(From the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office)

We have had numerous reports since the start of school of vehicles driving by buses after they stop and have their red lights and stop arms activated.

Bus drivers and technology (cameras) have been very helpful in identifying these drivers, and we have been following up with citations.

We have zero tolerance on these violations.

As another reminder, bus drivers activate their yellow lights in advance of the stop.

This is essentially the same as a yellow light at an intersection.

This is telling you to prepare to stop.

You shouldn’t be caught off guard or still at regular speed when the reds activate.

We take the safety of our children very seriously, at school and being transported to and from.

We also want to thank our wonderful bus drivers in the county for transporting our such precious cargo safely and caring for them like their own.

(From Hancock Public Health)

Buckle up for Safety! Join us at our Car Seat Check Extravaganza!

Hey awesome parents and guardians! Ready to turn your car into the safest ride on the block?

Swing by our Car Seat Check Event and let our certified experts make sure your little ones are riding in style and safety!

What to expect:

-FREE Car Seat Inspections

-Expert Tips & Tricks

-Fun Goodie Bags for the Kiddos

Let’s make sure your mini adventurers are snug as bugs in their car seats!

Save the date this Thursday September 12th and buckle up for a fantastic day of safety and smiles!

Walk-in’s welcome or sign up here: https://forms.gle/Ba97k5WMDoiWyvCq7

(From the Hancock Historical Museum)

The Hancock Historical Museum welcomes all ages to step back into the 19th century and tour its Little Red Schoolhouse during an Open House from 1 – 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 15.

Museum docents will guide visitors as they explore the one-room schoolhouse and children can partake in activities provided.

The Little Red Schoolhouse located at 8884 County Road 236, Findlay, OH was built in 1882 and used to educate schoolchildren until 1936.

It was then used to store grain for 36 years until the Hancock County Retired Teachers and the Hancock Historical Society restored the schoolhouse in 1972.

Today, it is owned and operated by the Hancock Historical Museum and hosts area third and fourth grade students for field trips each year.

“We’re proud to share the Little Red Schoolhouse with the community and welcome hundreds of area students each year to learn Hancock County history and experience class in the 19th century,” said Sarah Foltz, Executive Director of the Hancock Historical Museum.

“We are hosting this Open House to allow everyone a chance to see inside and learn what education was once like here in Hancock County.”

The property also includes Brucklacher Memorial Park which features a playground, sculptures and an outdoor history walk.

The park opened in 2020 as the Kiwanis of Findlay Club’s 100th year project and continues to be a flourishing collaboration with Kiwanis and the museum.

On Sunday, Sept. 15 the Hancock Historical Museum’s main campus will be closed.

The Open House at the Little Red Schoolhouse is free of charge, no reservation necessary.

Donations to the museum will be accepted.

For more information or to schedule a class field trip, please contact the Hancock Historical Museum at 419-423-4433.

(From the Findlay Family YMCA)

Findlay Family YMCA’s Early Learning Center (ELC) groundbreaking ceremony, held Sept. 9, proved to be an “awwww” inspiring experience, with some of the youngest Child Development Center students turning the first ceremonial shovelfuls of dirt where their new center will be built. 

The $10 million, 20,500-square-foot center is expected to open by early fall 2025. It represents the first phase of a transformative two-phase Stronger Together Capital Campaign centered on community partnerships, growth, and enhanced well-being.

At the ceremony, high expectations and excitement were directed toward the future ELC.

CEO Stephanie Parsons told the crowd that the ELC will serve as the ultimate launching pad for the children who will benefit from its many services.

“At our current learning center across the street, we’ve incorporated a program for school-age children called the ‘Heroic Journey,’” Parsons explained. “Using pop culture references and characters like superheroes, these lessons empower students to overcome adversity to become the best people they can be. Qualities such as empathy, resiliency, and creating a healthy personal identity are emphasized. Students are taught how to stand up for themselves, for their values, and for each other. I believe the new ELC will be the superhero for the kids in our community.”

Findlay Family YMCA Board of Directors President Matt Hull characterized the groundbreaking as “a truly exhilarating milestone for the YMCA and for our cherished community. “This new childcare center will be more than just bricks and mortar; it will offer a nurturing, state-of-the-art environment meticulously designed to foster learning, growth, and development. Every corner of this facility will be crafted to provide a safe, engaging, and enriching experience for our youngest members,” he said.

“There is a ‘C’ in YMCA,” noted Irvin Reinhart, principal and president of RCM Architects, the Findlay-based firm that designed the ELC. “We don’t go to too many ceremonies that touch on our most important thing. We’ve done lots and lots of projects that are iconic to Findlay, Ohio. The best part of it is getting to work with leaders and visionaries who truly inspire us and our designs.”

