(From the Ohio Department of Transportation)

Millions of drivers will hit the road for the Memorial Day holiday weekend, kicking off the unofficial start to summer.

The American Automobile Association (AAA) estimates that a record 45.1 million Americans will travel more than 50 miles from home during the holiday, 1.4 million more than 2024.

“Memorial Day is a busy time on Ohio’s roads as many Ohioans travel to spend time with family and friends,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “I encourage all drivers to be alert and prioritize safety behind the wheel.”

Last year in Ohio, 26 people were killed in 22 fatal crashes during the four-day Memorial Day weekend reporting period.  The Ohio State Highway Patrol will be keeping a close eye on the roads with extra emphasis on seat belt violations, impaired or distracted drivers, and speeding.

“As we gather with friends and family this Memorial Day weekend to honor those who gave their lives in support of freedom, let’s not forget that safety on our roadways is a shared responsibly,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent. “Wear your safety belt, stay focused and never drive impaired. The decisions you make could save a life.”

You can help contribute to a safer Ohio by calling #677 to report drug activity and dangerous or impaired driving.

With nearly 1,000 new construction projects this year, there is a lot of work underway on Ohio roads. The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) will work with contractors to suspend or reduce the size of active work zones as much as possible to accommodate the extra traffic. However, that’s not possible in every situation. Travel delays due to road work are likely on I-75 in Dayton, and Cincinnati, I-70 through Columbus and Zanesville, and both I-76 and I-77 in Akron.

“There will be a lot of people traveling for Memorial Day and it is very important for drivers to focus, be aware, and give their full attention to the road and their surroundings,” said ODOT Director Pamela Boratyn. “Simple things like buckling up, obeying the speed limit, driving sober, and putting down the distractions can be the difference between a memorable holiday and a tragic one.”

You can find information about work zones, view more than 1,000 live traffic cameras, see current road conditions, and traffic alerts at OHGO.com. County-by-county travel advisories are also available online.

With an increase in traffic, the ODOT Safety Patrol, sponsored by GEICO sees an increase in incidents during the busy travel holiday. The main priority of this free service is to keep traffic flowing through Ohio’s largest metro areas. Ohio residents and visitors can do their part by checking their fuel gauge to avoid running out of gas and keeping an eye out for other roadway users.

Remember, Ohio law requires you to move over a lane for all stationary public safety vehicles with flashing lights. If you cannot safely move over, you are required to slow down. This keeps all our roadside workers safe.

(From Tiffin Police Chief David Pauly)

Congratulations to Sergeant LaVerne M. “Vern” Keefe on 25 Years!!

On May 20, 2000, LaVerne M. Keefe—known to most simply as “Vern”—was officially sworn in as a Tiffin Police Officer by then-Mayor Bernard Holman. That day marked the beginning of a remarkable law enforcement career grounded in professionalism, commitment, and quiet excellence.

Vern began his journey in the Patrol Division, where he quickly earned a reputation as a reliable and steady presence on the streets of Tiffin. Through countless shifts, calls, and challenges, Vern brought a calm demeanor, sharp instincts, and a deep sense of duty to the people he served.

In August of 2011, Vern was promoted to the rank of Sergeant—an acknowledgment of his leadership, experience, and the respect he earned from both peers and supervisors alike. As a supervisor, he has consistently led by example, mentoring younger officers and guiding his team through an ever-changing landscape of public safety needs.

Over the course of his career, Sergeant Keefe has received numerous commendations and awards—both from within the department and from external organizations—recognizing his outstanding service, integrity, and dedication. His most recent commendation highlights his critical behind-the-scenes contributions, particularly his unwavering support in maintaining and improving our internal systems. Vern has been instrumental in ensuring the seamless operation of essential infrastructure, working closely with IT and service providers to keep our department functioning at the highest level.

Beyond the accolades and the uniforms, Vern is the embodiment of what it means to be a public servant—dependable, principled, and deeply committed to the mission of protecting and serving.

