Findlay City Council approved a payment of $255,000 to help construct 86 parking spots at the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts.  The parking spots will be available to people in the downtown area weekdays from 8a to 5p.  Safety Service Director Paul Schmelzer said the idea is that people who work downtown will use the lot to free up spots in front of businesses for customers.

Fostoria City Auditor Steve Garner gave his July financial report to council last night.  The news was that the general fund had a negative balance of almost $131,500.  Garner attributed the numbers to several things, including a 3% drop in tax receipts for July and overtime expenses from injuries.  According to Garner, at this time of year, a drop in tax receipts is typically a timing issue depending on when companies in town submit their tax payments.

Tickets are still available for the 4^th Annual Foundation Park Hog Roast & Benefit Auction, being held on Thursday, October 8^th at Stacy’s Place in the Fostoria Plaza.

Tickets are $30 and are pre-sale only.  Fostoria’s Dell’s Restaurant will cater and many great auction items will be available.  All proceeds will go to operating, maintaining and renovating Foundation Park.  For tickets, call the Greater Fostoria Community Foundation at 419.435.2823

Hancock County Commissioner Brian Robertson said at least one idea is being discussed in regard to the potential increase in hotel/motel bed tax revenue.  The construction of a reception hall on the fairgrounds is a possibility.  The hall would benefit the fair board and be a likely draw for out-of-town visitors.  The Hancock County commissioners’ office was granted permission in Ohio’s new state budget bill to increase the county hotel/bed tax by up to 3 percent for permanent improvements.   Recently, a group of business and education leaders proposed raising the tax to the commissioners.
 

Fostoria City officials honored sixteen year old Olivia Lear of Fostoria at last night’s council meeting.  Mayor Eric Keckler announced the teen had passed away shortly before 7pm as she lost her battle with osteosarcoma – a cancer that develops in the bone.  The city honored Lear last Sunday with a ceremonial lighting of Christmas orange decorations outside the Municipal Building.  Lear’s favorite color and holiday is orange and Christmas..

Seneca County health officials believe an outbreak of a bacterial infection at Heidelberg University has been contained. Four football players were confirmed with a MRSA skin infection. The students were successfully treated with antibiotics and no other cases have been confirmed.