(From the Tiffin Police Department)

Today, we proudly recognize Officer Doug Skornicka for reaching an incredible milestone—25 years of dedicated service with the Tiffin Police Department.

For a quarter of a century, Officer Skornicka has exemplified what it means to serve with integrity, compassion, and professionalism. He has earned numerous accolades for his outstanding work, not only for his skill as an officer but for his ability to connect with the people he serves. Whether responding to a call, assisting a family in need, or simply sharing a conversation with a community member, Doug has always been more than just a uniform—he has been a friend, a mentor, and a steady presence in Tiffin.

One of his most lasting contributions to our department and city was becoming Tiffin PD’s very first School Resource Officer. In that role, he became a trusted figure for students, especially those who felt unheard or unseen. Doug has been the person they could turn to, offering support, guidance, and encouragement when it was needed most. The relationships he built within the schools will have a lasting impact for years to come.

As Doug prepares for retirement in the coming months (we’ll save the big speech for that day!), today we take a moment to reflect on everything he has given to this department and this community. His dedication, his kindness, and his unwavering commitment to public service have made Tiffin a better place.

Doug, on behalf of the entire department and the City of Tiffin—thank you for your 25 years of faithful service. You have made a difference in more lives than you may ever know. Congratulations on this incredible milestone!

Chief David Pauly

(From the United Way of Hancock County)

Registration opens Friday, February 28 for United Way of Hancock County’s Spring Days of Caring, a weeklong service event that pairs volunteer teams with local organizations in need of help.

Days of Caring will take place May 5-9. In four-hour shifts, volunteers from area corporations, civic groups and small businesses will take on projects such as landscaping, organizing, painting, cleaning, construction or even planning an event. Shifts run from 8 a.m. to noon or noon to 4 p.m. at locations across Hancock County such as nonprofit offices, government buildings, parks, ballfields, churches and more.

Registration for both agencies looking to submit projects and the volunteers who will complete them opens Friday at www.liveunitedhancockcounty.org/days-caring

“We engage volunteers year-round, but the scope of Days of Caring makes it a favorite among our volunteers and our benefitting agencies,” said United Way of Hancock County CEO Kelley McClurkin.

She noted that during last spring’s Days of Caring, 900 volunteers completed 93 service projects for 45 different agencies. These teams provided 3,600 community service hours, a value to the community of over $120,000.

“Days of Caring brings a visibility and excitement to volunteerism that’s infectious. It is exciting to see our communities being transformed through the hard work of the Days of Caring teams, and we hope our volunteers find joy in the fact that so many teams are out working at the same time,” McClurkin said.

Registration closes April 9, and the United Way will connect volunteer teams and agency projects April 22.

(From the Kiwanis Club of Findlay)

You might be coming for the pancakes and sausage, but stay for the fun!

This year we will have celebrity flippers manning the front pancake griddles, a kid zone staffed by our friends at Findlay YMCA and Findlay-Hancock County Public Library, pancake eating contest at 10 a.m., and maybe even a song and dance!

We can’t wait to see you Saturday, March 1 from 7 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Findlay High School Cafeteria.

Pre-Sale tickets are still available for a limited time – message us to purchase via venmo or visit AAA Mid States – FindlayHeavenly Pizza-Findlay Ohio, and @The State Bank-Downtown.

Pre-Sale tickets are $7 for adults and $6 for children and seniors.

Tickets will be $1 more the day-of!

(From the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office)

The Seneca County Sheriff’s Office has partnered with Tiffin University to do some Community Engagement and collect responses through a Community Policing Survey for both our Agency and the Tiffin Police Department.

This is confidential and will take less than 10 minutes of your time and help us get feedback directly from the citizens we serve.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation and participation in this community wide survey.

Use the QR code below to get started!

-Sheriff Stevens

(From the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation)

A new fund was recently established at the Foundation to support improving educational opportunities and experiences for students in the Arlington Local Schools industrial arts and agricultural science programs.

