(ONN) – The campaign is on to collect enough signatures to put two equal rights measures on Ohio’s ballot in November.

Ohio Equal Rights says it officially launched its signature collection campaign.

The Equal Rights Amendment would prohibit discrimination by state and local governments, while the Right to Marry Amendment would remove a provision from the state constitution banning same sex marriage.

More than 442,000 signatures must be collected for each petition by July 1 to get on the ballot.

(From John Marshall, Host of Coaches Corner)

Liberty Benton High School has hired its next head football coach. Jason Peters comes to the Eagles from Grandview Heights, where he has been the head football coach and a high school history teacher since 2007. His teams with the Bobcats earned post-season berths eight times, including the last three seasons. He has prior experience as an assistant at Bexley, Bishop Ready, Hilliard Darby, and Fostoria high schools. The hire was approved at a school board meeting on Thursday.

Peters is a graduate of Bowling Green State University, where he played football for the Falcons, starting for two seasons at right tackle and earning three letters. He also holds a master’s degree in education from Marygrove College.

Peters takes the reins of the program from Scott Garlock, who has retired from coaching and teaching. Garlock posted a 108 and 25 record in two stints as the Eagles’ head football coach.

L-B will move to the Cardinal Division of the Northern Lakes League beginning next school year after having competed in the Blanchard Valley Conference since that league’s inception in 1965. Disparity in student population between L-B and other BVC schools led to the split, announced in May of 2022.

(From Findlay City Schools)

When Findlay City Schools Preschool had a broken tricycle, they didn’t toss it.

Instead, they rolled it over to Millstream Career Center, where our talented students took on the challenge.

With a little elbow grease and a lot of heart, the trike is now back in action and better than ever!

Huge shoutout to our Millstream students for their skills, teamwork, and commitment to fixing more than just wheels… they’re building confidence and community, one project at a time.

(From the Seneca County Board of DD-Seneca County Opportunity Center)

Advocates Sean and Ruben visited the Fostoria Police Division to share information about Keith’s Law and the Blue Envelope Program. A huge thank you to Chief Wedge and Captain Reinbolt for taking the time to meet with us!

Ohio recently passed HB 144 (Keith’s Law), allowing anyone with a medically diagnosed communication disability or those who drive or regularly transport someone with a communication challenge to voluntarily enroll. During emergencies or traffic stops, responders will be alerted through a database that someone may have difficulty communicating, helping them respond more effectively and reducing misunderstandings. The enrollment form is available here: https://rb.gy/m7hnjv

The Blue Envelope is a simple, discreet tool for drivers or passengers with communication challenges to alert officers they may need extra patience or alternative communication. Inside, you can place your driver’s license, vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and important info to assist officers. The package includes a decal and wallet card.

These FREE packets can be obtained through your Service and Support Administrator or at the Fostoria Police Department—making a big difference in respectful, understanding interactions on the road!

(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 Office of Congressman Bob Latta)

Congressman Bob Latta (OH-5) participated in a House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade hearing to discuss the draft of his bill, the Safely Ensuring Lives Future Deployment and Research in Vehicle Evolution Act of 2026 (SELF DRIVE Act).

Co-drafted by Congressman Latta and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-6), the bipartisan legislation would establish a national safety and regulatory framework for autonomous vehicle technology.   

To watch the discussion, click here.

Rep. Latta’s SELF DRIVE Act Receives Energy and Commerce Subcommittee Hearing

(From Hancock County ADAMHS)

Restoration of Federal SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) Grants to Hancock County Behavioral Health Services:

On Thursday, January 15 at 11:11am, Hancock County ADAMHS received official confirmation from SAMHSA that “termination of your award, previously communicated on January 13, 2026, is hereby rescinded. Your award will remain active under its original terms and conditions.”

Without any advance notice, on January 13, 2026, Hancock County ADAMHS received notification from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) of immediate termination of three federal grants.

