FINDLAY — Blanchard Valley Health System recently has expanded its medical practices by developing an obstetrics and gynecology office in Fostoria. This new practice will be called Blanchard Valley Obstetrics and Gynecology and located at 617 N. Countyline St., Suite B, Fostoria.

The Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation in Carey hosted the annual novena, culminating with the Vigil of Assumption Tuesday night, the largest yearly event at the Shrine. Pictured, the statue of Our Lady of Consolation is brought down the front steps of the Basilica to be driven to Shrine Park.

The statue of Our Lady of Consolation was delivered to Shrine Park in Carey Tuesday night in a candlelight procession with Bishop Daniel Thomas of the Diocese of Toledo, who performed a Mass there. People from all around the world travel to Carey for the annual event in a pilgrimage.

Parks Director Keith Niederkohr gave an update on the Bicentennial Park splash pad at Monday’s Upper Sandusky park board meeting. Niederkohr said the sewer and water lines are installed for the splash pad, although it still needs electric run to it.

SYCAMORE — Sycamore Village Council approved hiring a grant writer for a pair of FEMA grants for the Sycamore Volunteer Fire Department during its meeting Tuesday. Fire Chief Rodney Clinger said he found a grant writer while working with other fire departments in an attempt to get a regional grant.

Wyandot County 4-H members were judged for the 2018 animal and garden projects Saturday inside the Arena at the Wyandot County Fairgrounds. Over 200 youth with well over 200 animal projects including horse, rabbit, poultry, goat, sheep, swine, dairy, beef and garden were judged in the biggest pre-fair event.

MARYSVILLE — The Ohio State Fair is the summer’s highlight for many youth livestock exhibitors, and this summer was no exception for Ohio’s youth who won top honors at the Ohio State Fair from July 25 through Aug. 5. The Ohio Expositions Commission awards scholarships to junior beef exhibitors looking to further their education.

SYCAMORE — A memorial bench was dedicated in a ceremony for former Sycamore Police officer William “Bill” Clady on Monday in downtown Sycamore. Clady served the village of Sycamore from 1979 until his retirement in 2003. He died Feb. 1, 2017, at age 73.

CAREY — Carey Exempted Village School District Board of Education members on Monday approved a motion to appoint board members Greg McCartney and Matt Stombaugh to a joint traffic committee. The joint traffic committee will discuss the best way to address traffic flow, an often-discussed topic within the village of Carey, with members of the Carey Village Council.

SYCAMORE — The Mohawk Local Board of Education voted unanimously to hire Mohawk High School Principal Mark Vehre as interim Superintendent during it’s meeting on Monday. Vehre will fill the role from Jan. 1, 2019, to a date not to exceed July 31, 2019. Current Mohawk Superintendent Ken Ratliff will retire on Jan. 1, 2019.