(From the Findlay Family YMCA)

We had a special visitor at the Y – Sparky from the Findlay Fire Department!

Sparky was ready to dive in for some summer fun, but first, our Sr. Program Director, Jerry McNamee, gave him important swimming safety tips, such as:

– Always swim with a buddy – never alone.

– Avoid wearing blue swimsuits, which can make it harder to be seen in the water.

As the dog days of summer heat up, water safety matters more than ever. That’s why we’re asking families to take the YMCA’s Phones Down, Eyes Up™ pledge. Because phones, tablets, and even brief distractions can have deadly consequences when kids are in or near water:

• It only takes 30 seconds for a child to silently drown.
• 88% of drownings happen with adults nearby.
• Most people don’t realize how quiet drowning can be.

This campaign is about empowering parents and caregivers to create strong safety habits and layers of protection.

Take the pledge and get free safety tools: PhonesDownEyesUp.org

This year’s Flag City Night Out will be held on Tuesday, August 5th from 6 to 9 p.m. at Findlay’s Riverside Park west of McManness Avenue.

Flag City Night Out allows the public a chance to interact with safety services (Police, Sheriff, Fire, EMS and others) on a one-on-one basis and get a look at the equipment they use.

“Flag City Night Out is a free, family-friendly event that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods a safer, better place to live,” said police officer Brian White.

Flag City Night Out also serves to highlight non-profit community programs available in the community and get people in touch with the resources they need.

This year’s event will feature live entertainment, food, demonstrations, children’s activities and train rides.

Area mascots will also be on hand to participate in the Annual Mascot Games, with an intermission for the Police vs. Fire Games where area youth will be paired up with officers and firefighters in a variety of games.

Area non-profit organizations will also be on hand to offer insight into what they do and connect people with resources.

“For those that can’t make it, we encourage you to turn on your porch light with a blue bulb,” police said.

“This is a symbolic gesture to show that you stand unified with area safety services and the fight against crime.”

The rain date is Tuesday, August 12.

(From the City of Fostoria)

On Monday and Tuesday, community volunteers teamed up with Wood County Plays and Penchura to begin assembling the new all-inclusive playground next to City Park!

This playground is designed to be enjoyed by everyone — accommodating individuals with disabilities while also creating a fun and accessible space for children and people of all abilities.

We want to extend a huge thank you to Wood County Plays, Penchura, and our dedicated community members who rolled up their sleeves to help over the past couple of days. Assembling playground equipment takes teamwork, but this is one incredibly rewarding project, and we can’t wait to see it all come together!

The second delivery of equipment will arrive in September, with more installation to follow.

For everyone’s safety, please steer clear of the playground area during construction. Fencing and caution tape will be in place as this remains an active work site.

Stay tuned as we build something truly special for Fostoria!

As part of ongoing work on the I-75/CR 99 interchange improvement project on the north end of Findlay, the exit ramp from Interstate 75 southbound to County Road 99 will close Wednesday, July 30 for two days to construct the portion of the new ramp that will connect to I-75.

The suggested detour from the Ohio Department of Transportation: I-75 to U.S. 224, I-75, back to CR 99.

The I-75/CR 99 interchange improvement project is reconstructing the interchange with a diverging diamond design and upgrading the County Road 99 corridor between Technology Drive and North Main Street.

(From the Findlay Police Department)

The Findlay Police Department has announced the promotions of Brian Rutter and Isaac Williams to the rank of Sergeant. Sergeants Rutter and Williams were sworn in by Mayor Christina Muryn yesterday morning at the Findlay Municipal Building.

Sergeant Rutter is a graduate of Elida High School, and holds a bachelor’s degree in Aviation Systems from The Ohio State University, where he also obtained his commercial pilot’s license. Sergeant Rutter began his law enforcement career with the Findlay Police Department in 2016 after completing his Ohio Peace Officer Certification through the State Highway Patrol Academy. During his tenure, he has served in a variety of roles including Field Training Officer, Drone Pilot with the FPD Drone Team, instructor for the Active Shooter (RAIDER) Team, and Team Leader on the Crisis Management Team.

Sergeant Williams graduated from Tiffin Columbian High School, and received his bachelor’s degree in Law Enforcement from Tiffin University. He also began his law enforcement career with the Findlay Police Department in 2016 after completing his Ohio Peace Officer Academy at Terra State Community College. Sergeant Williams has held multiple roles within the department, including Field Training Officer, Defensive Tactics Instructor, Special Assignment Unit, Vice Narcotics Unit, and the CISM Team. Sergeant Williams is married to his wife Olivia, and they have two children.

