The upcoming Veterans Empowerment Fall 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 Saturday, November 2 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.

The Veterans Empowerment Fall Fair is open to the public. Free lunch will be provided.

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

The new roundabout near U.S. 68 and S.R. 15 on the south side of Findlay is almost finished.

The Ohio Department of Transportation says the roundabout is expected to open on Monday, November 4. (see pics and video below)

ODOT originally expected it to open on Friday, November 1. 

Construction began on August 19. 

ODOT’s Cheri Newton explains how the project came about.

ODOT says the project was needed because Township Roads 49 and 77, which provide access to U.S. 68, will be removed as part of the Eagle Creek Dry Storage Basin project, one of the projects included in the Flood-Risk Reduction Program currently underway by Hancock County and the Maumee Watershed Conservancy District. 

The project will:

-Remove the current U.S. 68 exit ramp from State Route 15 eastbound.

-Connect Township Road 80 to the ramp to provide access to U.S. 68.

-Construct a new U.S. 68 exit ramp from State Route 15 eastbound.

-Construct a roundabout at the intersection of U.S. 68, the new U.S. 68 exit ramp, and the eastbound State Route 15 entrance ramp.

(From the Findlay Police Department)

UPDATE – Police say the juvenile has been pronounced deceased.

INITIAL NEWS RELEASE BELOW –

Officers were dispatched to Bernard Park (1105 Bernard Ave.) on Monday at 1828 hours for a report of three juveniles consuming alcoholic beverages.

Officers arrived and located the three juveniles at the park.

During the investigation, a male suspect fled on foot and an officer pursued.

During the foot pursuit, a male juvenile suspect discharged a firearm at the pursuing officer.

The pursuing officer returned fire, striking the juvenile suspect.

Officers on scene immediately rendered first aid.

The juvenile suspect was transported to Blanchard Valley Hospital and later to a Toledo area hospital in critical, but stable condition.

The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation was contacted and is leading the investigation.

(From the City of Findlay)

The City of Findlay’s 2024 Request a Tree Program has come to an end. A total of 374 trees at 208 properties were planted thanks to the partnership of the Findlay Shade Tree Commission and the Public Works Department. Over 30 different tree varieties were planted with Sun Valley Red Maple, Thundercloud Plum, Autumn Blaze Maple, and Autumn Flowering Cherry being among the most popular. The Request a Tree Program was administered free of charge to residents with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars.

Those that received trees are reminded to check them weekly until at least Thanksgiving, keeping in mind that trees require 30 minutes to an hour of watering at a slow trickle.

The long-time Request a Tree program will continue in the Spring of 2025. Findlay residents may request a tree for $25 on the City of Findlay’s website or by calling the Public Works Department (419) 424-7137. The $25 fee will be evaluated during the City’s budget process to determine if it will be offered free of charge in 2025.

The Findlay Shade Tree Commission was created in 1978 by Findlay City Council to address the need to care for Findlay’s aging urban forest. Members of the Shade Tree Commission are appointed by the Mayor to three-year terms. The Commission operates with guidance from the Shade Tree Ordinance 913 and coordinates with the Public Works Department.

The Shade Tree Commission’s responsibilities are to provide leadership in selection, promotion, planting, and care of trees in public areas like street right-of-way, parks, cemeteries and other City properties, as well as hazardous tree removal.

Findlay continues to be a “Tree City USA” community for over 40 years designated by the National Arbor Day Foundation.

(ONN) – State officials are focusing on ensuring that everyone’s vote is secure ahead of Election Day on November 5.

Ohio’s Secretary of State Frank LaRose says there are multiple security steps in place to prevent hacking and tampering with voting machines.

Polls are open for early voting daily through Sunday, November 3, but hours vary every day.

To vote early head to your county board of elections and bring a valid photo ID such as your driver license, passport, or state-issued ID.

The remaining early voting times at the Hancock County Board of Elections are below.

October 29 – 7:30 am to 8:30 pm (absentee ballot application deadline – last day to mail absentee ballot)

October 30 thru November 1 – 7:30 am to 7:30 pm

November 2 – 8:00 am to 4:00 pm

November 3 – 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm

(WTOL-11) – It’s officially flu season in the Buckeye State.

According to data from the Ohio Department of Health, two people have been hospitalized in Hancock County with the flu so far this year.

Those are the only hospitalizations reported in northwest Ohio.

For the week ending October 19, there were 20 influenza hospitalizations statewide in Ohio

 Flu season runs from October through May.

Health experts recommend getting vaccinated against the flu each year.

(From the Findlay Police Department)

UPDATE – Police say the juvenile has been pronounced deceased.

INITIAL NEWS RELEASE BELOW –

Officers were dispatched to Bernard Park (1105 Bernard Ave.) on Monday at 1828 hours for a report of three juveniles consuming alcoholic beverages.

Officers arrived and located the three juveniles at the park.

During the investigation, a male suspect fled on foot and an officer pursued.

During the foot pursuit, a male juvenile suspect discharged a firearm at the pursing officer.

The pursuing officer returned fire, striking the juvenile suspect.

Officers on scene immediately rendered first aid.

The juvenile suspect was transported to Blanchard Valley Hospital and later to a Toledo area hospital in critical, but stable condition.

The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation was contacted and is leading the investigation.

(From Liberty-Benton Local Schools)

We’re excited to share the Liberty-Benton 2023-24 Quality Profile!

This annual publication provides a detailed look at the outstanding education and services offered throughout the school year.

Check it out here https://tinyurl.com/4v24dwjb

(From the City of Findlay)

The City of Findlay will offer a bulk trash drop-off for Findlay residents from Saturday, November 2, to Saturday, November 9, 2024. Hours are 8am-7pm or until full on weekdays and 8am-3pm or until full on Saturdays.

Dumpsters will be at the Public Works Department, 330 N. Cory St. where city residents may dispose of unwanted debris.

Hazardous materials, commercial tires, concrete, appliances and electronics will not be accepted. Proof of residency or ID may be required.

The city will accept noncommercial vehicle tires. The tires must be off of the rim. Proof of residency in the City of Findlay and/or ID will be required.

Please note that it is illegal to transport more than ten scrap tires at any time without obtaining a registration certificate from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency per ORC 3734.83.

(From the Findlay Police Department)

Captain Hendren, Lieutenant Welch, and Lieutenant Hill completed the FBI LEEDA Leadership training at Austin Peay State University and were presented with the Trilogy Award.

Recipients of the FBI LEEDA Trilogy Award must complete the FBI LEEDA Supervisor Leadership Institute, Command Leadership Institute, and Executive Leadership Institute.