(From the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office)

On Friday, August 29, 2025, an inmate incarcerated on a misdemeanor charge physically assaulted several Correction Officers at the Seneca County Jail. While the inmate was being moved to another location in the jail, he began to physically assault a Correction Officer. The Correction Officer was transported to Tiffin Mercy Hospital and was treated for injuries sustained during the incident.

While corrections personnel continued to deal with the inmate, the inmate then assaulted another Correction Officer until he was eventually secured in corrective lockdown detention. The second Officer was transported by ambulance to Tiffin Mercy Hospital to also be treated for injuries sustained in the second incident while trying to secure the inmate.

The inmate, Robert J. Sugden III, 18 YOA, Cincinnati, Ohio, was charged with Assault (two counts) of a Correction Officer, both being Felony crimes.

“Corrections officers serve a critical role in maintaining public safety and institutional security, making their safety a priority for the well-being of everyone in the facility. Having two of our officers sustaining injuries from the assaults is unacceptable, and the inmate will be facing additional Felony charges along with his original Misdemeanor charge!”…. Sheriff Stevens said.

The Findlay-Hancock County Public Library is encouraging people who don’t have one yet to get a library card during National Library Card Sign-Up Month in September.

Library Director Sarah Clevidence says they believe there’s nothing more empowering than getting your own library card.

“It gives you access to technology, resources and services to help you pursue your passions and your dreams.”

She says the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library offers books, access to technology, media resources, genealogy research information, educational programs, and so much more.

She says the library gives students the tools to succeed in the classroom and provides people of all ages opportunities to pursue their dreams and explore new passions and interests.

To sign up for a library card, visit the library and bring your photo ID and a second form of identification showing your address. 

The library says 24,566 members of the community are currently library card holders and they’d like to sign up a lot more during National Library Card Sign-Up Month.

Since 1888, the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library has connected people with the world of ideas, information, and imagination by providing access and guidance to resources to allow the citizens of Hancock County to explore, discover, and connect.

(From Hancock County ADAMHS)

Hancock County’s “low barrier” housing project is moving forward and starting to count successes in assisting those who face substance use disorders while experiencing homelessness.

Kathryn Bausman, director of the City Mission of Findlay, said “Project HOME” has assisted individuals who would not have otherwise qualified for services through the Mission.

“Through the City Mission’s outreach team, we have been able to refer numerous people to agencies to receive services for mental health, substance use disorder, and medical health services,” she said.

Project HOME is a collaborative effort to meet the needs of those in our community who are in crisis, including those experiencing homelessness, where they are, and offer them safety, resources, relationships, and time, according to Bausman.

A grant was awarded in 2024 by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to the Hancock County Board of Alcohol, Drug Addiction & Mental Health Services to implement Project HOME (Housing, Outreach, and Meaningful Engagement).

The project supports young adults (18-24 years old), LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, and other community members in need. These are priority subpopulations within the target populations of individuals and families with mental health and/or substance use disorders who are experiencing homelessness. The grant allows the establishment of a 7-day-a-week low-barrier shelter to address the gap in much-needed services.

Bausman said the City Mission’s Life Recovery Program has requirements and expectations. The low-barrier shelter is a place to start engaging with agencies and services that have very few barriers, requirements, and expectations, the focus is on connection and building trust

Project HOME expands and enhances the local implementation of community infrastructure that integrates behavioral health treatment, peer support, recovery support services, and links to provide sustainable permanent housing.

“City Mission collaborates with a variety of agencies offering services to those in crisis, and that collaboration extends to those guests who are receiving help through Project HOME,” Bausman said. “Our collaboration with the health department has allowed us to refer low-barrier guests to the mobile health clinic for medical evaluations.”

The Family Resource Center of Northwest Ohio (FRC) is also a primary partner in the Project HOME initiative. As the lead behavioral health agency in the collaboration, FRC provides on-site clinical support and outreach at the shelter. A behavioral health case manager is stationed at the shelter to provide mental health and substance use screenings, referrals, and warm handoffs to treatment and recovery support services.

“Having a clinical presence on site at the low-barrier shelter is key to making timely connections with individuals who are often falling through the cracks,” said Jacklyn Ragsdale, Project Coordinator at Family Resource Center. “Each morning, Monday through Friday, our behavioral health case manager is available from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. to meet with guests, provide assessments, and offer warm handoffs to treatment, housing, and recovery supports. The ability to provide services right where people are staying removes a significant barrier and makes recovery feel more possible.”

Anyone in need of shelter is welcome to visit the City Mission from 8 pm to 8 am to access a safe place to sleep and a warm meal. Individuals can contact the Mission’s front desk (419-423-9151) if they wish to refer someone to the low-barrier shelter or if they wish to access the low-barrier shelter.

No one is turned away based on factors such as substance use, mental health issues, or lack of identification. Bausman said the focus is on providing immediate assistance and a safe place to stay, without judgment or discrimination.

