Category Archives: Local News

Sheriff’s Office Captain Retiring After Distinguished Career

(From the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office)

Today we celebrate the incredible career of Captain Brad Nelson, who is retiring after 34 years of dedicated service with the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office.

From his early days as a young deputy to his years of leadership as Captain, he has devoted his career to protecting and serving our community with integrity, courage, and heart.

Please join us in congratulating Captain Nelson on his well-earned retirement and in thanking him for 34 years of outstanding service.

We wish him the very best in this next chapter of life!

Twinkle Nights Drive-Thru Holiday Light Show

(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

Free Holiday Breakfast For Veterans

(From the Hancock County Veterans Service Office)

Join the Hancock County Veterans Service Office and the American Red Cross for a free Holiday Breakfast for Hancock County Veterans and their families, Saturday, December 6th from 8am to noon at the Findlay Elks Banquet Hall located at 900 W. Melrose Ave in Findlay.

Enjoy a delicious breakfast from Moore than Just BBQ, connect with fellow veterans, sign up for free fire alarm installation, and visit with our staff to learn more about local resources, benefits and support available to veterans and their families.

The first 110 veterans will receive a special gift.

The American Red Cross North Central Ohio Chapter will have information on programs and resources available to veterans, including:

  • Sign up for free smoke alarm installation
  • Information on our Resiliency Workshops and Mind-Body workshops for veterans, service members and military families
  • Information on emergency preparedness
  • Volunteer and blood donation opportunities
  • Red Cross Animal Visitation Team will be on site with their therapy dogs

This special event is made possible through the generosity from the Findlay Hancock County Community Foundation. For questions or additional information, visit www.hancockveterans.com or call 419-424-7036.

Madeleine Schneider’s Legacy Continues To Grow

(From the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation)

On November 20, we celebrate Madeleine Schneider’s birthday.

Madeleine was born in Findlay in 1914 and led an incredible life.

She left her entire estate, totaling $25 million, to The Community Foundation without restriction.

This gift to our Community’s Endowment is the largest unrestricted gift in our history and has resulted in more than $22.5 million in awarded grants.

Madeleine’s legacy continues to grow with each passing year.

Happy Birthday! 

https://www.community-foundation.com/…/madeleines-legacy 

Police Provide Update On Murder-Suicide In Tiffin

(From the Tiffin Police Department)

On November 19, 2025, at approximately 6:24 PM, officers of the Tiffin Police Department were dispatched to the 100 block of Huss Street for a report of shots fired and screaming. Upon arrival, officers located multiple individuals suffering from apparent gunshot wounds.

The investigation determined that the incident occurred during an effort by the mother of two children to remove belongings from the residence following ongoing domestic issues in the home. Arrangements had been made with Dustin Willey (age 29), the father of her oldest child, to assist her in moving out while her husband, Ryan Eagon (age 42), was believed to be working out of town.

Evidence indicates that the mother and Dustin were inside the residence gathering remaining items while the children, ages 7 years and 7 months, were outside near a vehicle. After hearing the 7-year-old cry out, they went to check on him and observed Ryan Eagon in the driveway.

According to witness statements and physical evidence, Ryan immediately chased Dustin, pushing past the mother and firing multiple shots. Ryan then turned the gun on the children, fatally shooting both before directing additional gunfire at Dustin. Ryan Eagon subsequently took his own life with a single gunshot wound.

The mother reported that she carried the injured children back inside the home prior to law enforcement’s arrival. Law enforcement and Tiffin Fire and Rescue rendered aid at the scene and transported Dustin Willey to Tiffin Mercy Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. The 7-month-old infant and Ryan Eagon were pronounced deceased at the residence, while the 7-year-old child was transported to the hospital and later passed away from his injuries.

No officers discharged their firearms, and no law enforcement personnel were injured.

The mother of the children was present during the incident and was the individual who reported the emergency. In accordance with Marsy’s Law and its protections for crime victims, the Tiffin Police Department will not be releasing her name or any additional identifying information. We ask all media outlets and members of the public to respect her privacy during this unthinkably difficult time.

This incident remains an active investigation by the Tiffin Police Department with assistance from the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, and the Seneca County Coroner’s Office. Autopsies are pending.

