(From the University of Findlay)

Ten University of Findlay students are the 2023-24 recipients of more than $60,000 through the Business Affiliates Scholarship Program. This University program offers academic scholarships to Oiler students who have graduated from a Hancock County high school or who are employed by Hancock County businesses.

This year’s scholarship recipients are: Lea Pessell, intervention specialist education major from Arcadia; Hanna Breidenbach, exercise science major from Forest; Kayla Reinbolt, business administration-marketing major from Bascom; Adam Hornak, computer science-data analytics major from Slovakia; Cassie Arnett, business administration-marketing major from Piqua; Abigail Hatch, doctor of pharmacy major from Findlay; Samantha Barnette, echocardiography major from West Salem; Audrey Dewey, intervention specialist education major from Cygnet; Owen Styer, computer science major from Kenton; and Nick McCracken, environmental, health, safety, and sustainability major from Findlay.

“We appreciate the many local businesses who are supporting, recruiting, and employing UF graduates,” said Brittany Beltz, ’15 ’23, UF director of corporate engagement, who coordinates the program. “Their efforts are nurturing the talents of new generations of Oilers who choose to establish their careers and lives in the Findlay area.”

The program is administered by the University’s Business Affiliates advisory board, a group of eight Findlay and Hancock County business leaders working with the UF Advancement office.

Erin Schwiebert, chair of the advisory board, said the generous support of Business Affiliates members helps to alleviate the financial burden of students as they pursue their academic endeavors.

“We believe this is a unique opportunity for area companies to impact the aspirations of UF students while contributing to the growth of the local business landscape,” she added.

The Business Affiliates Scholarship Program has secured nearly $700,000 in scholarship contributions during the past 22 years and impacted the financial well-being of 300 UF students financially since its inception in 2001, Beltz noted.

“We are so proud of our UF graduates who have evolved into valuable members of our community,” she said.

For more information on Business Affiliates, visit the program website or call the Advancement Office at 419-434-4008.

Area law enforcement agencies took to social media to honor their ranks during National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day on Tuesday.

“Today we join citizens across our country to celebrate the men and women in law enforcement in recognition of National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. A special thank you to our officers here at the Findlay Police Department and those that serve Hancock County,” the Findlay Police Department posted on its social media.

The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office posted, “We would like to thank all law enforcement nationwide, locally and especially our employees at the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office for their dedication and service to the community. We appreciate you all!”

Above is a picture of a Findlay police officer handing out candy during trick-or-treat. 

(From the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office)

As winter weather approaches, we would like to remind everyone of what each advisory level means.

A Level 1 Weather Alert means roadways are hazardous, drive with extreme caution.

A Level 2 Weather Advisory means roadways are extremely hazardous with blowing and drifting snow and/or flooding. Only those who feel it is necessary to travel should be on the roadways.

A Level 3 Weather Emergency means most roadways are closed and extremely hazardous. Employees should comply with workplace policies or contact their employer. Violators may be cited.

At any time a level is issued, please tune in to your local media for updates or scan the QR code that is displayed, and it will take you to our website with links that you can select for local news and school closings or delays.

Please do not call our office for weather or level updates; during severe weather, our dispatchers are very busy handling emergency calls.

If you must travel, Have emergency supplies in your vehicle (blankets, water, food, etc.).

Keep all electronic devices charged and ready to go.

Please be patient with emergency personnel, as the demand will be high for all services.

Thank you for your patience.

Remember, you can always get the latest forecast and advisory levels by clicking here, and school closing and cancellations by clicking here.

(From the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office)

On Monday, January 8th, 2024, at approximately 11:05am, the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office was contacted by the Fostoria Police Department and advised that at Hopewell Estates 8702 W. S.R. 18, Fostoria, Seneca County, Ohio, a Toledo company was preparing a Mobile Home for removal tomorrow and the air jacks had failed, and two males were crushed beneath it.

One of the males (37 years of age) appeared to be deceased and the other male (61 years of age) was removed and needs emergency help.

Seneca County Deputies arrived along with Bascom Fire and Bascom EMS and New Riegel Squad.

Toledo Life Flight was contacted and arrived on scene for the second male who had internal injuries.

The Seneca County Coroner’s Office was contacted along with OSHA to come to the scene.

Seneca County Sheriff’s Office Detectives were called out to photograph the scene.

“This tragic accident in our community is horrific for all that had to respond and for the witnesses as well. Our partners in Law Enforcement and Fire and EMS was once again on display during this incident. Our hearts and prayers go out to the family of the deceased male and the injured male fighting with critical internal injuries. Also, to the deputies, fire and ems that were involved in pulling them out from underneath the mobile trailer,” Sheriff Stevens said.

