(From the Ohio Department of Transportation)

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and the Hancock County Engineer’s office are partnering to enhance safety along State Route 15. Work will begin soon to permanently remove access to State Route 15 from County Road 8.  

“With the County Road 180 overpass and U.S. 68 roundabout complete, this section of State Route 15 is ready to function as a limited-access highway,” said Chris Hughes, District 1 deputy director. “The closure will redirect traffic to interchange access points located nearby at U.S. 68 and State Route 37, which are a safer way to enter and exit the busy highway,” he said.

Hancock County Engineer Doug Cade says these changes to State Route 15 are all about safety.

The median closed in 2023 for construction of the County Road 180 overpass with limited access to the divided highway (right-in/right-out only).

Removal of the median pavement will begin on Tuesday, Nov. 19. State Route 15 will have passing lane closures in both directions.

All access to State Route 15 from County Road 8 will close according to the schedule below:

Monday, Dec. 2:

County Road 8 on the east side of State Route 15 will close.

Eastbound driving lane closure for pavement removal and marking installation.

Tuesday, Dec. 3:

County Road 8 on the west side of State Route 15 will close.

Westbound driving lane closure for pavement removal and marking installation.  

Intermittent driving lane closures will take place for approximately two more weeks, weather depending, to remove pavement, cut in the ditch, and install right-of-way fence.

Signs on State Route 15 and the local roads approaching the intersections will be modified to reflect the change in access.

Since its original construction in the 1960s, daily traffic has risen from approximately 5,000 vehicles to over 20,000 in key sections – a four-fold increase. The access changes are essential to maintain safety and accommodate growing demand.

Next year, construction will begin of an overpass on County Road 193 over State Route 15 between the city of Findlay and the village of Vanlue.

(From the Findlay Police Department)

At approximately 8:58 a.m., on November 13, 2024, officers from the Findlay Police Department were dispatched to the Red Roof Inn located at 1600 Fox St. in response to a report of a male victim bleeding.

Upon arrival, officers determined that the male victim had sustained several non-life-threatening stab wounds.

The victim was reportedly attacked by a known male associate.

The suspect fled the scene before officers arrived. Officers are actively working to locate the suspect.

The male victim was transported by Hanco EMS to Blanchard Valley Hospital for treatment.

The Findlay Police Department is continuing to investigate this incident.

(From Findlay High School)

Findlay High School is proud to announce another year of Turkeys for Trojans, a collaborative community effort that provides a warm Thanksgiving meal for families of FHS students!

With the generous help of Great Scot Community Markets, Taylor Automotive Family of Findlay, staff and community members, we’ve been able to provide almost 1,000 meals for families since 2018.

It’s easy to help! You can turn in a check to the FHS Main Office, payable to Findlay City Schools, donate online at fcs.org, or text TURKEYS4TROJANS to 41444.

Donations are accepted from now until November 22nd.

***As an added bonus this year….One principal will be volunteering to wear a turkey costume at school ALL day on November 22nd. There will be jars in the main office, the principal with the most money in their jar will be the lucky turkey!

Thank you for helping us brighten the Thanksgiving holiday in Trojan Country again this year!

The Wood County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal crash that occurred on South Dixie Highway north of Cygnet Road.

The crash happened a little after 6 a.m. Wednesday.

The sheriff’s office said Kurt Mazey, 58, of Weston, was southbound on Dixie Highway in a pickup truck when he went left of center and struck a pickup head-on that was being driven by Dishawn Arnett, 23, of Fostoria.

The sheriff’s office said Mazey was pronounced deceased at the scene and Arnett was transported to Blanchard Valley Hospital by North Baltimore EMS with injuries that were not life-threatening.

The crash remains under investigation.

UPDATE – The bodycam footage has been released. Click here for the story. 

The Findlay Police Department has announced it will be holding a news conference for members of the media on Thursday, November 14th at 11 a.m. regarding the officer-involved shooting that occurred on October 28th.

The bodycam footage of the shooting will be released at that time.

The police department said, on October 28, officers were dispatched to Bernard Park (1105 Bernard Ave.) for a report of three juveniles consuming alcoholic beverages.

Officers arrived and located the three juveniles at the park.

During the investigation, a male, later identified by the the Lucas County Coroner’s Office as 17-year-old Kalvin Darapheth, fled on foot and an officer pursued.

