(From the Tiffin Police Department)
The police department is seeking help identifying the individuals in these photos.
They are wanted for questioning in a theft investigation.
If you have information, please send a private message or contact Ofc. Wuescher at (419) 447-2323 ext. 0.
Thank you for taking the time to look and share.
The funeral procession for Findlay Police Officer John Schimmoeller made its way through the streets of Findlay on Tuesday.
“Officer Schimmoeller dedicated 29 years of distinguished service to our department and the Findlay community. His dedication, strength, and compassion made a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him,” the police department said.
Following the service at Gateway Church on County Road 9, a funeral procession went through Findlay and returned to the church.
People were encouraged to line the procession route and pay their respects and many did.
The Findlay Fire Department saluted Officer Schimmoeller as the procession went under an American Flag hanging from a ladder truck at Fire Station 1. (video below)
Fire Chief Josh Eberle knew Officer Schimmoeller for years and wants the police department and John’s family to know that the fire department is there for them.
The police department said, “We are reminded that behind the badge are individuals who carry the weight of this work every day.”
“As we honor Officer Schimmoeller’s life and legacy, we also recommit ourselves to looking after one another and ensuring that every member of our department knows they are never alone.”
“Officer Schimmoeller, thank you for your service. You will never be forgotten.”
“Rest easy, Brother. We’ll take it from here.”
(From Findlay City Schools)
At last night’s Board of Education meeting, we were surprised by an incredibly generous donation from the Ladies Auxiliary at Amvets Post 21, who contributed $1000 to support our students’ school lunch needs.
Thank you Jacy and Jenny for coming to our meeting, and to all of the Ladies Auxiliary for sharing your hearts and helping our kids.
(From the Bluffton Craft Show)
The 52nd Annual Bluffton Craft Show will be held Saturday, Sept. 27, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Bluffton, Ohio.
The event will feature more than 100 crafters, vendors, and food trucks. Items for sale will include handmade pottery, jewelry, textiles, woodwork, home décor, and specialty foods. Vendors are selected through a juried process to ensure a variety of products, with only one vendor per craft category.
The first 100 guests will receive a swag bag containing coupons and promotional items from local businesses. Admission is free and open to the public.
The Bluffton Craft Show will take place at the Bluffton Middle School and High School gyms, as well as the high school cafeteria.
For more information, visit the Bluffton Craft Show event page on Facebook or email craftshow@eventproconnections.net
(From Liberty-Benton Local Schools)
Homecoming Parade: Sunday, September 21
Get ready for an evening of Eagle pride, fun, and celebration!
Food Trucks will be on campus starting at 4:30 p.m. Come hungry!
Parade Lineup begins at 5:15 p.m. (south side access road). All entries must be in place by 5:45 p.m.
Parade kicks off at 6:00 p.m. and follows this route:
-Starts at the south drive of the LB campus
-Heads north on County Road 9
-Turns west on State Route 12
-Ends at the northwest access drive
Want to participate? Any L-B group can join!
Sign up here by Thursday, Sept. 18 → https://bit.ly/LBHOCOParade2025
Don’t miss the Homecoming Court, marching band, cheerleaders, teams, clubs & CANDY! Bring the whole family and a bag to catch some treats!
Looking ahead:
Homecoming Game: Friday, Sept. 26 at 7:00 p.m. vs. Arlington
Crowning of King & Queen at 6:30 p.m.
Let’s make it a Homecoming to remember!
The state has released the Ohio School Report Cards.
Ohio School Report Cards provide parents, caregivers, community members, educators, and policymakers information about district and school performance to celebrate successes and identify areas for improvement.
Districts and schools receive an overall rating of 1 to 5 stars in half-star increments. The overall rating is comprised of up to six rated components.
Findlay City Schools received an overall rating of 3.5 stars, indicating the district meets state standards.
Last year, Findlay City Schools received a 4-star overall rating, indicating the district exceeded state standards.
See how Findlay City Schools fared in all six components by clicking here, and see how other districts in the area did by clicking here.
(From the United Way of Hancock County)
Each year, a crucial team of community volunteers helps United Way of Hancock County in its funding decisions by reviewing grant applications and providing input as to where campaign dollars can have the most positive local impact. These volunteers make up Impact Teams, and the United Way is looking to recruit approximately 40 Impact Team volunteers.
