Category Archives: Local News

FCS BOE Member Honored For Years Of Distinguished Service

(From Findlay City Schools)

We extend our deepest gratitude to Susan Russel for her eight distinguished years of service on the Findlay City Schools Board of Education!

Throughout her tenure, she demonstrated an unwavering commitment to fostering a culture of transparency and accountability, characterized by her meticulous attention to detail.

She consistently went above and beyond the expected duties of her office, asking the questions that needed to be asked, dedicating herself to mastering the complexities of school district operations and remaining a perpetual student of the educational landscape.

Her advocacy was instrumental in securing the financial stability of the District through her tireless support of multiple levy cycles, effectively communicating the facts and the operational needs of our schools to the public.

She upheld exceptionally high standards for student achievement and administrative excellence, driven by her deep pride in our community and the Findlay City Schools District.

We are better because of your service, Mrs. Russel. We wish you well in your future endeavors. Thank you.

Man Arrested In Fatal Shooting

(From the Wyandot County Sheriff’s Office)

On Sunday, December 14, 2025, at approx. 1931 hours, the Wyandot County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call from the Stephen Mitten residence located at 2858 Township Highway 43, Nevada, Ohio.

Deputies from the Wyandot County Sheriff’s Office along with the Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Upper Sandusky Police Department responded to Mitten residence.

At approx. 1938 hrs., the Wyandot County Sheriff’s Office received a second 911 call from the Mitten residence regarding threats being made to a family member.

When deputies arrived at the residence, a male subject was secured by deputies, and a search of the residence was initiated.

After searching the premises and securing the residence, deputies discovered Stephen G. Mitten, age 70 deceased in the residence by apparent gunshot wounds.

Detectives from the Wyandot County Major Crimes Unit were requested to the scene as well as the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) to process the scene.

Assistant Wyandot County Coroner Michael O’Reilly arrived at the scene and ordered an autopsy. The body was transported to the Lucas County Coroner’s Office for examination.

Jason G Mitten of Nevada, Ohio was incarcerated in the Wyandot County Jail and is being charged with One Count of Murder.

Assisting MCU with the investigation are the Wyandot County Sheriff’s Office, Wyandot County Prosecutor’s Office and BCI.

The incident remains under investigation by the Major Crimes Unit and the Wyandot County Sheriff’s Office.

State Approves Job Creation Tax Credits For Companies

(From the Office of Ohio Governor Mike DeWine)

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jim Tressel, and Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik announced the approval of 17 projects that will create 2,347 new jobs and retain 8,592 jobs statewide.   

During its monthly meeting, the Ohio Tax Credit Authority (TCA) reviewed economic development proposals brought to the board by JobsOhio and its regional partners. The projects are expected to result in more than $148 million in new payroll and generate over $1.1 billion in investments across Ohio.  

Among the projects: 

Whirlpool Corporation, city of Clyde (Sandusky County), city of Marion (Marion County), expects to create 448 full-time-equivalent positions, generating more than $20 million in new annual payroll as a result of the expansion in Clyde and Marion. Whirlpool is a home appliance company. Established in 1952, the Clyde location is the world’s largest clothes washer manufacturing facility. The Marion location, established in 1955, is a clothes dryer manufacturing facility. The proposed project involves investments in product improvements and enhancements to its washer and dryer lines, including new machinery and equipment costs. TCA approved a 1.453 percent, nine-year Job Creation Tax Credit for the project.  

Kalmbach Feeds, Inc., village of Carey and city of Upper Sandusky (Wyandot County), expects to create 213 full-time-equivalent positions, generating more than $14 million in new annual payroll as a result of the company’s expansion in Carey and Upper Sandusky. Kalmbach provides feed for general livestock, dairy, poultry, pets, and equine, and can customize for specific needs. The proposed project involves the construction of a new pet food manufacturing facility, including the purchase of new machinery, to expand the company’s current operations and meet growing demand. TCA approved a 1.569 percent, nine-year Job Creation Tax Credit for the project. 

Read the full news release by clicking here.

LB Honors School Board Member For Years Of Dedicated Service

(From Liberty-Benton Local Schools)

Liberty-Benton Local Schools is grateful to A.J. Granger for over 12 years of dedicated service on the Board of Education. His leadership helped guide the district through major growth, including the construction of new school facilities, a unified campus, and athletic upgrades.

From mentoring new board members to serving seven years as president, A.J.’s steady leadership and passion for students made a lasting impact. Thank you, A.J., for your incredible commitment to the LB community!

Read the complete statement below.

Fatal Crash Under Investigation By Highway Patrol

(From the Ohio State Highway Patrol)

The Norwalk Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal crash that occurred on US 224, near mile post 30, in Venice Township, Seneca County. The crash was reported on December 16, 2025 at 12:38 a.m.

