LIMA, OH (WLIO) - Ford treated their current and retired employees and their families to a day of fun to say, "Thank you for your hard work."

The Hancock County Sheriff's Office is investigating a two vehicle crash at the intersection of SR 235 and CR 96.

May 22, 2024, Press Release from the Ohio State Highway Patrol: Springfield – The Toledo Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a six-vehicle injury crash that occurred today at 3:58 P.M. on IR-475 near milepost 8 in Springfield Township. A 2020 Cadillac XTS, operated by Kevin Herman, 54, Milton Center, Ohio was traveling northbound on IR-475 when the vehicle failed to maintain assured clear distance ahead and struck a 2012 Ford Fusion, operated by Gabriella Pool, 22, Toledo, Ohio. The 2012 Ford Fusion was then pushed forward into a 2015 Buick Encore, operated by Michelle Hill, 35, Toledo, Ohio.

The Ford Motor Company announced Thursday plans to invest $1.5 billion into the Lorain County Ford Ohio Assembly plant to assemble all new electric vehicles. The investment is also projected to create 1,800 new hourly jobs. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine was on hand for the press conference in Avon Lake, stating that the investment is another strong chapter in Ohio's history.

Ford has also been able to produce other items of PPE and has helped with the construction of ventilators, when they were at a shortage, at the beginning of the pandemic. So it comes as no surprise, the type of impact Ford has had on the recent economy. A study completed by Boston Consulting Group shows the role Ford plays in economic growth and automobile leadership.

As we enter fall, getting closer to winter, an Ohio State doctor says air ventilation will be key to living with the virus. He says the combination of three things will keep the virus out. Make-up air, the amount of air that comes in outside. The air exchange rate, how many times a day can the air be changed in a room. Filtration, stopping aerosols from circulating in a building or room.

Ford announced employees will now be tested for COVID-19 at the Lima Memorial Hospital. Employees can get a test if they are showing symptoms of the coronavirus. There are about 1,500 employees at the engine plant. If they have symptoms they can go to a designated site for swab testing. Ford also says they continue with daily health checks including temperature taking. Face masks are required inside the plant and for certain jobs safety glasses with face shields are required.

Minority Ford employees say enough is enough. A protest was organized outside the Lima Engine Plant on Friday to demand an overall cultural change from management and the Union Local 1219. Employees claim years of different forms of discrimination and hardly any consequences, some requiring help from outside agencies like the Civil Rights Commission.