According to Findlay Economic Development Corporation Director Tony Iriti, 2014 was the best year ever for economic growth in Findlay and Hancock County.  Iriti spoke at the Findlay Hancock County Alliance 2015 Business Forecast yesterday.  In his annual outlook, he said individual projects led to over 1600 jobs being created, $267 million in investment and a 1500 person increase in Hancock County resident employment.  Iriti also stated that with Hancock County employment levels at pre-recession levels, workforce development will be the corporation’s main focus going forward.

According to the annual report published by the State of Poverty in Ohio, nearly half of Ohio households are getting by paycheck to paycheck.  The association commissions the annual analysis providing one of the most detailed looks into poverty in Ohio.  45 percent of Ohioans lack the liquid assets to stay out of poverty for three months, up from 40 percent in 2006.  And the number falling into “episodic poverty” is 32 percent

Gliding Stars of Findlay will have their 14^th Annual Ice Show this Sunday.  The show begins at 2:30 at the Cube in Findlay.  Gliding Stars of Findlay Executive Director Cindy Breegel says an 80’s theme will be used.  Tickets are $10 at the door.  In addition to the show, a basket raffle will be held.

Hancock County’s January unemployment rate rose to 4.6 percent from 3.5 percent in December.  Jobless rates rose in all 88 Ohio counties.  Part of the rise can be attributed to seasonal holiday jobs going away…

State Senator Cliff Hite introduced legislation Tuesday to require immunization of Ohio students against meningitis.  Senate Bill 121 would require the Ohio Department of Health to prescribe a schedule for immunizations against bacterial meningitis.  The bill is a follow-up to last year’s Senate Bill 275, or Tess’ Law, which resulted in a statewide Meningitis Awareness Day.

University of Findlay athletic director Steven Rackley announced he will resign from his position effective June 30.  He has accepted the same position at Alma College in Alma, Michigan.  Rackley has led the University of Findlay athletic department since being hired in September 2000 and helped the Oilers make the transition from the NAIA to NCAA’s Division II status.
 

Millstream Speedway will be reopening this spring and has released the race schedule and special events for the 2015 racing season.  The eight-race season will being May 31 with NASCAR Sprint Cup driver Tony Stewart’s All-Star Circuit of Champions.  The season wraps up on October 11.

Findlay City Council’s Appropriations Committee on recommended spending $1.3 million to resurface up to 13 more roads this year.  The city is also paying $802,650 toward a state project to resurface U.S. 224 and Ohio 568 within the city.  Before resurfacing begins, the city will replace all of the curbs along those two roads for $ 925,000.