(From Liberty-Benton Local Schools)

On January 3, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to officially open the Liberty-Benton Wrestling Room located in the LB Athletic Booster’s Field House.

Thank you to the following groups for their outstanding work on the project:

Warner Mechanical

Garlock Brothers Construction

Ohio Concrete Solutions

Gillig Winery

And a special thanks to the members of our Capital Campaign Committee and the generous donors whose financial contributions made the completion of this project possible.

(From Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce)

Applications are being accepted for the 2024 Agri-Business scholarship program through the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce.  Scholarships will be awarded to area students pursuing college studies in agriculture, home economics, natural resources, or other related fields. 

 The Chamber Agri-Business Committee is dedicated to ensuring the heritage of agriculture in Hancock County by promoting educational opportunities and outlining the vital role of agri-business by introducing and exploring value-added agricultural opportunities.

 Applicants can either be high school seniors pursuing further studies or current college students enrolled in an agriculturally related field. Applicants must live or go to school in Hancock County. Applications are available online at www.findlayhancockchamber.com/agribusiness. 

Completed applications must be submitted by Wednesday, January 31, 2024.

 For more information contact the Chamber of Commerce at 419.422.3313, email djenkins@FindlayHancockChamber.com, or visit findlayhancockchamber.com/agribusiness.

Findlay City Schools is reminding students and parents about a couple of upcoming days off for students.

The school district says there will be no school on Friday, January 12^th and Monday, January 15^th.

Friday, January 12^th is a staff in-service day and Monday, January 15^th is Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

See the full school district calendar by clicking here.

We could be getting some winter weather this week, and you can click here for school closings and delays, and here for the latest weather forecast and road alerts. 

Ohio Secretary of State and U.S. Senate candidate Frank LaRose stopped by the WFIN Studios on Friday and was interviewed by WFIN’s Chris Oaks.

LaRose was in town to speak at the Hancock County GOP’s First Friday Luncheon.

On with WFIN’s Chris Oaks, LaRose said he’s the only candidate in the race who is a lifelong Republican.

“People can try to reinvent their records, I’m proud of mine, I don’t have to reinvent it. I’m a credentialed conservative, a battle-tested conservative. I’ve proven that I’m going to go to D.C. and fight for our values.”

LaRose is facing Matt Dolan and Bernie Moreno in seeking the Republican nomination in the March primary.

The winner of the primary will face off with Democrat U.S. Senator from Ohio, Sherrod Brown, in the fall.

The Findlay Police Department says a car crashed into a house along Tiffin Avenue when the driver suffered a medical issue.

It happened at around 5 o’clock Sunday afternoon in the 800 block of Tiffin Avenue.

Police say Ronald Smith, 45, of Findlay, was driving eastbound in the 700 block of Tiffin Avenue when he began to have a medical issue and veered off the roadway to the right and through the front yard of 721 Tiffin Avenue.

His car then got back on the roadway and proceeded through the intersection of Tiffin Avenue and Central Avenue before going off the north side of the roadway and striking a house at 804 Tiffin Avenue.

Police say no citations were issued and Smith was taken to the hospital for a medical evaluation.

(From the Tiffin Police Department)

On Saturday, January 6, 2024, around 4:30 pm, Tiffin Police Officers responded to a 9-1-1 call from a resident in the 100 block of Sycamore St. The caller reported two gunshots from an upstairs apartment penetrating his ceiling and entering his apartment.

Upon arrival, officers confirmed the report, secured the area, and initiated communication attempts with the occupants of the upstairs apartment. The Black Swamp Emergency Service Unit (BSESU) was activated for assistance.

Around 5:10 pm, five juveniles voluntarily descended from the upstairs apartment and surrendered to Tiffin Officers. They disclosed the presence of an adult male inside who refused to come out. Confirmation was received that a firearm was in the upstairs apartment, and shots had indeed been fired. At approximately 5:40 pm, after further negotiations, the adult male agreed to exit the apartment and surrendered to the BSESU.

At 5:45 pm, the adult male was arrested and transported to the Seneca County Jail on a separate arrest warrant. Following the arrest, the BSESU conducted a preliminary search to ensure the safety of the upstairs apartment. Subsequently, Tiffin Detectives executed a search warrant to collect the firearm and any other relevant evidence from the scene.

Gratitude is extended to the Tiffin Officers, Seneca County Sheriff’s Deputies, Fostoria Police and Fire Departments, and the Black Swamp Emergency Service Unit for their collaboration. We are relieved that the resolution was achieved peacefully without harm to officers or civilians.

Thank you,

Tiffin Police Chief David W. Pauly