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Local News

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Forum reviews flood 'lessons'
Streicher's
By JOY BROWN

STAFF WRITER

Social service organizations, governments and other groups are continuing to find ways to improve their communication and services following a major disaster, as evidenced by a brainstorming session held Tuesday.

Hosted by the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation, the meeting was a followup to a "Lessons Learned" study that summarized the August 2007 and February 2008 flood experiences using feedback from emergency workers and victims.

The Community Foundation hopes community organizations keep networking, diversifying and building on what they learned from the flood, according to foundation President Kathy Kreuchauf.

"It is not my intention to come up with ideas that are going to impede the first responders' work ... but to come up with solutions for what happens after a disaster, what should take place in the next phase. How can we, as a community, respond as effectively as possible?" Kreuchauf said.

Organizations should concentrate on the handoff from rescue to recovery, and long-term responses, not just for major floods but other disasters that could "paralyze and overwhelm a community," she said.

About 50 attended Tuesday's session at the Family Center. Using information from the foundation's survey as a starting point, they recalled service-related gaps that occurred after the August 2007 flood and thought of possible solutions.

Six teams concentrated on logistical issues and communication shortfalls. It was noted, for instance, that in the immediate flood aftermath, residents did not know what businesses and agencies were open. Cleanup was disorganized and contractors with questionable reputations began arriving. Volunteers came en masse, as did donations.

Potential solutions for the next disaster included having one communications and operations center for organizing volunteers, accepting donations and disseminating information. Mutual aid among Findlay agencies and those outside the city that could lend a hand was mentioned.

It was suggested that opportunities for consumer education on a variety of topics be offered in the interim so people are more knowledgeable about insurance practices, scams and other things.

Participants then voted on which service gaps they think are most crucial to fill, and which solutions should be pursued.

Kreuchauf said the Community Foundation will be compiling results and hopes to have preliminary information available at the end of this week. She told attendees that if any group wants to pursue disaster plan preparation and response ideas, April 5 is the deadline to apply for the next round of foundation grants.

Brown: 419-427-8496,

Send an e-mail to Joy Brown


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Benton Ridge Shooting

This video, released by the Hancock County Prosecutor's Office, shows the shooting of a Lima man who led authorities on a three-county chase ending Aug.24 in Benton Ridge. Be cautioned, the video contains graphic content.
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News Briefs Firefighters discover 20 marijuana plants in house
After fighting a house fire early Monday at 815 Howard St., firefighters found 20 marijuana plants in the residence.

"They ran across it and called us," said police Sgt. Justin Hendren with the Hancock County METRICH Drug Enforcement Unit.

Police seized all 20 plants, and Hendren said charges are pending.

High-powered growing lights, fans, and a box filled with dried marijuana were also found in the house, according to a police report.

Investigators said an electrical short started the fire before 3 a.m. Monday.

The blaze caused an estimated $12,000 in damage to the residence, owned by Amanda Crawford. No one was injured, according to the Findlay Fire Department.

Carey announces holiday closing
CAREY -- Carey offices, including administrative, income tax and utilities, electric, wastewater treatment plant, and public works, will be closed Monday in observance of Labor Day.

The curbside recycling program will be held Tuesday through Thursday, Sept. 7-9.

Findlay trooper named sergeant
Trooper Jacob L. Fletcher, assigned to the Findlay post of the State Highway Patrol, was promoted to sergeant Wednesday by Patrol Superintendent Col. David Dicken.

With the promotion, Fletcher will stay at the Findlay post and serve as an assistant post commander, according to the patrol.

Fletcher began his patrol career in 2002 after graduating from the 139th Academy class and has been assigned to the Findlay post since.

Owens announces holiday schedule
The Toledo and Findlay campuses of Owens Community College will be closed Saturday through Monday for the Labor Day holiday.

There will be no classes and the college offices will be closed.

Classes will resume and offices will open again on Tuesday.

Holiday changes ad deadlines
The Courier won't be published on Monday, in observance of the Labor Day holiday.

Because of the holiday, some advertising deadlines have been moved up this week:

Black and white display advertising for Tuesday's newspaper must be placed by noon Friday. Display advertising for Wednesday's newspaper must be placed by 2:30 p.m. Friday.

Color display advertising for the Thursday, Sept. 9 newspaper must be placed by Friday.

Classified advertising and City and Country advertising for Saturday's newspaper must be placed by 2 p.m. Friday. Classified ads for Tuesday's newspaper must be placed by 2:30 p.m. Friday.

Courier business and advertising offices will close at 3 p.m. Friday for the holiday.