(From the Findlay Police Department)

The City of Findlay Police Department has partnered with CivicPlus to implement its NextRequest solution, a webbased platform designed to simplify and modernize public records management. The platform enables residents to easily submit public records requests, track their status, and access records – ultimately promoting greater transparency and government accountability. By automating workflows and streamlining request processing, NextRequest makes it faster and easier for staff to respond to requests and honor FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) and state-specific public records laws.

All records requests for the Findlay Police Department will be directed to our on-line request portal at findlaypoliceoh.nextrequest.com/requests/new. This link can also be found on the Findlay Police Department Records Request page at findlayohio.gov/government/city-departments/police/records.

“The Findlay Police Department is committed to transparency and accountability. By implementing CivicPlus’ NextRequest platform, we are giving our community a modern and efficient way to access public records. This system will help us streamline workflows, strengthen compliance, and ensure requests are handled quickly and accurately— building greater trust between the department and the residents we serve.” Chief James Mathias

With CivicPlus’ public records request software, NextRequest, the Findlay Police Department will be able to:

• Simplify request management and increase efficiency, ensuring residents can quickly and easily access the information they need.
• Automate tasks to save time with advanced workflow automation, allowing staff to focus on delivering timely, high-quality responses to public records requests.
• Enhance collaboration across departments to provide more accurate and complete records for residents.
• Maximize resources and improve time management, ensuring records requests are handled efficiently, even during high-demand periods.

About CivicPlus Thousands of high-performing civic leaders rely on CivicPlus® as their trusted partner for impact-led government. With CivicPlus, leaders can finally overcome the perpetual tradeoff between the demand for better services and the realities of operational resources, leveraging the unique Civic Impact Platform to deliver both unmatched end-to-end automated efficiency and truly unified, delightful resident experiences.

Backed by over 25 years of experience and leveraging the insights of more than 900 team members, our solutions are chosen by over 10,000 organizations and are used daily by over 340 million people in the U.S. and Canada. For more information, please visit civicplus.com.

(From the Humane Society and SPCA of Hancock County)

Tickets for this year’s Tricks, Treats & Tails, dog trick-or-treat event in downtown Findlay to support the pets at the shelter, are on sale! Pre-registration tickets are $30 per dog and can be purchased here: https://hancockhumanesociety.com/…/tricks-treats-tails…/

Findlay Young Professionals are once again having a dog costume contest in Findlay Brewing Company’s beer garden. Bring a wishlist item to enter the contest. Prizes include a Raising Cane’s gift basket and Humane Society logo blankets (they are soooo soft!)

Come trick-or-treat at your favorite downtown Findlay businesses, support the pets at the shelter and even get a pet blessing outside Coffee Amici.

We hope to see you there!

(From the City of Findlay)

Findlay Mayor Christina Muryn has been selected for the Class of 2026 Rodel Fellowship. The Rodel Fellowship is the nation’s premier leadership development program for elected leaders. Each year, the program selects 24 outstanding state and local leaders, divided between the political parties, to come together for a series of three multi-day seminars held over a two-year period. Working with leading scholars as moderators, the fellows read and discuss classic texts dealing with ethical values, democratic principles, and wise and effective leadership. Those texts include the Declaration of Independence, the preamble to the United States Constitution, and writings by Frederick Douglass, Abraham Lincoln, and Martin Luther King, Jr., among many others.

“I am honored to be selected as a Rodel Fellow and to join such an esteemed group of leaders from across the country. I look forward to the opportunity to reflect on the principles of democracy and strengthen my ability to serve Findlay with wisdom and integrity. At a time when collaboration and civility are more important than ever, the bipartisan nature of this fellowship provides a unique space to build relationships across political divides and work together toward better understanding and solutions that benefit all of our communities.”- Christina Muryn, Mayor

Since its founding in 2005, the Rodel Fellowship has helped 425 state and local elected officials reach their full potential as public servants. These fellows have gone on to serve as United States senators, governors, mayors, party leaders, Cabinet secretaries, members of Congress, and Vice President of the United States.

Previous participants from the State of Ohio include Robert Sprague, Jon Husted, Haraz Ghanbari, Cindy Abrams, Larry Obhof, John Cranley, Amy Murray, and Steve Demetriou.

