(From Hancock Leadership)

The Hancock Leadership Class of 2026, an initiative of the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, is proud to announce its class project: Creating Safe Spaces, a transformative initiative to design, build, and dedicate a new playground in the Riverview Terrace neighborhood. This project is a direct response to community-identified needs and aims to foster a safe, visible, and welcoming area for children and families.

According to the 2021 Health Equities Report for Hancock County, Riverview Terrace is part of a larger area in our county experiencing greater health disparities than that of other areas of the community. These disparities affect not only physical health, but also access to safe spaces, social connections, and opportunities for children to build healthy habits early in life.

Local families have voiced a clear need for a safe, open, and visible place for children to play and neighbors to gather. The existing neighborhood playground in Riverview Terrace, located in Liberty Benton school district, is currently unsafe and largely unusable due to its location and equipment condition. Parents and property management agree: a new, well-situated playground is critical for community safety and well-being.

The Creating Safe Spaces project is a collaborative effort led by the Hancock Leadership Class of 2026, in partnership with the Center for Civic Engagement, Findlay Fresh Start, The Delegation, the University of Findlay, and key local government partners. The City of Findlay and Lincoln School Developers have generously offered the playground equipment from the former Lincoln School, which will be relocated and restored at Riverview Terrace. Residents of Riverview Terrace will play a central role in designing and developing the playground, ensuring the space reflects the community’s unique needs and aspirations.

The project is already underway, with planning and coordination involving the County Regional Planning, Commissioners, and Township Trustees. The new playground is scheduled for installation and dedication in May 2026, culminating in a community celebration for all residents.

Hancock Leadership’s fundraising goal is $20,000, which will cover the costs of equipment relocation, repairs, landscaping, and a dedication event. They are calling on local businesses, organizations, and individuals to help them reach this goal. All donations will directly support the creation of a safe, vibrant space where children can thrive and neighbors can connect.

Join Us in Building a Healthier Future

By supporting Creating Safe Spaces, you are investing in the health, safety, and future of Riverview Terrace families. Together, we can address longstanding inequities and create a lasting impact—one playground at a time.

To donate or learn more, please contact the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce or visit www.findlayhancockchamber.com/committees/hancock-adult-leadership/. Let’s build a brighter, healthier future for all our neighbors—starting with a safe place to play.

Findlay City Council approved an ordinance establishing a 12-month moratorium on the establishment, expansion, relocation, or certain changes in ownership and control of businesses utilizing type C skill-based amusement machines.

The city says the moratorium will give it time to review and consider zoning and regulatory controls.

You can read the full ordinance below.

ORDINANCE NO. 2026-011

AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING A TEMPORARY MORATORIUM ON THE

ESTABLISHMENT, EXPANSION, RELOCATION, OR CERTAIN CHANGES IN OWNERSHIP

OR CONTROL OF BUSINESSES UTILIZING TYPE C SKILL-BASED AMUSEMENT

MACHINES WITHIN THE CITY OF FINDLAY, OHIO, FOR A PERIOD OF TWELVE (12)

MONTHS, TO ALLOW TIME FOR THE REVIEW AND CONSIDERATION OF ZONING AND

REGULATORY CONTROLS, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.

WHEREAS, The City of Findlay, Ohio has the authority under Ohio law to regulate land use and

business activities within its jurisdiction in order to protect the public health, safety, and welfare,

and;

WHEREAS, The Ohio Casino Control Commission and Ohio law recognize different categories

of skill-based amusement machines, including devices commonly understood as Type A (such

as claw or crane machines), Type B (such as ticket-redemption arcade games), and Type C

skill-based amusement machines, and;

WHEREAS, Type C skill-based amusement machines are typically characterized by video-

based gameplay that closely resembles casino-style slot machines, are often operated in

standalone or limited-purpose commercial establishments, and may award cash or cash-

equivalent prizes, with the degree of player skill involved being the subject of ongoing regulatory

and legal scrutiny in the State of Ohio, and;

WHEREAS, City Council finds that businesses utilizing Type C skill-based amusement

machines present land-use, secondary-impact, and enforcement considerations that are not

fully addressed under the City’s current zoning regulations, and;

