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Local News

Friday, November 20, 2009

Absentee rate not soaring at schools
LaRiche Toyota-Subaru
By DENISE GRANT

Staff Writer

Most school districts continue to report only slight jumps in absenteeism this fall, a good indication that prevention works in combating swine flu, said Findlay Deputy Health Commissioner Barb Wilhelm.

Asked if the worst of the H1N1 threat has passed, Wilhelm was hesitant to answer.

"We certainly are seeing no significant trends," Wilhelm said. "I do think we have a lot of things going for us. I'm seeing more people washing hands and covering coughs than I ever have, so people are practicing good hygiene."

So far, Findlay and Hancock County health departments have hosted three major vaccination clinics and several smaller clinics.

"Obviously, the more we vaccinate, the better protected the community will be," she said. "We have had no deaths (attributed to H1N1), although I know we have had some hospitalizations. People have been ill."

Kathleen Crates, director of student services for Findlay City Schools, said absences are dropping. She believes the district may have hit its peak with H1N1 on Nov. 9, when absences hit a high of 497, or 8 percent of the student population of about 6,098 students. The numbers have been dropping since then.

Crates said teachers have done a good job teaching students to cover their coughs and wash their hands.

"I think this made a difference," she said. "And we have been cleaning and cleaning and cleaning."

McComb Superintendent Michael Lamb said his district is averaging an absentee rate of about 6 to 7 percent.

"My principals tell me that this is consistent with what we have had in the past, when the cold and flu season hits us. So, we're actually not up from previous years," Lamb said.

While some schools are no longer asking for a doctor's note to excuse an absence during the flu outbreak, Lamb said he is asking principals to use "some good, old-fashioned common sense."

"One of the many advantages of being a small school is that we know the children (and parents) well, and no one is attempting to take advantage of this situation by skipping school," said Lamb.

"There are too many exciting and neat things going on here at McComb. And again, that's the problem. Youngsters who are feverish are coming to school and the principals have to send them home, which is a good problem to have."

Health officials recommend that children be fever-free for at least 24 hours before returning to school.

Arlington Schools saw a slight spike in absences last week.

"We are not necessarily seeing confirmed H1N1 cases," said Superintendent Kevin Haught. "I think parents are being a little more cautious sending children to school who may still be ill."

Haught said the school is continuing to sanitize classrooms, drinking fountains, restrooms and bus seats.

"These efforts are helping to keep the spread of germs to a minimum ...," said Haught. "I realize that this flu season will be a challenge for all of us, parents, students, staff and the medical community."

Grant: 419-427-8412,

Send an e-mail to Denise Grant


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The city code covers residential owners or tenants, and business owners of properties which abut a sidewalk.

An offense is a minor misdemeanor, with a fine of up to $100. Each day constitutes a separate offense.

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FOREST -- Because of the expected inclement weather, the Forest-Jackson Public Library has rescheduled its Valentine luncheon planned for Thursday to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 18.

Reservations are required. Anyone with questions can call the library at 419-273-2400.

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The Disc Golf Community Association, in cooperation with the Hancock Park District, sponsors the event. Proceeds go to the Family Center of Findlay-Hancock County.

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Crime Of The Week
Findlay/Hancock County Crime Stoppers is looking for information about a break-in at the Arlington Pharmacy, 200 Main St., at 12:51 a.m. Dec. 28.

A glass pane in the front door of the business was shattered, and entry was made. Once inside, the perpetrators took prescription medications and fled on foot.

Two white males were seen running from the business. The males were possibly in their late teens to early 20s, and possibly entered a vehicle.

People with information about this or any other crime that would lead to an arrest or indictment will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

Crime Stoppers can be called weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 419-425-TIPS or 419-425-8477. Callers can remain anonymous.

The Web site is www.hancockcrimestoppers.org.