(From the Ohio State Highway Patrol)

A memorial sign dedication ceremony took place at the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Swanton Post to honor Patrolman Jon D. Birchem, who died in the line of duty on February 27, 1967 when he lost control of his vehicle on an icy roadway while pursuing two speeding vehicles.

“This dedication serves as a powerful reminder of the risks our personnel – and every law enforcement officer across the country – face every day,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent. “It honors Patrolman Birchem’s service and the sacrifice he made while protecting others.”

A sign was installed on the eastbound side of the Ohio Turnpike, near milepost 65, close to where the fatal crash occurred more than 58 years ago. The sign is meant to memorialize the sacrifice Patrolman Birchem made in service to others. He was the first Patrol officer to give his life in the line of duty on the Ohio Turnpike.

“Across the Ohio Turnpike, there are memorial signs erected to honor those who perished or were injured while performing duties to help keep turnpike travelers safe,” said Chief Engineer/Deputy Executive Director Chris Matta, P.E., Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission. “Their names should serve as a reminder that it’s everyone’s responsibility to prevent tragedies like this one from occurring ever again.”

Family members of Patrolman Birchem attended the ceremony, along with state Representatives Haraz Ghanbari, James Hoops and Erika White. Ghanbari, who also serves on the Turnpike Commission, played a key role in making the dedication possible.

The sign dedication ceremony was part of the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission’s Move Over Sign Program, which began in 2017 to honor those who lost their lives or suffered life-long consequences while serving the motoring public.

(From the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts)

Calling all Ohio high school teachers and arts organization leaders!

Ready to inspire the next generation of performers, poets and public speakers? Registration is NOW OPEN for the 2025–2026 season of Poetry Out Loud — the National Recitation Contest that gives high school students a stage to shine!

Whether you’re a teacher looking to energize your classroom or an arts leader ready to elevate your programming, this is your chance to bring the power of poetry to life.

Learn how to get your school or arts center involved: oac.ohio.gov/programs-and-services/poetry-out-loud

MCPA is thrilled to serve as the Ohio Arts Council’s regional partner for Northwest Ohio, with generous support from the National Endowment for the Arts. Let’s make this season unforgettable!

(above pictures courtesy of Terry Gilliam)

(From the Hancock METRICH Enforcement Unit)

On 10/28/25 at approx. 1600 hrs. the Hancock County METRICH Drug Task Force assisted by the FBI Northwest Ohio Safe Streets Task Force and other Government Agencies, the Hancock County Special Response Team (SRT), and the Hancock County’s Strategic Mobile Enforcement Team (SMET) executed three controlled reverse drug deliveries.

The US Attorney’s office as wells as the Hancock County Prosecutor were consulted before the deliveries. These operations stemmed from an FBI investigation where multiple kilograms (kilos) of cocaine were seized in the area. During this investigation multiple buyers for the seized cocaine were discovered in Findlay, Ohio. The FBI set up the transactions using a controlled location where the buyers would come to get their suspected narcotics and be apprehended with the product.

As a result of these operations 3.5 kilos of cocaine were seized, approximately fifteen thousand dollars cash, three vehicles seized, one hand gun, and five individuals were taken into custody.

The following persons were arrested and incarcerated at the Hancock County Justice Center.

Larry R. Pahl (57 year old)

1032 W. Main Cross St.

Findlay, Ohio

Fresh Charge: Possession of Drugs F

Vincent R. Turner (34 year old)

16113 CR 8

Arlington, Ohio

Fresh Charge: Possession of Drug F

Jeffery R. England (34 year old)

212 Prentiss Ave

Findlay Ohio

Fresh Charge: Possession of Drugs F1

Trent J. Deal ( 34 year old)

205 Buffalo St

Vanlue Ohio

Fresh Charge: Possession of Drugs F1

Kodak J. Lawrence ( 30 year old)

15145 SR 568

Findlay Ohio

Fresh Charge: Possession of Drugs F

Additional charges are expected at the conclusion of this investigation.

The Hancock METRICH Drug Enforcement Unit is supported by METRICH in Mansfield, OH and funded in part by the Office of Criminal Justice Services.

METRICH Crime Tip Hotline: 419-52-CRIME (419-522-7463) or download the METRICH enforcement unit mobile app to “Submit a Tip.”

The Ohio Department of Agriculture has an investigation underway into the Hancock County Fair.