WHEREAS, City Council further finds that the legal and regulatory status of Type C skill-based

amusement machines remains unsettled, and that additional time is necessary to evaluate

appropriate zoning classifications and reasonable local regulations that are consistent with state

law, and;

WHEREAS, City Council desires to act in a transparent, measured, and good-faith manner by

temporarily preserving the status quo while potential zoning and regulatory amendments are

studied and considered, and;

WHEREAS, This moratorium is not intended to regulate gambling, determine the legality of any

device, or restrict traditional amusement or arcade uses, but solely to address local land-use

and zoning considerations associated with businesses utilizing Type C skill-based amusement

machines.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the City of Findlay, State of Ohio:

SECTION 1: A temporary moratorium is hereby established on the establishment, expansion,

or relocation of any business that utilizes Type C skill-based amusement machines, as generally

classified or described by the Ohio Casino Control Commission, within the corporate limits of

the City of Findlay.

SECTION 2: For purposes of this Ordinance, any change in ownership, control, or business

entity of a business utilizing Type C skill-based amusement machines that results in the creation

of a new or substantially different business operation, including but not limited to a sale of

assets, transfer of a controlling interest, or issuance of a new state or local license, shall be

deemed the establishment of a new business and shall be subject to the moratorium

established herein.

Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the continued operation of a lawfully

existing business under the same ownership and control as of the effective date of this

Ordinance. Routine internal corporate restructuring that does not result in a change of

controlling interest or operational control shall not be deemed the establishment of a new

business.

SECTION 3: This moratorium shall not apply to:

Type A skill-based amusement machines, including but not limited to claw or crane machines

awarding non-cash novelty prizes; or

Type B skill-based amusement machines, including arcade-style or ticket-redemption games

customarily operated at family entertainment centers or similar venues.

SECTION 4: The moratorium established by this Ordinance shall be in effect for a period of

twelve (12) months from the effective date of this Ordinance, unless sooner repealed or

extended by City Council.

SECTION 5: The purpose of this moratorium is to allow City Council, the Planning Commission,

and appropriate City departments sufficient time to study, review, and consider zoning and

regulatory amendments related to businesses utilizing Type C skill-based amusement machines

for possible inclusion in the City of Findlay Zoning Code and Codified Ordinances.

SECTION 6: This Ordinance is hereby declared to be an emergency measure necessary for the

immediate preservation of the public peace, health, safety, and welfare of the City of Findlay,

and shall take effect immediately upon its passage and approval by the Mayor.

(From the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office)

Several local nonprofit organizations are working together to provide essential services that support individuals and families experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, and substance use recovery in Hancock County. These services are offered at no cost and are designed to meet immediate needs while connecting people to longer-term support.

City Mission of Findlay

City Mission of Findlay provides emergency and crisis homeless shelter, food services.

outreach, and longer-term housing programs. The Mission operates a low-barrier overnight

shelter open 365 days a year. typically from 8:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m., with minimal

requirements for entry. During inclement weather, shelter hours may be extended. Current

shelter hours can be confirmed by calling 419-423-9151.

City Mission also offers outreach and referral services for substance use treatment, mental

health care, and medical services. Longer-term shelter and advocacy are available through

the reSTART program, and a Women and Children’s Crisis Shelter supports families

experiencing homelessness. The Mission provides daily hot meals, serving two meals per

day to the publie and three meals per day to shelter guests.

NAMI Hancock County

NAMI Hancock County offers education, support groups, and referrals for individuals living

with mental health conditions and for family members supporting loved ones. NAMI

provides a welcoming space for learning, self-care, and connection.

NAMI is typically open Monday-Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Friday from 9:00

a.m. to 3:00 p.m .. with hours subject to staff availability. Weather-related closures are

posted on the WFIN School Delays website under Local Cancellations.

Focus Recovery & Wellness Community

Focus Recovery and Wellness Community (Focus) is a peer-led organization supporting

individuals on their chosen path of recovery. Focus offers youth services (ages 10-17) at

The Loft, adult services at the Recovery Center, and Recovery Housing for men, women, and

pregnant women. Programs are led by individuals with lived experience and focus on home.

health, community, and purpose.

Adults may apply for membership at the Recovery Center. 509 W. Trenton Ave .. Findlay.

Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and the first and third Saturdays from 11:00

a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Questions can be directed to 419-423-5071.

