(From the University of Findlay)

The University of Findlay is launching the Watterson Center for Ethical Leadership this fall and has appointed Sarah Fedirka, Ph.D., as director.

The Watterson Center for Ethical Leadership is named for Billy Watterson and his wife, Brenda, who made a $6 million gift to launch the center. He is a 1996 UF graduate and Board of Trustees member.

Trustees, faculty, and administrators gathered October 16 with Findlay-Hancock County corporate and community leaders for an unveiling of the first of the center’s offerings, the Watterson Scholars program.

Welcoming students from all majors, the Watterson Scholars is a four-year academic program with components such as vocational exploration, ethical leadership development, and civic advocacy. Each of the four years is themed to the center’s virtues of courage, humility, integrity, and compassion. The program will launch in fall 2026.

“This is a program for students who have a heart for community engagement,” Fedirka said. “It is designed to transform their lives, preparing them to be ethical leaders in their communities after graduation.”

The program curriculum includes service projects, undergraduate research, and travel to the Freedom Center in Cincinnati, the Ohio state capitol, and New York City. A Hancock Collegiate Leadership Academy, offered in conjunction with the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, is being developed for Watterson Scholars.

Sarah Foltz ’14, community engagement director of The Alliance, coordinates the Hancock Leadership Academies and is charged with the new initiative.

“We are excited to provide University of Findlay students with additional learning beyond campus to see how our community works, to explore a variety of vocations, and connect with people who are passionate about helping them grow,” she said.

Through these transformative learning experiences, UF President Katherine Fell, Ph.D., anticipates that the initial class of students will be fully immersed in the Watterson Center’s mission: “to inspire ethical leaders who will impact their world.”

“It has been a fitting and bold step for the University to establish the Watterson Center for Ethical Leadership to provide our students and the broader community a place to develop ethical awareness, leadership skills, vocational discernment, and a sense of service to others,” she said.

Since its founding by the Churches of God General Conference and the City of Findlay in 1882, the University has been committed to engagement with the Hancock County community.

“Our campus community cares about the issues, conditions, and problems that affect Findlay-Hancock county,” said Christine Denecker, Ph.D., interim vice president of academic affairs. “Through the Watterson Scholars program, we will lend our minds and hands in addressing those problems.”

Dr. William Kose, M.D., J.D., a member of the UF Board of Trustees, described the Watterson Scholars as “a fresh approach to community building” and “a game changer.”

“Community building occurs when we put others before ourselves,” he said, encouraging corporate and community leaders to support the program “and bring this vision of ethical leadership and community collaboration to life.”

Findlay Mayor Christina Muryn ’14 agreed, emphasizing the importance of preparing students to be ethical leaders because “people are watching how we influence change, culture, businesses, and other people.”

“I know we will be able to change our community, our classrooms, and the world for the better. Each of us has the ability to be the change we want to see in the world,” the mayor explained. “The type of change we are able to make is priceless.”

Curriculum development for Watterson Scholars is currently taking place. The scholars program is partially supported by a $75,000 NetVUE Vocation Across the Academy grant through the Council of Independent Colleges.

For more information on the Watterson Scholars program, visit findlay.edu/watterson-scholars. Individuals and businesses interested in sponsoring a cohort of Watterson Scholars may visit give.findlay.edu.

(From Findlay High School)

FHS is proud to announce another year of Turkeys for Trojans, a collaborative community effort that provides a warm Thanksgiving meal for families of FHS and FCS students!

With the generous help of Great Scot Community Markets, Taylor Automotive Family of Findlay, staff and community members, we’ve been able to provide over 1,000 meals for families since 2018.

It’s easy to help! You can turn in cash or a check to Mrs. Franks in the FHS Main Office, payable to Findlay City Schools, donate online at fcs.org, or text TURKEYS4TROJANS to 41444.

Donations are accepted from now until November 21st.

***As an added bonus this year….One staff member will earn the right to wear the infamous turkey costume at school ALL day on November 25th. There will be jars in the main office, the staff member with the most money in their jar will be the lucky turkey!

Thank you for helping us brighten the Thanksgiving holiday in Trojan Country again this year!

(From the Findlay Police Department)

This Saturday (10/25/2025) is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. We’ll be hosting a medication collection drive in the South parking lot at the City of Findlay Municipal building from 8:00 AM to Noon. Just drive in, drop off your medications and go. It’s that easy.

Findlay Police Officer Brian White says, not only will you be cleaning out those cluttered cabinets, but you’ll be doing so in a way that is safe for the environment and good for the community.

Many people flush their medications, leading to environmental concerns. Others dispose of medications in the trash or leave them in their house, which might find their way to others who abuse them. Do your part your expired/unused medications and “Take it to the box”.

If you can’t make it this Saturday, both the Findlay Police Department and Hancock County Sheriff’s Office have medication collection boxes to dispose of your medications at any time.

