The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office says three people were transported from the scene of a two-vehicle crash.

The crash happened at around 8:10 Wednesday morning on State Route 568 near Township Road 253.

The sheriff’s office said Austin Carol-Ritter, 21, of Carey, was westbound on State Route 568 when he lost control of his vehicle and struck an eastbound vehicle.

The sheriff’s office said Austin, along with the people in the second vehicle, Samuel and Denise Cole, of Findlay, were taken to Blanchard Valley Hospital for suspected injuries.

The crash remains under investigation.

The Findlay Police Department is requesting help from the public in identifying a theft suspect.

Police say the man in the surveillance picture is believed to be responsible for the theft of a lot of power tools from Runnings, at 1800 Tiffin Avenue.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Findlay Police Department at 419-424-7150, message them on Facebook, or call Crime Stoppers at 419-425-TIPS.

Tipsters may be eligible for a reward.

The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office has been recognized for excellence in training management by Lexipol, the leading provider of solutions that empower performance excellence in public safety.

The Lexipol Connect program tracks a law enforcement agency’s performance on five metrics proven to measure success in policy management.

The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office achieved Gold status, the highest level of recognition offered, for consistent and effective training management.

“Continuous training through Lexipol ensures that our deputies have the knowledge and skills to make the right decisions in critical moments,” said Sheriff Mike Cortez.

(From the City of Findlay)

The National Weather Service is projecting 4-6 inches of rainfall in Findlay and surrounding Northwest Ohio Counties beginning Wednesday afternoon through the weekend. This storm front is also expected to bring strong winds and potential hail.

Given the current soil saturation and significant rain expected, flash flooding and moderate river flooding are both expected. Secure outdoor furniture, bring in items when possible, and ensure your safety kit for power outages are ready.

Reminders:

1. Flash Flooding occurs when the ground cannot absorb the water fast enough causing standing water in areas which may not typically flood.
2. Moderate River Flooding is expected which will cause some road closures. Impact to property is not anticipated.
3. Check Sump Pumps to help prevent basement or crawl space flooding.
4. Clear debris from storm drains in front of properties to help with road drainage.
5. Do not drive through standing water! Even just an inch of water can be extremely dangerous.
6. Stay away from downed power lines. Report them to AEP Ohio Customer Operations Center 800-672-2231.
7. For fallen trees or hazards in the roadway please call the Findlay Police Department Emergency Line by dialing 911.
8. Stay weather aware and monitor local news outlets as well as the National Weather Service Social Media.

Resources:

Flood Information: https://www.findlayohio.gov/community/flood-information

NWS Forecast https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=40.9619&lon=-83.6082&unit=0&lg=english&FcstType=graphical

WFIN – Get the latest forecast, weather alerts, road alerts, and river levels by clicking here.

(From Children’s Mentoring Connection of Hancock County)

Join us for the 42nd Annual Bowling for Kids Event.

This is our signature fundraising event supporting Children’s Mentoring Connections youth mentoring programs both in the community and at school.

Fun for all!

Register today at https://cmchancock.org/events or call 419-424-9752.

Children’s Mentoring Connection Executive Director Stacy Shaw has more details on the event which will be held on April 5 and 6. 

(From the University of Findlay’s Mazza Museum)

Down-on-the-farm family fun will be featured April 6 during the “Funday Sunday” program at University of Findlay’s Mazza Museum. The event, which is free and open to the public, features the theme of “Farmyard Fables.”

“I’m very excited for our last Funday Sunday of the school year. This day will be perfect for anyone who loves animals or digging in the dirt!” said Amanda Davidson-Johnston, education manager at the Mazza Museum.

Games, crafts, and activities will be provided, and live sheep and chickens are part of the event.

Registration is required and can be completed on the Mazza Museum’s website or https://oilers.findlay.edu/pages/events/mazza-funday-sunday

Funday Sundays take place at the Mazza Museum, from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The event is sponsored by Hancock Federal Credit Union.

For more information on upcoming events, visit the Mazza Museum’s Events page online at www.mazzamuseum.org/events/.

For specific questions regarding Funday Sunday, contact Amanda Davidson-Johnston, Mazza Museum education manager, at 419-434-4777 or send an email to amanda.davidson-johnston@findlay.edu.

(From Findlay City Schools Alumni Association)

It’s time to nominate an FHS graduate for the Findlay City Schools Alumni Association’s Distinguished Alumni Award!

This award recognizes and honors graduates of FHS who have made significant and noteworthy contributions in their time since graduating.

Consider nominating someone incredible today: https://forms.gle/u3vA85BxLTbYfhdT9

(From the Hancock Historical Museum)

The Hancock Historical Museum invites the public to its upcoming Brown Bag Lecture presented by Eastman & Smith LTD. at 12 p.m. Thursday, April 3, 2025.

The featured presentation, “Unnatural Ohio: A History of Buckeye Cryptids Legends & Other Mysteries,” will be delivered by authors Kristina Smith and Kevin Moore.

As a child, Smith read every book on the Loch Ness Monster she could find at the Defiance Public Library.

Since then, she has been interested in cryptids, the paranormal and unexplained phenomena.

Moore has been writing since he was eight years old, pecking away on his mom’s typewriter.

He enjoys reading and writing fiction.

Moore decided to pivot his life toward studying history professionally about 10 years ago.

He now gets to research, preserve and share history as the curator of artifacts at the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums

The lecture will last approximately 45 minutes to an hour, with ample time for questions and discussion.

Guests are encouraged to bring their own lunches to enjoy during the program.

Admission is free for museum members and $3 for non-members.

The Brown Bag Lecture Series takes place on the first Thursday of every month at the Hancock Historical Museum, located at 422 West Sandusky Street in Findlay.

Each lecture highlights topics of historical and cultural significance to Hancock County and Ohio.

(From The Hancock County Parkinson’s Network)

The Hancock County Parkinson’s Network is now accepting grant applications from individuals, nonprofits, and agencies in Hancock County for projects, programs, and initiatives that align with its mission of providing education, resources, and support to individuals and caregivers affected by Parkinson’s disease.

Grant funding of up to $5,000 per entity is available for initiatives that aim to make a positive impact in the local Parkinson’s community. A total of $10,000 is available for this grant cycle. Applications must be completed online via the Hancock County Parkinson’s Network website at hcparkinsonsnetwork.org/grants. The deadline for submission is June 1, 2025, and award decisions will be communicated to applicants by July 31, 2025.

Grant recipients will be required to use the funds within one year and provide a report on the outcome of their project, detailing whether objectives were met.

For more information or questions regarding the grant application process, visit hcparkinsonsnetwork.org/grants.

Contact:
Hancock County Parkinson’s Network
founder@hcparkinsonsnetwork.org