For more information, please visit https://www.rodelinstitute.org/programs/rodel-fellowship/.

The Rodel Institute seeks to strengthen democracy and public leadership in the United States. A nonpartisan center for leadership and intellectual growth, we help America’s most promising leaders deepen their commitment to democracy and the rule of law and work together to address some of our nation’s most important domestic and international challenges. The Institute’s programs convene diverse leaders from across the country and the political and legal spectrum in an effort to find common ground, build enduring relationships, and encourage the understanding and cooperation needed to move our nation forward. For more information, visit www.rodelinstitute.org.

(From the Alzheimer’s Association)

The Alzheimer’s Association invites Northwest Ohioans to register for the 2025 Findlay/Hancock County Walk to End Alzheimer’s^®, taking place on Saturday, September 27 at Riverside Park, 231 McManness Ave. in Findlay. Registration begins at 9:00 am with the Promise Garden Ceremony at 10 and the Walk immediately afterward.

With more than 600 Walks taking place across the U.S. each year, Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest fundraising event and supports the Association’s free educational programs and support groups, Alzheimer’s care services and advancements in treatment and research. 

On Walk day, participants honor those affected by Alzheimer’s with the poignant Promise Garden ceremony — a mission-focused experience that signifies our solidarity in the fight against the disease. Walkers will carry flowers of various colors, each color representing their personal connection to the disease.

“Walk to End Alzheimer’s is a day filled with emotion, inspiration, inclusion and hope,”  said Danica Knapke, Walk manager. “Walks bring people together and reassure them that they’re not alone in their journey. Every step we take as a community takes us closer to a cure and to achieving our mission of a world without Alzheimer’s and dementia. Now, more than ever, it’s crucial that we raise money that will directly benefit Northwest Ohio families.”

Participation is free. Walkers and teams can set fundraising goals and earn incentives including t-shirts, backpacks, water bottles, blankets and more. 

To register and receive the latest updates on this year’s Walks, visit the Walk website.

For the first time, the number of people living with Alzheimer’s disease in the U.S. is more than 7 million. That includes 236,200 in Ohio, according to the 2025 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures. Deaths due to Alzheimer’s more than doubled (142%) between 2000 and 2022, while deaths from the leading cause of mortality (heart disease) decreased by 2.1%. 

To learn more about Alzheimer’s or other dementia and to access free local support and resources, visit alz.org/nwohio or call the Northwest Ohio Chapter at 419.537.1999 or the 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.

(From Findlay-Hancock County Economic Development)

In an effort to strengthen and grow a more than 40-year relationship of valuable exchange, a delegation from Findlay – made up of representatives from business, government and education – embarked this month on a 10-day trip to Japan.

The delegation visited from Sept. 5-15 and included Christina Muryn (Mayor, City of Findlay), Chris Keller (Executive Director, Findlay-Hancock County Economic Development), Matt Gilroy (Director of Strategic Initiatives, Findlay-Hancock County Economic Development), Patrick Sadowski (Board Member, Findlay-Hancock County Economic Development and Attorney with Eastman & Smith), and Dr. Hiro Kawamura (Professor, University of Findlay and Special Advisor, Findlay-Hancock County Economic Development).

Since Findlay leaders began the revolutionary friendship in 1984, the landscape of Findlay evolved around it, with eight Japanese manufacturing companies locating in Hancock County, and 16 to the Northwest Ohio region. In those 40 years, delegations have reciprocated visits, traveling between Findlay and Japan, sparking collaboration and exchange programs with Findlay-Hancock County Economic Development (FHCED), the City of Findlay, the University of Findlay, Findlay City Schools, Findlay Rotary and the State of Ohio.

“The Findlay-Hancock County community has benefited greatly over the past few decades from continued Japanese investment,” Mayor Muryn said. “It is critical that we nurture these relationships, support existing businesses and families, and identify opportunities for new investment. It was wonderful to spend time with our Japanese friends, both new and old.”

