Monthly Archives: October 2018

City Council Approves Large Lot Mowing Recommendation

10/17/18 – 6:47 A.M.

If you own a large vacant lot in Findlay, you’ll have to keep it mowed below six inches. The Courier reports Findlay City Council voted 7-2 Tuesday to accept the planning and zoning committee’s recommendations on the issue. Council members Holly Frische and Tim Watson voted to reject the report.

Frische says she originally voted in favor of the zoning change because she thought council would change it later. Watson said he didn’t see anything in the report that would prevent the city from mowing over gardens on private property.

Councilman Grant Russel said the zoning change wasn’t about gardening. He added the old code didn’t establish a grass height.

The city charges $150 to property owners when it has to mow their lot for them. Russel says the fee is high to keep people from using the city as a mowing service.

MORE: The Courier

Findlay Family YMCA Names New CEO

10/17/18 – 5:35 A.M.

The Findlay Family YMCA has a new CEO. The YMCA board named Paul Worstell to the position Tuesday. Worstell has served as the interim CEO since May of this year.

In a statement, board president J.J. Preston said, “Paul’s integrity and dedication to organizational excellence is widely known in our community.” He added, “our entire team of staff, volunteers and board members are energized by his passion for the Y and its mission-driven culture.”

Worstell has served for many years in senior management positions, including roles at US Steel and Pro-Tec Coating Company.

Ottawa-Glandorf High School Placed On Modified Lockdown Tuesday

10/17/18 – 5:29 A.M.

Ottawa-Glandorf school officials placed the high school under a modified lock down for most of Tuesday. Superintendent Don Horstman says a student told administrators about a general threat against a student or students in the high school. The Ottawa Police Department responded and provided security the rest of the day.

The police department and the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office continue to investigate the threat.

A modified lockdown means that classes run normally, but the school locks all exterior doors. All visitors had to report to the main office before coming inside.

Findlay City Council Endorses School Security Levy

10/17/18 – 5:18 A.M.

Findlay City Council is endorsing the city schools’ safety and security levy. The Courier reports council passed a resolution 8-1 Tuesday that says the city will support increased security in the schools if the security levy passes. Councilwoman Holly Frische voted against the measure and Councilman Jim Niemeyer was absent from the meeting.

The resolution doesn’t include a dollar amount. Councilman Jeff Wobser says council will put together a formal agreement if the school security levy passes. The Findlay School District is asking voters to pass a five-year, 1.5-mill safety and security levy in November.

Superintendent Ed Kurt talked to council Tuesday. He said without the city’s contribution, the schools will not be able to hire resource officers. They would instead hire extra security officers.

MORE: The Courier

More Human Remains Found Along I-75

10/16/18 – 2:26 A.M.

Investigators have found more remains of a Michigan man along I-75. The State Highway Patrol reports troopers found more evidence Tuesday in an area near Eagleville. The discovery comes more than two weeks after an ODOT worker first found the remains of 39-year-old David Carter along I-75 in southern Hancock County.

The Detroit Free Press reports police in the city have arrested a man in connection to Carter’s death.

The State Patrol continues to investigate. Anyone with information should contact the patrol at 419-423-1414 or the Melvindale, Michigan Police Department at 313-429-1070.

Pandora Man Dies After Fall From Roof

10/16/18 – 11:08 A.M.

A Pandora man who fell from a roof earlier this month has died. Chiles-Laman Funeral & Cremation Services in Bluffton says 67-year-old Daniel Amstutz passed away Monday.

Investigators say it looked like Amstutz was working on the roof on October 5th at a South Avenue home in Pandora when he fell.

 

Local Red Cross Director Headed To Florida To Help With Relief Efforts

10/16/18 – 10:49 A.M.

The director of the local Red Cross chapter is going to Florida to help out with Hurricane Michael relief efforts. Todd James says he’ll serve as the Public Affairs Chief of the operation. James adds that right now the challenge is just getting to the areas that need the most help…

Audio: Todd James

James adds you can help by donating blood…

Audio: Todd James

James also says you can help the relief effort by donating money to the Red Cross. The easiest way to donate is to text “Michael” to 90999 to donate $10.

You can learn more about relief efforts at RedCross.org.

BVHS Urges Medical Practice Patients To Get Flu Shots

10/16/18 – 10:02 A.M.

Now that the weather has turned, you might think more about getting a flu shot. Blanchard Valley Health System is hosting a series of clinics over the next few weeks. Putnam County Primary Care patients can get flu shots on Thursday and Friday of this week, as well as next Tuesday and Wednesday. You need to call 419-523-0012 to schedule an appointment.

Bluffton Primary Care is hosting a clinic for established patients on October 24. You’ll need to call ahead for an appointment as well.

The Caughman Health Center is hosting a clinic on Thursday. It runs from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Again, the flu shots are for established patients and you’ll have to call ahead of time to schedule an appointment.

Fostoria School Board Examines 5-Year Financial Forecast

10/16/18 – 7:02 A.M.

Increasing expenses could lead the Fostoria school district to deficit spend in a couple of years. The Review-Times reports Treasurer Sue Lehmann gave the school board an update on the five-year-forecast Monday night. She says if current trends hold up, the district will have more expenses than revenue in 2020.

Lehman adds it’s not a big cause for concern at the moment because they have a large cash reserve. She says a lotcan change in a two year period.

MORE: Review-Times

Two Injured In Crash Near McComb

10/16/18 – 6:45 A.M.

A two car crash injured two people east of McComb Monday afternoon. The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office reports the collision happened on State Route 613 west of Portage Township Road 135 around 4 p.m.

32-year-old Esmerelda Sierra of Vanlue was driving west on Route 613 when she went left of center and hit a van driven by 31-year-old Timothy Fry of Toledo. Sierra and Fry received treatment at Blanchard Valley Hospital for their injuries.

The crash remains under investigation.