Category Archives: Local News

FCS Superintendent Provides Update On Busing Services

Findlay City Schools is working on restoring some of the busing services it eliminated and scaled back. 

For the current school year, there is no busing for high school students, and a two-mile walk radius for elementary and middle school students, with busing provided for those who live more than two miles from their school.

Superintendent Dr. Andy Hatton was on with WFIN’s Chris Oaks to discuss how soon some busing services might be restored and what it may look like.

Busing services were reduced after voters rejected a levy in November 2024, but in May 2025 voters approved a 1 percent earned income tax levy for the district. 

You can watch the latest Findlay City Schools Board of Education meeting in which busing services were discussed below.

City Of Fostoria Shares Plan For Proposed Decommissioning Of Reservoir

(From the City of Fostoria)

The City of Fostoria is sharing a draft concept plan for the proposed decommissioning of Reservoir No. 1 as part of the East Branch Portage River Floodplain Reconnection project.

This project is intended to improve flood control, enhance water quality, and restore natural stream and wetland functions in the area.

The concept includes the creation of new wetlands, a retention pond for additional water quality benefits, and improved stream connectivity.

Get more details below.

Wind Advisory Issued

Findlay and Hancock County are included in a Wind Advisory issued by the National Weather Service.

The Wind Advisory goes until 10 p.m. Thursday.

Forecasters say winds of 20 to 30 miles per hour will gust up to 50 miles per hour at times.

Unsecured objects will blow around and some tree limbs could come down, resulting in a few power outages.

Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles. Use extra caution when driving.

Get the latest forecast and weather alerts by clicking here.

People Declare Their Street ‘Santa Claus Lane’

People living on a Findlay street have dubbed their street Santa Claus Lane.

Driving down Glendale Avenue, you’ll see that just about every house has an inflatable Santa Claus on display, as well as other decorations and Christmas lights. 

And, a big sign reading Santa Claus Lane stretches across the street where you enter Glendale Avenue from South Main Street.

The decorations make for a nice drive down the street or stroll on the sidewalks to get into the holiday spirit.

United Way Inviting Students To Apply For Secor Scholarship

(From the United Way of Hancock County)

Graduating seniors in our community can earn up to $8,000 toward their college education through United Way of Hancock County’s Secor Scholarship. Applications will be accepted through midnight on Jan. 19, 2026, with the selection to be made in March.

The scholarship is open to all high school seniors in Hancock County with a 3.5 or higher grade point average. Candidates are considered based on their academic achievements, but must also demonstrate a strong background in community service and volunteerism. These components will be evaluated through the scholarship application and essay, as well as a letter of recommendation from a trusted teacher, coach or mentor.

The award for the first academic year will be $2,000. The scholarship may be renewed annually for three additional years for a total of $8,000.

The United Way of Hancock County Foundation designates a Secor Scholarship selection committee comprised of community members and current and past United Way board members who evaluate applications, interview finalists, and select one scholarship recipient each year. Students related to anyone on the selection committee or United Way of Hancock County paid staff are ineligible to apply.

The application can only be completed digitally; no paper applications will be accepted. Access the application and more information at https://www.liveunitedhancockcounty.org/programs/secor-scholarship

For additional guidance, contact Brenna Griteman at marketing@uwhancock.org or 419-423-1432.

Museum Showing A Christmas Favorite At Next Classic Movie Night

(From the Hancock Historical Museum)

Join us for our final Classic Movie Night of the year as we gather to watch It’s a Wonderful Life, Frank Capra’s timeless Christmas classic that has warmed hearts for generations.

Friday, December 19 at 7:00 PM.

Settle in with popcorn and refreshments as we enjoy this beloved holiday tradition together.

A bit of historical background will be shared before the film, with an optional discussion afterward for those who wish to linger a little longer.

A perfect way to slow down and savor the season.

FCS Teacher, Nurse Help Woman Who Fell In Her Driveway

(From Findlay City Schools)

Heroes in and out of the classroom.

During a routine fire drill at Donnell Middle School, teacher Ryan Sprout heard something unusual—what sounded like cries for help coming from a nearby home. Trusting his instincts, he quickly asked a fellow teacher to take his class back inside and followed the sound.

What he found was a neighbor who had fallen in her driveway and had been calling for help for over an hour in the freezing cold. Thanks to his quick thinking, and the swift support of school nurse Mrs. Herbert, emergency responders were contacted and on the scene quickly to help.

These are the kind of people who work in Trojan Country. People who don’t just teach lessons, but live them. People who step up, look out, and take care of others.

Thank you, Mr. Sprout, Mrs. Herbert, and the entire Donnell staff, for being the kind of team our students and community can count on.

Liberty-Benton Local Schools Offering Tours Of Campus

(From Liberty-Benton Local Schools)

Home for the Holidays? Come tour LB!

Whether you’re a proud alum, LB family, or community supporter, if you haven’t had the chance to see the new school, field house, or high school renovations, now’s your chance!

Join us on December 29 for a Liberty-Benton Campus Tour at 10:00 a.m. or 5:00 p.m.

Sign up here: https://www.liberty-benton.org/tours

Bonus: Stick around after the evening tour to cheer on the boys’ basketball team at 6 p.m.!

Company Has Plans For Lincoln Elementary And Argyle Lot

A development company still has projects planned for Lincoln Elementary School and the Argyle lot in Findlay.

Trivium Development, a Columbus-based development company, has plans to turn Lincoln Elementary School into office, retail, and residential spaces, all while preserving the original structure.

“With a wealth of experience in repurposing decommissioned schools, Trivium brings a strong track record to the table,” the Findlay-Hancock County Economic Development Office previously said. 

“Their expertise and vision will breathe new life into the historic building, preserving its heritage while revitalizing the site,” said Matt Cooper, President of the Findlay City Schools Board of Education.

The company also is planning to construct a mixed-use building on the site of the old Argyle Building across from Marathon Petroleum that would include apartments and retail.

The company’s updated plans for the projects are anticipated to go before the Findlay City Planning Commission in the spring.

If you want to take a walk down memory lane, click here to read our story from 2021 about people bidding farewell to Lincoln Elementary School.

FCS On-Bus Instructor Recognized For Exceptional Efforts

(From Findlay City Schools)

Going the extra mile—literally and figuratively!

The Findlay City Schools Board of Education is proud to recognize the outstanding dedication and exceptional efforts of Lora Click, our On-Bus Instructor (OBI) for the FCS Transportation Department.

As the only OBI in the district, Lora plays a critical role in keeping our transportation team safe, skilled, and student-ready. She doesn’t just meet expectations—she exceeds them, going above and beyond in every aspect of her role, including:

-Providing over 12 hours of intensive, hands-on training for every new driver

-Evaluating driver competency in everything from pre-trip inspections to defensive driving and emergency evacuations

-Meticulously completing the documentation required for certification

Thanks to Lora’s commitment and leadership, we’ve cut our driver training time from 6–8 weeks to just 30 days. That’s a game-changer for our ability to meet staffing needs and provide timely, reliable service to Trojan Country. Her energy, expertise, and heart for mentoring new drivers are directly impacting the strength and safety of our entire fleet.

On behalf of the entire district, thank you, Lora, for your incredible service and commitment to excellence. We’re so proud to have you leading the way!