The University of Findlay has unveiled a new scholarship endowment fund in the name of Donald L. Mathews, a late professor and chairman of the division of mathematics and computer science, along with his late wife, Ruth A. (Morehead) Mathews.
The endowed scholarship will be awarded annually to one senior who is in the upper third of his or her graduating class, as well as a first-time college-bound student planning to enroll at UF from each of the following schools: Fostoria High School, McClain High School, Old Fort High School, and Wapakoneta High School.
With Hancock County remaining at level 2, or the “orange level” on the state’s COVID-19 alert map, trick-or-treat will continue as planned.
Had the county gone up to the “red” level it would have been canceled.
Findlay’s trick-or-treat is scheduled for Saturday, October 31st from 6:30 to 8.
Anyone who feels ill should stay home.
Everyone participating is asked to wear a mask and to social distance when possible.
People handing out candy should be on their porch or the sidewalk to avoid doorbell ringing.
Candy should be handed out one-by-one to avoid youngsters reaching into a common bowl.
Trick-or-treaters are reminded to always watch for cars and drivers are urged to be extra vigilant for little ghouls and goblins who might get a little too excited and dart across the road.
Also, Findlay Police Department Auxiliary Officers and active/retired Fort Findlay Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #20 members will be handing out candy at the following four Findlay City School parking lots on Saturday from 6:30 to 8.
Jacobs Primary School
Lincoln Elementary School
Jefferson Primary School
Bigelow Hill Elementary School
Trick or Treat will continue as planned for 10/31 from 6:30-8:00pm. Remember to practice the included guidelines, watch for cars, do not allow children to trick or treat without an adult, & do not approach animals that you do not know. #FindlayOhiopic.twitter.com/2akNsSKI0N
Hancock and Putnam County stayed at their previous levels on the latest COVID-19 alert map that was released on Thursday.
Hancock County remained at level 2, or the orange level, while Putnam County is still at level 3, or the red level.
Hancock, Putnam and all surrounding counties are still labeled as “high incidence” counties.
The number of “red” counties has increased to 43, up from 38 last week, which means nearly 80 percent of Ohio’s population lives in a red county.
New red counties this week are Defiance, Ashtabula, Clermont and Trumbull.
The number of new cases statewide on Thursday was 3,590, smashing the previous single-day record.
19 new deaths were also reported statewide on Thursday.
“The virus is raging throughout Ohio,” Governor DeWine said in his Thursday update.
“There is no place to hide. All of us must come together to fight this enemy. We must fight this invader.”
Statewide, cases now stand at 208,937 for the duration of the pandemic and deaths at 5,275.
State data shows Hancock County at 1,217 total cases and 29 deaths as of Thursday, while Putnam County is at 1,238 cases and 28 deaths.
Today we’ve hit another record number of cases reported in a 24 hour period: 3,590. It’s the first time we’ve surpassed 3,000 cases – and 25% more than Saturday’s previous record high. pic.twitter.com/TblubbFk8v
After struggling in the first half of the year due to the pandemic, Cooper Tire & Rubber Company rebounded in the third quarter to post some impressive numbers.
The company reported on Thursday that their third quarter net income was $123 million, which is a big increase from their third quarter 2019 net income of $29 million.
In August, the company reported a second quarter net loss of $6 million.
“Following a first half that was significantly impacted by the global pandemic, our third quarter performance reflected a strong rebound for Cooper, validating our strategic initiatives and our team’s ability to execute and react quickly to market opportunities,” said President & Chief Executive Officer Brad Hughes.
“As a result, in the U.S., our third quarter unit volume increase of 9 percent significantly outperformed the USTMA and exceeded the total industry. Beyond the benefit provided by an adjustment to our product liability reserves, lower raw material costs combined with favorable price, mix and volume, all contributed to a strong result for the quarter.”
Hughes added, “Coming off an exceptionally strong third quarter and the coronavirus-related production disruptions earlier in the year, our inventory levels are lower than normal. In the near term, this will challenge our ability to meet continuing strong customer demand. We are leveraging our global manufacturing footprint and taking actions to increase production to meet the growing demand.”
The Ohio State Highway Patrol is reminding both pedestrians and drivers to remain vigilant on the roads in communities that are hosting trick-or-treat events.
“Halloween is always a fun night for our youth, but this year, as kids and parents focus on maintaining social distance to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, families crisscrossing the streets must also remember to remain vigilant and watch out for cars,” said Colonel Richard S. Fambro, Patrol superintendent.
“Motorists should also be cognizant of the increased pedestrian traffic and remember to watch for children going place to place.”
Pedestrians and drivers are urged to observe the following tips to increase pedestrian safety:
– Walk on sidewalks whenever they are available. When no sidewalk is available, walk facing traffic as far away from the edge of the roadway as possible.
