(ONN) – Republicans in the Ohio Legislature have introduced legislation to change Ohio election laws and processes.

State Senators Theresa Gavarone and Andrew Brenner have introduced legislation requiring proof of United States citizenship to be required as a part of the voter registration process.

While non-citizen voting has not been an issue to date, the move is seen as a preemptive strike.

The other change would be the elimination of ballot drop boxes.

Voters would hand deliver their ballots to officials at the board of elections or a drive-thru window.

(From the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation)

A new scholarship fund was recently established at the Foundation to support a Findlay High School graduate pursuing business at Bowling Green State University.

This fund was established by friends and family in memory of Richard Hoffman.

To learn more or donate to the newly established fund visit: https://www.community-foundation.com/…/richard-h…

(From the Tiffin Police Department)

We are asking for assistance in identifying the male and female individuals shown in these stills from store video footage.

Remember: “Finders-keepers” isn’t a free pass and can be considered theft.

If you find someone else’s property, please make sure it gets back to the rightful owner by either returning it directly or turning it in to the police department.

We’ll do our best to reunite it with its owner!

If you recognize either of these individuals, please reach out to Sgt. Keefe at 419-447-2323, ext. 1107, or via email at lmkeefe@tiffinohio.gov.

Thank you for helping us keep our community honest and safe!

Chief Pauly

(From the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce)

Bluffton businesses are gearing up for the Second Annual Jingle Bell Stroll, an all-day holiday event on November 14, from Noon to 7:00 PM, where 18+ local businesses will open their doors to spread cheer and celebrate the season with the community.

Ticket holders will kick off the stroll at either Samuel W. Diller Co., 101 N. Main St., or Fortman Insurance, 138 N Main St,  where they will receive a commemorative gift bag to collect keepsakes and treats from each participating business. Each stop will offer something unique—whether it’s an ornament, special candy or cookies, product samples, or other surprises to mark the season.

The event wraps up at Shirley’s Gourmet Popcorn, where participants can enter a drawing to win Bluffton Chamber Gift Certificates valued at $100, $50, and $25.

Tickets are available in advance at Shirley’s Gourmet Popcorn, Roots by Strattons, Polished/Boutique 415, and The Black Lab. They’re limited to 225 and priced at $10 each.

Join us for a fun and festive day in Bluffton. For details, visit explorebluffton.com/jingle-bell-stroll or contact Jim Enneking at the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce (director@explorebluffton.com, 419-369-2985).

(From Liberty-Benton Local Schools)

Liberty-Benton hosted its National Honor Society Ceremony on November 4!

Congratulations to all the new Junior High and High School inductees on this incredible achievement!

To see the full list of inductees, visit: https://bit.ly/3YSrlsF.

The Findlay High School Ice Hockey team will kick off the regular season by hosting Newark Friday night November, 15 at The Cube.

It will be Military Night and admission will be free for all Veterans and active service members.

JV will begin at 5 p.m. and Varsity at 7 p.m.

We asked Head Coach Ben Patey how the team is looking after some of their scrimmages.

Coach Patey said they’re looking to avenge the loss to Bowling Green in the playoffs last season.

Their regular season opener is Friday, November 15 at The Cube against Newark.

The Ohio Department of Transportation has announced some upcoming road closures as part of their project to reconstruct the Interstate 75/County Road 99 interchange and upgrade the County Road 99 corridor between Technology Drive and North Main Street.

ODOT says from Friday, Nov. 15 at 6 p.m. – Monday, Nov. 18 at 6 a.m. County Road 99 between North Main Street and the Ball Metal entrance will close to install a drainage pipe.

Detour: Main St. to Bigelow Ave. to Bright Rd to CR 215, back to CR 99 (see map)

Also, Main Street on the north side of the County Road 99 intersection will close to repair the concrete.

Detour: Main St. to Bigelow Ave. to Bright Rd to CR 212, back to CR 99 (see map).

(From the Ohio State Highway Patrol)

On November 10, 2024, at approximately 8:37 P.M., the Lima Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol responded to a report of an injury crash involving a single vehicle on Interstate 75 North at the State Route 696 overpass in Allen County.

Investigation determined a white 2012 Chevrolet Impala, operated by 20-year-old Cole M. Kennedy of Cincinnati, was traveling north on Interstate 75.

While negotiating a left curve, Kennedy drove off the right side of the road and struck the concrete support for the State Route 696 overpass.

Kennedy sustained life threatening injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted at the scene by The Ohio Department of Transportation, Beaverdam-Richland Fire & Rescue, Allen County Coroner’s Office and Blake’s Garage.

The crash remains under investigation.

(From the Leipsic Local School District)

The Leipsic Vikings football team will compete in the Regional Semi-final game versus Delphos St. John on Friday, November 15 at Ottawa Glandorf High School.

Kickoff will be at 7:00 pm.

Tickets are available online through the OHSAA website, Region 26.

Adults $11

Students $5

We do have another donor of student tickets.

Village Hardware has donated another 20 student tickets.

Please contact Christa (419-943-3184) to reserve your student tickets.

Just text her the name of the student who needs the ticket.

Thank you Village Hardware.

Go Vikes!!!!!

Broadway theatres will be honoring Findlay native and Tony-winning actor Gavin Creel who died in September.

According to Playbill, each Broadway theatre will dim their lights in Creel’s honor on December 3^rd at 6:45 p.m.

Playbill is reporting that Creel was originally set to receive a partial dimming ceremony but after an immense outcry online, the Broadway League decided that Creel would receive a full dimming.

A public memorial will be held for Creel on December 2^nd at Broadway’s St. James Theatre at 4 p.m.

Creel was a 1994 graduate of Findlay High School and a graduate of the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre and Dance.

According to his website, Creel made his Broadway debut in the role of Jimmy Smith in THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE, for which he received his first Tony Award nomination, and then went on to star in the Broadway productions of HAIR, LA CAGE AUX FOLLES, SHE LOVES ME, THE BOOK OF MORMON, and WAITRESS.

Creel then received a Tony Award for his performance as Cornelius Hackl in HELLO, DOLLY! starring Bette Midler.

Creel passed away on September 30^th after a battle with cancer. He was 48-years-old.

(above picture courtesy of gavincreel.com, photographers Matthew Murphy and Mark Willshire)