52 year old Robert P. Barney of Fostoria died Monday following a self-ignited fire inside his Columbus Avenue residence.  According to Fostoria Police, dispatch received a call regarding a man threatening to harm himself.  Authorities entered the house and located Barney but retreated when they smelled a flammable liquid.  Once the officers were outside, Barney ignited a fire killing only him.

The Liberty-Benton school board ended the two-year legal battle between fired teacher Mark Badertscher and the school district.  The board accepted the latest court ruling in Badertscher’s fight to be reinstated….Badertscher said he hasn’t yet considered coming back to Liberty-Benton, but hopes the district considers the financial damage done throughout the legal battle.  The former Liberty-Benton teacher now works for the Hardin County Extension office as an agriculture and natural resources educator. 

The City of Tiffin entered into a memorandum of understanding with Seneca County for a partnership for a joint justice center.  The non-binding letter outlines the plan to build a shared justice center on the site of the former courthouse.  Cost for the facility would be split 75 percent-25 percent by the county and city, respectively.

A few coaching changes at area schools have been announced.  Josh McGrain will be Arlington’s new varsity football coach…He replaces Dick Leonard who is retiring.  At New Riegel, Cindy Walerius will forgo coaching volleyball and replace Steve Lucius as head girls’ basketball coach.  Replacing her as the volleyball coach is her son Drew Cardwell.

The City of Findlay will be offering a bulk trash drop off in conjunction with the Backyard Mission Trip this Saturday from 8am-4pm or until the dumpsters is full.  The dumpsters will be placed at the Street Department on North Cory Street for City of Findlay residents only to dispose of unwanted debris.  No hazardous materials or tires will be accepted.

The Bowling Green League of Women Voters will hold a public meeting on Standardized Tests tonight at 7 p.m., at the Wood County District Public Library.  Todd Cramer from Bowling Green City Schools will offer an overview about state testing and how the tests are given, how the results are used and the costs to local school districts.  The event is free and open to the public.

The Seneca Industrial and Economic Development Corporation (SIEDC) will hold its Downtown Summit on Wednesday, May 6, from 4:30-8:15 p.m. at Heidelberg University’s Great Hall.  A project review and updates will be given.  Also, speakers and a panel discussion will touch on topics relevant to downtown Tiffin.  Registration for the event closes on April 29.