Vanlue Local School has announced its new superintendent.

The Board of Education selected Eric Valasek as the school’s new superintendent.

Valasek has been the high school principal and the Board says his dedication to students and deep understanding of the school district have been evident in his work.

Get more details below.

(From the Ohio State Highway Patrol)

The Ohio State Highway Patrol will continue being highly visible on roadways across the state in an effort to reduce the number of fatal crashes. In addition, troopers are urging motorists to practice safe driving habits, such as using available safety belts, never driving while impaired and always following traffic laws.

From 2020-2024 there were 5,804 fatal crashes on Ohio roadways, resulting in 6,259 fatalities. Last year, there were 1,076 fatal crashes and 1,156 fatalities. This represents a 6.4% decrease in crashes and a 6.9% reduction in fatalities compared to 2023.

“It’s certainly encouraging to know that traffic fatalities dropped again last year – marking the third consecutive year of declining traffic deaths – but the number of people killed on Ohio’s roads is still far too high,” said Governor DeWine. “For the safety of all travelers, I continue to urge drivers to eliminate distractions and keep their attention on the road ahead.”

According to Patrol statistics, 26% of fatal crashes over the last five years were the result of driving off the roadway. Additionally, unsafe speed, driving left of center, failure to yield the right of way, following too closely and running a stop sign were the next top contributing factors in fatal crashes statewide.

Through proactive measures, such as an emphasis on distracted driving and focused drug and alcohol impaired driving enforcement, approximately 86 fewer lives were lost on Ohio roadways in 2024 than in 2023.

“Every life lost on Ohio’s roadways is a tragedy,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent. “Drivers can help prevent crashes by watching your speed, following at a safe distance and obeying traffic laws. Safe driving is a responsibility we all share – every trip, every time.”

A statistical map containing fatal crash information can be found here and additional crash information is available on the Patrol’s Ohio Statistics and Analytics for Traffic Safety (OSTATS) Crash Dashboard.

The public is encouraged to safely call #677 to report reckless or impaired drivers and drug activity.

(From the Findlay Police Department)

Officer Alex Dewey was sworn in this morning by Mayor Muryn.

Dewey, 29, is a graduate of Van Buren High School.

He attended the Police Academy program at Rhode’s State University in 2016, earning his OPOTA certification.

Dewey previously served at the Carey Police Department as a Police Officer for six years and a Sergeant for two years.

He will be assigned to the department’s Patrol Division.

(From the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office)

We have received reports of counterfeit $100 bills being found in the county.

Any type of U.S. currency found please have it checked before spending.

If any currency is found and you are uncertain if it is real or fake, you can contact the sheriff’s office at 419-523-3208 or bring to the Sheriff’s office and we can check to see if it is real.

(From The Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership and the Fostoria Economic Development Corporation)

The Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership and the Fostoria Economic Development Corporation are proud to announce that the Tiffin-Seneca County Micropolitan Area has been ranked #6 in the nation in Site Selection Magazine’s annual rankings of economic development projects.

This ranking places the region among the top-performing micropolitan areas nationwide, competing against 543 similar-sized communities with populations between 10,000 and 50,000. This marks the 13th consecutive year that the region has ranked in the top 10% nationally, further solidifying its reputation as a leading destination for business growth and investment.

This achievement underscores Seneca County’s unwavering commitment to economic growth and development. In 2024, the community saw a number of transformative projects that contributed to this national ranking.

Tiffin saw continued growth with expansions and investments from American Plastics, National Machinery,

and Webster Industries. Fostoria had significant projects with Frankart Electric, Kuzma Industries, Mennel Milling, National Spinning Co., POET Biorefining – Fostoria, and Premier Industrial Machine, as well as the attraction of Carolina Nonwovens to Ohio and Fostoria. Additional countywide investments included projects from Church & Dwight and Schreiner Manufacturing.

These projects reflect the diverse industries driving economic momentum in Seneca County, including manufacturing, construction, energy, and industrial machinery. The collaboration between the Tiffin-Seneca Economic Development Corporation and the Fostoria Economic Development Corporation has played a pivotal role in securing the region’s standing among the top communities for economic development.