The Jeff Wilson Memorial Fund for Industrial Arts and Agricultural Sciences was established in memory of Jeff. Jeff worked his entire teaching career (1975-2008) at Arlington Local Schools, teaching ag education, general science and vet science. He was passionate about helping all students find their skills and talents and was an example of positivity and a great work ethic.

To learn more or donate to the newly established fund, visit: https://www.community-foundation.com/…/asf-jeff-wilson… 

(From the Fostoria Police Department)

On the morning of Sunday February 23rd, 2025, at approximately 0430 hrs, the Fostoria Police Department responded to 310 S. Poplar St for a report of shots fired. Upon officers’ arrival, they discovered that the house had been shot 4 times at the rear of the residence along an alleyway. After securing the residence and the area, Fostoria Detective Brooks Hall was called to the scene to investigate further.

Through Detective Hall’s investigation of the shooting, he was able to determine the shooter and another subject, came to the rear of 310 S. Poplar St from 201 E. Crocker St in Fostoria, fired 4 shots at the residence, before fleeing back to 201 E Crocker St.

On February 24th, 2025, at approximately 2030 hrs, Detectives from the Fostoria Police Department with the assistance of the Seneca County Regional SRT, executed a search warrant at 201 E. Crocker St, to look for the suspects and possible evidence from the shooting. The Seneca County Regional SRT surrounded the residence and ordered out all occupants of the home out by loudspeaker. Those individuals were secured and SRT made entry into the location to secure it as well. After searching the residence and conducting interviews of the occupants, Fostoria Detectives were able to identify the shooter.

On February 25, 2025, the Fostoria Police Department arrested Michael Bollinger, 18 YOA, for Discharging a Firearm into Habitation, ORC 2923.161 (A)(1), a Felony of the Second Degree. Mr. Bollinger turned himself over to the Fostoria Police Department without incident and admitted to his involvement in the shooting. Mr. Bollinger is currently being held in the Seneca County Jail with no bond, awaiting his initial court appearance. The investigation is still ongoing.

“The responding officers’ prompt response and textbook handling of the shooting, along with Detective Halls thorough investigation, were paramount in resolving this investigation so quickly. I cannot say enough about the officers working in the Fostoria Police Department; Our department has truly been tested over the past couple of weeks, and I am proud to say they have all handled it remarkably.”

“I would also like to thank the Seneca County Regional SRT for their assistance in executing the search warrant last night. This team came in and safely secured the occupants and residence in a quick and professional manner, without further incident. The Seneca County Regional SRT is made up of 6 officers from the Fostoria Police Department, 7 officers from the Tiffin Police Department, 5 deputies from the Seneca County Sheriff’s Department, 3 medics from the Fostoria Fire Department, and 3 Medics from the Tiffin Fire Department. This group’s dedication to our area is unmatched. They are always ready at a moment’s notice, and train to handle almost every scenario you can think of. The collaboration of the City of Fostoria, the City of Tiffin, and Seneca County has truly been a blessing for the area.”

Police Chief Gabe Wedge

Fostoria Police Department

(From Blanchard Valley Health System)

Blanchard Valley Hospital, a division of Blanchard Valley Health System, has been awarded on Newsweek’s list of the World’s Best Hospitals 2025.

A repeat winner of this award, BVH received additional recognition this year in two categories, infection prevention and patient experience.

The award list was announced on February 26, 2025, and can be viewed on Newsweek’s website.

The World’s Best Hospitals 2025 ranking lists the best hospitals in 30 countries. The countries were selected based on multiple comparability factors, such as standard of living/life expectancy, population size, number of hospitals, and data availability. Newsweek and Statista awarded the best hospitals based on four data sources. They include: recommendations from medical experts through an online survey among tens of thousands of doctors, health care professionals, and hospital managers in 30 countries; results from patient surveys of patient satisfaction with hospitalization; hospital quality metrics and medical indicators, such as data on quality of care for treatments, hygiene measures, patient safety, and waiting times; and the Statista Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) Implementation Survey, an optional online survey on the implementation and use of PROMs in hospitals.

Based on the above four pillars and their respective weights, a final source was calculated for each hospital.