The group’s itinerary featured participation in the 55th Annual Midwest U.S.–Japan Conference in Tokyo, site visits to nine businesses—including Mitsubishi Electric, Fukuvi Chemical, Kobelco, and Matsuura where Keller and Gilroy presented about business in Findlay—and a meeting with the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO). Mayor Muryn also delivered remarks to the Kawaguchi Rotary Club.

“It is critical to continue to engage the Japanese business community to maintain and strengthen this valuable relationship – and spending that time also to fosters new opportunities,” FHCED Executive Director Chris Keller said. “Another important aspect, for me, is to learn more about how they conduct business, their culture in business. This helps us understand their approach and provides us with the skills to strengthen those relationships as well. If we understand, everything we do can be more engaging.”

During the 55th Annual Midwest U.S-Japan Conference, Gov. Motohiro Ono of the Saitama Prefecture and Consulate General of Japan in Detroit, Hajime Kishimori, both recognized Findlay during speeches. Ono visited the University of Findlay and was received by local, regional and state leadership in September of 2024, and Kishimori spoke in March at FHCED’s celebration of being named Top Micropolitan in the U.S. for the 11th time.

“I was especially proud that Findlay was recognized in the remarks of both Governor Ono and Consul General Kishimori,” Mayor Muryn said. “Success does not happen by accident—it takes years of cultivating relationships across government, business, and education. The ‘Findlay Formula’ is more unique than we may realize, and we must continue to leverage it.”

The delegation also met with Governor Ono of Saitama Prefecture, government leaders from Fukui Prefecture, and Mayor Okunoki of Kawaguchi, who visited Findlay in 2018 to celebrate an official Friendship City agreement with Findlay. The delegation also visited Kawaguchi Municipal High School and hosted receptions with groups who have visited Findlay through programs created through the relationship, such as the Ohio Saitama University Scholarship, the Ohio Saitama Global Speakers Program, FHCED’s Fukui/Findlay Scholarship and International Business Training Program, and the Fukui International Association. Members of the delegation thoroughly enjoyed meeting with people who shared fond memories of their experiences in Findlay.

“Findlay and Hancock County are home to many different international businesses – from Japan, to Germany, Denmark, and Brazil – and when companies from outside of the United States consider investing in any community (in the U.S.), I think one of the things that makes Findlay stand out, is just that – that we have several doing business here,” said Matt Gilroy, director of strategic initiatives for FHCED. “It’s a feather in our cap to attract other international companies and it’s something we can build upon.”

(From the City of Fostoria)

The City of Fostoria would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who made Safety Forces Day 2025 such a success!

Multiple law enforcement and safety agencies gathered at Fostoria Fostoria City Schools, including our very own Fostoria Police Department and Fostoria Fire Division.

Throughout the day, our safety forces shared valuable insight into their day-to-day responsibilities, gave hands-on demonstrations, and engaged with the community in meaningful ways.

One of the highlights? Students got to see their very own gym teacher volunteer to be tased by Detective Brooks—an eye-opening lesson in law enforcement training.

Events like this show just how dedicated our safety forces are to keeping Fostoria safe while educating the public. We are grateful to our schools, officers, firefighters, partner agencies, and of course the community for spending the day with us.

(From the Hancock Historical Museum)

Dust off your lederhosen and twirl into your dirndl—Oktoberfest Findlay returns to downtown for its 11th annual celebration, and this year promises more excitement than ever! Presented by WesBanco, the festival takes over Main Street from 2:00 to 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 27th, transforming Findlay into a vibrant hub of German culture, music, and culinary delights.

Get ready for an action-packed day that brings the best of Oktoberfest right to Hancock County. Oktoberfest Findlay is a can’t-miss, family-friendly affair filled with live music, energetic polka dancing, hands-on children’s activities, mouthwatering German-inspired food, and fun contests. Thirsty? Choose from more than 50 varieties of German imports, local craft beers, wines, and seltzers—plus, domestic options available throughout the day.

The party kicks off at 2:00 p.m. with the high-energy sounds of Cleveland’s Deutscher Musik Verein (DMV), a powerful ensemble of 25+ musicians who will set the perfect festive tone on the main stage, sponsored by LaRiche Chevrolet Cadillac. And don’t miss the return of the legendary Fred Ziwich & His International Sound Machine at 6:30 p.m.—Ziwich, a true polka icon and International Polka Music Hall of Fame inductee, always gets the crowd on its feet.

