The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office is reminding drivers that ‘tis the season to give yourself extra time to get where you’re going.

The sheriff’s office says, regardless of what road alert level has been issued, if any, road conditions can change quickly this time of year – snow, rain, wind, and everything in between.

The sheriff’s office is asking everyone to slow down, stay alert, and arrive at your destination safely.

Get the latest weather forecast and road alerts by clicking here, and school delays/closings by clicking here.

(The Marathon Center for the Performing Arts)

The Marathon Center for the Performing Arts (MCPA) is thrilled to invite students in grades 3–5 to step into the spotlight or behind the scenes for this year’s Youtheatre production of The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley Jr. Young performers and theatre-loving creatives will have multiple opportunities to get involved, including a free audition workshop, open auditions and technical crew positions.

This high-energy musical follows the unforgettable journey of Stanley Lambchop, an ordinary ten-year-old who becomes extraordinary overnight when a bulletin board falls on him flattening him like a pancake! Suddenly able to travel the world by mail, Stanley becomes the ultimate exchange student, zipping from Hollywood to France to Honolulu in search of a way to become three-dimensional again.

Key Dates & Opportunities

Show Performances March 13 at 7:00 p.m. March 14 at 2:00 p.m.

Free Audition Workshop Saturday, January 10 Sessions: 10:00–11:30 a.m. or 12:30–2:00 p.m. A great chance for first-time auditioners and returning participants alike to build confidence and learn what to expect during the audition process.

Auditions Monday, January 19 & Tuesday, January 20 6:00–8:00 p.m.

Students interested in acting, singing, dancing and technical crew are encouraged to register. No prior experience required, just enthusiasm and a willingness to learn!

For full details and registration information, please visit www.mcpa.org/education-community/youtheatre

For additional information regarding Youtheatre auditions contact Craig VanRenterghem, MCPA Education Director at education@mcpa.org

The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley Jr. is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.

(From The Findlay Fire Department)

Findlay’s B-Shift recently practiced various victim removal scenarios with our quint apparatus in the STRICT Center.

The training facility continues to prove its value to our first responders through realistic training.

Thanks to all the businesses and organizations who helped us make this possible.

(ONN) – Changes are ahead for hemp and marijuana laws in Ohio.

The State Senate passed a bill that would restrict most hemp sales in Ohio.

It would also roll back some of the freedoms afforded to recreational marijuana.

If signed into law by Governor DeWine, Senate Bill 56 would ban intoxicating hemp products from being sold in convenience stores, smoke shops, and gas stations.

The bill would also reduce the maximum THC allowed in extracts and in the actual flower as well as tighten public smoking rules.

(From Blanchard Valley Health System)

Bridge Home Health & Hospice is proud to celebrate Christy Montgomery, RN, community nurse liaison, who was recently awarded a Wood County Committee on Aging (WCCOA) “Golden Care Award” in the category of Medical or Professional Care Provider—an honor recognizing exceptional caregivers working in facility or home-based settings.

Christy was announced as the winner during the awards ceremony on Monday, November 17, marking a truly special moment for both Christy and her colleagues. What made the celebration even more meaningful is that Christy has supported this very program for years, helping with event planning and award ceremonies—never expecting to be recognized herself one day.

This year, however, her peers decided it was time for Christy to be honored. They worked closely with WCCOA professionals to secretly nominate her, ensuring the surprise remained intact until the moment her name was announced.

The response in the room spoke volumes. Christy’s win was met with enthusiastic applause—not just from her team, but even from fellow nominees—a true testament to the respect she has earned from healthcare professionals throughout Wood County. Her compassion, collaboration, and commitment to seniors and their families have made her a trusted partner within the community.

Christy’s recognition reflects not only her personal dedication but also the compassionate and collaborative spirit of the entire Bridge Home Health & Hospice team.

The Golden Care Awards shine a spotlight on caregivers who demonstrate extraordinary service, advocacy, and compassion for older adults. Christy embodies all these qualities and more, and we are honored to have her represent Bridge Home Health & Hospice.

Pictured: Jenna Cotterman, MOT, OTR/L, CEHCH, COQS, director of operations, Bridge Home Health & Hospice; Amanda Montgomery, bereavement coordinator; Christine Montgomery, RN, community nurse liaison; Misty Schnipke, RN, community nurse liaison.