A representative from the Ohio Department of Agriculture confirmed the investigation to WFIN News, but said details about the nature of the investigation could not be released at this time as it is an active investigation. 

A woman who did a lot of good for Findlay and Hancock County has passed away.

Virginia “Ginny” Clymer was 93 years old.

Virginia graduated from Findlay High School in 1951 and was very dedicated to her community.

Among her many accomplishments, Ginny was the first woman to serve as a Hancock County Commissioner, according to her obituary from Coldren-Crates Funeral Home that you can read below.

Virginia “Ginny” Clymer, 93, of Findlay, Ohio, passed away at 1:17 p.m. on Monday, October 27, 2025, at the Meadows of Ottawa. She was born on July 18, 1932, in Hancock County to the late Harold W. and Bessie (Shafer) Charles. She married Richard D. Clymer on May 25, 1952, and he preceded her in death on March 19, 2011.

Ginny is survived by her son, Joe (Michelle) Clymer of Gilboa, OH; daughters, Linda (Peter) Simons of Mims, FL, and Debra (David) Londeck of Clarkston, MI; grandchildren, Christopher, Crystal, Larry, Steven, Jonathan, Alexandra, Maxwell, Charles, and Trisha; and several great-grandchildren.

She was also preceded in death by her son, Charles Clymer; her sister, Elsie Preston; and a step-grandchild, Jeremy Shaul.

A 1951 graduate of Findlay High School, Ginny was an accomplished professional. She worked for six years at Marathon Oil Company, 16 years at RCA, and 16 years with National Lime & Stone as the Assistant Director of Purchasing. Ginny served her community as a member of Findlay City Council for 5½ years, including a term as President. She went on to serve as Hancock County Commissioner for 12 years, becoming the first woman ever elected to this position. Ginny played a vital role in raising funds in 1962 for the rebuilding of the YMCA after a devastating fire.

Ginny was dedicated to her community, serving on numerous boards, committees, and associations over the years. She received many awards for her service and was admired for her selflessness. In her spare time, she enjoyed sewing, gardening, working with stained glass, and, most of all, spending time with her beloved grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, October 31, 2025, at COLDREN-CRATES FUNERAL HOME in Findlay. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. prior to the service. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in Findlay.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Legion Post 3, Findlay.

(From the University of Findlay)

The University of Findlay is launching the Watterson Center for Ethical Leadership this fall and has appointed Sarah Fedirka, Ph.D., as director.

The Watterson Center for Ethical Leadership is named for Billy Watterson and his wife, Brenda, who made a $6 million gift to launch the center. He is a 1996 UF graduate and Board of Trustees member.

Trustees, faculty, and administrators gathered October 16 with Findlay-Hancock County corporate and community leaders for an unveiling of the first of the center’s offerings, the Watterson Scholars program.

Welcoming students from all majors, the Watterson Scholars is a four-year academic program with components such as vocational exploration, ethical leadership development, and civic advocacy. Each of the four years is themed to the center’s virtues of courage, humility, integrity, and compassion. The program will launch in fall 2026.

“This is a program for students who have a heart for community engagement,” Fedirka said. “It is designed to transform their lives, preparing them to be ethical leaders in their communities after graduation.”

The program curriculum includes service projects, undergraduate research, and travel to the Freedom Center in Cincinnati, the Ohio state capitol, and New York City. A Hancock Collegiate Leadership Academy, offered in conjunction with the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, is being developed for Watterson Scholars.

Sarah Foltz ’14, community engagement director of The Alliance, coordinates the Hancock Leadership Academies and is charged with the new initiative.

“We are excited to provide University of Findlay students with additional learning beyond campus to see how our community works, to explore a variety of vocations, and connect with people who are passionate about helping them grow,” she said.

Through these transformative learning experiences, UF President Katherine Fell, Ph.D., anticipates that the initial class of students will be fully immersed in the Watterson Center’s mission: “to inspire ethical leaders who will impact their world.”

“It has been a fitting and bold step for the University to establish the Watterson Center for Ethical Leadership to provide our students and the broader community a place to develop ethical awareness, leadership skills, vocational discernment, and a sense of service to others,” she said.

Since its founding by the Churches of God General Conference and the City of Findlay in 1882, the University has been committed to engagement with the Hancock County community.