During the foot pursuit, police said the teen discharged a firearm at the pursuing officer.

The pursuing officer returned fire, striking the juvenile.

Officers on the scene immediately rendered first aid.

Darapheth was transported to Blanchard Valley Hospital and later to a Toledo area hospital in critical condition and he died.

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

(From BVHS President and CEO Myron Lewis)

Medicare open enrollment season is upon us, and I encourage eligible community members (generally age 65 or over) to examine their Medicare health coverage plans between now and the December 7 deadline. The choice comes down to traditional Medicare or Medicare Advantage, and the difference may surprise you. Medicare Advantage might sound appealing due to its name, the positive portrayal on high-dollar commercials, and the promise to cover all aspects of care, including dental, vision, and prescriptions. “Advantage” does not mean the plan will be better for you or your health care provider, as these plans come with significant risk.

When you choose an Advantage plan, you give up traditional Medicare coverage for an option that is increasingly denying a large percentage of claims. Over the last few years, we have had numerous patients share that they are struggling to receive the follow-up care prescribed by their physicians. As one example, we have seen that Medicare Advantage plans are delaying or denying admission and care to facilities such as nursing homes and rehabilitation centers. In reviewing what is happening, our physicians are noting that the prior authorization process used by Advantage plans often delays care for our patients. You can read more about the risks of the Medicare Advantage plans from our neighbors at the Kentucky Hospital Association by visiting kyha.com/medicare-advantage.

Medicare Advantage is increasingly dominated by large, for-profit insurance companies that are accountable to their shareholders – not to patients or hospitals. As a result, they are continually finding loopholes in federal regulations to capitalize on your tax dollars. Additionally, the delay and denial process is driving up administrative costs for local providers.

We have had situations in which patients must travel long distances from their home communities for a provider their Medicare Advantage plan will cover. They may also find that their Advantage plans have changed the formulary for medications they cover, causing confusion for patients and the doctors who care for them.

At Blanchard Valley Health System, we are working to help the community navigate their insurance claims, as Medicare Advantage companies identify creative ways to avoid delivering or making payment on prescribed services. Our country’s health care system is already too complex, and Medicare Advantage plans are making it even more complex for both patients and health care providers.

There is another solution, and it is not the “Advantage” you see advertised. Choosing traditional Medicare over Medicare Advantage can lead to better outcomes for patients and

health care providers. Consumer Reports analysis of Medicare options says more people in rural areas like ours are going back to traditional Medicare because of the issues highlighted.

While many factors may influence your plan choice, I urge you to consider the impact on your access to health care, and on local community health care organizations, when you make your decision. We know having to evaluate your coverage each year is difficult and time-consuming for you and your family. Resources for comparing plans are available through the Ohio Department of Insurance at insurance.ohio.gov/medicare.

The open enrollment period is also a great time to select a primary care provider or make a specialty appointment. You can call 419.422.APPT to become one of more than 4,000 patients we care for every day. We are working hard to bring you the care you need, and to ensure your care is covered by your Medicare plan.

Myron D. Lewis, FACHE

President & Chief Executive Officer

Blanchard Valley Health System

(From Owens Community College)

The Owens CDL Training Program has received $149,100 from the Commercial Truck Driver Student Aid Program for 2025.

The financial aid program is funded through the Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE). It provides financial aid to in-state students who complete a CDL program and agree to reside and be employed in Ohio for a minimum of one year upon completion.

ODHE received 30 applications, with the total funds requested being nearly twice the amount of funding available. Allocations were made based upon demonstrated success.

“This financial aid funding from the Ohio Department of Higher Education will allow us to continue the work that already takes place in our CDL Training Program – making sure the next generation of truck drivers are safety focused and well-equipped to handle the demands of their jobs,” said Charlene Page, executive director of Owens Workforce and Economic Development. “It’s rewarding to know that in as little as four weeks, someone can complete our program and find themselves in a secure profession making more than $50,000 per year.”

According to information from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were more than 2.1 heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers in 2023 with a median income of $26.12 per hour. Ohio had the fifth most drivers in 2023 with 89,560. An additional 102,000 drivers are expected to be hired by 2033.

