(From the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office)

January is recognized as Human Trafficking Prevention Month, as well as National Stalking Awareness Month (NSAM). Sheriff Michael Cortez would like to take a moment to highlight both awareness efforts.

Jan. 18 commemorates the murder of Peggy Klinke at the hands of her stalker in 2003. For Peggy and for all victims and survivors of stalking, help us spark a conversation on stalking on Jan. 18 by posting a sparkly photo with the hashtag #SparkleAgainstStalking to help us bring back the sparkle for all victims and survivors of stalking.

More information can be found: https://www.stalkingawareness.org/day-of-action/

More than 20 years ago, the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (TVPA) demonstrated the United States’ commitment to combating human trafficking, domestically and internationally. January is an opportunity to highlight the work being done every single day to prevent and respond to human trafficking.

If you believe you are the victim of stalking, please reach out to the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office to discuss your concerns!

Volunteers are needed to help with wreath clean-up from the Wreaths Across America event held in December.

Wreath pick-up will start at approximately 9 a.m., on Saturday, January 17th, at Maple Grove Cemetery in Findlay.

Volunteers are asked to pick up only those Wreaths Across America wreaths placed in December, leaving any other wreaths or decorations in place.

The National Wreaths Across America organization suggests that it would be helpful if volunteers bring a stick, pole, rake or something equivalent to support carrying multiple wreaths per trip.

Volunteers are reminded to dress for the weather and wear gloves and waterproof footwear.

In December, Findlay’s Maple Grove Cemetery hosted Wreaths Across America as people placed wreaths on the graves of hundreds of Veterans.

Wreaths Across America is a national event whose mission is to Remember the fallen US Veterans, Honor those who serve our country and Teach future generations about the sacrifices made to preserve our freedoms.

Construction crews are making progress on the Target store in Findlay.

The outer walls of the store can be seen going up at 1800 Tiffin Avenue, the former location of the Findlay Mall, much of which was torn down to make way for the 131,809 square foot store.

The official announcement that Target was coming to Findlay was made in March of 2025.

At that time, Chris Keller, Executive Director of Findlay-Hancock County Economic Development, said securing Target for Findlay had been a decade-long goal.

“The store will elevate our retail landscape while driving economic growth and opportunity for the community.”

Dan Sheaffer, President & CEO of the Findlay-Hancock County Alliance, added, “The Findlay location will offer a fresh, expansive store design, reinforcing Target’s commitment to blending convenience and innovation. It’s a great moment for retail in our region as we join Target’s nationwide expansion.”

The Target could be ready to open this fall.

(From Jim Hoops for State Senate District 1)

State Representative Jim Hoops officially filed petitions to seek election in Ohio’s First District State Senate seat, which consists of the northwest Ohio counties of Defiance, Fulton, Hancock, Hardin, Henry, Paulding, Putnam, Van Wert, Williams, and northern portion of Logan. Ohio’s First District Senate seat is currently held by State Senator and President of the Ohio Senate, Robert McColley, who is term-limited and serving his final term.

Representative Hoops delivered his petitions to the Hancock County Board of Elections where state law requires him to file, which is the most populous county in the district. Jim Hoops files for the State Senate seat with a robust cash-on-hand, as well as an impressive and growing list of over 50 endorsements from local community leaders, for his campaign.

Hoops has a proven track record of scoring and winning for the people of Northwest Ohio.  He has stood with conservative voters on key issues such as life, the second amendment and lower taxes.

“In the State Legislature, I have been able to accomplish key conservative wins and I look forward to continuing that trend in the State Senate”, stated Representative Hoops. “I am humbled by the outpouring of support I have received for my candidacy.”         

Jim Hoops is a conservative statesman that has championed the Ohio Self Defense Act to give law-abiding citizens more rights when they need to defend themselves. He co-sponsored the bill to keep men out of women’s sports, and he was an original backer of the Heartbeat Bill that protected unborn babies as early as eight weeks after conception.

Recently, he sponsored the law that reduced property tax increases for Ohio property owners and ensured our superior quality schools would remain funded.

