The Findlay Police Department says four people were arrested after a drug task force executed a search warrant at a Findlay residence.

The Hancock County METRICH Drug Task Force executed a narcotics search warrant at 1215 Crystal Glen Boulevard Apt. D on Thursday morning.

Authorities said the task force had fielded numerous complaints on the address.

The task force said a search of the apartment yielded suspected crack cocaine and methamphetamine, as well as paraphernalia indicating drug use and trafficking.

According to the task force, arrested were Michael S. Hummel, 33, Tyler Vantrease, 43, Jon R. Pinkney, 38, and Russell Rash, 20.

The task force said additional charges of drug trafficking are expected at the conclusion of the investigation.

Findlay’s biggest party of the year returns on Saturday, September 23^rd when Oktoberfest Findlay will be held in the downtown area.

The family-friendly festival has become one of the largest single-day events in Hancock County.

Oktoberfest includes plenty of great food and beer, traditional German music, a kid’s zone and much more.

Oktoberfest is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the Hancock Historical Museum which is a privately funded organization and the money raised helps underwrite their education programming.

Sarah Sisser, executive director of the museum, was on with WFIN’s Chris Oaks to talk about Oktoberfest.

As Sarah mentioned in the audio above, they will be showing the Ohio State football game that night on a big screen.

She thanks all the volunteers who help make the event possible each year.

Click here for the official Oktoberfest Findlay website.

Cancer Patient Services’ second annual Flock Walk will be held on Saturday, September 9^th.

It will be held at the University of Findlay’s Koehler Center and outside on the UF campus.

People are invited to walk with their family, friends and neighbors to support local cancer patients.

A survivor breakfast will be held to kick off the event and then the walk/run begins at 9 a.m.

All participants must be registered by Friday, September 8^th at 11 p.m.

(From the University of Findlay)

University of Findlay will host their annual Donnell Broadway Concert Series on Sunday, September 10, 2023. Tony-nominated singer and actor Max von Essen will will take the stage at UF’s Winebrenner Building, TLB Auditorium. He will be joined by Grammy-Award-nominated Broadway conductor Phil Reno on piano.

Best known for his role as Henri Baurel in the award-winning production of “An American in Paris” on Broadway, von Essen recently finished a yearlong run in the Broadway production of “Anastasia” as Gleb Vaganov before touring the United States as Marvin in Lincoln Center Theater’s revival of “Falsettos.” Other Broadway credits include “Evita,” the revivals of “Les Misérables” and “Jesus Christ Superstar,” “Dance of the Vampires,” and the closing company of the original “Les Misérables.”

Thomas ’70 and Kathleen Donnell established the Thomas and Kathleen Donnell Broadway Concert Series Endowment Fund in conjunction with the University of Findlay’s Give Voice to Your Values campaign. Each year, Tony Award-winning artists and other masters of theater are welcomed to the stage.

The event is open to the public, and the concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts box office, or online at www.mcpa.org.

(From the United Way of Hancock County)

It’s game on at United Way of Hancock County, whose upcoming campaign kickoff events will combine teambuilding opportunities with community impact.

United Way will launch its 2023 Annual Campaign in mid-September with two community sports tournaments designed to build corporate enthusiasm, engage volunteers, and educate the public on the agency’s mission and reach.

First up is the return of the highly popular, family-friendly Campaign Kickoff Kickball Championship. Held from 4-9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14, at Marathon Diamonds, this annual event features 16 teams competing in a single-elimination tournament. The final game of the evening is played under the stadium lights for a trophy and bragging rights — all while promoting United Way and the agencies and programs it supports.

“No matter your athletic prowess, we invite you to gather your team, embrace your inner child and join us for a truly memorable evening of kickball,” said Angela DeBoskey, CEO of United Way of Hancock County. “This event continues to gain popularity every year, and you don’t want to miss out on the chance to round the bases while raising awareness and funds for some incredible local nonprofits.”

Teams can sign up here for a $300 fee. The public is encouraged to come cheer the players on.

