The Ohio State Highway Patrol says a motorcyclist from Tiffin was killed in a crash in Seneca County when a vehicle turned in front of him.

The Highway Patrol says Joseph Knott, 45, was driving his Harley Davidson southwest on State Route 101 on Thursday night when an SUV being driven by James Dougherty, 91, of Tiffin, that was traveling northeast on State Route 101 turned onto Township Road 188.

The Highway Patrol said Dougherty failed to yield while turning left and was struck by Knott.

Knott was thrown from his motorcycle and landed in the roadway.

He was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The Highway Patrol said Knott was not wearing a helmet.

The crash remains under investigation.

The NCAA says the University of Findlay improperly certified eligibility for 82 student-athletes in 11 sports over three academic years.

“The school and enforcement staff agreed that the violations occurred when the former director of compliance at the school — who felt overwhelmed by his responsibilities, particularly amid the COVID-19 pandemic and related virtual work conditions — did not complete required eligibility checklists or check for initial eligibility and amateurism certification, as required by NCAA rules. As a result, the school did not correctly certify 82 student-athletes across 11 sports. In total, 90 violations of NCAA rules occurred, and those student-athletes competed while ineligible in 136 contests and received actual/necessary expenses while ineligible or not properly certified,” the NCAA said.

The enforcement staff and the university agreed on the following penalties and corrective measures:

– Three years of probation.

– A $2,500 fine.

– A vacation of all records in which student-athletes competed while ineligible. The university must provide a written report containing the contests impacted to the NCAA media coordination and statistics staff within 14 days of the public release of the decision.

When contacted for comment, the University of Findlay said it was referring inquiries to the official release from the NCAA.

The UF student newspaper The Pulse reported that University of Findlay President Dr. Katherine Fell stated that “once issues were identified, immediate action was taken to rectify lapses in the process and outline safeguards to prevent this oversight from happening again.”

The Pulse also reported that Dr. Fell expressed deep regret and took full responsibility for the penalties resulting from the infractions. “We sincerely apologize to the affected students and their athletic reputations,” Fell said.

(From Findlay City Schools)

Findlay City Schools is proud to announce that Anthony Nugeness, Assistant Principal of Glenwood Middle School, has been named as a top nominee for the Ohio Association for Secondary School Administrators Assistant Principal of the Year Award.

This award recognizes middle and high school assistant principals who are acknowledged by their peers for the exemplary contributions they have made to the profession.

Congratulations, Mr. Nugeness! We can’t wait for the entire state of Ohio to know all of the incredible ways you impact our district.

(From the West Ohio Food Bank)

Families with children and seniors facing hunger were dealt a one-two punch earlier this year. As grocery prices remain stubbornly higher, emergency increases in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, passed in the early days of the pandemic, expired.

The decrease in SNAP benefits left so many neighbors in our community in the impossible position of having to make hundreds of dollars less stretch even further each month. That’s why, this Hunger Action Month, we’re asking Congress to pass the strongest possible Farm Bill. Will you add your name?

The Farm Bill controls many of the nation’s nutrition and agriculture programs, including SNAP. Congress is in the process of reviewing it right now. This bill only comes up once every five years – this is a rare opportunity to ensure families and seniors have the support they need to keep food on the table!

If we come together, we can motivate Congress to prioritize SNAP benefits so no families, children, or seniors will have to choose between food and other basic needs. Sign now>>

Tell Congress to strengthen SNAP benefits this Hunger Action Month!

Congress can help families and seniors facing hunger by passing the strongest possible Farm Bill. Tell you lawmakers that families and seniors are counting on them!

We are continuing to see a rising demand for help with food – these benefits are truly essential to so many households in our community.

You voice is so important, and we need you on board as we urge lawmakers to support Ohio children, seniors and families who depend on SNAP benefits.

(From the Ohio Department of Transportation)

Drivers entering Ohio will soon be welcomed with signs bearing the state’s new branding and slogan – Ohio, The Heart of it All. The signs will replace older and outdated signs at major entry points to the state.

Governor Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Development announced the reimagined Ohio, The Heart of it All brand on May 10, 2023, during Ohio Tourism Day. The tagline was previously the state’s tourism slogan between 1984 and 2001.

“There is endless fun, excitement, joy, and adventure here in Ohio, but our state is more than just a travel destination,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. “There is no better place to live, learn, work, and play, and now, everyone who crosses into Ohio will know that they’re entering the Heart of it All.”

