The Children’s Museum of Findlay recently announced its new location after having to leave the now-demolished Findlay Mall.

The new location for the Children’s Museum of Findlay will be 11600 County Road 99, a little east of the RaceTrac gas station.

“We can’t wait to bring PLAY back to life for our community,” the museum said while announcing its new location.

A special thank-you to our Board Members, donors, and community champions who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make this happen.

Executive Director Allison Behm-Kemmere was on with WFIN’s Chris Oaks to discuss all that goes into getting their new facility ready for the kids.

(From the Ohio State Highway Patrol)

Ohio State Highway Patrol Dispatcher Lisa M. Burns has been selected as the 2025 Dispatcher of the Year at the Findlay Dispatch Center.

The selection of Dispatcher Burns, is in recognition of outstanding service during 2025 at the Findlay Dispatch Center. Fellow dispatchers from the Findlay Post, troopers and supervision from the Findlay Post, and troopers and supervision from the Lima Post chose Burns based on technical job knowledge and ability, enthusiastic work attitude, teamwork, and prompt and courteous response to the public’s request for information and assistance.

Dispatcher Burns joined the Patrol in 2021 and has served at the Findlay Dispatch Center throughout her career. She is now in contention for the District and State Dispatcher of the Year Award to be announced at a later date.

Dispatcher Burns resides in Hancock County with her husband.

Hancock County’s treasurer has received a statewide honor.

Steve Welton received the County Treasurers Association of Ohio’s “Treasurer of the Year Award” during the organization’s fall conference in Columbus.

Click here for the Hancock County Treasurer’s Office website. 

(From Family Resource Center)

Family Resource Center is thrilled to announce the inaugural season of Twinkle Nights, Hancock County’s first drive-thru holiday light show. This brand-new community tradition launches at the Hancock County Fairgrounds beginning on Saturday, November 22, and will run every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night through December 21.

Before cars roll through the opening weekend, the community is invited to a special walk-thru preview night on Friday, November 21. This will be the only opportunity to experience Twinkle Nights on foot, which allows families, neighbors, and holiday light lovers a chance to take in the displays up close and at their own pace. There is no charge for admission to the one-time only walk-thru night, but donations to Family Resource Center are encouraged.

Twinkle Nights brings a new experience to the area, combining dozens of scenes, thousands of lights, festive family fun, and a mission-driven purpose. Proceeds from the event will support Family Resource Center’s work in providing mental health and addiction prevention, treatment, and recovery services in the area.

Several theme nights are planned, including two sensory-sensitive “Calm & Bright Nights” with a less intense sight and sound experience, a toy drive to support the local Toys for Tots program, a weekend recognizing Veterans, and a special visit from holiday characters including Santa Claus himself on the last weekend before Christmas.

Regular admission to Twinkle Nights is $15 per carload per visit, and a $25 Season Pass, which is good for unlimited visits, is also available. To learn more about Family Resource Center’s mission and our new Twinkle Nights Drive-Thru Holiday Light Show, visit www.twinklenightsfindlay.com

The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal crash.

The crash happened at around 4:24 Tuesday morning on Township Road 21, west of State Route 613.

The sheriff’s office says Arthur Patterson Jr., 81, of North Baltimore, was driving west on Township Road 21, west of State Route 613, when he failed to negotiate a curve and his SUV went off the road and overturned.

Patterson Jr. was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The crash remains under investigation.

The new diverging diamond interchange at Interstate 75 and County Road 99 on the north end of Findlay opened on Monday afternoon.

The Ohio Department of Transportation says the new interchange will combat congestion at the important economic hub while reducing the risk of crashes and making travel in the area easier and safer.

WFIN News spoke with Findlay Mayor Christina Muryn about the importance of the new interchange.

We also spoke with Hancock County Engineer Doug Cade at the ribbon-cutting for the new interchange.

ODOT says a DDI shifts the eastbound and westbound traffic to the other side of the bridge at signalized crossovers which eliminates left turns across traffic and the traffic signals for left turns.

The benefit is that all traffic can enter the interstate in a free flow movement to the ramps which reduces the long start and stop times of trucks at signals.

The project also included upgrading intersections along County Road 99 from North Main Street to Technology Drive.

The video below explains how to navigate a diverging diamond interchange.

The picture above is from the ribbon-cutting, which was held at 2 o’clock, and the interchange opened a little after 4 o’clock. 

(From the Hancock County Veterans Service Office)

The Hancock County Veterans Service Office is on the move. Beginning Monday, December 1, the office will officially open at its new location: 401 Olive Street, Findlay.

This expanded space will allow the agency to better serve veterans, their families, and community members. All current services— including benefits assistance, employment resources, and transportation —will continue without interruption. The dedicated staff looks forward to providing even stronger communication and connection from the new office.