One week later, United Way will host its inaugural Campaign Kickoff Pickleball Tournament. Whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned pro, you’re invited to hit the courts at Riverside Park as teams compete in a single-elimination, open division tournament.

The event will be held from 3-7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 21. Pairs can sign up here for a $100 fee.

“We are thrilled at the opportunity to get in on the fun and excitement of pickleball in a way that supports our mission and our work,” DeBoskey said. “We offer a special thank you to local pickleball expert John Steffen, whose guidance has been instrumental in helping us organize this fun new campaign event.”

The theme for United Way of Hancock County’s 2023 Annual Campaign is “Difference Makers,” underscoring the fact that each person can make a difference for vulnerable children, families and individuals through charitable giving, advocacy or volunteerism. United Way’s campaign supports 19 local nonprofit agencies and an additional 20-plus unique programs that provide critical services to 1 in 4 people in Hancock County.

The campaign runs through Nov. 17, with additional events planned and opportunities for workplace and individual giving. All money raised through the campaign stays local to support the areas that need it most. Visit www.uwhancock.org to learn more.

The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office is conducting a short public survey regarding the services it provides.

The sheriff’s office is inviting people to click on the link in the Facebook post below to answer a few questions.

Among the questions, people are asked how they would rate their satisfaction with the sheriff’s office’s professionalism and responsiveness to community needs.

People filling out the survey are also asked what they see as the greatest opportunities over the next two years as well as the biggest challenges.

The sheriff’s office says it will use the feedback from the survey to help improve its services to the community.

Pioneer Days in Kalida will be held September 7 – 10.

Pioneer Days is the oldest festival in Ohio.

There will be carnival games, entertainment for the kids, a parade, plenty of food, and a big car show featuring more than 300 vehicles.

According to the Pioneer Days website, “The Putnam County Historical Society has been an integral part of Pioneer Days from the beginning. It is the third oldest Historical Society in Ohio and has a very active membership promoting the history of Putnam County. Their Museum, located just off the square in Kalida, will be open during the Pioneer Days festival and now consists of three separate buildings packed with artifacts from Putnam County.”

(above pic courtesy of the Pioneer Days website)

A busy Findlay road will be closing for a water line installation project.

West Main Cross Street (State Route 12) between South Cory Street and South West Street in downtown Findlay will close on Monday, September 11 for approximately five days.

The water line that’s being installed is for the new Hancock County Judicial Center building that’s going up at 209 West Main Cross between Cory Street and the post office.

The city says the post office will remain accessible during the road closure.

Detours will be posted.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol apprehended four murder suspects over the Labor Day holiday weekend.

Over the weekend, the Highway Patrol made a total of 17,965 traffic enforcement stops with three of those stops resulting in the arrest of four murder suspects.

On Saturday, along State Route 15 southeast of Findlay, troopers arrested two suspects wanted for murder in Monroe, Michigan who fired at troopers during the pursuit.

On Sunday, troopers apprehended a man wanted for murder in Chicago on I-75 in Auglaize County.

Then, on Monday, troopers arrested a murder suspect in Delaware County.

In addition, troopers arrested 415 drivers for OVI and issued 2,173 safety belt citations.

Troopers also made 225 drug arrests, 98 felony apprehensions and provided assistance to 1,876 motorists.

The University of Findlay is holding its first ever Bravely Leading – Women’s Leadership Conference on Friday, September 8th.

The conference focuses on empowering women in the workplace, emphasizing that bravery is essential for achieving success, fostering innovation, and breaking through barriers.

The event will be held from 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the University of Findlay’s Winebrenner Auditorium.

Conference highlights include engaging keynote presentations, interactive workshops, networking opportunities, and application resources for continued growth.

“We have carefully curated a lineup of distinguished speakers, thought leaders, and industry experts who will share their insights and experiences on how to cultivate bravery in every aspect of our professional lives,” said Kirby Overton, Ed.D. University of Findlay dean of the college of business.

The day of learning is designed to equip businesswomen with the tools necessary to expand their influence and leadership impact.

All professionals will gain insight on how to support and uplift their female colleagues.