Each organization has specific program guidelines and eligibility requirements. Individuals

are encouraged to contact each agency directly to confirm services and availability. At this

time, there is not a designated emergency or crisis safe day space available in the

community.

Additional community resources include St. Andrew’s Laundry Facility, open Tuesdays and

Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and the Library, which is open to the public during

normal library hours.

(ONN) – A U.S. Senator from Ohio wants to put age restrictions on social media.

Ohio Senator Bernie Moreno is proposing a complete social media ban for anyone under the age of 18.

During a Senate committee meeting last week, he called social media, quote, worse than cigarettes for this generation.

Moreno also suggested withholding federal funding from schools that allow students to have cell phones.

These restrictions are backed by experts who agree there is a need for stronger protections, although the age threshold varies.

Legislation has been introduced on the national level to ban kids under the age of 13 from using social media.

(From the Findlay Trojan Club)

THANK YOU, TROJAN COUNTRY!

The Trojan Club would like to extend a huge THANK YOU to everyone who supported our Ball Drop fundraiser. Your generosity and continued support of Trojan athletics truly make a difference!

Congratulations to our winners! Thank you to Jereme Phillips for donating his $2,500 winnings back to Trojan Club!

A special thank you to our event sponsor, Taylor Automotive Family, for their incredible support and commitment to our student-athletes and community. We are grateful for your partnership.

Trojan Country shows up every time—and we couldn’t do it without you!

(From Liberty-Benton Local Schools)

Big news from the Liberty-Benton Music Boosters!

We’ve launched a new initiative called “Working to WOW” — a fundraiser focused on upgrading the technology behind our amazing student performances. From lighting and sound to equipment for our orchestra pit, these enhancements will make a huge difference for our performers now and in the future.

Thanks to everyone who’s already donated! YOU are helping us elevate the arts at LB!

Our Focus:

-Stage lighting upgrades for a professional and polished look

-Microphone improvements for clearer, more reliable sound

-Pit backline enhancements to support our student musicians

These upgrades mean fewer rentals, better performances, and a more sustainable program overall.

Our goal: $25,000 by January 31, 2026 – with a long-term vision of reaching $50,000!

Want to learn more or contribute?

Contact: MusicBoosters@Liberty-Benton.org

Thank you for supporting our students and the performing arts at LB!

(From Hancock Park District)

Our 2025 People’s Choice Photography Contest winner is Mike Anderson with his photograph “A Mother’s Love” taken at Riverbend Recreation Area!

His Photograph had 309 votes.

Join us in congratulating Mike on his win!

Thank you to everyone who entered the contest!

(From Van Buren Local Schools)

How does a person juggle being an art teacher, entrepreneur, and musician? It isn’t easy, but 1998 VB graduate Jason Wagner shares how he does it in the latest Joust About Careers episode.

In episode 106, Jason shares how working at a summer camp led to amazing career opportunities, including backpacking across Europe; how he sometimes looks at his career as a compilation of side hustles; how success requires hard work going hand in hand with talent; and much more.

To watch on YouTube, visit bit.ly/JoustAboutCareers. To listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or other podcast platforms, search Joust About Careers.

(ONN) – An Ohio man is facing abduction charges after he allegedly used a Jeep from a car dealership to run errands while an employee was inside the vehicle.

According to court records, Todd Marrs went to a car dealership in Marysville last month and requested a test drive.

Court records show that during the test drive, Marrs took a different route and refused to return to the car dealership.

The dealership employee started texting her coworkers and shared her phone’s location.

Court records show that she called a coworker at the dealership, and Marrs took her phone and threw it on the floorboard.

He then went to a hospital to pick up a friend and refused to return to the dealership until he completed his errands.

Marrs was arraigned in Union County Court and given a $250,000 bond.

Republican candidate for Ohio governor Vivek Ramaswamy announced earlier in January that he selected Ohio Senate President Rob McColley as his running mate in the 2026 election.

McColley was on with WFIN’s Chris Oaks to discuss the opportunity of being the state’s next Lt. Governor.

Ramaswamy calls McColley a proven conservative leader who is committed to making Ohio the best state in which to live, work and raise a family.

McColley says Ramaswamy will be one of the boldest leaders in the history of Ohio, and he’s honored to help execute his vision.