Fostoria’s Great Scot supermarket will close at the end of the month due to slumping profits.  Fresh Encounter, the Findlay-based parent company of Great Scot, announced it will close the Plaza Drive site by January 29, but it could close sooner if all inventory is sold before then.  39 jobs will be affected.  The decision comes less than one month after the Great Scot sold its prescription drug records to the Rite Aid Pharmacy on North Countyline Street.

The City of Findlay plans to spend the same on resurfacing roads in 2016 as in 2015.  During an informal committee-of-the-whole meeting, Officials briefed City Council members on the $2.4 million paving plan.  The city will resurface around 15 to 20 roads this year.  The city will also look at upgrading the intersections of Blanchard and Sixth streets, Blanchard and Sandusky streets, and West Sandusky Street and Western Avenue, where railroad tracks run through the intersection.  The upgrades could include roundabouts at the intersections of Blanchard and Sixth streets, and West Sandusky Street and Western Avenue.

During yesterday’s committee of the whole meeting, Findlay council members were briefed on the city’s decision to pay $500,000 to install a “fiber loop” for its Internet use and phone system, and to join a fiber network.  The network will be a collaboration with Findlay schools and will make data speeds more than 100 times faster at city facilities.  Seventh Ward Councilman Tim Watson said the city and school district should think about expanding the network once it’s in place, and consider offering paid use of the network to residents and businesses. 

There’s good news for Columbia Gas customers.  They can expect to pay about $28 less on average in January, or about 22 percent less.  The average natural gas bill for a household buying natural gas from Columbia is projected to be $98.73 in January, down from an average of $126.60 in January 2015.  A glut of natural gas has caused U.S. prices to drop.

The Hancock Park District Commissioners approved a resolution to submit a state grant application, to complete a paved trail near District headquarters on East Main Cross Street.  The trail begins at Eastpoint boat launch along the Blanchard River and extends toward the business office building, where it stops.  If approved, the grant funds would pay to complete the trail to the adjacent park district office.  Separately, a request to fund the construction of a gazebo at Riverbend Recreation Area was approved by the Hancock Parks Foundation trustees.