As we celebrate this milestone of 25 years of dedicated service, we are also mindful that this year marks the final chapter of Vern’s time in uniform. He has announced his intention to retire this coming fall, and while we are fortunate to have him with us for a few more months, his presence will surely be missed when that time comes.

Sergeant Keefe embodies the very best of the Tiffin Police Department—steadfast, humble, and wholly devoted to the mission. His legacy of leadership and quiet professionalism will continue to influence this department long after he takes his final radio call.

On behalf of the entire Tiffin Police Department and the City of Tiffin, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Sergeant Vern Keefe on 25 years of honorable service.

Chief David Pauly

(From Hancock Public Health)

Congratulations for the second year in a row to Vanlue Local School for acing our Quick Click Challenge!

With a time of 32.21 seconds they secured the 2025 Quick Click Challenge Title for High Schools.

Your commitment to seat belt safety is truly inspiring.

Thank you to everyone who participated and supported this initiative.

Let’s continue to prioritize safety on the road!

(From the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts)

Two inspiring visual arts projects in Findlay have been awarded The Marianna Hofer Endowment Grant to foster artistic growth and promote community connection through the power of creativity.

Awakening Minds Art (AMA), a local nonprofit committed to inclusive arts education, is launching Cops & Kids Get Creative, a community initiative bringing together local law enforcement officers and youth through collaborative painting sessions. Hosted at the Fort Findlay FOP Lodge 20 and facilitated by skilled AMA instructors, these guided art experiences are designed to build trust, encourage self-expression, and promote understanding. Spanning four sessions throughout the year, the program focuses on youth involved in therapies and specialized classrooms through the Educational Service Center, with additional spots available to the wider public. Participants will create individual artworks alongside officers, fostering connection in a welcoming and positive environment. [This program] “is designed to foster positive interactions between police officers and youth who may not typically have access to opportunities to engage with law enforcement in a positive, non-enforcement setting,” said Emily Sullivan, Executive Director for AMA. “Through art, students are able to see police officers as approachable individuals, not just as figures of authority.” Participants and their families will provide feedback through surveys and reflections, allowing AMA to evaluate the program’s impact on perceptions of law enforcement and artistic engagement.

Cindy Meadows, a dedicated visual artist and educator, is embarking on an intensive self-paced educational journey through the internationally respected Watercolor Academy. This program, led by acclaimed tutors, provides personalized instruction in classical watercolor techniques. Through one-on-one tutoring, Meadows will work through up to 100 custom-tailored projects while receiving individualized critiques on both assigned and future work. In addition to online coursework, Meadows is investing in professional-grade tools and equipment to elevate her technical execution and teaching practice. Her home studio will also be enhanced with improved lighting to enable more flexible working hours. Ultimately, this initiative will allow her to integrate classical approaches into her teaching, enriching the learning experiences of her students and raising the quality of her own artistic output. “My passion is art! I enjoy teaching and seeing the development of skills,” said Meadows. “These skills gained will apply to other areas of art, as well as improve my teaching abilities in watercolor.”

The Marianna Hofer Endowment Grant was established with The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation to support the vibrant arts community of Hancock County. Inspired by the legacy of Marianna L. Hofer, a beloved University of Findlay professor, poet, and photographer, the grant empowers recipients to explore their artistic visions, enrich their communities, and transform lives through the arts. Since 2018, the Hofer Endowment Fund at the Community Foundation has awarded $53,418 in grant dollars to 23 artists and arts organizations in Hancock County to advance various art education programs.

(From the Findlay Police Department)

On 5-20-2025, at approximately 0118 hours, officers were dispatched to 1245 Crystal Glen Blvd. Apt. C for a report of a domestic disturbance in progress. An officer made contact at the apartment front door with the male and female. The female was actively bleeding from a cut on her hand and the male was attempting to shut the door on the female and officer. The officer pulled the female out of the doorway away from the male, who then shut the door and locked it. The female victim was treated and transported by HANCO to Blanchard Valley Hospital for further treatment of her injury.

