Two Fostoria City Schools’ students are facing charges of inducing panic after falsely reporting subjects were taking their pictures at two separate bus stops Thursday morning. 
According to School Resource Officer Adam Nelson, a third-grade girl told school officials a male subject in a green minivan was hiding behind a bush taking pictures of her while she waited for the bus at the corner of West Center and Union streets.  Another juvenile, also a female in the third grade, advised a black vehicle — fitting the description of her mother’s vehicle — was parked behind the Good Shepherd Home and a male subject was taking pictures from behind a fence as students waited for the bus on Springville Avenue.  School officials issued alerts and warnings of a possible voyeur via phone and text messages.  Charges of inducing panic were filed against both girls, according to Nelson, who said he is recommending them for expulsion. 
 

Hancock County commissioners voted to “call in the bonds” on the Interstate 75 connector road project, paying off the $8 million debt three years early.  The balance due is $1.9 million.  The move will save Hancock County about $200,000 in interest.   The money was used to construct a connector road between Interstate 75 and the Tall Timbers International Industrial Park on Industrial Drive in the mid-1990s.

Nicholas C. Hackworth of Fostoria and Todd A. Bollett, Santana M. Diliberto and Brett N.D. Phillabaum of Port Clinton entered not guilty pleas to a combined 51 charges in connection to a string of arson fires in Wood County late last month.  Various bonds were set for the suspects.  Details regarding potential motives for the crimes have not yet been released, but prosecutors have said they believe gasoline was the primary accelerant used to ignite the fires. 

Seneca County commissioners approved annexation of more than 60 acres in Hopewell Township to the city of Tiffin for a potential development.  The property is bordered by US 224 and property behind Rural King.  Attorney Brent Howard, who is representing the land owners, said next step was for the proposal to be delivered to Tiffin City Council, which he said likely would pass an ordinance to accept the annexation.  The property owners do not have specific plans for the property, should it be annexed.

Bowling Green Mayor Dick Edwards delivered his annual state of the city address yesterday.  Edwards discussed the proposed replacement levy for the Bowling Green Parks and Recreation Department as an absolute must.  He also said that the city will see some “major steps forward” in the improvement plan for the East Wooster Street corridor, “including an in-depth assessment of housing in the areas adjoining the campus.  Also, the issues surrounding the former junior high property at West Wooster and South church streets, as well as the need for a new city building, were also addressed.