Representative Hoops is currently serving his fourth and final full term in the Ohio House, after being appointed during the 132nd General Assembly in 2018 and subsequently winning re-elections in 2018, 2020, 2022, and 2024. He represents the 81st House District, which consists of all of Fulton, Henry and Williams counties and the northern portion of Defiance County.  Prior to his current term of service, Jim worked on energy issues and workforce development in the private sector.  He was previously elected and served in the Ohio House of Representatives from 1999-2006 before being term-limited.

Jim and his wife, Deb, live in Napoleon, Ohio. Where they are active in community organizations and spend time with their daughter and grandchild. For more information about Jim, please visit his campaign website at www.jimhoops.com.

(From the City of Fostoria)

Now that our ADA-accessible entrance project is complete, we’ve implemented a way for visitors to enter the Municipal Building to improve safety, accessibility, and customer service.

What to expect when you arrive:

The front doors will remain unlocked so customers can enter the vestibule to pay their water bill as usual.

However, the interior doors into the main Municipal Building are now locked.

If you need to visit one of the following offices:

-Zoning / Code Compliance

-Mayor & Safety-Service Director

-Income Tax

-Auditor’s Office

Please use the video call system located in the vestibule to contact the office you need. A staff member will speak with you and, if needed, come down to escort you into the building.

We appreciate your patience as we roll out this new system. This change helps ensure a safe, accessible, and organized experience for both our visitors and staff.

Thank you for your cooperation!

(From Light Ohio Blue)

Some of Ohio’s most beloved first responders have fur, walk on four legs, and serve alongside the men and women who protect our communities every day.

From working K9s and therapy dogs, to firehouse mascots, mounted units, and comfort animals, these partners play a meaningful role in public safety across the state.

The 2026 FUR Responders Photo Challenge is Light Ohio Blue’s way of recognizing and celebrating these incredible animals and the agencies they serve.

This challenge highlights the unique bond between first responders and their animal partners while giving the public an opportunity to show their support.

Click here to see the entries and to cast your vote.

(From the Office of Ohio Governor Mike DeWine)

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Ohio State Highway Patrol Superintendent Col. Charles Jones, and Ohio Department of Transportation Director Pamela Boratyn announced that traffic fatalities have decreased in Ohio for the fourth consecutive year. 

According to preliminary data from the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP), the number of traffic fatalities in 2025 dropped approximately 3% in Ohio as compared to 2024, a difference of 32 lives. This decrease continues the downward trend in traffic fatalities that began in 2022, representing 231 lives saved across four years.

“The fact that more people have made it home to their families the past four years is certainly worth celebrating, but make no mistake — the number of people killed on Ohio’s roads remains far too high,” said Governor DeWine. “Everyone has a role in making our roads safer, and we all have more work to do.”

In 2025, there were 1,125 traffic fatalities on Ohio roadways, compared to 1,157 in 2024.

According to OSHP statistics, 23% of fatal crashes in 2025 were the result of driving off the roadway. In addition, failure to yield the right of way, unsafe speed, driving left of center, following too closely, and running a stop sign were the next top reasons for fatal crashes statewide. Although distracted driving is underreported, it is also believed to be a significant contributing factor to crashes overall. 

Failure to wear a seatbelt also remains a major factor in traffic deaths. In crashes involving vehicles outfitted with seatbelts, nearly 62% of individuals killed from 2021 to 2025 chose not to wear a safety belt, equating to nearly 2,500 people. 

“Oftentimes, fatal crashes are a preventable tragedy, so some of these people would very likely still be here today had they buckled up,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent. “Wearing a seatbelt is just as important as slowing down, staying alert, and obeying the law.”

(ONN) – Ohio’s first full year of selling recreational marijuana brought big business to the state.

Records show recreational sales topped $836 million in 2025, after voters approved legalization in 2023.

Since sales began in August 2024, adult-use marijuana has cashed in more than one billion dollars.

190 dispensaries across the state currently sell both medical and recreational marijuana.

Governor DeWine recently signed new legislation, tightening THC limits, and restrictions on public use and travel.

(From the Ohio High School Basketball Coaches Association)

The Ohio High School Basketball Coaches Association ( OHSBCA) is proud to announce that Jim Rucki of Findlay High School is the recipient of the 2026 Paul Walker Award.

The Paul Walker Award is presented annually by the OHSBCA to an active coaching member of the association who has made significant contributions to high school basketball.

The award is named in honor of the late Paul Walker, the longtime coach of Middletown High School. At the time of his retirement, he had the most wins as a boys basketball coach in Ohio High School Basketball history.

