(From Liberty-Benton Local Schools)

Our Liberty-Benton FFA chapter had a busy October!

On October 12, four members represented us at the State Urban Soils Career Development Event (CDE), where they put their soil knowledge to the test! Participants examined soil pits, conducted ribbon tests, and assessed soil properties like drainage and compaction to recommend best management practices. The team placed 26th in the state, with individual scores as follows:

Elizabeth Nauert: 32nd

Isaiah Todd: 106th

Jakob Kern: 125th

Madison Junge: 144th

On October 19, our chapter showed appreciation for local farmers and drivers by distributing snack bags at the Legacy Grain Elevator on County Road 84. These bags were assembled in class with donations and included snacks, water, and thank-you cards signed by every member. Five members attended and enjoyed connecting with the community!

The excitement continued at the FFA National Convention from October 23-25, where six of our members attended workshops, sessions, and special events. Highlights included hearing from National Secretary Grant Norfleet and Temple Grandin and celebrating former Ohio FFA state president Luke Jennings’ installation as National FFA Secretary. On October 26th, we proudly cheered on Mary Holley and Erica Patterson as they received their American Degrees, the highest honor for FFA members!

We’re proud of our Liberty-Benton FFA members and all they achieved this month!

A car crashed into a parked work van before hitting the side of a building in Findlay.

The crash happened around 2 p.m. Tuesday in the 800 block of North Main Street.

Witnesses said a piece of a vehicle flew off a vehicle and the vehicle that crashed swerved to miss it and hit the parked van and then the side of 820 North Main Street, a little south of Howard Street. 

Police on the scene said no injuries were involved and they were still investigating.

(ONN) – An imprisoned former Ohio lawmaker is planning to ask for a Presidential pardon.

Former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder is preparing to ask President-elect Donald Trump for clemency.

That’s according to his campaign attorney.

The Republican is currently behind bars serving a 20-year prison sentence for his involvement in the largest bribery scandal in the state; a $60 million bribery scheme funded by FirstEnergy.

Cleveland.com is reporting that Householder plans to submit the official pardon application closer to Inauguration Day.

(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).