Speaking to University of Findlay pharmacy students and community members, Ohio Representative Robert Sprague of Findlay said the medical community plays a role in the state’s heroin epidemic.  Sprague says biggest factor is doctors prescribing too many prescription opiates out of the medical system.  The state is taking steps to combat heroin with Ohio House Bill 250 which would require a “medical necessity” to continue an opioid prescription beyond 15 days.  An additional piece of legislation would require insurance companies to cover opioid medications to deter abuse.  One other piece of legislation is the good Samaritan Bill that would give immunity to an individual seeking emergency care for another person who is dying from a drug overdose.

The collection of the additional 3 percent hotel/motel bed tax recently approved by the Hancock County Commissioners begins Sunday.  The increase will benefit the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts and the Hancock County Agricultural Society. The additional 3 percent tax is expected to generate about $349,000 each year for the arts center, and $174,502 a year for the agricultural society, which is known as the fair board.  Starting Sunday, total taxes on hotel patrons in Hancock County will amount to 15.75 percent.  The county’s hotel/motel bed tax will total 6 percent, plus a 3 percent city hotel/motel bed tax, a 1 percent county sales tax, and a 5.75 percent state sales tax.
 

Fostoria citizens are dealing with a larger than usual amount of phone scams and wants citizens to be aware.  According to a release from the Fostoria Police Department many residents have been reporting phone scams.  Fostoria residents are being called by people claiming to be with the IRS, FBI or other federal agencies.  These agencies never will call and ask for credit card information.  If the issue is legitimate, people will be sent a letter or someone will visit their home.  People who receive the calls are advised to hang up on the callers.

The Bowling Green Police Department is warning the community about an overwhelming amount of counterfeit bills circulating around the area.  Suspects seem to be targeting convenience stores and fast food chains, but they've also hit some bigger box stores as well.  Many of the counterfeit bills are 20s and 50s.  If a store clerk receives a bill that they think might be counterfeit, police are asking that you do not give the bills back, but notify them immediately.