“Our campus community cares about the issues, conditions, and problems that affect Findlay-Hancock county,” said Christine Denecker, Ph.D., interim vice president of academic affairs. “Through the Watterson Scholars program, we will lend our minds and hands in addressing those problems.”

Dr. William Kose, M.D., J.D., a member of the UF Board of Trustees, described the Watterson Scholars as “a fresh approach to community building” and “a game changer.”

“Community building occurs when we put others before ourselves,” he said, encouraging corporate and community leaders to support the program “and bring this vision of ethical leadership and community collaboration to life.”

Findlay Mayor Christina Muryn ’14 agreed, emphasizing the importance of preparing students to be ethical leaders because “people are watching how we influence change, culture, businesses, and other people.”

“I know we will be able to change our community, our classrooms, and the world for the better. Each of us has the ability to be the change we want to see in the world,” the mayor explained. “The type of change we are able to make is priceless.”

Curriculum development for Watterson Scholars is currently taking place. The scholars program is partially supported by a $75,000 NetVUE Vocation Across the Academy grant through the Council of Independent Colleges.

For more information on the Watterson Scholars program, visit findlay.edu/watterson-scholars. Individuals and businesses interested in sponsoring a cohort of Watterson Scholars may visit give.findlay.edu.

(ONN) – The landscape of high school sports in Ohio is changing, and it has to do with allowing high school athletes to earn money off their name, image, and likeness.

The looming vote on name, image and likeness deals by schools has the Ohio High School Athletic Association partnering with a national company.

OHSAA is partnering with ‘Influential Athlete’, a company that trains schools and athletes on NIL rules.

The partnership will give school leaders webinars, guidance, and resources.

Schools that are part of OHSAA will vote on new NIL language within the next 45 days.

The City of Findlay is letting residents know that the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting will take place on Wednesday, November 5th due to Tuesday, November 4^th being Election Day.

Findlay City Council meetings are typically held on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers located on the first floor of the Municipal Building. 

(From the Hancock Historical Museum)

The Hancock Historical Museum Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the appointment of Abigail Inbody as the organization’s new Executive Director.

Inbody brings a diverse set of skills, dedication, and a fresh perspective to her new role. Since joining the museum in February 2025 as Marketing & Community Relations Coordinator, Inbody has demonstrated exceptional leadership, launching innovative outreach initiatives designed to engage younger audiences and strengthen the museum’s connection with the community.

“As I step into this role, I am filled with deep gratitude and excitement for the opportunities ahead,” Inbody shared. “The Hancock Historical Museum is uniquely positioned to serve as a vibrant cultural hub for history, education, and community connection. My vision is to expand our reach in sustainable ways, ensuring our exhibits and programs remain innovative and accessible for all.”

A native of Hancock County, Inbody’s professional career has been defined by her commitment to community service. She currently serves as the Marketing Chair for Findlay Young Professionals through the Findlay Hancock County Chamber of Commerce and is an active member of the group’s events committee. Inbody is also a member of the current Hancock Leadership class. Her previous experience includes overseeing the transitional shelter for Hope House for the Homeless, where she served as Shelter Facility Manager and Volunteer Coordinator, as well as starting her own wedding and event planning business in 2019.

“Preserving our shared history and telling the stories that might otherwise be forgotten is a responsibility I hold close to my heart,” Inbody continued. “I am honored to work alongside our dedicated staff, volunteers, and generous supporters to inspire future generations through this treasured community resource.”

The Hancock Historical Museum Board of Trustees is confident that Inbody’s enthusiasm, expertise, and vision will guide the museum into an exciting new chapter.

(From the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts)

MCPA Amped is your go-to for high energy concerts that keep things casual and fun. These shows are announced throughout the year and often feature artists that get the crowd moving.

You might find yourself dancing, singing along, or just soaking in the vibe. It’s a more relaxed concert experience than our Mainstage series, perfect for those who like their live music loud, lively, and a little less formal.

Kicking off MCPA Amped is Joan Osborne and Lisa Loeb!

Joan Osborne and Lisa Loeb, two iconic voices of the ’90s, come together for a special evening celebrating the 30th anniversaries of their breakthrough albums: Loeb’s Tails and Osborne’s Relish.

These genre-blending records combined folk, pop, and rock with intimate, unforgettable storytelling.

From Loeb’s “Stay (I Missed You)” to Osborne’s “One of Us,” relive the anthems that defined a generation, along with new music and fan favorites from throughout their careers.

Click here for ticket information.