“We are honored to receive this national recognition once again, and are thankful also for the additional recognition for our efforts to improve infection prevention and the patient experience,” said Myron D. Lewis, MSW, MBA, FACHE, president and chief executive officer of Blanchard Valley Health System. “Our associates take both of these aspects of healthcare very seriously as part of our commitment to our patients and their families. Each time we add or expand a practice or service, such as the recent openings of the Acute Rehabilitation Unit and the Wellness Park campus, we keep the care of our patients and community in mind. It is rewarding to see national recognition once again for the hard work that our associates do each and every day to ensure patients receive safe, quality care.”

(From the Fostoria Police Department)

At approximately 0953 hrs, on February 25 the Fostoria Police Department received a call of a subject on the E. Center St train overpass, standing on the outside of the railing. When responding officers arrived on scene, the male subject began threatening to jump from the overpass. Officers blocked traffic and relayed with CSX to stop any incoming trains. Fostoria EMS was also called to the scene.

After approximately 15 minutes of de-escalating the situation and calming the subject down, the subject reluctantly came back to the inside of the railing. However, he then changed his mind and attempted to climb to the outside of the railing again, but officers were able to pull him back away from doing so. The subject then began fighting the officers; however, officers were able to restrain the subject and secure his movements. The subject was then taken to Fostoria ProMedica Hospital to be evaluated.

“This is just another example of how Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) is paying off in the City of Fostoria and across the nation. Officers are entering the situation in a safe but more passive manner, to de-escalate the situations by speaking to the subject first, slowing things down, instead of going straight to hands on.”

“A special thanks to the officers on scene, Officer Don Dennis, Officer Brady Jaso, Sergeant Kent Reinbolt, Captain Dan Dell, and Detective Sergeant Nate Elliott. Their hard work and dedication to training likely saved a life today.”

Police Chief Gabe Wedge

Fostoria Police Department.

(From the Tiffin Police Department)

We are asking for assistance in identifying the individual shown in these photographs.

They are involved in a theft investigation from a Dollar General.

If you recognize this individual, please reach out to Ofc. Garrett at 419-447-2323 or via email at cwgarrett@tiffinohio.gov.

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

(From the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation)

The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation Board of Trustees approved grants totaling $770,654.84 at the February board meeting. This total includes seven responsive grants and 164 donor advised fund grants.

“This round of grants demonstrates the depth of what we do as a Foundation,” said Brian Treece, President & CEO of The Community Foundation. “From grants for Fun for All community events to supporting rural communities, mental health organizational support, health equity and environmental work. The generosity of our donors makes this work possible, which improves the quality of life for all of us here.”

Responsive Grants

Responsive grants are awarded to organizations that meet community needs and match The Community Foundation’s goals and objectives. Grantseekers must submit a written grant proposal for consideration. Applications are reviewed four times per year.

Funding for responsive grants comes from our Community’s Endowment, which is comprised of Funds for the Common Good and Field of Interest Funds established by donors at The Community Foundation. The following responsive grants were approved by the Board of Trustees, made possible by our Community’s Endowment:

50 North was awarded $18,000 to support events throughout 2025 as part of the Foundation’s Fun for All series of free community events.

The Community Foundation was awarded two grants:

$10,000 to create the Village of Arcadia Community Field of Interest Fund to support items in the village’s Heart & Soul action plan.

$10,000 to create the Village of Arlington Community Field of Interest Fund to support items in the village’s Heart & Soul action plan.

Hancock County ADAMHS Board was awarded $35,000 for planning and project management to renovate the ADAMHS Board’s Grace Boulevard property.

NAMI Hancock County was awarded $1,875 for a board retreat and strategic planning session.

West Ohio Land Conservancy was awarded $56,600 to support hiring a part-time executive director.

University of Findlay Center for Civic Engagement was awarded $10,000 to support community engagement events as part of its Health Equity Action Plan.

Donor Advised Grants

Individuals, families or corporations establish donor advised funds to recommend grants to nonprofits they’re passionate about. The Foundation vets the nonprofits, and grants are awarded. The following donor advised grants were awarded:

164 grants to 104 organizations totaling $629,179.84.