These grants support the workforce and essential services they provide through Family Resource Center, FOCUS Recovery and Wellness Center, and The City Mission as well as program evaluation, research and training support from Brandeis University and Case Western Reserve University.

This funding termination, if it had continued, would have resulted in a loss of approximately $1.5M for the remaining 9 months (through September 2026).

With such a significant amount of funding loss, the current level and accessibility of services would have been significantly impacted.

Affected agency directors and the ADAMHS Board share their gratitude to all who came together to share their opposition to the original decision to cancel grant funding. Specifically, The Community Foundation and Mayor Muryn is to be acknowledged in their willingness to provide additional funding to maintain programs and services if grant funds were not restored.

ADAMHS is incredibly grateful to our legislators, at all levels of government, for their advocacy on our behalf. Precia Stuby said, “They answered our calls and regularly kept in contact as they learned of updates about the grant funding.”

The immediate termination allowed no time to prepare individuals receiving services or to the professionals who deliver services who are potentially impacted by the cuts. This was a disservice to all involved, especially to those in need of life-saving services.

Without this rescission, cuts would have had a profound impact on everyone engaged in the behavioral health system – not just clients, but staff who deliver services, and agency administrators who ensure that agencies are able to remain open to deliver any services.

Hancock County was not alone. Cuts were being made across the country to the tune of nearly 2 billion dollars in grants that support addiction and mental health services.

(From Findlay City Schools)

In honor of National Hockey Fights Cancer month, the Findlay High School Hockey program is proud to announce its 3rd Annual Hockey Fights Cancer event. On Friday, January 23rd, the Trojans will take the ice at The Cube Ice Arena for a double-header against St. Francis, dedicated to raising funds and awareness for childhood cancer.

This year’s event carries a special significance as FHS Hockey partners with a local organization: The Braden Kramer Foundation. The foundation was established by the Kramer Family, in honor of their son, Braden, who courageously battled and beat cancer as a young child. Today, Braden is a freshman at Findlay High School and a proud member of the Trojan Hockey program.

The Braden Kramer Foundation focuses on providing financial and emotional support to families currently navigating the difficult journey of childhood cancer. By keeping the partnership local, FHS Hockey aims to make a direct impact on families within the community. Fans are encouraged to wear lavender or their favorite “Hockey Fights Cancer” gear and arrive early to catch both matchups:

• Junior Varsity: 5:00 PM vs. St. Francis
• Varsity: 7:00 PM vs. St. Francis

Throughout the evening, attendees will have several opportunities to contribute to the cause:

• 50/50 Raffle: Tickets will be available for purchase during both games.
• Basket Raffle: Tickets will be sold and winners drawn for a variety of themed baskets donated by supporters.
• “I FIGHT FOR” Signs: Fans can purchase and personalize signs to be displayed around the rink in honor of loved ones.
• Direct Donations: Cash donations will be accepted at the door and throughout the arena.

Tickets for this event can be purchased through the official athletic website at findlaytrojans.com, the Hometown Ticketing App, or cash at the door.

Come out to The Cube on January 23rd to support your Trojan hockey teams and help The Braden Kramer Foundation in the fight against childhood cancer.

Hancock Public Health is kicking off its 2026-2028 Hancock County Community Health Improvement Plan.

The Plan formulates the information gathered from the 2024 Community Health Assessment in which the health department got feedback from the community on priority areas.

Health Commissioner Lindsay Summit was on with WFIN’s Chris Oaks to discuss the Community Health Improvement Plan and the opportunity for county residents to provide feedback on it.

(From Open Arms Domestic Violence & Rape Crisis Services)

We are excited to announce that our emergency shelter now welcomes pets!

We know that pets play an important role in providing comfort and support during challenging times.

Survivors seeking safety will no longer have to choose between leaving an unsafe situation and staying with their beloved animals.

Our shelter offers a secure and compassionate environment for both individuals and their pets.

For more information or to access our services, please contact us via phone or text 419-422-4766.