In total, 36 new signs were made by the Ohio Department of Transportation Sign Shop in Columbus.

“Each letter, each element is put on by hand by our employees, piece-by-piece, letter-by-letter,” said ODOT Sign Shop Administrator Josh Wilson. The ODOT Sign Shop manufactures nearly 100,000 signs each year.

Some of these new welcome signs will be installed by ODOT crews, while contractors will install others. The largest signs, measuring more than 40’ wide, will be hung on the arch that spans I-70 at the Indiana border in Preble County.

“These signs act as a welcome mat, inviting visitors in and greeting residents coming home,” said State Tourism Director Sarah Wickham. “We want them to be beautiful and to represent our state’s pride, setting the tone for what you can expect during your time in our great state.”

Visitor spending hit $53 billion in Ohio last year, a 13 percent increase over 2021. The state recorded 233 million visits in 2022, including 47 million overnight stays.

The total cost of the signs is $59,990.12. The goal is to have all signs installed by December.

A Hancock County man pleaded guilty to a murder charge a few days before his trial was to begin.

Brian L. Ziessler, 67, was set to go on trial on September 18^th in connection with his wife’s shooting death in 2021.

Deputies arrived at 16777 Township Road 205, east of Findlay and near the reservoirs, on November 15^th, 2021 to find Sherri Ziessler, 59, dead of multiple gunshot wounds.

Brian Ziessler was indicted in November of 2021 on a charge of aggravated murder.

On Wednesday, Ziessler pleaded guilty to an amended charge of murder in Hancock County Common Pleas Court.

He faces 15 years to life. Sentencing is scheduled for September 20^th.

The Findlay-Hancock County Public Library is encouraging people who don’t have one yet to get a library card during National Library Card Sign-Up Month in September.

Library Director Sarah Clevidence says at the library they believe there’s nothing more empowering than getting your own library card.

“It gives you access to technology, resources and services to help you pursue your passions and your dreams.”

Sarah says 27,047 members of the community are currently library card holders and they’d like to sign up a lot more during National Library Card Sign-Up Month.

Get more details by clicking here.

Findlay City Schools will be holding a new event so people can get to know the new superintendent and he can hear from people about what they expect from him and the school district.

It’s called The Morning Brew, Coffee and Conversation with Dr. Hatton.

The first one will be held at Coffee Amici on the morning of Friday, September 15^th beginning at 7 a.m.

Community members are invited to stop by and have a conversation with the school district’s new superintendent, Dr. Andy Hatton.

We talked with Dr. Hatton about the new event and that audio can be heard below.

The Findlay Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is inviting the public to join them in celebrating the Highway Patrol’s 90^th anniversary.

The celebration will be held on Wednesday, September 20^th from 10 to 2 at the Findlay Post at 3201 North Main Street in Findlay.

The public is invited to come and tour the post, meet personnel, and even talk to a recruiter.

(From Findlay Service League)

Findlay Service League announces the launch of their service year and are accepting requests for volunteers and funding. Nonprofit organizations are eligible to request volunteers or funds for projects and events happening between September 2023 and April 2024. A sum of $20,000 in community funding is available.

“After our record year of service and fundraising last year, we are excited to put the $20,000 back into other community non-profits in need,” says Tammie Hoerig, FSL President. “The women of Findlay Service League are ready to serve and are looking forward to new and continuing service requests.”

Community Impact

Last year, Findlay Service League Members contributed 837 hours of volunteer hours and granted $10,000 in funding requests, which helped 18 community organizations. Findlay Service League also awarded $2,000 in the Spirit of Volunteerism Scholarship award to two graduating highschool seniors who exemplify a life dedicated to service.

Each year Findlay Service League identifies a need in the local community for Make a Difference Day (MADD). The 2023 MADD project will once again be “We make a difference. Period.” Findlay Service League Members will be collecting period products to distribute to middle schools in Findlay.

The provisional class hosts Done in a Day projects throughout the service year. Done in a Day projects identifies local organizations and attempts to fulfill their supply list needs.

Natalie Click, Charities and Service Committee Chair, states, “We are always looking for new organizations to make requests that will help positively impact our local community.”

About Us

Founded in 1976, Findlay Service League is an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women and improving the community through effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.

For information on how to request volunteers or funding or if you are interested in becoming a member, please visit our website https://www.findlayserviceleague.org/ or email us at serviceleaguefindlay@gmail.com.