The Hancock County Combined Board of Health will delay its decision on hiring a full-time commissioner, deciding instead to contract for the services from its consulting firm.  Board President Barbara Pasztor said the board has contracted with Strategic Health Care of Columbus to provide the service through the summer of 2016.  The board is paying $4,000 per month for the health commissioner service, which began earlier this month.

David Zak has submitted his resignation to the Seneca Industrial and Economic Development Corporation as president and CEO effective September 11.  Zak will be joining Tiffin University to assume his new role as vice president for University Advancement and Economic Development starting September 14.  SIEDC will begin searching for a new leader within the upcoming weeks.

The Hancock Park District is now accepting reservations for its annual hayride program.  Park visitors will be able to enjoy the beauty of autumn on the back of a wagon pulled by a tractor.  A $60 fee is required.  Reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis and can be made at the Park Districts headquarters on West Main Cross Street in Findlay.

Thirty three year old Scottie E. Emmons of Findlay pleaded guilty Monday to drug trafficking, a fifth-degree felony, in Hancock County Common Pleas Court.  Emmons faced the charge after he, Cheri Brooks and Kevin Brooks allegedly sold less than the bulk amount of a generic version of Xanax.  Emmons could be sentenced to up to 10 months in prison.  Emmons is the son of Cheri Brooks, 52, who was convicted of obstructing justice for making false statements to police during the murder investigation of Vera Jo Reigle in 2011.

Larry Schaller and Richard McKinney, who were challenging board incumbents Jane Robertson and Kathy Siebenaler Wilson, for Findlay City School Board seats are no longer in the running after they were removed from the ballot for not having the required amount of valid signatures.  Chris Aldrich will be a write-in candidate.  Now that the race is uncontested, the three seats will automatically go to Robertson, Wilson, and Aldrich as long as the school board certifies Aldrich’s petition today.
 

State Sen. Randy Gardner has thrown his support behind keeping WBGU-TV on the air.  Gardner has sent a letter to Bowling Green State University President Mary Ellen Mazey and the Board of Trustees at letter urging the university to maintain WBGU as a quality source of education and entertainment.  The FCC is trying to buy UHF broadcast spectrum that it can then sell back to digital providers to meet growing demand…In his letter, Gardner said any revenues generated, if the university participates in the auction in some form, “should be invested in students.”  A final public forum will be held Sept. 2 at 7 p.m. in 101 Olscamp Hall on campus.  The university trustees are expected to take the issue up when they meet Sept. 17 and 18.

Twenty one year old Joe Vera III of Arcadia pleaded guilty to an amended charge of endangering children in Hancock County Common Pleas Court.  Vera was originally scheduled for a jury trial in court for unlawful sexual conduct with a minor.  Vera’s lawyer and the prosecutor’s office agreed that Vera will serve a 17-month sentence for the charge but they did not decide whether he will serve the time concurrently with other sentences or after previous sentences are completed.  Vera pleaded guilty on July 20 to aggravated robbery for attempting to steal a car.  Vera could face up to 11 years in prison for the charge.

The 163rd Sandusky County Fair opens today, and runs through Sunday.  Highlights of the Grandstand events include vintage car races, a demolition derby, rodeo and tug-a-truck contest.  Daily admission is just $8.00 includes all mechanical rides, grounds shows and attractions, all Junior Fair and open displays and exhibits.