(From the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office)

We’d like to take a moment to recognize several of our exceptional employees who were honored during our Award and Recognition Ceremonies held on October 22 and 23.

-Corrections Academy Graduates

Officer Ethan Smarr, Officer Tiffany Hartley, and Officer James Ladd

-FTO Program Completion

Officer Tim Peace and Officer Matt Groves

-B.S.S.A. Life Saving Award

Officer Jacob Nichols, Officer Ryan Matos, Officer Derek Presley, Officer Brooke Coulter, Officer BreeAnn Wentling, Officer Talor Headley, Officer Austin Lambert, Officer Austin Zeigler, Sgt. Ryan Lieb, Sgt. Lori Rizor, Sgt. Robert Keller, and Lt. Joe Hartman

-B.S.S.A. Certificate of Appreciation

Deputy Tristian Steele

-B.S.S.A. Citation Award

Sgt. Shane Heckman

Please join us in congratulating each of these individuals for their outstanding dedication, professionalism, and commitment to serving and protecting our community with excellence.

(The Ohio State Highway Patrol)

The Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) is urging all Ohioans to prioritize pedestrian safety, reminding both motorists and pedestrians that safety is a shared responsibility on our roadways. This comes as the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recognize October as National Pedestrian Safety Month.

“By working together and eliminating distractions, we can make our roads safer for everyone,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “Drivers should always be on the lookout for pedestrians, and pedestrians should always be careful to protect themselves.”

Everyone has a critical role to play in preventing pedestrian crashes. By taking a few simple precautions, both drivers and pedestrians can make Ohio’s roads safer for everyone.

Tips for Drivers:

• • Never drive distracted: Your full attention is needed on the road. Avoid using your phone or other electronic devices.

• • Yield to pedestrians: Always stop for pedestrians in crosswalks and at intersections.

• • Watch for pedestrians: Be aware of individuals walking in residential areas, school zones and at night.

• • Slow down: Reduce your speed in areas with heavy foot traffic to give yourself more time to react.

• • Use headlights: Turn on your headlights at dawn, dusk and at night to increase visibility for yourself and others.

 Tips for Pedestrians:

• • Be visible: Wear bright or reflective clothing, especially at night.

• • Walk on sidewalks: Use a sidewalk whenever one is available. If there isn’t one, walk on the shoulder facing oncoming traffic.

• • Cross safely: Cross the road at designated crosswalks or intersections. Look both ways before crossing, and make eye contact with drivers, if possible, to ensure they see you.

• • Obey traffic signals: Follow all pedestrian traffic signals and signs.

• • Avoid distractions: Similar to drivers, put away electronic devices that can take your eyes and ears off the road.

According to Patrol statistics, there have been 13,955 crashes involving pedestrians on Ohio roadways since 2020. Of those crashes, 862 were fatal, resulting in 869 pedestrian deaths. Within that same timeframe, Franklin, Cuyahoga and Hamilton counties have seen the highest number of pedestrian-related crashes.

“Preventing these tragedies is a responsibility we all share,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent. “A single moment of inattention by either the driver or pedestrian can have devastating consequences. Let’s commit to creating a culture of safety on Ohio’s roads.”

For more information on pedestrian safety, visit the NHTSA’s website here.

The public is encouraged to safely call #677 to report reckless or impaired drivers and drug activity.

(From Hancock County ADAMHS)

A 2019 event that explored community mental health issues is returning to Hancock County this fall.

Dr. Mary Steiner liames, associate professor at the Winebrenner Theological Seminary, said the Mental Health and Church Conference will be held from 8:30 am to 12:30 p.m. on Nov. 1 at the Alumni Memorial Union at the University of Findlay.

According to Dr. Iiames, “For years, individuals have asked about the return of the conference, and finally, it’s here! We will again meet to discuss the mental health needs of folks and how the Church can work with mental health professionals to address them.”

It is open to pastors, lay leaders, and volunteers from churches in the Findlay area at no cost. It is made possible through a grant from the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation.

The topics to be discussed include Mental Health 101: an overview of mental health, The Intersection of Faith and Mental Health, Grief and Loss, Mental Health, and Nutrition and Wellness.

A panel discussion of mental health issues in the community will also be offered.

“I’m excited to have mental health professionals from our area presenting important topics and including a panel that can address the questions of conference attendees,” Dr. Iiames stated.