– Stay alert at all times, motorists and pedestrians should be prepared in case a hazardous situation arises.
– Don’t be distracted by electronic devices that take your eyes and ears off the road.
– Pedestrians should wear bright or reflective clothing and costumes and carry flashlights on the side closest to traffic.
– Pedestrians should cross where motorists expect them to, follow pedestrian signs and signals, and never assume a driver can see you.
– Motorists are required to yield to pedestrians in a marked crosswalk and in unmarked crosswalks at intersections.
Motorists can use bright headlights when legally able to illuminate the roadway and possibly spot a pedestrian walking near the roadway.
-Motorists should slow down and drive cautiously in residential areas.
The highway patrol says pedestrian-involved crashes have increased the last five years.
From 2015-2019, there were 13,796 pedestrian-involved crashes in Ohio resulting in 664 fatalities and 12,832 injuries of pedestrians.
Pedestrians were at fault in half of the fatal crashes with improper crossing being the leading cause.
Findlay’s trick-or-treat is scheduled for Saturday, October 31st.
Cincinnati-based Kroger has announced it will become the first U.S. retailer to bring COVID-19 antibody testing to customers across the country.
The supermarket chain said the FDA-authorized tests will be available at all Kroger pharmacies and clinics by the end of November.
The antibody test involves a finger-prick blood sample to detect antibodies of SARS-CoV-2, the virus which causes COVID-19.
The tests will cost $25 and provide results within an average of 15 minutes.
An antibody test should not be used to diagnose an active infection, because the test only detects antibodies developed in response to the virus, not the virus itself.
The CDC says an antibody test may not show if you have a current COVID-19 infection because it can take 1–3 weeks after infection for your body to make antibodies.
A record number of Ohioans are voting absentee, but Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose says people who choose to vote early in person or wait and vote in person on election day can feel safe about doing so, even during the pandemic.
As LaRose mentioned, board of elections have a 61-point checklist to follow to ensure the safety of voters as COVID cases continue to rise.
The checklist includes having a separate entrance and exit and the frequent cleaning of surfaces.
“If you feel comfortable going to the grocery store, you should feel comfortable coming to your polling location,” LaRose said.
LaRose on Tuesday said that 2.2 million Ohioans have already cast their ballot, surpassing the early and absentee voting totals for the entire 2016 election.
More than 3.2 million Ohioans have requested an absentee ballot, far surpassing the 1.6 million Ohioans who did so in 2016.
See what candidates and issues are on the ballot in Hancock County by clicking here.
6 days until Election Day and we are ready.
Ohio is a national leader in both election accessibility and security! Voters can be confident that every vote is secure and will be accurately counted.#Protect2020 ?? pic.twitter.com/BOXhWHwu1c
The number of active and overall cases both took a big jump in the Wednesday coronavirus data released by Hancock Public Health.
The agency says there are 178 active cases of the virus in the county, which is an increase of 64 from the previous numbers that were released on Friday.
Total cases increased by 119, up to a total of 1,182.
The number of deaths increased by three, up to a total of 29.
State data shows Putnam County has had 1,189 cases and 28 deaths.
Hancock and surrounding counties are all considered “high incidence” counties.
Hancock County is still at level 2, or orange, on the state’s COVID-19 alert map.
Putnam County is still at level 3, or the red level.
The new map will come out on Thursday.
Statewide, 2,607 new cases were reported on Wednesday along with 17 deaths.
As of Wednesday, there were a total of 205,347 cases statewide and 5,256 deaths.
50 North has announced it will be closed for two weeks, beginning on Wednesday, due to a positive COVID test by a staff member.
The facility says its board of trustees, working directly with Hancock Public Health, has determined that for the safety of its members and staff, the facility will close for 14 days.
Services that are essential for at-risk seniors will continue, such at mobile meals and grocery delivery.
Outside chore work and virtual fitness classes will also continue, and social services will be available.
50 North, located at 339 East Melrose Avenue in Findlay, says it will continue to work with the Hancock Public Health and follow the guidelines of the CDC and local, state, and federal authorities.
You may notice Findlay police officers sporting more and more facial hair as the month of November progresses.
Findlay police officer Brian White says officers will be participating in “No Shave November” and raising money for the organization Blue H.E.L.P., which assists officers and their families with issues of mental health and suicide.
He says if officers donate one dollar a day to the organization Blue H.E.L.P., they don’t have to shave.
Typically, the department’s uniform policy dictates that on duty officers may only sport a mustache but for “No Shave November” anything goes.
The police department will be posting pictures during the month and people can vote on their favorite.
You may start seeing more furry faces around the police department. Sadly no, not more K9s. Officers are being granted leniency for “No Shave November” with a financial contribution of one dollar per day to Blue Help.