Since the end of January, 29 people have received direct services through Project HOME. One of the program’s targets is to serve 280 people through both direct and indirect services over five years.

Bausman said the long-term goals of Project Home are straightforward: to offer hope where there was none and to achieve that by creating safe spaces, addressing food insecurity, and providing people with dignity and opportunities.

“I believe that Project HOME, or the heart behind it, will continue to be a part of this community,” she said.

(By Steve Dillon with Hancock County ADAMHS)

(From the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office)

Over the past few months, we’ve welcomed several new faces to our corrections team!

Please join us in welcoming Officers Jacob Pever, Albrey Bailey, and Brooke Coulter (not pictured).

We’re excited to have them on our team!

(From the Findlay Rotary Club)

At the Club’s Wednesday, Aug. 20 meeting, The Findlay Rotary Club presented the Service Above Self Award to Dan Metzger, and the Cliff Dochterman Award to Bill Life.

The Service Above Self Award, won by Metzger, is presented annually to a non-Rotarian in the community who exemplifies the Rotary ideals of professional leadership and service.

Rotarians Jeff Shrader and Sue Lehman presented the award to Metzger at the meeting.

Rotarian Mark Miller nominated Metzger, Pastor at St. Mark’s Church, for the award.

“While Dan is an outstanding pastor at St. Mark’s Church, he goes beyond typical pastoral duties and has demonstrated extraordinary service to the Findlay/Hancock County Community,” Miller wrote. “Pastor Dan’s tireless efforts in organizing and leading significant community events have been nothing short of inspiring.”

Listed as Metzger’s community accomplishments was organizing a Thanksgiving meal for teachers and students at Findlay’s Bigelow Hill Elementary School, bringing the Night to Shine event to the community and to St. Mark’s and arranging for former University of Findlay Head Football Coach and current Ohio State University Assistant Coach Rob Keys to speak at the Community Good Friday Breakfast. He also helped to reorganize the community’s involvement with the National Day of Prayer, and has been instrumental in the success of Second Chance Day.

Rotarian Puck Rowe submitted a letter of support for Metzger’s nomination.

“His huge involvement within the community touches the lives of so many people in a very positive manner,” Rowe said.

Rotarian Carla Benjamin seconded these notions in support of Metzger.

“In every way, Pastor Dan embodies the spirit of “Service Above Self,” she said. “His heart for people and his quiet but powerful impact on this community make him more than deserving of this recognition.”

The Cliff Dochterman Award, won by Life, recognizes Rotarians who act as role models and render distinguished and dedicated service to the Boy Scouts of America through active service, leadership or other exemplary contributions to BSA. In keeping with the objectives and principles of both Rotary and Scouting to encourage character development, leadership, citizenship and personal growth for youth, this award is presented to an active Rotarian who has displayed distinguished service and outstanding dedication to the program of Scouting.

Marc Kogan, Rotarian and Scout Executive of the Black Swamp Area Council, presented the award to Life along with Lehman.

Kogan said, “Bill has been an active Scouting volunteer since 2008, serving as Den Leader, Cubmaster, Scoutmaster, and Merit Badge Counselor. His dedication has guided countless youths in character, citizenship, and leadership, supported by extensive training and thousands of volunteer hours.

Professionally, Life serves as Senior Vice President and Commercial Executive at Fifth Third Bank. Known for his integrity and relationship-building, he applies those same values to his civic roles with the Findlay Rotary Club, Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio, the University of Toledo, and Adopt America Network.

According to Kogan, through both Life’s career and community involvement, Bill has built lasting relationships and demonstrated servant leadership. He embodies the principles of Rotary and Scouting, standing as a role model and mentor to man.

(From the Findlay Police Department)

On 08-28-25 at 1904 hours an officer conducted a traffic stop on a motorist for a turn signal violation near the intersection of Crystal Avenue and Eben Avenue.

The driver of the vehicle was identified as Jennifer Lamb. A passenger was identified Kevin Potts.

During the course of the traffic stop it was found that both subjects had warrants for their arrest.

Between both occupants the following was seized:

-Two (2) grams of fentanyl

-Thirty one (31) grams of methamphetamine

-Digital scale

-Multiple baggies with drug residue

-Methamphetamine pipe

-A BB handgun with the drugs

Both occupants were arrested and incarcerated for their warrants and drug related charges.

(From the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation)

The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation Board of Trustees approved grants totaling $901,443.87 at the August board meeting. This total includes 11 responsive grants and 46 donor advised fund grants.

“These grants represent our commitment to our community’s priorities,” said Brian Treece, President & CEO of The Community Foundation. “From affordable community activities to food security and safety, we are here to support our friends, families and neighbors by improving the quality of life for all in the community.”

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:

• Black Heritage Library and Multicultural Center was awarded $5,000 to support four free cultural events as part of the Foundation’s Fun for All series of free community events.

• The Community Foundation was awarded multiple grants:
  • Grants totaling $350,000 for upcoming challenge grants and matching grants related to community priorities, including the recently launched Community Housing Challenge.
  • $133,960 was awarded for the Organizational Strengthening program to support nonprofits in 2026.

