(From the Ohio State Highway Patrol)

The Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) reports 11 deaths in eight fatal crashes during the Thanksgiving holiday reporting period, which began at midnight on Wednesday, November 26, and concluded at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, November 30.

According to preliminary Patrol statistics, at least two of the eight fatal crashes recorded during the reporting period were OVI-related. In a continued effort to lower that number to zero, troopers made 281 arrests for impaired driving and 38 for drug-related charges.

In the fatalities where a safety belt was available, three were unbelted. Although Ohio’s safety belt law remains a secondary violation, troopers continue to have zero tolerance during the holiday reporting period when motorists were stopped for a violation and found to not being wearing a safety belt. Throughout this five-day reporting period, troopers issued 462 safety belt citations.

Additionally, troopers responded to 766 crashes, issued 287 citations for distracted driving and provided assistance to 1,572 motorists.

Motorists are encouraged to contribute to a safer Ohio by safely calling #677 to report drug activity and dangerous or impaired driving on Ohio roadways.

The American Red Cross has an urgent need for blood donors, and several opportunities to give are coming up in the area.

Below are a few of the upcoming blood drives, according to the Red Cross website.

-Blanchard Valley Hospital on Wednesday, December 3.

-McComb High School on Thursday, December 4.

-Findlay Family YMCA on Friday, December 5.

Look for more blood drives in the area by clicking here.

(From the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts)

Marathon Center for the Performing Arts (MCPA) will celebrate its 10th Anniversary with a signature gala event headlined by Tony Award-winner Brian Stokes Mitchell, one of Broadway’s most iconic leading men. The evening marks a major milestone for MCPA and honors a decade of bringing world class performances, community events and arts education to Findlay and the surrounding region. 

For ten years, MCPA has served as Findlay’s home for unforgettable performances and meaningful arts experiences. From Broadway tours to local concerts, from youth programs to regional partnerships, the center has become a cultural anchor for Hancock County. The 10th Anniversary Gala celebrates the people, shows and community support that have shaped MCPA’s first decade and sets the stage for its next chapter. 

Brian Stokes Mitchell’s performance in Findlay is a fitting tribute to a city that embraces Broadway tours with enthusiasm. Stokes is widely regarded as one of the great voices of the American musical stage, with a career that spans more than three decades across theater, film, television and concert halls. 

He earned the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical for his acclaimed performance in Kiss Me, Kate and has been nominated for major roles in Ragtime, King Hedley II and Man of La Mancha. In addition to his celebrated stage career, Stokes has been recognized with the Isabelle Stevenson Award for his contributions to the arts community and is a member of the American Theatre Hall of Fame. 

His appearance at the gala is a nod to Findlay’s lasting enthusiasm for Broadway and the major tours we’ve hosted in our first ten years, from The Book of Mormon and Fiddler on the Roof to Chicago, Hadestown and Come From Away. It celebrates shows that have lit up our stage and to the audiences who fill the seats with energy and excitement every season. 

Guests attending the Full Gala Experience will enjoy an elegant evening beginning with cocktails and dinner at 5:30 p.m. in Armes Hall, followed by Brian Stokes Mitchell’s performance at 7:30 p.m. in the Donnell Theater. Formal or cocktail attire is welcomed, and guests will receive premium seating for the concert as part of their gala ticket package. Tickets to the performance only are also available for community members who want to enjoy the concert without attending the dinner portion of the evening. All event details and ticket options can be found at MCPA.org. 

MCPA extends heartfelt gratitude to the sponsors whose generosity makes this celebration possible: Tom and Kate Donnell, Gary and Jane Heminger, Bryce and Maryann Mannen and Chuck and Dee Dee Bills. Their support reflects a shared belief in the power of the performing arts to strengthen and inspire our community.

(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.

(From the Fort Findlay FOP Lodge 20 Foundation)

The Fort Findlay FOP Lodge #20 Foundation will host its annual Cops & Kids Go Shopping event at 8 a.m. on Sunday, December 7 at the Findlay Village Meijer. Children referred through the local school systems will be paired with an FOP member or supporter and receive two hundred dollars to shop for Christmas gifts, essentials, and moments of joy.

Through a continued partnership with Coats for Christmas, every member of each participating child’s household will also receive warm winter gear. This added support ensures that families can head into the coldest months with comfort, dignity, and peace of mind.

