The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers presented the Blanchard River Flood Risk Reduction study last night to the city.  The two key components of the recommended plan are a levee to stop water from flowing out of the river into Lye Creek, and a nearly 10-mile diversion, which would aim to reduce extra water in Eagle Creek.  Citizens expressed concern about a different area being flood by the diversion.  The $66 million proposed project is still being evaluated by a feasibility study and even when the federal government decides if it is a good investment for the nation it could still take up to 2027 to complete. 
 

The Earl Foust Post 73 of the American Legion has purchased Grooveline, the former Elks North Main Street in Fostoria.  Post 73 previously was located on Zeller Road.  The Legion’s new facility is nearly 5,000 square feet smaller than its previous home and the downtown location pares the group’s previous location of 5 acres down to a little more than 6,000 square feet on Main Street.
 

Owens Community College has been placed on "fiscal watch".  The college is now working with the Ohio Board of Regents to gain financial recovery.  Owens students will not be affected and the school remains accredited with all academic transfer agreements remaining in place.

Nicholas and Brittany Lawler were both indicted by a Seneca County grand jury for their alleged role in the disappearance of Tiffin teen Madelyn Hiser.  Nicholas Lawler was charged with unlawful sexual conduct with a minor and interference with custody.  His wife was charged with interference with custody.  Both are still in jail and are awaiting a May 5 bond hearing…

The Ohio House passed a two-year, $71.5 billion budget Wednesday that overhauls many of the governor’s tax policies, adds more money for schools and revises some of his health care policies.  The proposed budget was approved on a 63-36 vote.  It now goes to the Senate for consideration.
 

19 year old Shawn Hobbs of Findlay was arrested for assault and attempted burglary at a Chateau Court home yesterday morning.  Findlay Police responded to a call that two masked men assaulted a male victim as he tried to enter his residence.  The masked men left the residence after one of them was hit by the victim with an object.  The victim sustained injuries and nothing was stolen.  Police located Hobbs and another man whose identity has not been revealed.  Hobbs is being held in the Hancock County jail.  The other male was questioned and released with charges against him pending.

Attorney General Mike DeWine this morning lays out proposals from a panel studying how Ohio police officers are trained. The task force was set up by DeWine in the wake of recent deadly police-involved shootings, including one at a Beavercreek Wal-Mart store. The recommendations could include reducing the number of police training academies.