(From the Tiffin Police Department)

Tonight at the city council meeting we proudly recognized the outstanding dedication and service of our folks at the Tiffin Police Department from 2024.

Recipients of DEPARTMENT COMMENDATIONS:

* Beth Dell – For her outstanding efforts in recruitment, strengthening our department for the future.

* Detective Eric England – For his relentless pursuit of justice investigating internet crimes against children.

* Detective Justin Nowak – For his exceptional contributions to the Metrich Drug Task Force.

* Officer Marcus Somers – For his impressive patrol performance and unwavering commitment to excellence.

* Officer Kaden Wuescher – For consistently exceeding expectations in patrol operations.

* Sergeant Vern Keefe – For his invaluable work in IT services, keeping our critical systems running smoothly.

PERFECT ATTENDANCE AWARD:

Availability is a cornerstone of exceptional policing—being present, reliable, and ready every day. We honor these officers who exemplify that commitment:

* Officer Alec Traxler – 1st time recipient

* Officer Andrew Stevens – 3rd time recipient

* Sergeant Joe Feld – 3rd time recipient

* Sergeant Jared Watson – 5th time recipient

* Officer Michael Moore – 12-time recipient and reigning champion!

And now, for our top honors…

2024 OFFICER OF THE YEAR – Officer Shawn Vallery

With nearly 29 years of service, Officer Vallery continues to set the standard for excellence. This is his second Officer of the Year award, a testament to the deep respect he has earned from his peers and the community. He is a mentor, a leader, and an unwavering force of professionalism. Congratulations, Shawn, and thank you for your dedication!

2024 DISPATCHER OF THE YEAR – Telecommunications Officer Madison Brady.

In just over three years, Madison has become a vital part of our team, displaying professionalism, grace under pressure, and an unwavering commitment to keeping our officers and community safe. This well-earned recognition reflects her skill, focus, and dedication. Congratulations, Madison!

We are proud of each and every one of you. Your hard work does not go unnoticed—thank you for making Tiffin a safer place to live, work and play.

Chief Pauly

(From the American Red Cross of North Central Ohio)

Todd James, Executive Director of the American Red Cross of North Central Ohio is joining the ongoing Red Cross flood relief operation in eastern Kentucky. James will be serving as the Assistant Director of External Relations, helping coordinate efforts with local, state and federal partners in assisting families affected by flooding with their ongoing recovery needs.

Over the weekend, monsoon rains inundated the Southeast, leading to devastating flooding, power outages, evacuations and numerous water rescues. In hard-hit Kentucky, more than a month’s worth of rain affected the entire state. The storms are over, but river levels continue to rise, and a winter storm is now headed to the region. The Red Cross is responding across multiple states, working around the clock to help people impacted by the flooding. Shelters are open in Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia where about 500 people spent Monday night.

James is expected to serve for two weeks on the operation. This is his 43rd disaster relief deployment.

How You Can Help

You can help people affected by disasters like floods, fires and countless other crises by making a gift to Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767), or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a donation.

(ONN) – Preparations continue as the National Hockey League will be on the Ohio State campus on March 1 for the Columbus Blue Jackets – Detroit Red Wings matchup at Ohio Stadium.

The NHL is prepping The Shoe for some hockey the base floor going in with a 53 foot trailer that features the world’s largest refrigeration unit.

Why so big? Well, it’s how they ensure that the sheet of ice will be of NHL quality come game night, said Mike Craig of the NHL Stadium Series.

(From the Findlay Police Department)

On February 20, 1898, Policeman William Holly was shot and killed while he and another officer chased two burglary suspects.

One of the men opened fire on Policeman Holly, killing him. Both suspects were arrested and charged with murder.

The suspect who shot Policeman Holly was sentenced to 20 years of hard labor.

We remember Officer Holly for his ultimate sacrifice for the safety and protection of citizens in the City of Findlay, OH.

Ofcr. Holly’s name is represented on our local memorial at the Ft. Findlay Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #20 on S. Romick Parkway and also at Officer Down Memorial Page and all of our Officers and Troopers in Hancock County who have died in the line of duty.

ODMP is the largest law enforcement memorial in the country, and our presence online enables supporters to learn about and honor fallen heroes regardless of their geographic location.

The ODMP will continue to expand our offerings in constant service to our primary mission: honoring those officers who have died in the line of duty in the U.S.

(From Blanchard Valley Health System)

Blanchard Valley Health System recently hosted a heartfelt blood drive, welcoming our associates and community members to give the gift of life.

Donating blood is a powerful act of compassion, supporting those facing accident recovery, cancer treatments, blood disorders, and more.

