(ONN) – There are several programs available to assist Ohioans having trouble paying their heating bills.

The Home Energy Assistance Program, or HEAP, is a federally funded program that helps eligible people with their energy bills.

The HeatShare Program is a partnership between the Salvation Army and Columbia Gas of Ohio.

Columbia Gas also has the Warm Choice Program which can help income eligible customers receive free winterization of their homes.

And, Columbia Gas also offers a special reconnect order so those with outstanding fees can pay $175 dollars to have their service reconnected or avoid disconnection — and then set up a payment plan to pay back overdue bills.

The customer service number for Columbia Gas of Ohio is 1 800 344 4077.

University of Findlay Dining Services has announced that all on-campus dining locations will no longer accept cash beginning January 1, 2026.

Accepted methods of payment will continue to be credit and debit cards, Derrick Dollars, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Wallet.

Get more details below.

(ONN) – Ohio’s drug task forces were busy in 2025.

Attorney General Dave Yost announced law enforcement task forces established under the Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission thwarted drug traffickers in 2025 by confiscating more than $75 million worth of illegal drugs, 440 firearms, and $4.1 million in cash.

The drug task forces are composed of local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies and investigate drug trafficking throughout the state, seizing illegal narcotics, weapons, and cash before they impact Ohio communities.

(From the Ohio State Highway Patrol)

As Ohioans ring in the new year, troopers with the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) will be highly visible and enforcing safe driving across the state.

“Welcoming in the new year should never end in tragedy,” said Governor DeWine. “If you’re celebrating, please take personal responsibility and plan ahead by designating a sober driver.”

The New Year’s holiday reporting period runs from Wednesday, December 31 through Sunday, January 4 and during this timeframe, anyone traveling on Ohio’s roads is urged to drive responsibly, designate a sober driver or use a rideshare service.        

The 2024-2025 two-day New Year’s holiday reporting period recorded two fatal crashes which killed three people. Of those, one crash and two fatalities involved alcohol and/or drug use.

To combat preventable tragedies, the OSHP will be increasing patrols throughout the holiday reporting period. Troopers will be focusing on removing impaired and distracted drivers from the roads, maintaining a zero-tolerance policy on dangerous driving.

“Making sure everyone gets home safely is a shared responsibility,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent. “The cost of an impaired driving conviction is minor compared to the lifelong burden of unnecessarily taking a life.”

Drivers are encouraged to safely call #677 to report impaired drivers, drug activity or standard motorists on the roadway.

(From the Ohio State Fire Marshal)

Investigators with the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal have ruled a residential fire in Sandusky County as arson and are now seeking tips from the public to identify those responsible.

At 3:40 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 28 and again at 3:03 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 29, the Bradner Fire Department, along with other mutual-aid departments and the Sandusky County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residential structure fire at 6638 W. State Route 6 in Gibsonburg.

When crews responded to the initial call on Sunday, they found smoke coming from the two-story, single-family home. After entering the home, they found a fire in one of the interior rooms and extinguished the fire without further incident.

Early Monday morning, when crews were called to the home a second time, they encountered the home engulfed in flames. The wind-driven fire burned the home to total collapse.

It was later determined that the home was unoccupied and that all of the utilities to the home were disconnected. 

Investigators with the State Fire Marshal’s Fire and Explosion Investigations Bureau (FEIB) responded to the scene and determined both fire were intentionally set. The FEIB is investigating along with the Sandusky County Sheriff’s Office and the Bradner Fire Department.

A reward of up to $5,000 is being offered by the Blue Ribbon Arson Committee for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the State Fire Marshal’s tip line at 800-589-2728 All tips will be thoroughly investigated.

(From The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation)

The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation awarded $20,000 to support veterans and first responders. These four grants are awards from the president’s discretionary fund, which supports urgent or special requests outside The Community Foundation’s various grant cycles. The President & CEO of The Community Foundation is allocated an amount each year. These grants typically do not exceed $5,000 individually.

This year, Foundation staff dedicated the 2025 president’s discretionary funds to show appreciation for those who help others. Earlier in the year, grants were awarded to public schools in Hancock County for staff appreciation efforts.

“The first responders are critical to the health and safety in our community and serve daily,” said Brian Treece, President & CEO of the Foundation. “Additionally, our local veterans deserve our continued thanks and support for selflessly serving our country. These grants are a token of our appreciation for both groups. We are grateful for all you have done and continue to do.”

