(From Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation)

The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation is extending the deadline for supplemental financial information due to delays with the Department of Education’s Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) processing.

The first step of the submission process, the universal application, is still due Wednesday, February 7, at noon.

The FAFSA information will now be due Friday, March 15 at noon.

The Department of Education sets the timeline for the FAFSA, so this deadline may be extended again.

More than half of the 140+ scholarship funds at The Community Foundation require this information.

“First and foremost, these changes impact local students,” said Brian Treece, President & CEO of The Community Foundation.

“We want to ensure they can be considered for as many Foundation scholarships as they qualify for.”

Due to the Department of Education delaying the FAFSA, scholarship reviews are tentatively scheduled to take place in April.

Recipients will be notified of their awards in late May/early June.

Certificates and photo opportunities will be available at The Community Foundation office after that time.

“While the FAFSA process is out of our control, we are prioritizing students and their needs throughout this process,” said Andrea Clements, Scholarship and Business Process Manager.

“We appreciate the patience of everyone involved in our scholarship program as we adapt to the changes this year.” The Foundation will provide updates on FAFSA changes, deadlines and other pertinent information via email and on the website.

Should you have any questions, please contact the Foundation.

(From The Ohio State Highway Patrol)

The Van Wert Post is currently investigating a two-vehicle injury crash that occurred at 11:05am Tuesday on US 24 near Twp Road 143 in Paulding County.

Unit #1, a silver 2020 Honda Fit, being operated by Jonathon Barnes, 35 years of age, of Liepsic, Ohio, was traveling westbound on US 24 in the left lane approaching the intersection of Twp Road 143. Mr. Barnes had an 8-year-old passenger in his vehicle.

Unit #2, a gray 2007 Peterbilt semi towing a 2021 semi-trailer loaded with swine feed, being operated by Todd A. Maassel, 55 years of age, of Defiance, Ohio, was also westbound on US 24 in the left lane. Mr. Maassel had a 42-year-old passenger in his vehicle, Jeremy Beck, of Archbold, Ohio.

Unit #2 was accelerating after it had entered US 24 from TWP Road 143 and was struck in the rear by Unit #1.

Both occupants of Unit #1 sustained serious injuries and were flown by Samaritan Air to Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The occupants in Unit#2 were not injured.

Troopers were assisted at the scene by the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office, Paulding Fire and EMS, John’s Towing, and Samaritan Air.

The crash remains under investigation and the State Highway Patrol reminds motorists to not drive distracted.

(From the City of Tiffin)

The City of Tiffin Police Department and Tiffin Fire/Rescue Division will host active shooter training from the hours of 8 a.m. until 12 p.m. on Saturday, February 10 at Washington Elementary on Elmer Street, and Sunday, February 11 at Tiffin Columbian High School on South Monroe Street. The goal of the training is to better prepare Police and Fire Rescue teams for the attack of a gunman in Tiffin schools.

Residents may see an increased Police and Fire/Rescue presence on school grounds and surrounding areas during the time of training. Blank cartridges will be used during the exercise and may be audible. Other commotion may be heard as well.

Residents in the training areas will receive a letter or may be contacted by Police and Fire/Rescue personnel before the simulation begins to assure they are aware of the exercises taking place.  

If you have questions or concerns in regards to this training, please contact Tiffin City Hall at 419-448-5401.

In the event of a true emergency, please call 9-1-1.

(From Blanchard Valley Center)

Blanchard Valley Center (Hancock County Board of Developmental Disabilities) will host two community events in February.

A Polar Plunge for the benefit of Special Olympics will be held Feb. 17, 1-3 p.m., at the Heritage Springs Campground, 13891 Township Rd. 199 in Vanlue.

A Cabin Fever Reliever event will be held Feb. 24, 9 a.m. – noon, at Blanchard Valley Center, 1700 E. Sandusky St. in Findlay.

Both events are open to the public. BVC-Hancock County Special Olympics is hoping to raise $7,000 through the Polar Plunge.

Participants are asked to gather pledges in order to take the dip. Adult plungers are asked to commit to “Freezin’ for a Reason,” and raise $75 in pledges. Junior plungers are asked to raise $50 in pledges.

Plungers who raise $75 will receive a Polar Plunge T-shirt. Anyone who raises $250 also will receive a Polar Plunge towel.

And, if jumping into sub-freezing water is not your cup of tea, Special Olympics doesn’t want you to feel left out.

Non-plunging participants can raise $50 and receive a “Too Chicken to Plunge” T-shirt.

The event is part of a statewide fundraising event for Special Olympics. To register for the Plunge, or to donate, go to: https://give.sooh.org/event/hancockcounty-polar-plunge/e536095

The Cabin Fever Reliever is a chance to get out of the house and get to know the Blanchard Valley Center community a little better.

Simply, it’s an opportunity to have some fun. The conference center will be open for three hours of puzzles, crafts, board games, cards and trivia.

There will be a small obstacle course set up for kids. No registration is required.

Simply, just show up and have some fun.

(From the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation)

Today we’re remembering Bill Frack on his birthday!

Bill left his legacy as the largest estate gift in the Foundation’s history.