Both newly promoted sergeants will be assigned to the Patrol Division.

The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office says a man who had warrants for his arrest led deputies on a miles-long high-speed chase.

Deputies attempted a vehicle stop for a traffic violation on State Route 15 near Road E in Monroe Township at 11:06 Thursday night.

The sheriff’s office said the vehicle, being driven by Brandon Clayton, 22, of Clarksville, Virginia, attempted to flee from deputies and a pursuit ensued, reaching speeds of more than 100 miles per hour.

The pursuit entered Defiance County and then Henry County where the vehicle eventually crashed near Road 15.

The driver was taken into custody and transported to the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office on a count of felony failure to comply.

The sheriff’s office said the driver also had warrants for his arrest from the U.S. Marshals Service.

No one was injured during the pursuit that spanned approximately 24 miles.

(From the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office)

Our office has received numerous calls in regards to a scam call. The person calling is stating that he is a deputy from our agency and tells the caller that they “missed a court date”, “has an active warrant”, or “missed jury duty”.

Several people that have called in to report the scam have stated the person making the call has been very threatening and intimidating in the attempt to get personal information.

Please do NOT give any personal, financial, or other information over the phone.

Always use caution when answering phone calls from unknown numbers.

(From the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library)

The Findlay-Hancock County Public Library is excited to announce its upcoming Teen Program: School Supply Swap, taking place on Saturday, August 2, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Lindamood Room and the Blanchard Room. This free event is open to all students entering grades 6–12 and aims to provide school supplies to those in need while also offering a chance to donate gently-used or new items.

Donations will be accepted in the Youth Services Department from July 28 – 31 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Please bring in those supplies that you never got to use, or only used a few times and give them a new life in a different student’s hands.

As the back-to-school season approaches, the School Supply Swap is a great opportunity for students and families to clear out unused materials or stock up on essentials. No donation is required to participate—students are welcome to simply attend and pick up supplies they need for the new school year.

“Every student deserves to start the year with the tools they need to succeed,” said Carah Alvarez, Teen Services Specialist. “This program is about building community, supporting one another, and helping teens feel confident and ready for school.” Stay in touch and keep updated at www.findlaylibrary.org, on our Facebook page, facebook.com/fhcpl, and on Instagram @fhcpl.

(From the Findlay Police Department)

On July 23, 2025 at approximately 8:19 PM, FPD Officers were sent to Dick’s Sporting Goods, 1960 Tiffin Ave., for a theft in progress call.

While officers were en route, four suspects fled the area with an abundance of store merchandise.

Witnesses were able to provide descriptions of the suspects.

Shortly after, a FPD officer was in the area of County Road 99 and N. Main St. and was able to locate a vehicle whose occupants matched the suspects from the theft at Dick’s.

As this officer attempted to stop this vehicle, it fled west, committing several traffic infractions including speed and failing to stop at multiple red lights.

The vehicle then turned onto northbound Interstate 75 as the officer pursued this vehicle.

The FPD Officer along with troopers from the Ohio State Highway Patrol pursued this vehicle for several miles before it finally pulled over near mile marker 189.

Once stopped, a felony stop was performed on this vehicle and all occupants of the vehicle were detained and subsequently arrested.

Inside the vehicle were several thousand dollars’ worth of stolen merchandise.

All suspects/arrestees are from Saginaw, MI and are as follows:

-Jaylen Finch: Felony Theft and Failure to Comply

-Jovanna Evans: Felony Theft

-Devonna Holmes: Felony Theft

-Juvenile Female: Felony Theft

The 3 adult suspects/arrestees were transported back to Findlay and taken to the Hancock County Justice Center.

The juvenile female was taken to Wood County Juvenile Detention Center.

The American Red Cross is hoping you can help out and donate blood at an upcoming blood drive in Findlay.

Blood donations tend to drop during the summer while the need remains high due to summer accidents and trauma, often requiring more blood transfusions. 

The Red Cross says it is very low on appointments for some upcoming blood drives and needs your help to avoid a blood shortage. 

July 30 – Cedar Creek Church from 9 am to 3 pm (2111 Stonehedge Dr.)

July 31 – Blanchard Valley Center from 9 am to 3 pm (1700 E. Sandusky St.)

August 1 – Findlay Elks from 10 am to 4 pm (900 W. Melrose)

There is also a blood drive on Thursday, July 24 at St. Marks United Methodist Church (800 South Main Street).

Click here to see the full list of blood drives in the Findlay area.