United Way of Hancock County is entering its grant review season for 2026 Partner Agency funding. Each year, local nonprofit agencies apply for and receive funding generated through United Way’s Annual Campaign, which in 2024 raised $1.7 million for disbursement in 2025. Funding is recommended by a revolving group of trained community volunteers who review partner agencies’ grant applications and make recommendations to the United Way board of directors on which nonprofits to fund and at what level.
United Way is looking to engage a diverse demographic to provide input on this important annual process.
“The community’s involvement in this process is vital,” said Kelley McClurkin, CEO of United Way of Hancock County. “Giving our community members the opportunity to review our local resources and learn more about the population each nonprofit serves is an eye-opening experience for our volunteers. It is an opportunity to ensure that the most critical needs in our community are being addressed.”
Impact Team members attend a short training course at the end of September and review seven to 10 applications at their own pace throughout October. No grant reading experience is needed. The volunteers will attend one meeting in mid-November to discuss the applications with their teammates and make recommendations for funding.
United Way of Hancock County has set this year’s campaign goal at $1.8 million. Every donation made to the campaign stays in the community to help measurably improve people’s lives. To learn more about Impact Team involvement or sign up, email impact@uwhancock.org or call 419-423-1432.
(From Findlay City Schools)
It is such an honor to celebrate the achievements of our 3rd-5th graders who earned a perfect score on the 2025 Ohio State Test at tonight’s Board of Education meeting!
We are so proud of the academic excellence of these students!
Congratulations!
By Sheri Trusty, Seneca County Sheriff’s Office Public Relations Coordinator
When Seneca County Sheriff Fredrick Stevens took office in 2021, he brought with him a desire for transparency and accessibility. He wanted to find ways to connect with county residents so they could better understand the work of the Sheriff’s Office and voice their concerns and suggestions. As it turns out, those conversations also bring a lot of praise.
To make connection convenient, Sheriff Stevens joined Sgt. Andrew Shellhouse of the Ohio State Patrol’s Bucyrus Post and Tiffin Police Department Lt. Jake DeMonte for Coffee with a Cop at Rural King in Tiffin on Sept. 15. Sheriff Stevens was grateful that Rural King welcomed them to the store. As customers walked by, they were invited to join them for coffee, snacks, and conversation.
Customers who stopped to talk shared concerns like excessive speeding and unattended garbage cans in their neighborhoods. The man who expressed frustration about the garbage cans said he wants to make Tiffin even nicer.
“It’s the little things that make the difference,” he said.
A local village resident sat with Sheriff Stevens to talk being scammed out of $1,200. He was angry and frustrated and wanted to share his story in the hope of preventing scammers from harming other county residents. Sheriff Stevens shared the man’s anger, expressed his compassion, and provided a little hope. He said there was a chance that the village police department may be able to track the scammer through his email and execute a warrant.
Amongst the few concerns expressed during Coffee with a Cop were many handshakes and expressions of gratitude.
“No complaints,” one customer said. “Thank you for your service.”
It was a phrase heard over and over during the event. Sheriff Stevens, Sgt. Shellhouse, and Lt. DeMonte were grateful for the support. They work in dangerous and often underappreciated professions, so it is uplifting to know that local residents see the good work they do, the caring hearts they have, and their constant desire to make the community even better.
“We’re here to hear complaints and suggestions. We want to engage with the community,” Sheriff Stevens said.
That door of conversation is always open as Sheriff Stevens prioritizes the safety and wellbeing of Seneca County residents.
National Roundabouts Week is September 15-19.
According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), roundabouts can reduce injury and fatal crashes by an average of 82 percent at intersections where they are installed.
The Ohio Department of Transportation says Hancock County has three roundabouts: the Lima Avenue double roundabouts and the one near State Route 15 and U.S. 68.
Hancock County’s fourth roundabout is in the works for next year in Bluffton on State Route 103 at the intersection with Navajo Drive.
In, 2022, a roundabout was installed at U.S. 224 and State Route 587 in western Seneca County between Findlay and Tiffin.
ODOT District 1 Director Chris Hughes on how to navigate a roundabout.
ODOT’s Cheri Newton on the effectiveness of roundabouts.
“They improve intersection safety and improve congestion. They can handle a lot of traffic efficiently and do so while reducing crash severity and crash numbers.”
Learn more about roundabouts by clicking here.