(From Findlay City Schools)

At tonight’s Board of Education meeting, we celebrated the achievements of our 6-12th graders who earned a perfect score on the 2025 Ohio State Test!

What an honor to recognize the academic excellence of these students.

We’re so proud to have you in Trojan Country.

Congratulations! 

The Hancock County Veterans Service Office has announced that Nicole Jenkins has been named Interim Director.

Former Executive Director Nichole Coleman’s last day in the office was September 30.

Coleman accepted a position as Chief Culture Officer for TurboVets, and began working for the company on October 1.

TurboVets is a company dedicated to improving access and services for Veterans nationwide.

Coleman emphasized that her new role will not take her away from her commitment to Findlay and Hancock County.

She will begin serving as the elected representative for Findlay City Council, Ward One, in January 2026, and looks forward to continuing to represent the needs of local residents.

“I am excited about continuing to serve our community in a different way,” said Coleman. “The Veterans Service Office is in excellent hands. I am leaving the office in the care of a very dedicated and capable team who are committed to serving our veterans with excellence and passion.”

(From the Hancock Historical Museum)

The Hancock Historical Museum invites the public to join them for the next installment of its 2025 Classic Movie Night series on Friday, October 24, with a screening of the legendary Universal horror film The Bride of Frankenstein (1935), directed by James Whale and starring Boris Karloff and Elsa Lanchester.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the film will begin at 7:00 p.m. Admission is free, and popcorn and other refreshments will be available.

A masterpiece of early cinema, The Bride of Frankenstein is widely regarded as one of the greatest horror films ever made. Both haunting and darkly humorous, the film continues the story of Dr. Frankenstein’s monstrous creation as he demands a mate, leading to the birth of one of the most iconic figures in film history.

The evening will feature a special introduction by John King, President of the Ray Browne Pop Culture Association at Bowling Green State University, who will provide insight into the film’s historical and cultural significance, as well as its enduring impact on the horror genre.

The museum’s Classic Movie Night series offers audiences the chance to experience timeless films in a historic setting, enhanced by expert commentary that brings added depth and appreciation to each screening.

The remaining 2025 Classic Movie Night lineup includes: • November 21 – Dark Passage (PG, 1947) • December 19 – It’s A Wonderful Life (PG, 1946)

All films will be shown at the Hancock Historical Museum, located at 422 West Sandusky Street, Findlay, Ohio.

Don’t miss this opportunity to see one of cinema’s most iconic monsters come to life on the big screen, just in time for Halloween! Whether you’re a classic horror fan or a newcomer to the genre, The Bride of Frankenstein promises an unforgettable evening of gothic atmosphere and cinematic artistry. For more information, please visit www.hancockhistoricalmuseum.org or call 419-423-4433.

The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office says Sheriff Michael Cortez is excited to improve community engagement with the release of the new Hancock County Sheriff’s Office smartphone app.

The app is now available in both the Apple Store and Google Play.

The sheriff’s office says the free app is designed to keep residents and families safe by providing the latest updates and information from the sheriff’s office, including updates on alerts and emergencies.   

The app includes features like ‘submit a tip’, ‘records and reports’, and ‘corrections’.

 Get more details on the app below.

(From the Ohio State Highway Patrol)

The Celebration of Life for Trooper Nicholas P. Cayton, who died in the line of duty on October 16, 2025, will be held at the Beeghly Center on Youngstown State University’s campus Wednesday afternoon.

The Celebration of Life will begin at 1 p.m., with doors opening at noon. 

Trooper Nicholas P. Cayton, 40, passed away on October 16, 2025, after his marked Patrol cruiser was struck by a commercial vehicle on state Route 11 in Mahoning County.

Trooper Cayton graduated from the Ohio State Highway Patrol Training Academy in 2012 as a member of the 152^nd Class. Throughout his career, he served at the Canfield and Lisbon posts, as well as in the Ohio Army National Guard.

Trooper Cayton is survived by his wife, Lynsey, and their two children.

(From the Bluffton Ohio Historical Society)

The Bluffton Ohio Historical Society received the pieces from the John Dillinger jail cell in the old Allen County Jail in Lima.

Dillinger spent four days here in 1933.

We received the bars/door, sink, toilet, wall-mounted desk, chairs, coat hanger/shelf, and a nice old chair from the jail complex – all on permanent loan.

Now to work out funding to display all of this.

Special thanks to Allen County for making this happen.

Dillinger and his gang robbed Citizens National Bank of Bluffton of $2,100 on August 14th, 1933.

The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office is reminding drivers to watch out for children during upcoming Trick-or-Treat events in communities in the county.

The sheriff’s office released a list of Putnam County community Trick-or-Treat dates and times.

Ottawa’s Trick-or-Treat will be on October 23^rd from 6 to 7, and in downtown Ottawa from 7 to 8.

Leipsic’s will be on October 30 from 6 to 7.

Pandora’s will be on October 30 from 6 to 7.

See the full list below provided by the sheriff’s office.