Beginning next year, Fostoria Economic Development Corporation and the Fostoria Area Chamber of Commerce will have a new management structure with one official overseeing both groups.  Effective Jan. 1, FEDC President Renee Smith will take over management duties of both FEDC and the chamber in an effort to establish greater day-to-day collaboration between the organizations.  In addition to the new management structure, over the next few weeks the organizations will attempt to fill two key positions: chamber director and the newly-created downtown development/tourism director.
 

The Fostoria Police Department is investigating an attempted robbery at Butt Hutt Cigarette Outlet Saturday evening that may be connected to recent robberies in the tri-county area.  A white male subject, described as around 160-170 pounds and between 5’6” and 5’8”, entered the North Countyline Street establishment and showed a knife. The suspect, who was wearing a mask covering his face and blue jean pants, left quickly after entering the business.  He was not able to take any money and no one was injured during the attempted robbery.  Officials believe the incident may be related to the other recent robberies in town due to the similarities in the description of the suspect.

Liberty-Benton Superintendent Jim Kanable has announced that he will retire at the end of his current contract in July 2017.  Board President Scott Rhodes said he anticipates the search for a replacement will begin in the next three to six months.  Kanable told the board he’s announcing his retirement 18 months in advance to allow for a “thorough and adequate search.”  Kanable has been superintendent of the district for seven years.
 

Hoening Holdings of Fostoria has expanded the family business with the purchase of a vacant bank building on West Tiffin Street.  Although he could not disclose exactly what the property will be used for, owner Terrance Hoening said the purchase is a “positive expansion” for the company that would “enhance operations.”  Hoening Holdings, LLC has funeral home locations in Fostoria, Holgate; Napoleon and Toledo.
 

In its final meeting of the year, Tiffin's City Council approved the city's $36 million budget for 2016.  Although she did not have an estimate for 2016 revenue, City Finance Director Gwynn Reinhart said expenses would not exceed the total of 2016 income and carryover from 2015.  Carryover is anticipated to be more than $3 million.