Richard Kirk, CEO of ACI Construction Company, Inc., offered two key promises: “Every person working on this project will know who the client is,” he said, referring to the region’s children; and “I guarantee you this project will be completed on time and within budget.”

“I am so excited for our children,” said Kari Redman, YMCA child development district director. They deserve a safe, exceptional space that offers them more opportunities and accommodation. They truly are deserving and destined for greatness.”

Findlay Mayor Christina Muryn noted that “accessible, affordable and high-quality childcare” is the city’s top priority. “We’re raising perhaps the next mayor or perhaps the next president of the United States,” she pointed out, and added she is looking forward to seeing the “ripple effects” of the ELC on the community. “The work is certainly not done. This is just the beginning,” she said.

Ohio Rep. Jon Cross, who has championed education and government funding for it throughout his years of elected office, said “Findlay is a first-class community, and it is deserving of a first-class YMCA. I wish you nothing but great success.”

Brian Treece, Ph.D., president and CEO of the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation, said “the YMCA Early Learning Center is an example of the power of partnerships. Public, private, and philanthropic dollars all coming together to support a project that will have a profound impact on our community for generations.”

To follow ELC construction progress and to give to the Stronger Together Capital Campaign, visit the Y’s website at www.findlayymca.org and go to the “Capital Campaign” tab.

(From the Findlay Police Department)

You may have noticed that our uniforms look a little different.

Recently the FPD has added a Class B uniform consisting of cargo-style pants, a moisture-wicking shirt, an exterior vest, and an optional ball cap.

This new uniform will be the daily uniform worn by our officers, with the traditional uniform reserved for court appearances and dress occasions.

(From Raise the Bar Hancock County)

Raise the Bar Hancock County® announces the release of a new video series spotlighting in-demand education and human service careers in Hancock County. This initiative continues Raise the Bar’s effort to enhance workforce development and support local talent in pursuing rewarding careers.

The video series provides a close-up look at the opportunities available within several people-oriented sectors.

Each video aims to inspire and inform students, job seekers, and community members about the careers that are essential to the county’s growth and prosperity.

Area Employers and Professions Spotlighted: 1. Findlay Family YMCA Early Learning Professionals 2. Findlay City Schools K-12 Paraprofessionals 3. Millstream Career Center Instructors 4. Findlay-Hancock County Public Library Youth and Adult Learning Staff 5. Family Resource Center and Hancock County Job and Family Services Case Managers

“Our community’s best asset is our people,” says Tricia Valasek, Raise the Bar’s executive director. “Taking the time to develop people from infancy through adulthood is one of the best investments we can make. It’s imperative that we continue to create awareness and fill a pipeline of individuals who can take on this rewarding task. It is because of this demand that we focused our initial these five targeted careers.”

Each video in the series features local professionals in the field, offering viewers a glimpse into the daily responsibilities, challenges, and rewards of these careers. The videos also provide information on the education and skills required, potential career growth, and the impact these roles have on the community.

“Supporting our children is vital for the growth and prosperity of our community. Childcare workers are truly the workforce behind the workforce,” shares Kari Redman, the Findlay Family YMCA Childcare Development Center Director.

Raise the Bar highlighted the YMCA’s childcare team in one of their videos because of the growing demand for early learning/childcare options in the community. Valasek points out that the YMCA, like other licensed facilities in Ohio, requires specific staff-to-child ratios depending on age.

“Adding spots for infants, toddlers, and school-aged children requires our childcare facilities to hire more trained and qualified staff. We need to build this career sector quickly.” The video series is available on Raise the Bar’s YouTube channel (@raisethebarhancockcounty7737).

Raise the Bar also intends to release individual videos on its social media platforms and to the schools for use with their career programming.

(From the University of Findlay)

New leaders are taking the helm this fall for the University of Findlay’s Town & Campus group – one of the oldest organizations at the University, promoting student success and goodwill among campus and community members.

Town & Campus started in 1960, when O.J. Wilson, president of then-Findlay College, organized a women’s auxiliary to serve as a liaison between the college and community.

The group hosted teas and offered bridge lessons for female students. Within a year, the women began raising money to support Findlay students with scholarships and emergency loans.

Today, 64 years later, Findlay Town & Campus enjoys a long history of supporting a variety of UF programs and scholarships. The organization is no longer just for women, but open to all. In 2009, they endowed a scholarship in honor of the organization’s 50th anniversary. Members also participate in campus activities such as International Night, a Thanksgiving dinner for international students, and a sale of wooden collectibles of campus buildings to fund the endowed scholarship.