Pictured is Myron D. Lewis, MSW, MBA, FACHE, president & chief executive officer of BVHS, leading by example and embracing the spirit of giving.

Click here to see a list of upcoming blood drives in the area.

(From the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office)

Residents of Hancock County have reported receiving fraudulent text messages claiming to be from the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) on behalf of the Hancock County Treasurer’s Office.

These messages contain a link directing recipients to a fraudulent website that requests credit card information.

Hancock County Treasurer Welton has confirmed that his office does not send text messages requesting credit card details.

Residents are urged not to click on the link or provide any personal or financial information.

For verification of property tax information, please contact the Hancock County Treasurer’s Office directly.

Raise the bar Hancock County is congratulating the members of its 11^th WorkAdvance cohort on their graduation from the program.

“Held at Owens Community College Findlay Campus, this special ceremony marked another group of graduates ready to take the next step in their careers with new skills, confidence, and connections,” said Raise the Bar Executive Director Tricia Valasek.

Hancock County’s WorkAdvance program requires eligible individuals to participate in a two-week training. The training covers job readiness skills; math refreshers; and technical training such as safety, robotics, machining, quality, troubleshooting, and assembly. Participants will interact with instructors to gain familiarity and comfort with the expectations of local manufacturing workplaces.

At the end of the training, partnering manufacturers will interview participants and potentially offer positions on their teams.

“A huge congratulations to each graduate! Your dedication and hard work have led you to this moment, and we can’t wait to see where your journey takes you next.”

(From the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce)

Applications are being accepted for the 2025-2026 Hancock Youth Leadership (HYL) program.

Affiliated with the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, HYL is an investment in the future of Findlay and Hancock County. Its purpose is to enhance knowledge and develop leadership skills in a select group of high school students, motivating them to become positive role models, active and committed to their civic responsibilities.

Students attend monthly sessions, beginning with a team-building retreat in August. Session topics include agriculture, health and human services, arts and media, diversity, business and economic development, justice and law, and volunteerism.

HYL is open to Hancock County and Findlay City Schools students, including those who are homeschooled, beginning their junior year in fall 2025. Applications are available online at www.FindlayHancockChamber.com/HYL. Completed applications must be submitted by Wednesday, March 12, 2025.

For more information contact the Chamber of Commerce at 419.422.3313, email djenkins@FindlayHancockChamber.com, or visit www.FindlayHancockChamber.com/HYL.https://findlayhancockchamber.com/HYL/

(From the University of Findlay’s Mazza Museum)

The University of Findlay’s Mazza Museum will host an afternoon of creativity and whimsy with a presentation Sunday, March 2, by Thyra Heder, author/illustrator of picture books, storyboard and scenic artist for movies and TV.

The event is free and open to the public, beginning at 4:30 p.m., at the Mazza Museum, in the Virginia B. Gardner Fine Arts Pavilion on the UF campus.

Heder has created six picture books: Fraidyzoo, The Bear Report, Alfie, How Do You Dance?, Sal Boat, and most recently Nose to Nose.

Ben Sapp, director of the Mazza Museum, said book lovers and artists of all ages will enjoy Heder’s dynamic presentation.

“Thyra brings a blend of talent, enthusiasm, and approachability to her presentations, revealing the magic behind her illustrations,” he said.

A Massachusetts native, Heder graduated from Brown University with a bachelor’s degree in art semiotics with a focus on film and video. She currently lives in New York City and collaborates with many artists from her studio in Brooklyn.

Following her presentation, there will be book sales and autographing, and Heder’s books will be sold at a 15% discount.

Registration is requested at https://oilers.findlay.edu/pages/mazza-events/mazza-thyra-heder-illustrator. Visit the Mazza Museum’s website mazzamuseum.org for more information.

Findlay City Schools says it’s proud of its long-standing ‘Big Shake’ tradition. 

The program helps students learn how to make a good first impression, by making eye contact, having a good handshake, and being able to carry on a conversation.

After many years at just Bigelow Hill, the school district celebrated last year as the first year that every Findlay City Schools Intermediate building participated.

There are several rounds to the ‘Big Shake’.

The first round is a rapid-fire handshake and conversation, and each subsequent round becomes more difficult and involved.

The winning student at each building receives a $1000 scholarship from Chick-fil-A.

“We can’t complete this incredible challenge without the immense community support!  Hancock Leadership has spent a morning participating the last few years, many influential community members participate each year, and overall, this is an “all hands on deck” opportunity for our city,” the school district said.  

Round 1 of the ‘Big Shake’ begins the first week of March.