Hancock County voters approved a replacement tax levy for the care and placement of children by Hancock County Job and Family Services.

WFIN’s Chris Oaks previously spoke with JFS Director Randall Galbraith about the importance of passing this children’s services levy.

Unofficial results from the Hancock County Board of Elections show the levy passing by a vote of 51 percent for to 48 percent against.

The issue as it appeared on the ballot is as follows:

A replacement tax for the benefit of Hancock County for the purpose of the support of children’s services and the care and placement of children by Hancock County Job & Family Services, that the county auditor estimates will collect $2,116,000 annually, at a rate not exceeding 0.8 mill for each $1 of taxable value, which amounts to $28 for each $100,000 of the county auditor’s appraised value, for a period of 5 years, commencing in 2025, first due in calendar year 2026.

All results are unofficial until certified by the board of elections. 

Findlay City Schools was unsuccessful in passing the 1 percent earned income tax levy the school district had on the fall ballot.

Unofficial results from the Hancock County Board of Elections show the levy failing by a vote of 52 percent against to 47 percent in favor.

The school district previously said, if the levy were to fail, a first phase of immediate reductions would need to be implemented and would continue into the next school year.

Get more election results from the Hancock County Board of Elections by clicking here, and the Putnam County Board of Elections by clicking here.

All results are unofficial until certified by the board of elections.

Phil Riegle defeated Alex Treece in the race for Hancock County Common Pleas Court Judge.

Riegle will take the place of longtime Judge Reginald Routson who is retiring.

Riegle is the current Hancock County Prosecutor and Treece is a public defender.

Get more election results from the Hancock County Board of Elections by clicking here, and the Putnam County Board of Elections by clicking here.

All results are unofficial until certified by the board of elections.

Republican Ty Mathews defeated Democrat Sheila Coressel in the race for the 83^rd District of the Ohio House of Representatives.

The 83^rd District of the Ohio House of Representatives includes Hancock County, Hardin County and a portion of Logan County.

Mathews previously defeated incumbent State Representative Jon Cross in the GOP primary in March.

Get more election results from the Ohio Secretary of State by clicking here, Hancock County Board of Elections by clicking here, and the Putnam County Board of Elections by clicking here.

Voters in Putnam County approved renewing tax levies for mental health, alcohol, and drug addiction treatment and prevention services, and for operating expenses for the county 911 system.

Get more election results from the Putnam County Board of Elections by clicking here, the Hancock County Board of Elections by clicking here, and the Ohio Secretary of State’s Office here.

For the first time in a long time, Hancock County will have a new sheriff as Mike Cortez was running uncontested after winning the GOP primary in March.

Cortez will take over as Sheriff from the retiring Michael Heldman who has been Sheriff since 1997 and with the sheriff’s office since 1972.

Cortez says he has a modern approach to public safety, emphasizing the importance of community engagement, advanced technology, and a well-trained, professional law enforcement team. He plans to introduce initiatives such as expanding K9 units, increasing School Resource Officers, and improving mental health awareness in the community.

“As your Sheriff, I pledge to uphold our community’s core values, ensuring Hancock County continues to shine as a beacon of safety, unity, and prosperity,” Cortez said. 

Get more election results from the Hancock County Board of Elections by clicking here, the Putnam County Board of Elections by clicking here, and the Ohio Secretary of State’s Office here.

(From Liberty-Benton Local Schools)

Liberty-Benton’s Military Appreciation Night, organized by Mrs. Mychelle Dukes and the S.O.S. Action Team, was an unforgettable evening!

Veterans, Active Duty Military, Purple Star, and National Guard families received free admission and meals, sponsored by Findlay AMVETS.

Highlights included the BGSU ROTC’s giant U.S. flag during the National Anthem and an incredible flyover by a historic Boeing Stearman biplane—a salute to our military history!

Marathon Petroleum Corporation reported its third-quarter 2024 numbers on Tuesday.

The oil refiner headquartered in Findlay is reporting net income of $622 million for the third quarter of 2024, compared with net income of $3.3 billion for the third quarter of 2023.

The third quarter 2024 adjusted earnings was $2.5 billion, compared with $5.7 billion for the third quarter of 2023

“We remain committed to peer-leading operational excellence, commercial performance, and profitability per barrel in each of the regions in which we operate,” said President and Chief Executive Officer Maryann Mannen.

“MPLX continues to grow, and the durability of its cash flow profile supported a 12.5% increase to its quarterly distribution, strengthening the value proposition to MPC. We returned $3.0 billion through share repurchases and dividends during the quarter, demonstrating our commitment of peer-leading capital return.”

Get more on the company’s third-quarter results by clicking here.  

(From the University of Findlay)

University of Findlay students, faculty, staff, and community members will come together to donate canned food and other non-perishable items for the 19^th annual Helping Hands event on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Center for Student Life and College of Business (CBSL).

Throughout the day, volunteers will be collecting, inspecting, sorting, weighing, and packaging items for delivery. All items will go to Christians Helping Other People in Need (CHOPIN) Hall food pantry.

In addition to the on-campus collection, University of Findlay and Sodexo Food Services have partnered with Walmart (Tiffin and Trenton Ave.), Brinkman’s, Kroger (6th and Tiffin), and Great Scot (Broad Ave and West Main Cross). Off-campus locations will be collecting from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. All non-perishable food items will be accepted, but the top five most requested items include peanut butter, canned fruit, canned soup, bottled juice, and cereal.

University of Findlay student organizations will compete during the “CANstruction” competition earlier in the week, where they will collect donated canned items and construct game-themed structures. Winners will be announced for most creative, people’s choice, and most pounds.

Area schools will also compete to collect and donate the most pounds of food per person. Local middle school students are competing for a pizza party and the Golden Can Award.

In 2023, a total of 249,897 pounds of food​ was collected during the event. Two semi truckloads were needed to move the pallets of food that were collected and delivered to CHOPIN Hall food pantry. To date, more than 1.3 million pounds of food has been collected and donated by the University of Findlay and Sodexo.

The event will conclude in CBSL at Noon on Thursday, November 7, when awards will be handed out and the final total weight of food donations will be announced. For more information on the event, visit Helping Hands online.

(From the Tiffin Police Department)

Dear Tiffin Community,

This evening, the Tiffin Police were made aware of a social media post regarding one of our Tiffin City School buildings. The Tiffin Police Department is actively collaborating with Tiffin City Schools’ administration and the Board of Education to address and monitor the situation. While there is currently no imminent threat, we’re taking every precaution to ensure our schools remain a safe space.

To reassure students, families, and staff, you will notice an increased police presence at our schools tomorrow morning. This is part of our ongoing commitment to safety and to providing peace of mind for our community. Our officers will be on-site to support our schools and reinforce our shared dedication to a secure environment for everyone.

Thank you for your continued trust and support as we work together to safeguard our students and school staff.

Respectfully,

Police Chief David Pauly