The first conference was held in 2019 at Winebrenner and was attended by one hundred pastors, lay leaders, and volunteers from churches around the Findlay area. Organizers had hoped to repeat it, but plans were put on hold due to the COVID pandemic.

Those interested in attending can register here: 

For more information, contact: Dr. Mary Steiner Iiames, iiames@winebrenner.edu

Community Trick-or-Treat celebrations are coming up – so when is your community celebrating?

Findlay’s Trick-or-Treat will be held on Saturday, October 25 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Arlington’s will be on Thursday, October 30 from 6 to 8.

McComb’s will be on Friday, October 31 from 6 to 7.

See the full list of Hancock County Trick-or-Treat dates and times below compiled by Visit Findlay.

And below that is a list of Putnam County Trick-or-Treat times.

(From the University of Findlay)

“Build Tomorrow with Habitat for Humanity” will be the hands-on theme of this year’s first “Funday Sunday” program at University of Findlay’s Mazza Museum.

The October 26 program, which is free and open to the public, offers free art and construction activities, games, hands-on educational stations, and interactive STEAM activities for the whole family. The family-friendly learning extravaganza encourages artistic expression, enhances literacy, and develops critical thinking skills.

“We are kicking off this year’s series with a special program with one of our community partners,” said Amanda Davidson-Johnston, assistant director at the Mazza Museum. “Habitat for Humanity does such great work in the community, and we want to celebrate their 25th anniversary in Findlay.”

Author/illustrator and paper toy maker Merrill Rainey also will be on hand for this Funday Sunday. A resident of Whitehouse, Ohio, his latest book is On the Air With Dr. Doodlebug, which he describes as “a radio show in a book.” He also works for children’s magazines including Highlights, Ranger Rick, and Humpty Dumpty.

He will provide fun activities allowing children to “color, cut, and create” fun projects.

Registration is required and can be completed on the Mazza Museum’s website.

The Funday Sundays 2025-26 series takes place November through April, from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. It is sponsored by Hancock Federal Credit Union.

Themes for additional Funday Sundays this year are:

December 14: The North Pole Railway

January 11: Happy Birthday USA!

February 8: Jungle Expedition with the Toledo Zoo

March 15: Comics Unleashed

April 19: Weather Wonders

For more information on upcoming events, visit the Mazza Museum’s Events page online at www.mazzamuseum.org/events/. For specific questions regarding Funday Sunday, please contact Amanda Davidson-Johnston, Mazza Museum education manager, at 419-434-4777 or amanda.davidson-johnston@findlay.edu.

The Findlay Police Department has released the name of the person who was killed in an officer-involved shooting on Wednesday.

Police say the suspect has been identified as Robert Norton, of Findlay.

The police department said the bodycam footage will be released on Friday.

The police department said officers responded to 1642 Cherry Lane at 1:47 Wednesday afternoon on the report of a shooting.

Once on scene, dispatch attempted to contact the caller but received no answer.

Officers said the door was opened by a male who brandished a firearm at the officers.

Officers fired at the individual, striking him several times.

Officers rendered aid to Norton, and he was taken to Blanchard Valley Hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

Officers cleared the house and no one else was located.

No officers were injured.

Police say the investigation is being conducted by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

(From the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library)

The Friends of the Library Book Sale is scheduled for November 6, 7, & 8, 2025, to take place in the lower level of the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library.

The hours for the book sale are as follows: Thursday, November 6 from 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. This is a special preview sale for Friends of Library members only. Friday, November 7 from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., during Author Fest. Attendees can fill a bag for $3.00. Saturday, November 8 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Stop in Saturday for a surprise sale. Hint: Price will be lower than Friday’s!

Books, CDs and DVDs that have been donated or withdrawn from the library’s collection are given a new life by the Friends as a result of their book sales. With reduced prices on books, music and movies, the sales are a bargain hunter’s dream.

The Friends help promote and support the library, present special programs, and encourage reading and use of the library. They are volunteers who also raise funds for the library mainly through sales of donated books and other materials.

For more information on the sale, visit the Book Cellar, the Friends on the Library used book store on the ground level at the library or call them at 419-434-1044.

The Findlay Police Department is reminding parents and kids of some Halloween safety tips as Trick-or-Treat events approach.

Findlay Police Officer Brian White was on with WFIN’s Chris Oaks to discuss Halloween safety.