Findlay Fire Department was awarded $5,000. “We can’t thank The Community Foundation enough for using the President’s Discretionary Grant on showing appreciation for our local fire and EMS personnel,” said Josh Eberle, Chief of the Findlay Fire Department. “This job is very rewarding, but over time it can take a toll on people. Using the grant for this purpose reminds our firefighters and EMS personnel that our work is appreciated and that there is a network of support for us within the community.”

Findlay Police Department was awarded $5,000. “We are grateful to The Community Foundation for their generous support,” said James Mathias, Chief of the Findlay Police Department. “Their grant helps our first responders feel recognized and appreciated for their hard work and reminds them that the community stands behind them. We appreciate this partnership and the Foundation’s commitment to those who keep our city safe.”

Hancock County Sheriff’s Department was awarded $5,000. “We are incredibly grateful to The Community Foundation for awarding the Sheriff’s Office a $5,000 President’s Discretionary Grant,” said Michael Cortez, Sheriff of Hancock County Sheriff’s. “This support is more than a contribution awarded by a grant. It is a direct investment in the well-being of the men and women who serve our county every day. This grant helps recognize the dedication, professionalism, and positive impact our employees have on our community every day. From an external perspective, this grant helps reinforce that our employees are valued by those in our community. Our employees work tirelessly, often in difficult and unseen circumstances, and this support allows us to continue encouraging, uplifting, and honoring the good work they do for the people of Hancock County.”

Hancock County Veterans Services Office was awarded $5,000. “We are honored to partner with The Community Foundation for this President’s Discretionary Grant,” said Ed Newton, Resiliency Operations Manager. “It will allow the Hancock County Veterans Service Office the opportunity to have positive outreach with hundreds of Hancock County veterans and their families. Thank you so much for providing this opportunity.”

(From Brian Treece – President & CEO of The Community Foundation)

As we turn the page on another year, I find myself reflecting on the incredible generosity and collaboration that define Hancock County. This season isn’t just about celebrating holidays, it’s about honoring the partnerships and shared commitment that make our community thrive.

At The Community Foundation, we believe that lasting impact happens when we work together. This year, we’ve seen that belief come to life in countless ways. From donors who trust us to steward their philanthropic goals, to nonprofit partners who meet critical needs every day, to volunteers who give their time and expertise, your contributions make a difference that will echo for generations.

To our donors: thank you for your unwavering support. Every gift, no matter the size, fuels our mission to improve the quality of life for all in Hancock County. Your trust inspires us to work diligently, ensuring that your generosity creates meaningful change.

To our nonprofit partners: your tireless efforts to serve our neighbors remind us what community truly means. We are honored to stand alongside you as you address challenges and create opportunities for those who need them most.

To our volunteers and board members: your leadership and dedication are the backbone of our work. You help us dream bigger and achieve more than we could alone.

And to our professional advisors and elected officials: thank you for your guidance and partnership. Your collaboration strengthens the fabric of our community and ensures that philanthropy remains a powerful force for good.

As we look ahead to a new year, we do so with gratitude and optimism. Together, we’ve built a foundation for lasting impact: over $95 million granted to date, more than 500 funds supporting causes that matter, and a growing endowment that will serve Hancock County for generations to come. But our work is far from finished. The challenges we face are real, and so are the opportunities to make life better for everyone who calls this place home.

On behalf of The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation, thank you for being part of this journey. Your generosity, vision, and partnership make Hancock County a thriving place to live, work, learn and grow. Here’s to continuing that work, together, in the year ahead.

(From the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce)

High school sophomores across Findlay and Hancock County are invited to apply for the 2026-27 Hancock Youth Leadership (HYL) program, a leadership development experience affiliated with the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce.

For more than 25 years, HYL has invested in the future of Findlay and Hancock County by helping students grow as confident leaders, effective communicators and positive role models who are engaged in their community. The program is designed for students who are curious, eager to learn and interested in building leadership and communication skills to carry into school, future careers and everyday life.

Students selected for the program participate in nine full day sessions during their junior year of high school. Monthly sessions are held during the school day and focus on interactive learning, meaningful discussion and real-world exposure to how the community operates. Session topics include city and county infrastructure, health and human services, arts and media, justice and law, diversity, business and economic development, and agriculture. Students also collaborate on a class project and complete at least one volunteer experience with a local nonprofit organization.