(From The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation)

The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation awarded $20,000 to support veterans and first responders. These four grants are awards from the president’s discretionary fund, which supports urgent or special requests outside The Community Foundation’s various grant cycles. The President & CEO of The Community Foundation is allocated an amount each year. These grants typically do not exceed $5,000 individually.

This year, Foundation staff dedicated the 2025 president’s discretionary funds to show appreciation for those who help others. Earlier in the year, grants were awarded to public schools in Hancock County for staff appreciation efforts.

“The first responders are critical to the health and safety in our community and serve daily,” said Brian Treece, President & CEO of the Foundation. “Additionally, our local veterans deserve our continued thanks and support for selflessly serving our country. These grants are a token of our appreciation for both groups. We are grateful for all you have done and continue to do.”

Findlay Fire Department was awarded $5,000. “We can’t thank The Community Foundation enough for using the President’s Discretionary Grant on showing appreciation for our local fire and EMS personnel,” said Josh Eberle, Chief of the Findlay Fire Department. “This job is very rewarding, but over time it can take a toll on people. Using the grant for this purpose reminds our firefighters and EMS personnel that our work is appreciated and that there is a network of support for us within the community.”

Findlay Police Department was awarded $5,000. “We are grateful to The Community Foundation for their generous support,” said James Mathias, Chief of the Findlay Police Department. “Their grant helps our first responders feel recognized and appreciated for their hard work and reminds them that the community stands behind them. We appreciate this partnership and the Foundation’s commitment to those who keep our city safe.”

Hancock County Sheriff’s Department was awarded $5,000. “We are incredibly grateful to The Community Foundation for awarding the Sheriff’s Office a $5,000 President’s Discretionary Grant,” said Michael Cortez, Sheriff of Hancock County Sheriff’s. “This support is more than a contribution awarded by a grant. It is a direct investment in the well-being of the men and women who serve our county every day. This grant helps recognize the dedication, professionalism, and positive impact our employees have on our community every day. From an external perspective, this grant helps reinforce that our employees are valued by those in our community. Our employees work tirelessly, often in difficult and unseen circumstances, and this support allows us to continue encouraging, uplifting, and honoring the good work they do for the people of Hancock County.”

Hancock County Veterans Services Office was awarded $5,000. “We are honored to partner with The Community Foundation for this President’s Discretionary Grant,” said Ed Newton, Resiliency Operations Manager. “It will allow the Hancock County Veterans Service Office the opportunity to have positive outreach with hundreds of Hancock County veterans and their families. Thank you so much for providing this opportunity.”

(From the Findlay Police Department)

The Findlay Police Department is requesting your assistance in identifying the subject in this photo.

The subject pictured is believed to be responsible for a hit/skip crash in the parking lot of the YMCA (1400Manor Hill Rd.) on 12/03/2025.

Anyone with information can contact police dispatch at (419) 424-7150 and reference the case number above, or message this page.

You can also contact Crime Stoppers at (419) 425-TIPS (8477) and you may be eligible for a cash reward.

(From Findlay City Schools)

Our amazing Show Choirs—Findlay First Edition and Voices in Perfection—have been touring our elementary and middle schools this holiday season, bringing music, energy, and a whole lot of festive spirit!

But it’s more than just a performance. For the students in the audience, it’s a glimpse into what they can be a part of one day.

Big thanks to our talented performers for sharing their gifts and showing what it means to be #TrojanTrue!

(From the City of Findlay)

Interested in a career that makes a difference?

We’re sharing firsthand perspectives from our employees about the impact, opportunities, and culture that make the City of Findlay an exceptional place to build your career.

Check out www.FindlayOhio.gov to learn more and visit our actively updated job board.

(From the Hancock County Engineer’s Office)

Hancock County Engineer Doug Cade was officially sworn in as President of the County Engineers Association of Ohio (CEAO) on December 4 during the association’s annual winter conference.

The CEAO represents Professional Engineers and Surveyors serving as County Engineers across Ohio’s 88 counties. Since its founding in 1940, the association has united its members in delivering the highest quality transportation, drainage, surveying, and land record-keeping services. From ensuring the safe and efficient movement of people, goods, and services to supporting ongoing land development, CEAO works to provide innovative solutions to the many challenges facing Ohio’s local infrastructure.

As President, Cade will represent CEAO on state committees and play a key role in shaping legislation that impacts county roads, bridges, and economic development. In addition to this leadership role, Cade serves as a Commissioner for the Ohio Public Works Commission and contributes to numerous other infrastructure-related organizations.