From 2:00 to 7:00 p.m., families can explore the Kinderplatz! Kid’s Zone, where little ones can dive into German-inspired crafts and games, thanks to support from Superior Trim. Watch the OSU game at 3:30 pm at our Buckeye Watch Party, sponsored by Eastman & Smith and giveaways by Tabler Insurance. At 4:00 p.m., be part of the tradition with our spirited opening ceremony and official tapping of the firkin! Feeling competitive? Test your skills and strength from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the festival’s south end, sponsored by Werk-Brau. Sign up for classic Oktoberfest contests—including stein holding, an obstacle relay, and the bratwurst eating competition—sign-ups starting at 3:00 p.m. near the Contest Stage.

Admission is just $8 for guests 21 and over, and $4 for those 20 and under—so bring the whole crew!

For the full schedule and all the details, visit www.OktoberfestFindlay.com.

Don’t miss Findlay’s biggest one-day event —mark your calendars for September 27th, and get ready to Prost with the best!

The four candidates running for an At-Large seat on Findlay City Council participated in a candidate forum on WFIN ahead of the General Election on November 4.

The candidates are Jenny Fall, a Democrat, and Heather Kensinger, Reed Needles, and Brad Wagner, all Republicans.

The four are vying for three At-Large seats on Findlay City Council.

Current At-Large city councilmembers Grant Russel, Randy Greeno, and Jeff Wobser are not running for reelection.

The forum was held at 50 North and moderated by WFIN’s Chris Oaks.

You can listen back to the forum in the audio files below or watch the Facebook Live of the forum at the bottom of this story. 

See what other candidates and issues are on the November 4 ballot by clicking here for the Hancock County Board of Elections.

Polls will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Election Day on November 4.

(From Liberty-Benton Local Schools)

Liberty-Benton Local Schools earned 4.5 STARS on the Ohio State Report Card, making us one of the highest-rated districts in the area!

This achievement reflects the hard work and dedication of our students, staff, and community.

THANK YOU for your continued commitment to our excellence.

Districts and schools receive an overall rating of 1 to 5 stars in half-star increments.

A rating of 4.5 stars indicates a school district is exceeding state standards.

(From the Black Swamp Area Council)

The Black Swamp Area Council is inviting youth ages 14–20 to upcoming Exploring program open houses in Findlay.  Businesses and organizations partner with the Black Swamp Area Council Exploring program to offer real-world learning opportunities to students.

“The Exploring programs provide exciting activities and mentorship for youth ages 14 – 20 looking to discover their future,” said Rochelle Manley, district executive. The events are as follows:

Sept. 24, 6-8 p.m., Marathon Petroleum, 539 S. Main St., Findlay (main lobby entrance)
Marathon IT Post 2300 prepares students for the growing field of IT, including prep for industry-recognized certification exams, cybersecurity, information technology, and more. For information about this post, email ITExplorers@marathonpetroleum.com.

Sept. 30, 5:30 p.m., Doty Dental, 811 S. Main St., Findlay
Doty Dental Post 2320 invites students to join them in a deep dive into dentistry topics such as orthodontics, dental hygienist, oral maxillofacial surgery, how to get into dental school, and more. For additional information about this event contact doty.2845@gmail.com.

In addition to the events above there are two other Exploring Posts in Hancock County. Hancock County Sheriff’s Office Post 2308 offers students the chance to explore careers in law enforcement. Participants join discussions on all aspects of the field and gain hands-on experience in crime scene investigation, canine handling, firearms safety, patrol techniques, fingerprinting, and more. If interested in this Exploring Post, contact Deputy Matt Crouch at mcrouch@vbschools.net.

Marathon Engineering Post 2370’s program teaches students about different engineering topics like civil, mechanical, electrical, computer, aerospace, and industrial engineering. All registration fees will be paid by Marathon if the student contacts engineering.explorers@marathonpetroleum.com.

For more information about the Fall Open Houses or the Exploring program, contact Rochelle Manley at rochelle.manley@scouting.org or call 567-208-5286.