The Tiffin Police Department recognizes the profound emotional impact this tragedy has had on the families involved, first responders, medical staff, schools, and the broader community. Resources for grief support and counseling are being coordinated for anyone affected.

Further updates will be released as appropriate. At this time, no additional identifying information regarding the minor children will be provided.

Chief David Pauly

Mayor Talks With Social Studies Students About City Government

(From Liberty-Benton Local Schools)

Liberty-Benton third graders got a special visit from Findlay Mayor Christina Muryn!

She spoke with all third-grade classes about her important role as a leader in local government, sharing the responsibilities of her job and answering some great questions from our curious students.

What a meaningful way to wrap up their social studies unit on government!

Help Spread Holiday Cheer To Local Veterans

(From the Hancock County Veterans Service Office)

One of our favorite traditions is back — Salute-A-Veteran for the Holidays.

Each year, our staff nominates veterans, their families, and surviving spouses who could use a little extra joy and kindness during the Christmas season.

THIS IS WHERE YOU COME IN!

We’re looking for businesses and individuals who want to do some good behind the scenes by “adopting” one of these families or spouses.

Adopters receive a wish list so they can shop for gifts and help bring the holiday spirit home to a veteran family.

Not a shopper? Many organizations choose to donate gift cards that we’ll deliver on your behalf!

Applications for both nominees and adopters go out soon, and we’ll match participants before Black Friday so everyone has time to prepare.

If you’re interested in sponsoring, adopting, or learning more, *contact our office or send us a DM – we’d love to help you get involved!

Findlay Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony Coming Up

(From the City of Findlay)

The City of Findlay will officially light the community Christmas Tree in Dorney Plaza on Friday, November 28, 2025, at 6:00 PM. Join us as we kick off the holiday season with music from Findlay First Edition and Voices 5, who will perform both before and after the lighting and lead the crowd in traditional Christmas carols.

The City extends its sincere thanks to Brian Coffman for generously donating the beautiful 25-foot Blue Spruce and to the City of Findlay Public Works Department for transporting and decorating the tree.

Winterfest will also be taking place in Dorney Plaza from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, including a market featuring local makers and creators, as well as a performance by the Findlay Children’s Choir at 4:30 pm.

Following the tree lighting, Santa Claus will guide children and their families to the Findlay Kiwanis Santa’s House at St. Andrews United Methodist Church for a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Guests can enjoy cookies, hot chocolate, and horse-drawn wagon rides through downtown Findlay.

Some Downtown establishments will remain open later than usual for holiday shopping and refreshments. For a full list of seasonal events throughout Findlay and Hancock County, please visit VisitFindlay.com.

Jail Again In Full Compliance In Annual Inspection

(From the Wood County Sheriff’s Office)

The Wood County Sheriff’s Office is proud to announce receiving a 100% passage of the annual jail inspection conducted by the state Bureau of Adult Detention. The Department of Rehabilitation and Correction inspected the jail on 11/19/2025. The group of standards being inspected focused on Reception & Release, Classification, Security, Housing, Sanitation and Environmental Conditions, Communication, Visitation, Medical and Mental Health Services, Food Service, Recreation and Programming, Inmate Discipline, Administrative Segregation, Grievance, Staffing, and Staff Training. The inspection consisted of this Inspector receiving and/or reviewing requested documentation and/or materials, touring selected areas of the jail, and having discussions with various jail staff.

Mark Wasylyshyn, Wood County Sheriff, said “I am so proud of our entire jail staff as we have been in full compliance yet again and exceed over 172 standards in the inspection. This is not something to take for granted as we are the only jail in the State of Ohio to get 100% for over 20 years in a row! We could not accomplish this without our dedicated, professional jail deputies and staff that do the right things not only during the inspection but 365 days a year. Wood County citizens should be very proud of their jail.”

Findlay Trojans Hockey Holding Canned Food Drive

Findlay Trojans Hockey is hosting a community-wide canned food drive on Friday, November 21, at The Cube in Findlay.

Stacey Franks and Sara Sublett were on with 100.5 WKXA to share all the details about how you can support local families in need.

Click the link below to listen to their full interview with WKXA’s Rex Howard.