Jim Rucki retired with an impressive career record of 545 wins and 258 losses over 35 seasons as a varsity head coach in Ohio, leading programs at both Rocky River and Findlay High Schools. At Rocky River, he posted a 160-71 record, winning 2 league titles, 8 sectional championships, and 2 district titles, while earning NE Ohio District Coach of the Year honors three times and the AP Division II State Coach of the Year award in 1998.

Over 25 seasons at Findlay, Rucki compiled a 385-187 record with 8 league titles, 15 sectional championships, and 2 district crowns, earning multiple NW Ohio District and District 8 Coach of the Year honors, along with the OHSBCA Coach of the Year award in 2024. ]

A respected leader and teacher of the game, Rucki’s lasting impact has been recognized through induction into the Northeast Ohio Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame and the Hancock County Sports Hall of Fame. Jim will also be inducted into the OHSBCA Hall of Fame this April.

(From Gliding Stars of Findlay)

Today, we remember and honor Larry, a longtime Gliding Stars volunteer and a familiar, trusted face at The Cube. Larry was a dedicated supporter of our program both on and off the ice, always willing to help wherever he was needed.

He supported all of the skating programs at the rink and sharpened the blades of hundreds if not thousands of skaters over the years—quietly making a difference for so many.

His kindness, generosity, and steady presence will be deeply missed by our Gliding Stars family and the entire skating community. Our thoughts are with his loved ones as we celebrate a life that gave so much to others.

Read Larry’s full obituary below.

Lawrence “Larry” Grove, of Findlay, Ohio, passed away in peace on the morning of December 31, 2025. Born in Toledo, Ohio, to Geraldine (Vonck) Grove and David Grove on October 20, 1949, he was a lifelong educator, perpetually young at heart, and deeply committed to the communities where he lived and worked.

Larry graduated from Rossford High School in 1967, where he met and fell in love with Patricia “Pati” (Kish) Grove. Larry and Pati married in 1970, and they both graduated from Bowling Green State University in 1971 with BSc degrees in Education. Larry began his 49-year education career teaching math and coaching boys’ hockey at Whitmer High School (Toledo), earning coach of the year honors one year. After completing advanced degrees at BGSU and the University of Toledo, Larry became vice-principal at Glenwood Junior High (Findlay) in 1987, and principal at Cory-Rawson Middle School (Rawson) in 1991. Larry co-founded the Findlay Digital Academy in 2004, serving as principal from the FDA’s inception until 2017, and continued working there as a part-time tutor.

Larry loved everything related to ice hockey, coaching and assisting with teams for many years, refereeing and playing goalie in the Findlay Adult Hockey League into his 70s, driving the Zamboni at The Cube (Findlay), and sharpening skates at his home business, Larry’s Skate Service. He was an amateur photographer, documenting school and community events for years and winning a newspaper photograph contest in The Courier (Findlay). His youthful passion for riding motorcycles and waterskiing while growing up on the Maumee River carried over later in life, as he enjoyed working on his BMW and Honda bikes and restoring antique outboard engines.

Larry dedicated much of his time to serving the Findlay community. He cherished volunteering with the Gliding Stars of Findlay’s adaptive ice skating programs, taught Sunday School and sang in the choir at Trinity Lutheran Church (Findlay), and was a board member at the Blachard Valley Center’s Hancock County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

Larry was preceded in death by his wife, Pati; brother, David; and sister, Sarah. He is survived by his sons, Alan and Kevin; daughter-in-law, Jody; grandson, Rhen; sister, Cynthia; and sister-in-law, Victoria.

Larry and Pati’s love of teaching and community greatly inspired their two sons, Kevin and Alan, who both have established careers in education. Kevin married Jody Wetzel and gave Larry one grandson, Rhen, who has become exactly the kind of energetic middle schooler Larry loved teaching throughout his life.

A memorial service will be held on March 28th, at 2:00 p.m., at Trinity Lutheran Church, 935 W. Bigelow Ave, Findlay, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, if you would like to donate in Larry’s name, his family asks that you honor his legacy with a contribution to local youth programs supporting children with special needs, or youth recreation and educational activities. A few organizations Larry supported in the Findlay area included Gliding Stars of Findlay, and Grace Speaks.