Hancock County Job and Family Services, in partnership with United Way of Hancock County and several other local agencies that advocate for children’s wellness, are observing April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month by displaying approximately 90 pinwheels outside the Hancock County Courthouse.

Randall Galbraith, Director of Hancock County Job and Family Services, says each pinwheel represents a child adjudicated as abused, neglected or dependent in Hancock County in 2023.

“Hancock County is not immune to the problem of child abuse,” Galbraith said.

“It’s everyone’s problem and everyone’s responsibility to help out and alleviate it.”

Several youth volunteers helped place the pinwheels to the fence surrounding the courthouse.

A semi went off the right side of Interstate 75 southbound in Findlay a little before the Lima Avenue overpass and into a creek about 1:15 Thursday afternoon.

Crews were on the scene to help the driver from the wreckage.

No word yet on injuries to the driver.

Traffic was slowly getting by, but traffic was getting backed up and crews may have to shut down all southbound lanes to pull the semi from the creek and remove it from the scene. 

Drive with caution in the area.

Findlay and Hancock County are included in a Flood Watch issued by the National Weather Service.

The Flood Watch is in effect until Friday at 2 a.m.

Forecasters say saturated ground along with the expectation of moderate to heavy rain has increased the likelihood of flooding.

Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.

Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop.

Get the latest river levels by clicking here and forecast by clicking here.

(ONN) – Ohio Governor Mike DeWine delivered his annual State of the State Address and it focused on helping Ohio’s children thrive.

Over the one hour and three minute speech he laid out some initiatives on child safety, health, and how to help them succeed.

DeWine then announced a new childcare choice voucher program for families of 8,000 more children to access childcare.

The governor also proposed expanding the state’s mobile response stabilization service to help children in a mental health crisis, he proposed an initiative to ensure every child who needs glasses, gets them, and he called on the legislature to ban flavored tobacco products statewide and ban intoxicating hemp known as delta-8.

The governor also discussed his support of a measure requiring schools to minimize smart phone use by students in classrooms to help with grades and alleviate mental health issues.

(From the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library)

Ready, set, library! National Library Week is April 7–13, 2024, and the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library encourages everyone in the community to visit the library to take part in the festivities and explore all the library has to offer.

Director Sarah Clevidence says libraries are places where everyone belongs and the library is grateful to be able to be a part of so many people’s lives.

Libraries give us a green light to experience something truly special: a place to connect with others, learn new skills, and pursue our passions through book clubs, storytimes, movie nights, crafting classes, lectures, and more.

The Findlay-Hancock County Public Library offers a wide array of programs, classes and resources. Libraries also play a pivotal role in economic development by providing resources and support for job seekers, entrepreneurs, and small businesses.

No matter where you find yourself on the roadmap through life’s journey—preparing for a new career, launching a business, raising a family, or settling into retirement—we offer the resources and support you need! So, get ready to explore, become inspired, and connect with others this National Library Week. The Findlay-Hancock County Public Library is there for you, all the way to the finish line. 

Visit us this week to enter to win a fabulous gift basket! 

(From the Fostoria Police Division)

Exciting News! The Fostoria Police Department is thrilled to announce that Brady’s K9 Fund has generously donated a ballistic vest to the department’s four legged officer Creed!

Brady’s K9 is passionate about supporting our four-legged officers who work tirelessly to keep our community safe. Their organization is dedicated to providing essential equipment and resources to these brave K9s, ensuring they are well-equipped and protected for their entire shift.

Brady’s K9 Fund was founded by an 8-year-old boy who felt K9 officers deserve body armor, just like their human partners. Since 2018 Brady’s Fund has raised over $1.25M and vested 950+ K9s across all 50 states. Their mission is ongoing!

You can make a difference too! Join Brady’s mission by visiting his website and learning
more about his cause. Your support and donations go directly to providing essential life
saving equipment for these incredible K9 officers. Together, we can ensure our K9 officer
and their partner come home safe together.

Visit www.Bradysk9fund.com to learn more and contribute to the cause.
Every little bit counts!

(From the Tiffin Police Department)

A dangerous nationwide scam involving gold bars and Bitcoin has now reached Tiffin.

The Tiffin Police Department is actively investigating this scam with the assistance of the FBI.

The scam involves fraudsters posing as law enforcement officials to manipulate unsuspecting individuals.

Be on high alert if you receive a call from someone claiming to be law enforcement and stating that your Social Security Number has been compromised.

This is a tactic used to deceive you into believing there are fraudulent accounts in your name connected to illegal activities.

The scammers may offer to help secure your funds, directing you to withdraw money from your bank accounts, retirement funds, IRAs, or cash you have at home.

They may also instruct you to purchase Bitcoin or gold, then arrange for a courier to collect the gold from your home, claiming to safeguard your assets.

In reality, you are handing over your hard-earned money and valuable assets to the scammers.

This scam is happening nationwide and has now targeted the city of Tiffin.

If you find yourself in this situation, contact your local law enforcement immediately.

The Tiffin Police Department can be reached at 419-447-2323.

Stay vigilant and protect yourself from these deceptive practices.

Chief Pauly

(From the Hancock County Veterans Service Office)

The upcoming Veterans Empowerment Spring Fair provides an opportunity for area veterans and their families and friends to learn about local resources, helpful organizations, and employment opportunities.

The event will be held on April 27 on the campus of Owens Community College from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Community Education & Wellness Center.

A range of resource organizations will have information booths with representatives available to tell visitors about their programs in areas ranging from wellness and finances to home/environment, growth, and life resources.

This Spring’s Veterans Empowerment Fair (in addition to the various resource booths) will be about “Getting Healthy for Summer”.

The Veterans Empowerment Spring Fair is open to the public. This free event is proudly sponsored by Guaranteed Rate, a Fremont-based mortgage and loan company with locations in Findlay. Guaranteed Rate is a trusted USO partner and VA loan expert.

For more information, visit hancockveterans.com or CALL 419-424-7036.

(From the City of Findlay)

Total Solar Eclipse Banners will be available for purchase on a first-come, first-serve basis for $50.

To purchase a banner, please come to the Mayor’s Office (318 Dorney Plaza, Room 310) beginning Monday, April 22nd during normal business hours (M-F 8am-5pm).

Cash only.

(From Destination Seneca County)

Life is made up of all kinds of amazing moments, and yesterday was a moment that will be unforgettable not only by our organization, but by all who attended the Elope at the Eclipse event!

We can’t thank everyone enough who supported, volunteered, participated, and witnessed this once in a lifetime experience.

History was made in our community and Seneca County is now a chapter in so many couple’s stories.

More pictures, details, and immense gratitude to come in the coming days.

We hope that everyone loved their time in totality!