Seneca County Commissioner Tony Paradiso praised the county’s consistency in economic development:

“Ranking in the Top 10 nationally for 13 consecutive years is no small feat—it’s a testament to the dedication of our business community, economic development teams, and local leadership. We continue to see strong investment in Tiffin, Fostoria, and throughout Seneca County, and we are committed to sustaining this momentum.”

Tiffin Mayor Lee Wilkinson emphasized the city’s growth and strategic partnerships:

“Tiffin’s economy remains strong because of the commitment of our businesses. This national recognition reaffirms that we are a premier destination for investment, and I look forward to building on this success.”

Fostoria Mayor Don Mennel highlighted regional collaboration as a key factor in the ranking:

“Fostoria continues to be a leader in economic development, and our partnerships play a crucial role in securing these rankings. The investments made in Fostoria’s industrial sector are creating jobs and opportunities, and I am proud to see our efforts recognized nationally.”

With this sixth-place national ranking, the Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership and the Fostoria Economic Development Corporation remain dedicated to advancing economic opportunities, fostering business innovation, and strengthening the regional economy for years to come.

Hancock County Job and Family Services says it and Ohio Means Jobs had to close due to threats made to staff members on Friday.

The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office said a caller upset over canceled benefits threatened to “blow y’all up”.

The sheriff’s office said the caller was from Hancock County and had contacted the call center in Sandusky County. The sheriff’s office said the caller didn’t specify whether the threat was directed at Hancock County or Sandusky County. 

The sheriff’s office searched the Hancock County Job and Family Services building along with assistance from the Allen County Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit for explosive devices and no threats were found.

Employees were cleared to return to the building a little before 9 a.m. Monday.

Hancock County JFS is sharing space with Ohio Means Jobs while the JFS building at 7814 County Road 140 is under construction. 

(ONN) – Ohio lawmakers are considering a bill to increase the minimum number of hours in the school year, meaning students could soon be spending more time in the classroom.

This new legislation would add 54 hours of instruction time in schools for the year.

“For the state to come in and say kids need to be in the classrooms more but we’re cutting $100 million dollars from the state budget to fund schools, that’s really difficult to see those two things come at the same time,” said Sylvania Education Association President Dan Greenberg.

The school districts would get to decide just how to spread out those hours over the school year.

(From the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation)

The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation has announced the schedule for its ‘Fun for All’ series of free community events for March.

The events scheduled so far are listed below and more will be added as they become available.

15 – Game-A-Pa-Looza
12 – 4 p.m.
Location & Organization: 50 North
Registration is required: 50 North

17 – Symphony Storytime
10:30 a.m.
Location: Findlay-Hancock County Public Library
Organization: Lima Symphony Orchestra

24 – Bowling for Teens
3:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Location: AMF Sportsman Lanes
Organization: Community Partnership

“We’ve heard time and time again that finding affordable, family-friendly activities is a challenge in Hancock County. The Community Foundation is proud to provide Fun for All to help bridge the gap,” said Community Foundation President and CEO Brian Treece.

Brian says the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation is thankful to its community partners for making the events possible.

(From Findlay City Schools)

Congratulations to Chamberlin Hill Elementary School, who has been honored with the Momentum Award by the state of Ohio for the remarkable progress and growth achieved during the 2023-2024 academic year.

The Momentum Award recognizes buildings that exhibit exceptional improvement in academic achievement, while also demonstrating consistent growth.

A recognition like this is only possible because of the collective effort of students and staff.

We are so proud of Chamberlin Hill!

(From Bowling Green State University)

For the first time in its 102-year history, the Bowling Green State University Falcon Marching Band — one of the nation’s largest college bands — is traveling to Ireland to perform in the iconic St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin.

The Falcon Marching Band will be one of only three college marching bands performing in the parade, which winds through Ireland’s capital city for about two miles, typically drawing half a million spectators.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for BGSU students, and I am thrilled that our incredibly talented Falcon Marching Band members are being given the chance to showcase their talent and poise on a global stage,” said Jon Waters, a professor and the director of marching and athletic bands. “Marching band is about so much more than music and performing. These students are learning valuable life skills, and this cultural experience will only enhance that. 

“I believe our students should leave the University with two pieces of paper — a diploma and a passport. This trip will fulfill that philosophical endeavor for me as an educator.”