• Flag City Sluggers was awarded $2,400 for free admission to a Sluggers’ game as part of the Foundation’s Fun for All series of free community events.

• Hancock Properties Foundation was awarded $10,000 to support design work for facility improvements.

• Lima Symphony Orchestra was awarded $2,500 to support three free Symphony Storytime performances as part of the Foundation’s Fun for All series of free community events.

• Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation was awarded $1,060 to support a weekend of free admission to the railroad as part of the Foundation’s Fun for All series of free community events.

• West Ohio Food Bank was awarded $50,000 to purchase additional food for low-income seniors, children and families.

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:

• 46 grants to 32 organizations totaling $333.523.87.

(By Sheri Trusty, Seneca County Sheriff’s Office Public Relations Coordinator)

On Aug. 26, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost released an opinion regarding contract agreements between federal immigration authorities and counties that host Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities, such as Seneca County. Yost’s opinion stated that “county commissioners may enter into an agreement with federal immigration authorities,” but “county sheriffs do not have independent contracting authority for this purpose.”

The Attorney General’s opinion has no impact on Seneca County Jail operations because the original contract between the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service and the Seneca County Jail was signed by then-Seneca County Commissioners Timothy Rook and Kenneth Estep. The contract is dated March 1, 1996.

A subsequent amendment to the contract made the terms of the contract “indefinite.” The change reads: “This agreement shall be in effect upon execution by both parties, and shall remain in effect indefinitely, unless terminated sooner in writing, by either party…” The amendment was signed on Feb. 13, 2003, by then-Seneca County Commissioners Tom Distel, Jimmie Young, and Joe Schock.

“I checked with our county prosecutor, county administrator, and county commissioners to verify the information on our contract, and we are in full compliance with the Attorney General’s opinion,” said Seneca County Sheriff Fredrick Stevens.

Attorney General Yost’s Opinion No. 2025-015 included two additional statements in the syllabus regarding a 48-hour limit on detention of “an alien” when no contract is in place and regarding transportation of “aliens detained for violations of immigration law.” Neither of these statements apply to the Seneca County Jail because it is in compliance with the first element regarding contractual agreements.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) released a statement saying, “The ACLU of Ohio demanded the county sheriffs immediately release the immigrants who are being held unlawfully and immediately cease carrying out any unlawful immigration enforcement.”

The Seneca County Jail houses only illegal immigrants, and it is operating in full compliance with the law and the Attorney General’s opinion. Sheriff Stevens wants to ensure the public that, if county officials had determined otherwise, the Seneca County Jail would not have immediately released illegal immigrants into the public. Jail leadership would have arranged to have the detainees transported to another ICE facility.

“We would not let illegal immigrants wander throughout Seneca County,” Sheriff Stevens said.

(From the United Way of Hancock County)

United Way of Hancock County is “smashing” into campaign season with a community pickleball tournament.

This round robin-style tournament will be held from 4-8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9, at Findlay’s Riverside Park. Participants must be 18 or older and the tournament will feature men’s, women’s and mixed doubles.

The entry fee is $100 per team, and 100% of each team’s registration fee will go directly toward United Way-funded programming that serves 1 in 4 people in Hancock County.

Thanks to the generosity of a local donor, scholarships are available for those who cannot cover the registration cost. Call the United Way at 419-423-1432 to discuss this opportunity.

All who enter will receive a free one-month membership to Jim’s Gym, along with one free Ninja course. The winning team will walk away with a custom trophy made by Kan Du Studio. Sign up by visiting www.uwhancock.org and clicking the ‘Pickleball Registration’ button at the top right.

United Way of Hancock County’s 2025 Annual Campaign runs through Nov. 21, with additional events planned and opportunities for workplace and individual giving. This year’s campaign goal is $1.8 million, and all money raised will stay in Hancock County.

(From the Ohio State Highway Patrol)

The Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) is urging all motorists to prioritize safety as they travel Ohio roadways this Labor Day weekend. Troopers will focus enforcement efforts on removing impaired drivers from the roads to ensure everyone’s journey is a safe one.

The Patrol’s 2025 Labor Day weekend reporting period begins on Friday, August 29 at midnight and concludes on Monday, September 1 at 11:59 p.m.

“It is important everyone celebrates the Labor Day weekend responsibly,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent. “That means designating a sober driver before you go out, ensuring all occupants are wearing their safety belt and putting all distractions away before you drive.”

During the 2024 Labor Day holiday weekend, 17 fatal crashes occurred on Ohio roadways, resulting in 18 deaths. Of those fatal crashes, 14 were OVI-related. Of the 10 fatalities where safety belts were available, nine were unbelted. Additionally, troopers made 382 arrests for impaired driving and issued 932 citations for distracted driving during the reporting period. Motorists can contribute to a safer Ohio by calling #677 to report drug activity and dangerous or impaired driving on Ohio roadways.