To prepare for the move, the office will be closed November 24–26. During this time, the main office phone will be temporarily unavailable. Anyone needing assistance may call the temporary number at 419-348-9330.

The team is excited to welcome Hancock County veterans to the new location beginning December 1 and appreciates the community’s patience and support during the transition. For questions or additional information, visit www.hancockveterans.com or call 419-424-7036.

(From the Hancock Historical Museum)

Step into the magic of the season with the 2025 Historic Homes Tour: Holiday Edition! Mark your calendars for December 13th and 14th as this beloved biennial tradition returns, offering a rare chance to explore Findlay’s architectural heritage. Experience some of the city’s most beautiful historic homes, spanning from the 1870s to the 1900s, each decked in festive holiday décor.

Kick off the weekend in style at the exclusive Yuletide Preview on Saturday, December 13th, from 6–10 pm. Enjoy a VIP evening touring these stunning homes at your own pace, followed by an elegant soiree at Swan House Tea & Coffee, complete with tea, gingerbread cookies, and delightful refreshments.

Tickets for this special preview are limited—secure yours online or at the museum before they’re gone!

On Sunday, December 14th, from 11 am to 4 pm, the tour continues as six remarkable homes open their doors to the public. Explore at your leisure while docents share the fascinating histories and architectural highlights of each property. Start at any home and create your own path through Findlay’s storied neighborhoods. The Hancock Historical Museum is still seeking volunteers for this one-of-a-kind event. All training and historical information will be provided. Please visit our website for more information or to sign up.

Featured homes on this year’s tour include:

Decker-Hopkins House (c. 1874) – 1214 Hurd Avenue

Messinger-Aldrich House (c. 1903) – 1035 S. Main Street

Job Chamberlin Jr. House (c. 1874) – 1014 S. Main Street

George Treece House (c. 1888) – 908 S. Main Street

Emmor L. Entrikin House (c. 1885) – 844 S. Main Street

Swan House Tea & Coffee (c. 1857)– 225 W. Sandusky Street

The Historic Homes Tour is more than a walk through history; it’s a celebration of Findlay’s unique architecture and the homeowners’ passion and dedication. Your participation directly supports the Hancock Historical Museum’s programming and operations, ensuring these stories endure for generations to come.

Tickets for the Yuletide Preview are $65 for members and $75 for non-members. Advance purchase required. Sunday tour tickets are $25 in advance and $35 on the day of ($25 for museum members), available at the museum (422 W. Sandusky Street) or online at hancockhistoricalmuseum.org.

Special thanks to Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices – Koehler Realty, Swan House Tea & Coffee, and Burlwick & Co. for their generous support. For more details, including a tour map, visit hancockhistoricalmuseum.org or call (419) 423-4433. Don’t miss this festive journey through Findlay’s history!

(From the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office)

Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, OH, K9 Falko will receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Falko’s vest was sponsored by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. and will be embroidered with the sentiment “Born to Love-Trained to Serve-Loyal Always”. Delivery is expected within ten weeks.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. This potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged K9 officers is U.S. made, custom fitted, and National Institute of Justice (NIJ) certified. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 6,225 vests valued at $6.9 million to K9s in all 50 states, made possible by both private and corporate donations.

The program is open to U.S. dogs at least 20 months old, actively employed, and certified with law enforcement or related agencies. K9s with expired vests are also eligible to participate. There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount, while a single donation of $1,050 will sponsor one vest. Each vest has a value of $1800.00, weighs an average of 4-5 lbs., and comes with a five-year warranty. For more information, or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call (508) 824-6978. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts donations at www.vik9s.org, or you may mail your contribution to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718

(From the Hancock County METRICH Drug Task Force)

On 11/14/25 at approx. 1900 hrs the Hancock County METRICH Drug Task Force assisted by the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop in the city of Findlay, and executed a narcotic search warrant at 912 Heatherview Ct Apt A, Findlay OH 45840. The traffic stop and search warrant were the conclusion of a three month investigation.

The search of the residence yielded suspected Heroin, $2,380 in cash, drug paraphernalia, and multiple items indicative of drug trafficking. A vehicle was also seized as result of this investigation.

As a result of the search the following person were arrested and incarcerated at the Hancock County Justice Center:

Jaylen McCoy (33 year old)

912 Heatherview Ct. Apt A.

Findlay, Ohio

Fresh Charge: Possession of Drugs, Felony of the second degree, OVI.

Additional charges of drug trafficking and possession of drugs are expected at the conclusion of this investigation.

The Hancock METRICH Drug Enforcement Unit is supported by METRICH in Mansfield, OH and funded in part by the Office of Criminal Justice Services.

METRICH Crime Tip Hotline: 419-52-CRIME (419-522-7463) or download the METRICH enforcement unit mobile app to “Submit a Tip.”