The Fostoria Police Division has been conducting special covert operations as part of the national program Internet Crimes Against Children, also known as ICAC, over the last 10 months.

Fostoria Police Officer Kyle Reinbolt, who has led all of the investigations, has arrested and charged 15 different suspects during the operations.

The investigations led to numerous charges of Attempted Sexual Conduct with a Minor, Importuning, and Disseminating Harmful Material to a Juvenile.

During the operations, Officer Reinbolt had contact with the suspects online and through texting – posing as a child – and was sought out by the suspects to engage in sexual conduct.

“There is no greater threat to our community, than those who prey upon our children,” said Fostoria Police Chief Gabe Wedge.

“We will continue to go after and apprehend these individuals, whether online or in person; giving them each their day in court, but most importantly bringing them into the light, so the community knows!”

The chief said, while most of the subjects have been convicted and sentenced, some still have pending court cases and will be afforded their due process.

Click here for a look at the suspects arrested.

The University of Findlay celebrated International Mother Language Day on Tuesday.

Several UF students shared songs, poems and dances in their native tongue during the event that celebrates linguistic and cultural diversity.

In the video below, a student from Taiwan sings a song in Mandarin and a student from India dances during the International Mother Language Day celebration at UF.

The University of Findlay has more than 400 international students from 44 countries.

Mayor Christina Muryn attended the event and posed for the above picture with organizers and performers that she shared on her social media.

Blanchard Valley Health System is now offering an abbreviated breast magnetic resonance imaging test as an additional breast cancer screening tool.

Breast MRI is particularly useful for women with a higher risk of breast cancer, or who have dense breast tissue.

BVHS calculates the lifetime breast cancer risk for every woman who receives a mammogram. A computer model looks at a variety of factors, including family history, the age of a woman’s first menstrual period and menopause.

“A breast MRI is the most sensitive tool for detecting breast cancer, and may pick up cancer that wouldn’t show up in a mammogram,” said Aimee Hawley, MD, a radiologist at EasternWoods Outpatient Center and Woman Wise Mammography.

“But many insurance companies have limited the extent to which they will pay for a breast MRI. So, the abbreviated breast MRI gives this opportunity to women who might benefit, but whose insurance will not approve a full breast MRI.”

An abbreviated breast MRI is a shorter procedure, taking about 10 minutes, compared to 30 to 45 minutes for a full breast MRI. But it has been found to be just as sensitive at detecting breast cancers. At this time, an abbreviated breast MRI is a self-pay procedure, but at a significantly lower cost than a full breast MRI.

Qualifications for an abbreviated breast MRI include a screening mammogram within the last year; no previous history of breast cancer; insurance having denied a full breast MRI; and a less than 20% lifetime risk for breast cancer.

Hawley also emphasized the importance of breast cancer screening, in general. She said many women do not get routine mammograms.

“Regular screening makes it more likely we’ll detect cancer in its early stages,” she said. “We want to catch it when it’s smaller, and easier to treat. Waiting could mean that more intensive treatment or more complicated surgeries are required. This would mean more expense, as well as additional discomfort.”

A breast MRI does not take the place of a mammogram, but is used to supplement it. Women who have not been screened at all for breast cancer recently should start with a mammogram. BVHS offers 3D mammography at Woman Wise Mammography in the EasternWoods Outpatient Center in Findlay, and offers 2D digital mammography at Bluffton Hospital and the Ottawa Medical & Diagnostic Center. To schedule a mammogram, call 419.423.5323.

However, women who have received a mammogram but have been denied for a full breast MRI may benefit from asking their provider about ordering an abbreviated breast MRI.

(story courtesy of BVHS)

The newly-selected superintendent of Findlay City Schools released a video message to the community.

In the message, Dr. Andy Hatton thanked Trojan Country for this opportunity to serve as the school district’s next superintendent.

“I cannot wait to start collaborating with this amazing team in Findlay City Schools.”

Hatton, who comes to Findlay from Upper Arlington, said he’s already received a very warm welcome from many members of the community and he hopes to start meeting members of the community in person over the next few months ahead of his official start date of August, 1^st.

