Fostoria City Council will hear a second reading tonight of proposed legislation extending the city’s central business district down Perry Street to include businesses such as Kroger, Red’s Pizza, Little Caesars Pizza and the future Fostoria Learning Center.  Officials say expanding the central business district would create more opportunities for economic growth in the downtown area and allow more local businesses to seek specialized grant funding.

Julie Baker has been named the new executive director of Owens Community College’s Findlay campus.  She replaces Melissa Green, who resigned this summer to take a position elsewhere.  Baker currently serves is the campus director at Brown Mackie College in Findlay.

The Seneca County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is looking for volunteers in the Fostoria area to supplement their emergency service in the event of a disaster.  A new round of classes are set to begin soon to bump up the volunteer base in Fostoria. It’s a vital tool for the entire community in the event of a disaster.  CERT began in the 1980s and was revived following the attacks on September 11.  It’s a way for private citizens to receive training in first aid, light search and rescue, disaster psychology, and terrorism response.  Applications for the CERT training can be found on the Senaca County CERT Facebook page.  The first of nine sessions begin on September 15 at the Fostoria Fire Department.

Tiffin Fire Rescue Division has been awarded a $1 million Federal Emergency Management Agency grant to put toward the purchase of a new aerial fire truck.  The grant leaves the city responsible for $100,000 of the $1.1 million vehicle purchase.  The need for the new aerial truck - which will replace a 35-year-old truck -  was found in a needs assessment conducted for the department 10 months ago.

Starting August 31, new rules will be enforced that will affect trash collection for Bowling Green residents.  Some changes include keeping container lids closed at all times, on collection days, containers must be placed with the lid opening facing the street and removed by 7am the next day and on non-collection days, containers, including dumpsters, shall be stored within an enclosed area or in the side or rear yard of the premises adjacent to the structure with the lid closed.

Ohio Means Jobs-Hancock County will introduce some new programs for individuals seeking work and possibly experiencing barriers to employment.  Beginning at 2 p.m. today, “Getting Ready for Employment Workshops” will be held for those searching for work.  Subjects to be covered include resume writing, interview skills, registering with Ohio Means Jobs, dressing for success, training needs, and mock interviews.  The free workshops will be held at 2 p.m. every Tuesday and at 9 a.m. every Thursday at the Ohio Means Jobs office, 7746 Hancock County 140.
 

Four Fostoria businesses have been awarded grants as part of the Downtown Façade Enhancement Program.  The Fostoria Area Historical Society, United Way of Fostoria, Second Wind Music Center and  Motte and Bailey Assets LLC are the recipients.  The grants are made possible by the Community Investment Corporation, in partnership with the Greater Fostoria Community Foundation and the Geary Foundation.

The Village of Arlington is in the market for a new street commissioner.  On Aug. 4, former street commissioner Kyle Crist submitted his letter of resignation, which will go into effect Friday.  The village has received 12 applicants and full council will review all resumes.