Additional officers arrived and began attempting to make contact with the male inside. The male began threatening to harm himself and threatened to tamper with the gas lines inside the apartment and blow up the apartment building. Officers began evacuating residents from their apartments for their safety and contacted the Findlay Fire Department to shut the gas off to the building. Officers continued talking with the suspect, identified as Savas Rivas Jr. (age 56) through the door in an attempt to get him to surrender. After some negotiations, Savas exited the apartment and was taken into custody without incident. Savas was taken to Blanchard Valley Hospital as a precaution. Savas was eventually incarcerated at the Hancock County Justice Center on charges of Domestic Violence (F3), Inducing Panic (M1), and Obstructing Official Business (M2).

Findlay Fire Department and Columbia Gas remained on scene to ensure the apartment building was safe and to turn the gas back on. Residents were then allowed back into their apartments.

(From Hancock Park District)

Zonta Landing Boat Rentals at Riverside Park will be reopening for the season on Saturday, May 24!

The hours are 1-7 pm on Saturdays, Sundays & Holidays through Labor Day.

Canoes, Kayaks, & Pedal Boats are available for rent at a standard rental fee of $5 per 1/2 hour.

Zonta Landing accepts cash or check only.

For more information, please visit the “Park News” section of our website, hancockparks.com.

(From the City of Findlay)

Columbia Gas will be reducing Center Street to one lane in each direction from Main St. to the railroad for gas line replacement.

Work will begin on May 22nd and will continue for approximately 6 weeks.

Flaggers will be on site to help direct traffic.

Please don’t hesitate to contact Columbia Gas if you have any questions about this project at 216-695-9214.

(From the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office)

As planting season is in full swing, you’ll be seeing more agricultural machinery on the roads.

These vehicles move much slower than typical traffic and may take up more space.

Please use extra caution:

• Be patient — don’t rush to pass.
• Give farm equipment plenty of room.
• Watch for wide turns or sudden stops.
• Look for flashing lights and slow-moving vehicle signs.

Our local farmers are working hard to feed our communities. Let’s all do our part to keep them — and everyone else — safe on the road.

(From the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and Blanchard Valley Health System)

Blanchard Valley Health System (BVHS) in Findlay has joined The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center’s Heart & Vascular Network. The premier network extends Ohio State’s heart and vascular expertise by providing top-tier cardiovascular care and ensuring patients receive the best possible treatment close to home.

“We have the opportunity to redefine cardiovascular care in our community through a strategic collaboration with The Ohio State University Heart & Vascular Network,” said Myron D. Lewis, MSW, MBA, FACHE, president and chief executive officer of Blanchard Valley Health System. “This new partnership will help us fulfill our mission to bring the best health care and highest clinical expertise to those we serve. The road ahead will focus on expanding cardiovascular services and prioritizing quality care. Ultimately, the vision is to advance teamwork and transform the patient experience.”

Collaboration of the Heart & Vascular Network with partner health systems will extend clinical care, research and education across Ohio. “Ohio State’s Heart & Vascular Center and BVHS have a longstanding relationship, especially in electrophysiology. BVHS is now a core member of the Heart & Vascular Network, marking one of the most comprehensive and exciting collaborations in the Heart & Vascular Center’s history,” said John J. Warner, MD, CEO of The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and executive vice president at Ohio State. “This enhanced collaboration speaks to our shared commitment to meeting the health care needs of all Ohioans while also keeping care close to home.”

The heart program at BVHS will benefit from improved access to specialized care and seamless coordination of resources with Ohio State, Lewis said. BVHS recently renamed its cardiovascular facility the Heminger Heart and Vascular Center, with the full support and generosity of donors Jane and Gary Heminger. The name change reflects the organization’s commitment to advancing cardiovascular care and innovation, ensuring that patients across the region receive the highest-quality treatment.

A family of four was hit by a train on a railroad bridge in Fremont.

The train hit the two adults and two children around 7 p.m. Sunday.

Authorities said the family was from Fort Wayne and was in Fremont on a fishing trip.

The mother, 38, and grandmother, 58, were both killed and a 14-month-old girl was found and life-flighted to a hospital, authorities said.

Authorities were searching for a missing five-year-old girl and have since located the body of the child. 

(picture courtesy of WTOL-11)