The Owens CDL Training Program offers small classes and personal attention from instructors. Licensed by the State of Ohio and taught by licensed CDL class instructors, the Owens trucking school and CDL classes provide 160 course hours – 40 hours in the classroom and 120 of hands-on training on the road in our big rigs.

Class A CDL Training classes on the Toledo-area Campus are four weeks long and run from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Classes on the Findlay-area Campus are 10 weeks long and run on the weekend.

HazMat Entry-Level CDL Endorsement training is also available.

For more information on the CDL Training Program at Owens, please visit owens.edu/cdl.

(From the Tiffin Police Department)

At approximately 3pm on Tuesday, November 12 , the Tiffin Police Department responded to a call regarding potentially live military ordnance found in a residence on the 400 block of West Perry Street. The call, placed by the grandson of the deceased resident, reported the discovery of several hand grenades, mortar rounds and suspected land mine. While most items were determined to be inert or inactive, any potentially dangerous items were carefully collected by the Toledo Police Bomb Squad to inspect further and safely dispose of them.

The grandson, a former member of the armed forces, discovered the ordnance while sorting through his late grandfather’s belongings and recognized the risk posed by some of the items. The Tiffin Police Department commends him for his immediate action in contacting authorities.

Upon arrival, Tiffin officers evacuated the residence and confirmed the presence of the items. Recognizing the potential danger, the Tiffin Police Department requested assistance from the Toledo Police Bomb Squad, a specialized team with expertise in handling hazardous materials. The bomb squad quickly mobilized, assessed the situation, and determined that most of the items were inert and posed no danger. However, a few potentially dangerous items were collected by the bomb squad for identification and safe destruction.

I’d like to express my appreciation for the prompt, professional response from all involved. This incident highlights the importance of community members working with law enforcement to keep our neighborhoods safe. The quick thinking of the complainant, combined with the rapid response of the Tiffin Police and the expertise of the Toledo Bomb Squad, averted any potential danger. We’re grateful for everyone’s commitment to ensuring the safety of our community.

The Tiffin Police Department urges anyone who discovers potentially hazardous military equipment or explosive materials to contact the department immediately. Proper handling and disposal of such items are essential to maintaining public safety.

Thank you to the Toledo Police Bomb Squad for their efficient response, and to the grandson for his vigilance and swift action.

Chief David Pauly

(From Findlay City Schools)

Glenwood Middle School Student Leadership dreamed of a way to recognize their classmates for respectful, responsible, and safe actions.

Their dream became a reality with the help of Findlay Service League, who has generously made the Glenwood School Store possible.

The store is now up and running, and students can use their positive marks to “purchase” items.

Thank you to Findlay Service League and to our Glenwood Student Leaders for supporting the positive behaviors of our students!

(From the Ohio State Highway Patrol)

On November 12, 2024, at approximately 4:40 P.M, troopers with the Lima Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol were notified of a multi-vehicle crash on state Route 81 at the intersection of Hardin Rd. in Allen County.

Nancy E. Weese, age 84, of Columbus, OH was operating a 2014 Honda CR-V southbound on Hardin Rd, approaching the intersection of state Route 81. Mrs. Weese failed to stop at the stop sign at state Route 81 and was struck by a westbound 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, operated by Samantha E. Hilton, age 32, of Dunkirk, OH. Immediately after the collision, the Honda CR-V was struck again by an eastbound 2021 Chevrolet Silverado, operated by Jeffrey R. Barnes, age 43, of Ada, OH. The Honda CR-V went off the roadway and came to rest on the southwest side of the intersection. The other two vehicles came to final rest on the roadway. All three vehicles sustained disabling damage.

Nancy Weese was pronounced deceased on scene by the Allen County Coroner’s Office. Richard Weese was transported to Lima Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced deceased. Samantha Hilton was transported to Lima Memorial Hospital for suspected minor injuries. Jeffrey Barnes sustained suspected minor injuries, but was not transported. All occupants involved in the crash were reportedly wearing seatbelts. Alcohol or drugs is not suspected to be a factor.

Assisting troopers on scene were the Allen County Sheriff’s Office, Allen County Coroner’s Office, H&H Funeral Services, Lafayette-Jackson Township Fire and EMS, Ada Liberty EMS, A&D Towing, Miller Auto and Able Wrecker Service. The intersection was completely closed for approximately three hours, and has since been re-opened. The crash remains under investigation.