The crash occurred when a black 2005 GMC Sierra, operated by Morgan Patton, 30, of Attica, OH, was traveling eastbound on US 224. Patton traveled left of center and then off the left side of the road before overturning. Patton was not wearing a safety belt, and was ejected from the vehicle. Patton suffered fatal injuries at the scene.

Both eastbound and westbound lanes of US 224 were closed for approximately two hours while the scene was cleared.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted on scene by the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office, Attica Fire Department, Seneca County EMS, Seneca County Coroner’s Office, Ohio Department of Transportation and Keller’s Truck Repair.

This crash remains under investigation.

First Cannabis Dispensary In Findlay To Open

The first of two cannabis dispensaries in Findlay will open on Friday, December 19.

The Trulieve dispensary is located at 1501 West Main Cross Street.

In June, the Findlay City Planning Commission approved the applications for two cannabis dispensaries.

One is the Trulieve dispensary on West Main Cross, and the other is a Curaleaf dispensary at 2205 Tiffin Avenue.    

The applications for conditional use were approved on the condition that the applicants comply with all requirements from the Ohio Division of Cannabis Control.

Earlier in the year, Findlay City Council approved an ordinance creating the zoning code to allow for the retail sale of cannabis in the city for recreational or medical use.

A Cannabis Overlay District allowing for adult-use cannabis dispensaries has been added to the Findlay Zoning code.

The city said the the Cannabis Overlay District allows for no more than two dispensaries to operate in the city.

The district regulations are designed to encourage compatibility with adjacent or nearby land uses, the city said.

The overlay district consists of four areas:

Tiffin Avenue

I-75 exit 161 / CR 99

Trenton Avenue (west of I-75)

West Main Cross Street / I-75

Ohio voters approved the legalization of recreational marijuana in November of 2023.

 

Children’s Museum Holding ‘Christmas At Camp Berry’ Celebration

(From Visit Findlay)

The Children’s Museum of Findlay invites families to experience Christmas at Camp Berry, a week-long holiday celebration for children ages 0–10 featuring festive fun, hands-on play, STEAM-inspired exhibits, and special visits from Santa.

Members attend free; non-members are $5.

Event Schedule:

Tuesday, Dec. 16: 9am–1pm

Wednesday, Dec. 17: 9am–1pm

Thursday, Dec. 18: 9am–1pm

Friday, Dec. 19: 9am–6pm

Saturday, Dec. 20: 9am–1pm | Santa 1pm–4pm

Sunday, Dec. 21: 12pm–6pm | Santa 2pm–5pm

Monday, Dec. 22: 9am–6pm | Santa 10am–12pm

Tuesday, Dec. 23: 9am–6pm | Santa 2pm–5pm

‘Christmas With A Cop’ Held In Fostoria

(From the Fostoria Police Division)

This past Saturday, Officers from the Fostoria Police Department, teachers from the Fostoria City Schools, along with Trooper Rey Zavala of the Ohio State Patrol, Norwalk Post, had a great time with these amazing kiddos during Christmas with a Cop.

The kids were able to purchase gifts for themselves and their family members, while also receiving new coats, hats, gloves, and boots!

Thank you Fostoria FOP and all of the other local donors… without you, this wouldn’t be possible!

A special thanks goes out to NCAT driver, Winston Allen and NCAT Director Mary Habig, for providing the transportation! Also, Jodi and the Tiffin Walmart Team, for the donation and making this great event run seamlessly every year!

Ohio State Highway Patrol Offering Ride-Along Program

(The Ohio State Highway Patrol)

Are you looking for a new and exciting career in law enforcement but want to know more about the job? The Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) is once again offering the unique opportunity to ride with an on-duty trooper to see if you have what it takes to join our ranks.

The Patrol’s ride-along program is an immersive, frontline experience designed to give interested recruits a real-world look at life as an Ohio State Trooper. Participants won’t just hear about the job – they will ride alongside a seasoned trooper during their choice of a day, afternoon or night shift, and experience what it’s like to respond to emergency calls for service, conduct traffic stops and engage with and serve the public.

“Choosing a career with the Patrol is a life-changing decision,” said Major Michael D. Kemmer, Office of Training, Recruitment and Professional Operations Commander. “Our ride-along program delivers an authentic look into the challenging and profoundly rewarding work our troopers do every single day.”

This opportunity is for individuals genuinely interested in exploring a career with the OSHP. To be eligible to participate in a ride-along, you must:

  • Hold a valid driver’s license
  • Be between the ages of 18-39
  • Complete a brief interview with the Post Commander prior to the ride-along

Anyone interested in participating in a ride-along is encouraged to contact their local Ohio State Highway Patrol post. Contact information for all posts can be found here. More information about our ride-along program can be found here.

People Invited To Complete ‘Community Conversations’ Survey

(From the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation)

Your input is vital.

If you missed one of our in-person Community Conversations this fall, here’s your chance to share your thoughts!

Take this quick survey to be entered to win one of four Amazon gift cards: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/99WXZNB