But more importantly, he was an ardent supporter of those experiencing homelessness and domestic violence, and enthusiastic fan of BGSU basketball.

Read more about Bill’s funds:

https://www.community-foundation.com/…/william-d-frack…

https://www.community-foundation.com/…/william-d-frack…

(above picture courtesy of the Community Foundation)

(From the Wyandot County Sheriff’s Office)

Sheriff Frey swore in our newest deputy, Kolin Holloway today.

Kolin has been working for the Perry County Sheriff’s Office for a couple of years but is excited to come back to his hometown.

Welcome Kolin !!!!

(From the Fostoria Police Division)

On 02/05/2024 the Fostoria Police Department, along with Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigations (BCI) and John’s Towing from Tiffin, were able to remove the vehicle discovered in Fostoria City Reservoir 4 on 01/29/2024. The vehicle, identified by the vehicle identification number (VIN) as a 1991 Mercury, with Ohio registration FVR 185. The expiration tag on the said license plate was from 1993. Due to the age of the vehicle and it’s license plates, there were no records on file with the BMV any longer.

Once John’s Towing was able to pull the vehicle out of the water, law enforcement was able to examine the vehicle further. Fortunately, there are no signs or evidence in the vehicle that indicates that any other crime, other than theft, had taken place.

The Fostoria Police Department was able to locate an old title from the Seneca County Title Office, which listed the last known owner as the Motorist Insurance Company. BCI’s Investigative Unit was also able to obtain information on the vehicle, which indicated it had been reported stolen to the Findlay Police Department in 1993. The report listed the vehicle as recovered in 1996, which is believed to have been when the insurance company wrote it off as a loss, and paid off the remainder of the vehicle’s loan, through the Ford Motor Credit Company. The Fostoria Records Office and the Findlay Records Department have been communicating to see if it is possible to obtain any old reports or information, that may have been filed when the vehicle was reported stolen.

The Fostoria Police Department and The Fostoria City Administration would again like to thank Ohio BCI and John’s Towing for all their hard work recovering this vehicle from the reservoir; Without their knowledge, resources, and assistance, this wouldn’t have been possible and made to look so easy.

(picture courtesy of the Fostoria Police Division)

Hancock County Sheriff Michael Heldman was on with WFIN’s Chris Oaks to discuss preparations for the upcoming total solar eclipse on Monday, April, 8^th.

Officials are expecting a huge influx of people and the sheriff is suggesting locals stay off the roads on April 8^th if you can and watch the eclipse from where you are.

“People are going to have to realize, that if they leave their home and go somewhere to view this, how are you getting home, and how long will it take you? It will take you some time.”

Sheriff Heldman says a big concern is people slowing down and stopping on the highways and state routes to view the eclipse.

“We don’t want people to stop. We want them to keep moving.”

Findlay is within the path of totality and will experience a total solar eclipse of an estimated 3 minutes and 44 seconds beginning at 3:10 p.m.

The Solar Eclipse Task Force, which is a collaboration of many local entities, has created a website with important information about the eclipse.

(From Blanchard Valley Health System)

Blanchard Valley Health System (BVHS) has acquired Family Medical Associates of Findlay, a primary care practice located at 1721 Medical Boulevard, Suite C, in Findlay. The practice is now part of Blanchard Valley Medical Practices (BVMP) and will be known as Lake Cascades Primary Care.

This allows BVHS to offer additional primary care services in Findlay, as part of an integrated care network in which primary and specialty providers work closely throughout Northwest Ohio to deliver quality care.

“This acquisition is an investment in our community. We know that a solid primary care foundation is essential for overall health,” said Kelly Shroll, chief operating officer, ambulatory services. “The team at this practice is known for providing excellent care, and we are happy to welcome them to the organization.”

Healthcare providers at Lake Cascades Primary Care include Daren Cheney, MD; Katie Frankart, APRN-CNP; and Lauren Studer, APRN-CNP.

Lake Cascades Primary Care will continue to offer primary care services for community members across the lifespan, including preventative care, wellness visits, health screenings, vaccinations, guidance with medication adherence, and chronic disease management. The staff at Lake Cascades Primary Care will remain, and operations will continue as usual. There are no expected disruptions in service to patients.

“BVHS provides a continuum of care throughout eight counties, and joining BVMP means that Lake Cascades Primary Care is now part of a connected network,” Shroll added.

The providers at Lake Cascades Primary Care are currently accepting new patients. For more information, please call 419.423.7663.

(From the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office)

We are receiving more scam complaints involving people calling and claiming to be a family member and in jail and requesting bail money. A few things to watch for:

– No law enforcement agency, Local State or Federal will ask anyone to mail, UPS or Fed ex cash to them.

-They also will never ask you to get gift cards, apple cards, etc. and take those as payment.

-They will never ask you to lie to the bank, family or anyone else as to why you are withdrawing money or sending cash.

If anyone gets a call advising a family member or relative is in jail or in trouble, or someone is claiming to be this person, try and contact the relative member in question and/or contact the Putnam County OH Sheriffs Office, before sending any money to anyone or wiring money or paying with gift cards.