The unemployment rate grew in the Tri-County area in November.  Rates in Hancock, Wood and Seneca counties all increased, along with 78 other counties in the state.  The state’s jobless rate, which is seasonally adjusted, rose to 4.5 percent in November from 4.4 percent in October.  The U.S. unemployment rate was 5 percent in November, unchanged from October.

An attorney for Jerrod Hartman has filed a motion to dismiss an appeal of his 14-year sentence for killing his newborn baby in 2013.  The appeal was filed with the 3rd District Court of Appeals, Lima, on Sept. 10. The motion to dismiss the appeal was filed Friday in Hancock County Common Pleas Court.  Hartman maintained that he fell asleep while holding his 44-day-old baby in October 2013, at their 321 Third St. residence.  The baby died from multiple blunt force trauma, according to a coroner’s report.
 

The Seneca County Commissioners approved the 2016 $15.9 million dollar budget yesterday.  Prior to final approval, the Seneca County Board of Elections requested an increase in their budget to allow for a raise for two office workers.  The Commissioners declined the request stating that the Board can request additional funding during the year.

Safe Ride Home’s holiday schedule began this week and will continue through Jan. 1.  The program provides an inebriated person in Findlay and Hancock County a free ride from a party or bar to one’s home or hotel.  Safe Ride Home will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week through New Year’s Day, according to organizers.  Those needing the service can call 419-425-3908.  People also can download the “IRideHome” app by searching for it on a smartphone.

An ad hoc committee of Findlay  At-Large Councilman Grant Russel and 3rd Ward Councilman Ron Monday are recommending that letters to council only have their subject line read aloud during council meetings, instead of reading the letters in their entirety.  The recommendation is designed to eliminate the reading of long letters that will be referred to a council committee for review.  Letters will still be available to the public via council’s Web page, or by request since letters are considered public record.