Teresa White, Director of the Fort Findlay FOP Lodge #20 Foundation, shared why this program continues to be one of the most beloved events of the year.
“When a child walks through Meijer holding hands with an officer who is there solely to support them, something changes. They feel seen. They feel valued. They feel safe. This day gives them more than gifts. It gives them a memory that stays with them long after the holidays pass.”

Tyler Waldbauer, Secretary of the Fort Findlay FOP Lodge #20 & Foundation, added,
“Our officers look forward to this morning every single year. Cops & Kids Go Shopping gives us the chance to connect with children in a joyful and meaningful way. It is a reminder of why we serve and why this community means so much to us.”

Community support for this event remains strong and continues to grow. Each year, volunteers, officers, donors, and school partners come together to lift children during a season that can be especially difficult for families facing financial strain.

The Fort Findlay FOP Lodge #20 Foundation thanks Meijer, Coats for Christmas, and the many supporters who make this magic possible.

(From the City of Findlay)

CONSTRUCTION 12/1-12/5:

-S. Main St. will be reduced to one lane in the Southbound direction from Wallace St. to Highland Dr. for a sanitary sewer project.

-Morrical Blvd. will be closed to through traffic from Bliss Ave. to Lima Ave. for waterline project.

-Tappan St. will be closed to through traffic from Logan Ave. to Lagrange St. for sanitary installation.

-All roads in Springlake subdivision will be open; however, the contractor will be in the area cleaning up. Use caution when driving through this area.

Please contact the Engineering Department with questions (419) 424-7121.

(From the Ohio Department of Transportation)

HANCOCK COUNTY: I-75/CR 99 Update

Dec. 2–5, short traffic delays will take place outside peak hours for overhead sign installation.

We’re also working to improve the new traffic pattern by adjusting supplemental lights for I-75 slip ramp traffic (no stop required), and addressing the CR 99/Speedway Dr. signal—video detection will be added.

Thanks for your patience as we fine-tune the system!

(From the Seneca County Land Bank)

The Seneca County Land Bank is reminding income-qualified residents that applications are still open for the Welcome Home Ohio Program through December 12, 2025. Five brand-new homes on Walnut Street in Fostoria are available for purchase at 1310, 1314, 1318, 1322, and 1326 Walnut Street.

These 1,304 to 1,380 square foot homes each feature 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and are fully furnished with brand-new appliances.

Pre-Qualification Is the First Step

To be considered, all applicants must complete the pre-qualification process, which includes:

• A bank or mortgage pre-approval letter
• Proof that household income is at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI)
• All forms included in the Welcome Home Ohio application packet

Applicants may seek mortgage pre-approval from any bank or lending institution. However, several local project partner banks—Sutton Bank, Old Fort Bank, Croghan Colonial Bank, and WesBanco—offer additional support that may help eligible buyers. These partners provide options such as zero- or low-down-payment programs, low-interest loans, and down-payment assistance.

Only pre-qualified buyers will be invited to participate in the offer process. These pre-qualified buyers will determine the final purchase price of each home through their offers.

Who Should Apply

Residents who meet the income guidelines and want to purchase a safe, modern, affordable home are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants will also be reviewed for possible support through the CHIP Program, offered in partnership with Great Lakes Community Action Partnership (GLCAP).

How to Get an Application

Applications can be obtained:

• Online at https://fostoriaedc.org/newhomes/
• At the Fostoria Learning Center, 342 Perry St., Fostoria
• By email at projects@fostoriaedc.org

How to Submit

Completed application packets must be placed in a sealed envelope and delivered to:

Seneca County Land Bank c/o Fostoria Economic Development 342 Perry St. Fostoria, OH 44830

Application deadline is 5 p.m. Friday, December 12, 2025.

About the Program

The Welcome Home Ohio Program is supported by a $2.75 million grant from the Ohio Department of Development to help create new homeownership opportunities in both Fostoria and Tiffin.

More Information

For questions or help, call 419-435-7789 or email projects@fostoriaedc.org. Application packets: https://fostoriaedc.org/newhomes/

(From the Ohio Department of Transportation)

HANCOCK COUNTY: The I-75 bridge work that was rescheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 2, has been delayed again, possibly to be done on Wednesday.  

Bridge deck repairs are expected to close the following locations for approximately one day:

-The I-75 northbound entrance ramp from SR 103; Detour: SR 103 to SR 235, back to I-75

-The right southbound I-75 lane over CR 33