Brian reminds parents to make sure their child can safely get around in their costume and can see well if they’re wearing a mask.

He says bright costumes and those with flashing lights are great ideas.

Brian reminds Trick-or-Treaters to stay in groups and to cross at designated crosswalks and intersections.

He also reminds drivers to keep an eye out for kids, especially in neighborhoods that don’t have many sidewalks.

He advises parents to check candy before allowing their kids to start eating it.

Brian says extra police officers will be out and about during Trick-or-Treat, and will be handing out candy along South Main Street.

Parents are encouraged to check the Sex Offender Database to see what offenders might be living in the area.

Findlay’s Trick-or-Treat is scheduled for Saturday, October 25, from 6 to 8 p.m.

See a list of other communities’ Trick-or-Treat times by clicking here.

Get more Halloween safety tips in the audio above.

(From the Hancock County Veterans Service Office)

The upcoming Veterans Empowerment Fall Fair provides an opportunity for area Veterans and their families and friends to learn about local resources, helpful organizations, and employment opportunities.

The event will be held on Saturday, November 8 on the campus of Owens Community College from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. inside the Community Education & Wellness Center.

A range of resource organizations will have information booths with representatives available to tell visitors about their programs in areas ranging from wellness and finances to home/environment, growth, and life resources. We are expecting to have over 30 booths at this event.

There will be an acoustic performance from Guitars for Vets – Findlay Chapter Band “A.W.O.L.”

The Veterans Empowerment Fair is free and open to the public. Thank you to our venue sponsor, Rate Mortgage, a trusted USO partner and VA loan expert, and Masney Insurance Agency, whose sponsorship allows us to provide lunch to all attendees free of charge.

For more information, visit hancockveterans.com or call 419.424.7036.

(From the University of Findlay)

The University of Findlay and its community partners will launch the 20th Annual Helping Hands Food Drive on Tuesday, October 28, bringing together students, faculty, staff, local schools, and residents in a week-long effort to combat hunger across Hancock County. The drive benefits CHOPIN Hall and aims to collect thousands of pounds of non-perishable food through friendly competition, creative challenges, and volunteerism.

This year’s theme, “Band Together to Fight Hunger,” reflects the community’s united front in addressing food insecurity.

The food drive opens with a public marching band showcase at Findlay High School’s Cooper Field on Tuesday, October 28 at 7 p.m., featuring a Findlay Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting ceremony and a competition to see which high school band can collect the most food by weight. Admission to the event is a donation of non-perishable food, with priority items including peanut butter, canned fruit, juice, canned soup, and cereal.

“We are proud to celebrate 20 years of collaboration, generosity, and impact,” said David Harr, Director of Sodexo at the University of Findlay. “The Helping Hands Food Drive shows what’s possible when an entire region comes together to support our neighbors in need.”

Other highlights of the drive include:

• UF Campus Challenge (Oct. 29): Campus departments compete in food collection and door decorating, vying for the Emsweller Helping Hands Cup.
• Make and Partake (Oct. 29): A creative workshop for faculty, staff, and friends, with proceeds and food donations supporting the drive.
• Can-struction Competition (Begins Oct. 31): Student groups construct themed sculptures made of canned goods, judged on creativity, volume, and community votes.
• Hancock Schools Golden Can Competition (Nov. 4): Area schools compete for the most food collected per student.
• Official Collection Day (Nov. 5): Community members can donate food at the University of Findlay’s Center for Student Life from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Volunteers will be stations at collection points across Findlay from 11 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. distributing shopping lists and gathering donations.
• Awards Ceremony (Nov. 6): The drive concludes with a ceremony at 12:00 p.m. recognizing top contributors, creative entries, and community partners.

All food collected will be inspected, sorted, and delivered to CHOPIN Hall on the morning of Thursday, November 6, courtesy of Garner Trucking.

Last year’s drive collected 265,216 pounds of food, and organizers hope to exceed that number in this milestone year.

For more information or to volunteer, please visit the Helping Hands Food Drive webpage.

About Helping Hands Food Drive
Founded in 2005 by the University of Findlay, the Helping Hands Food Drive has grown into a community tradition that mobilizes schools, businesses, and individuals to address hunger in Hancock County. All donations directly benefit CHOPIN Hall, a local nonprofit serving individuals and families in need.