“I am humbled and honored to be chosen as your next superintendent and I cannot wait to get started. Go Trojans.”

The City of Findlay is letting people know that a stretch of a city street will be closed for a few days.

The city says West Lincoln Street will be closed to through traffic from Western Avenue to Liberty Street for storm sewer installation from Wednesday, February 22nd to Friday, February 24^th.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area if possible.

The Engineering Department will release updates on information and schedules when available.

The city says people with questions about this project or others may call 419-424-7121.

One of the three men arrested in connection with the death of Bluffton police officer Dominic Francis in March of 2022 agreed to a plea deal with the Hancock County Prosecutor’s Office.

Dante Tate pleaded guilty to two felony counts of receiving stolen property, while counts of grand theft of a motor vehicle and improper handling of a firearm in a vehicle were dismissed.

Tate, 19, was sentenced to 2 ½ years in prison on the two felony charges.

He will serve that sentence after he completes the two-year sentence he received in Medina County where he was apprehended in a car he stole after the stolen car he was a passenger in struck Officer Francis on Interstate 75 in Bluffton.

Court records show the man police believe was driving the car, Emin Johnson, has a trial date set for April 24^th in Hancock County Common Pleas Court. He’s facing charges of aggravated vehicular homicide and involuntary manslaughter, among others.

A backseat passenger, Zachary Love, has a pretrial hearing set for March 3^rd.

Authorities say the three were in a stolen car that was fleeing from police on Interstate 75 southbound around 2:30 a.m. on March 31^st of 2022 that struck and killed Bluffton police officer Dominic Francis, who was placing stop sticks on the highway in an effort to end the pursuit.

The Fort Findlay FOP Lodge 20 Foundation previously established an official fundraising drive authorized by the family of officer Dominic Francis.

Donations can be made now to the Dominic Francis Memorial scholarships thru The Findlay Hancock Community Foundation.

Greater Findlay Restaurant Week is returning for the sixth year in Findlay and Hancock County.

Visit Findlay says around 20 local restaurants are offering three-course meals on a prix-fixe menu at different price points.

Diners are encouraged to try something new or support their favorite restaurants during this special week.

This year Restaurant Week will be held February 20 – 26.

Included in Restaurant Week this year are restaurants in Arlington, Bluffton and Vanlue.

Price points for the participating restaurants are $15, $25, $35, and $45 per diner and vary per restaurant.

Those interested in taking part in Restaurant Week simply need to visit the restaurant of their choice during dinner hours and ask for the Restaurant Week Menu.

Diners will then select one option per course and be charged the restaurant’s set price.

Prices do not include tax, gratuity, or drinks; however, many locations are running drink specials.

Restaurants will also be serving their regular menu.

No tickets are necessary, but reservations are suggested at some locations.

Menus and hours are subject to change without notice.

For a complete list of participating restaurants and their menus, click here.

For more information, call 419-422-3315 or email info@visitfindlay.com.

Christian Clearing House is accepting donations for its Annual Benefit Garage Sale.

Volunteers will be at Brinkman’s Greenhouse at 1800 East Sandusky Street in Findlay accepting donations until March 11^th.

Executive Director Tammy Stahl was on with WFIN’s Chris Oaks to discuss their biggest fundraiser of the year.

The Annual Garage Sale will then be held on March 18^th and 19^th.

All proceeds benefit people in Hancock County who are struggling.

Get more on the event below and by clicking here.

A popular show on PBS will be filming some episodes in northeast Ohio.

Antiques Roadshow is bringing the production to Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens in Akron on Tuesday, June 6 for an all-day appraisal event.

This stop marks one of five locations Antiques Roadshow is visiting this year, with three episodes created at each destination to air on PBS in 2024. Click here for the list of all locations.

Production officials say fans can enter for a chance to win free tickets by clicking here.

The Fostoria Police Division is welcoming a new 4-legged member to the force.

Bandit is a 20-month-old Dutch Shepherd who graduated from the Ohio State Highway Patrol Canine Academy with his K9 handler Fostoria Police Officer Jared Lindig on February 6th.

“We can’t wait to see what all this duo can do! Again, welcome Bandit!”