HYL is open to all Hancock County high school sophomores, including students enrolled in Findlay City Schools, county school districts, and those who are homeschooled. A limited number of students are selected each year to create a well-rounded class with a variety of experiences and perspectives.

Applications are available online and must be submitted by February 27, 2026. The program will begin at the start of the students’ junior year in Fall 2026.

For more information or to apply, visit www.FindlayHancockChamber.com. Questions by be directed to the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber at 419.422.3313 or by email sfoltz@FindlayHancockChamber.com.

(From the Ohio State Highway Patrol)

According to provisional statistics, 17 people were killed in 14 fatal crashes on Ohio roadways this Christmas holiday. Of the 17 people killed, four were not wearing a safety belt, three involved pedestrians and two were related to OVI.

The five-day Christmas reporting period began Wednesday, December 24 at midnight and ran through 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, December 28.

During the reporting period, troopers arrested 231 people for operating a vehicle while impaired and 35 for illegal drugs. Troopers also issued citations for 288 safety belt and 147 distracted driving violations. Additionally, troopers assisted 1,173 motorists on Ohio roadways.

During last year’s two-day Christmas holiday reporting period, from December 24 to 25, there were three people killed in motor vehicle crashes on Ohio roads.

The public is encouraged to continue using #677 to report dangerous or impaired drivers, as well as drug activity.

(From the University of Findlay)

University of Findlay student Kaitlyn Froelich is the recipient of this year’s Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy Award (Ages 18-23) from the Association of Fundraising Professionals Northwest Ohio chapter.

Froelich earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from UF in 2025 and currently is pursuing her doctoral degree in occupational therapy at the University, while working as a cardiac ICU nurse at Blanchard Valley Hospital in Findlay.

“When Katie is not studying or working, she generously gives of her time through many campus offices and community organizations,” said Kenneth McIntyre Jr., vice president of University advancement. “Her positive attitude radiates a generous nature that extends to fellow UF students, prospective students and their families, and area residents in need.”

She is very involved in UF’s Campus Ministry program, gives tours to new students through the admissions office, serves as an orientation leader, and is a member of the Student Nursing Association and the Students of Occupational Therapy Association. Katie also is the student representative from the College of Health Professions to the Alumni Board of Governors.

Her volunteer work further includes being a member of STRIDE (Students Teaching Respect for Individuals with Disabilities Everyday), a club that volunteers and raises disability awareness on campus and in the community.

In addition, Froelich has volunteered with many organizations that help residents in Northwest Ohio and beyond. She has volunteered with Gliding Stars of Findlay for four years, helping teach individuals with disabilities how to ice skate, bolstering their confidence and social skills, and encouraging them.

She volunteers with Findlay’s City Mission, helping to prepare and serve food to people in need. Since her freshman year, she has been part of multiple Backyard Mission Trips that aid residents of Hancock County by helping them with yardwork and community cleanup.

During Spring Break for the past four years, she has volunteered at numerous camps, including Camp Otyokwah in Ohio, Camp Sonrise Mountain in Maryland, and Camp Yolijwa in Pennsylvania. She assists the camps with labor they cannot afford so they are ready to welcome campers each summer.

Furthermore, Froelich was one of 144 UF graduates in May who earned a Philanthropy Cord to wear at Commencement as a symbol of their commitment to the Oiler culture of philanthropy. The program requires a contribution to a class scholarship benefiting incoming freshman in the fall, volunteering for a minimum of six hours, and attendance at a philanthropic learning event.

“All of this clearly illustrates her mature understanding of philanthropy and her commitment to giving back on a local and national scale,” McIntyre noted. “We are so proud of Katie’s success in the classroom, in the community, and in giving of her time, talent, and treasure.”

Froelich was presented the award November 12 at the 38th annual National Philanthropy Day celebration in Toledo, attended by more than 500 area development professionals. The Greater Toledo Community Foundation also presented a grant to Gliding Stars of Findlay in recognition of her dedication to her community.

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Pictured from left are: UF President Katherine Fell, Ph.D.; Ken McIntyre Jr., vice president of University advancement; and award winner Kaitlyn Froelich.