Nondace Campbell, the new president of Town & Campus, is proud of her long-standing membership for almost half a century.

“This wonderful experience has provided an opportunity to continuously learn about University programs and achievements,” she said. “Through Findlay Town & Campus, I have been able to make friends in the community and have enjoyed working with them to support student activities, projects, and scholarships.”

Campbell, a Findlay resident, is a UF emerta professor who taught English and literature and retired in 2009.

She is joined on the executive board by Nancy Bickford, first vice president; Cindy Fitzpatrick, second vice president; Terri Hooper, secretary; and Monika Zimmerman, treasurer; who are all Findlay residents.

Findlay Town & Campus will open the academic year with its first meeting at 9:30 a.m., Monday, September 9, in the Virginia B. Gardner Fine Arts Pavilion’s Lape Hall.

The group meets monthly to hear from a speaker and learn about new campus programs and initiatives.

The meeting schedule for 2024-25 is:

October 14: Lauren Sandhu, biology instructor, on sustainability efforts on campus, including beehives and hoop house

November 11: Ray McCandless, D.A., chief project officer, on new campus technology

January 13, 2025: Jim Givens, athletic director, overview of Oiler teams

February 10, 2025: Dee Dee Spraw, director of admissions and events, and Erin Randall, director of undergraduate admissions, on student enrollment

March 10, 2025: Liz Sabel, associate vice president for student success, on Oiler Success Center programs

April 14, 2025: Performing arts performance

New members are welcome to attend. Membership dues are $20, and more information is available at www.findlay.edu.townandcampus or by calling Tiffany Koenig at 419-434-5560.

(From the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office)

On Sunday, September 8th, 2024, at approximately 5:59pm, a 56 year old inmate was working out by doing push-ups with other inmates and collapsed. Two other inmates started CPR on him and worked through several cycles until Corrections Officers and Jail Medical Staff came in and took over with an AED and shocked him twice. Tiffin Emergency Medical Services responded and took over life-saving measures and administered 2-3 additional shocks from their AED.

He was transported by Tiffin Fire & Rescue to Mercy Hospital where he was ultimately pronounced deceased.  

The inmate has been identified as a 56-year-old male from Tiffin, Ohio. Preliminary information shows no evidence of foul play or suspicious circumstances, and the decedent will be transported by the Seneca County Coroner’s Office to Lucas County Coroner’s Office for an autopsy to determine the cause of death.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.

-Sheriff Stevens

(From the City of Findlay)

The City of Findlay is performing numerous construction projects throughout the City.

Listed below are the projects and restrictions for the week of 9/9.

-Garfield Ave. will be closed to through traffic from N. Main St. to the railroad for waterline replacement.

-George St. will be closed to through traffic from N. Main St. to the railroad for waterline replacement.

-S. Blanchard St. will be closed to through traffic from Sixth St. to Pearl St. for waterline installation.

-TR 99 will be closed to through traffic from Distribution Dr. to TR 230 for sewer installation.

-TR 230 will be closed to through traffic from CR 212 to TR 99 for road reconstruction.

-Lima Ave. will be reduced to one lane with traffic control lights from Ra-Nik Court to Payne Ave. for sanitary sewer installation.

Please contact the Engineering Department with any questions at (419) 424-7121.

(From the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office)

On Friday, September 6, 2024, the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office received a call of a vehicle on fire at the front of a residence in the 5000 block of North State Route 53, Tiffin, Ohio. Deputies and the Old Fort Fire Department arrived at the location and provided sufficient suppression action to ensure no further spread of the fire. After the fire was extinguished, the vehicle was discovered to be a 2021 KIA Forte, registered owner a William Vance Jr., Tiffin, Ohio, that was reported stolen from a Wall Street residence out of Tiffin, Ohio. It was also discovered that the vehicle was possibly deliberately set on fire.

Investigators from the Ohio State Fire Marshall’s Office were also called in to investigate the alleged Arson investigation involving the stolen vehicle.

Upon further investigation, Deputies and Officers from the Tiffin Police Department identified a male subject by the name of Austin T. Adams, 38 YOA, Fremont, Ohio, who reportedly had taken the vehicle from the Wall Street residence without the consent of the owner.

Adams was arrested for Theft of a Motor Vehicle and transported to the Seneca County Jail, where he is being held.

“The immediate collaboration between our Office and the Tiffin Police Department was instrumental to apprehending the suspect moments after the alleged Arson, and we are now following up on the entire investigation with the State Fire Marshall’s Office. A job well done by all!”…. Sheriff Stevens said.