.m. Thursday…Candidates who spend or receive more than $1,000 during a campaign are required to file reports before and after elections…Harrington, a 5th Ward Findlay councilman, reported receiving $4,900 in donations, compared to $1,090 for Robertson…Harrington’s campaign reported spending $3,200, while Robertson’s committee reported about $2,500 in pre-election spending.

Drawings of a master plan for the Hurricane Park development were presented to the Mount Blanchard Heart and Soul group and other members of the public.  Currently, the park contains ball fields, a parking lot and a playground.  The preliminary drawings presented Thursday show the addition of four soccer fields to suit different age groups, along with basketball courts, sand volleyball and refurbished baseball fields.  Additionally, a concession stand with restrooms and community building were proposed. 
 

Tiffin's City Council will vote Monday on whether to be part of an application for a $500,000 grant to fund the development of a new fiber-optic network that would link computer systems used by government, police, fire and emergency rescue services countywide.  Should all of the government entities considering the project choose to participate, the network would connect agencies and offices in Tiffin, Seneca County, Bettsville, Bloomville, Attica, Green Springs, Republic and New Riegel.

North Romick Parkway, between West Romick Parkway and Bright Road in Findlay will be closed beginning at 7am this morning until 5pm this afternoon for roadwork.  Avoid the area if possible.

At Monday’s Findlay Rotary meeting, ODOT District 1 Deputy Director Kurt Slusher said travellers on I-75 could see some relief soon.  Reconstruction and the addition of a new lane from North Baltimore to the SR 582 exit should be completed this year.  Work just north of Findlay should be completed in 2017.  Slusher said the I-75/Ohio15-US 68 interchange will begin in 2018.  Improved exit and entrance ramps, roundabouts at Lima Avenue and noise walls along Broad Avenue, Bigelow Avenue and Harrison Street are planned.  The project should be completed in 2021.

A man allegedly led Fostoria law enforcement on a high-speed chase before driving the car into a creek at Loudon Meadows Golf Course and being shot with a Taser Monday night.  After receiving a call for a domestic disturbance at the Fostoria Townhouses and the Lytle Street Circle K, officers pursued the man who was travelling at a high rate of speed.  The vehicle drove on the golf course at to elude the officer.  The Chevrolet Cobalt crashed into the golf course's creek where the driver got out of the vehicle, ran and was shot with a Taser.  The man is going to be charged with a minimum of vandalism for the damage to the golf course.

The Village of McComb is preparing to start negotiations on an agreement to permit a Bowling Green agency to oversee McComb’s water and sewer treatment plants operations.  According to McComb officials, keeping pace with regulations from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency was a significant reason for contacting the district.  Cygnet, Weston and Bloomdale are examples of Wood County communities that have agreements with the water and sewer district to oversee their plant operations.North Romick Parkway, between West Romick Parkway and Bright Road in Findlay will be closed beginning at 7am this morning until 5pm this afternoon for roadwork.  Avoid the area if possible.

At Monday’s Findlay Rotary meeting, ODOT District 1 Deputy Director Kurt Slusher said travellers on I-75 could see some relief soon.  Reconstruction and the addition of a new lane from North Baltimore to the SR 582 exit should be completed this year.  Work just north of Findlay should be completed in 2017.  Slusher said the I-75/Ohio15-US 68 interchange will begin in 2018.  Improved exit and entrance ramps, roundabouts at Lima Avenue and noise walls along Broad Avenue, Bigelow Avenue and Harrison Street are planned.  The project should be completed in 2021.

A man allegedly led Fostoria law enforcement on a high-speed chase before driving the car into a creek at Loudon Meadows Golf Course and being shot with a Taser Monday night.  After receiving a call for a domestic disturbance at the Fostoria Townhouses and the Lytle Street Circle K, officers pursued the man who was travelling at a high rate of speed.  The vehicle drove on the golf course at to elude the officer.  The Chevrolet Cobalt crashed into the golf course's creek where the driver got out of the vehicle, ran and was shot with a Taser.  The man is going to be charged with a minimum of vandalism for the damage to the golf course.

The Village of McComb is preparing to start negotiations on an agreement to permit a Bowling Green agency to oversee McComb’s water and sewer treatment plants operations.  According to McComb officials, keeping pace with regulations from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency was a significant reason for contacting the district.  Cygnet, Weston and Bloomdale are examples of Wood County communities that have agreements with the water and sewer district to oversee their plant operations.