(From the Ohio Department of Natural Resources)

Three Ohio wildlife officers were recently honored with Officer of the Year awards from national conservation organizations, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.

Ohio Wildlife Officer Craig Barr, assigned to Allen County, was named Ohio Wildlife Officer of the Year by Shikar-Safari Club International. Ohio Wildlife Officer Chad Grote, assigned to Marion County, was recognized by the Mississippi Flyway Council as the 2025 Waterfowl Protection Officer of the Year. Lake Erie Law Enforcement Supervisor Matt Leibengood, assigned to Lake Erie, was named 2025 Officer of the Year by the Association of Midwest Fish and Game Law Enforcement Officers.

Shikar-Safari Club International 2025 Ohio Wildlife Officer of the Year

Shikar-Safari Club International is a conservation-based organization that presents annual awards to deserving wildlife law enforcement officers in all states, provinces, and territories in the U.S. and Canada. The annual award honors an officer whose efforts show outstanding performance and achievement among commissioned conservation law enforcement personnel.

Ohio Wildlife Officer Craig Barr (pictured above) has 20 years of service and has served Allen County since 2006. Officer Barr is a member of the Wildlife Officer Bike Patrol Unit and serves as an instructor in both the cadet training academy and advanced training. He is enthusiastic about public engagement and plays an active role in the Hunting with Heroes event in Allen County. In addition to his on-duty dedication, he volunteers his personal time and resources to give back to veterans through Walleyes for Wounded Heroes.
 
Mississippi Flyway Council 2025 Waterfowl Protection Officer of the Year

The Waterfowl Protection Officer of the Year award is presented to a law enforcement officer who exhibits exceptional dedication and service to the protection of the Mississippi Flyway’s waterfowl populations.

Ohio Wildlife Officer Chad Grote was recognized for his leadership in waterfowl enforcement, education, and bird identification. He has served central Ohio and the Marion County area for the last 19 years. This region includes a premier waterfowl hunting destination, Big Island Wildlife Area. Officer Grote worked with local conservation organizations to establish public hunting opportunities on hundreds of acres. He also serves as the lead instructor for the Division of Wildlife’s waterfowl training and identification team and as a field training officer.

 
Association of Midwest Fish and Game Law Enforcement 2025 Officer of the Year
Each year, the Association of Midwest Fish and Game Law Enforcement Officers recognizes an individual in any of its member agencies with an Officer of the Year award. The award honors an officer who shows dedication to conservation and public service.

Lake Erie Law Enforcement Supervisor Matt Leibengood has also served in Summit, Hancock, Seneca, and Sandusky counties as well as on Lake Erie over the course of 20 years. He currently leads a staff of investigators and wildlife officers who enforce the critically important commercial and sport fishing laws on Lake Erie. In recent years he has helped grow the Division of Wildlife’s Search, Rescue, and Tracking team. Officer Leibengood is also working with the pet and aquarium trade to limit the risk of establishing injurious aquatic invasive species. Officer Leibengood has demonstrated commitment to public service, outreach, and conservation through selfless service.

A group of local students has started a nonprofit to help out the community.

Findlay Fresh Start is a nonprofit organization based in Findlay founded by five high school students who wanted to make a positive impact in their community.

The team consists of Hank Walters, Rayanna Cap, Jaylin Patterson, Jason Davis, and Carson Reese, and is dedicated to improving the lives of unhoused and low-income individuals.

“Together, we’re working to create lasting change. With your support, Findlay can have a fresh start.”

The team has recently been assembling and distributing hygiene and home maintenance kits, and also helps with financial literacy and other essential life skills. 

Hank Walters, a student at Cory-Rawson High School was on with WFIN’s Chris Oaks to discuss their efforts to help out the community, and that interview can be heard below.

Get more details on Findlay Fresh Start by clicking here.

(From Hancock Public Health)

Buckle Up for Safety!

Hancock Public Health is hosting a **Car Seat Check Event** on September 11, 2025!

Join us to make sure your little ones are riding safely and securely.

Time:

– Morning Session: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

– Afternoon Session: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

This free event is open to all! Bring your car seats, your questions, and let our certified technicians help you get everything adjusted just right. From infant seats to boosters, we’ll make sure your car seat is properly installed and tailored for safety.

Location: Hancock Public Health

No appointment necessary – just drop in! Whether you’re a new parent, a grandparent, or a caregiver, this is a great opportunity to make sure your family is as safe as possible on the road.

We can’t wait to see you there!

(From the Ohio State Highway Patrol)

On September 10, 2025, at approximately 10:13 A.M., the Lima Post of The Ohio State Highway Patrol responded to a report of a three-vehicle crash on Interstate 75, near SR 81 in Bath Township, Allen County.

Mazen Mammo, age 37, from Madison Heights, Michigan, was operating a 2021 Freightliner Cascadia semi southbound on Interstate 75. Nardini Salvatore, age 63, from Jacksonville, Florida was operating a 2020 Volvo 860 semi, stopped in traffic southbound on Interstate 75. Jean Fervil, age 73, from McDonough, Georgia was operating a 2017 Freightliner Cascadia semi, stopped in traffic southbound on Interstate 75. Mr. Mammo’s vehicle struck the rear of the vehicle driven by Mr. Salvatore. The vehicle driven by Mr. Salvatore was pushed into the vehicle driven by Mr. Fervil. Mr. Mammo’s vehicle caught fire as a result of the crash.

Mr. Mammo suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. He was transported by Allen Mortuary Services to the Lucas County Morgue. Mr. Salvatore and Mr. Fervil suffered minor injuries and were both transported to Lima Memorial Hospital by Lima EMS.

The 2021 Freightliner sustained severe damage and was towed from the scene by Beaverdam Fleet. The 2020 Volvo sustained severe damage and was towed from the scene by Miller Performance. The 2017 Freightliner sustained moderate damage to the trailer and was towed from the scene by Minich Towing.

Interstate 75 southbound was closed for several hours due to the crash.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted on-scene by Bath Township Fire, Bath Township EMS, Lima Fire, Lima EMS, Perry Township Fire, Perry Township EMS, The Allen County Sheriff’s Office, The Allen County Coroner’s Office, Allen County EMA, Allen County EPA, The Ohio Department of Transportation, Allen Mortuary Services, Minich Towing, Miller Performance, and Beaverdam Fleet.

The crash remains under investigation.

(From the City of Fostoria)

On September 8, Captain Dan Dell of the City of Fostoria Police Department made his last call out as he officially retired after 27 years of service. Captain Dell has served our community with honor and dedication since September 8, 1998.

As a surprise, his coworkers and family gathered outside of the Police Department to witness his final call out, given by former dispatcher Louanne Grine. It was a touching moment to celebrate a remarkable career.

We sincerely thank Captain Dell for his hard work, loyalty, and commitment to the Fostoria Police Department and to the City of Fostoria. He will be deeply missed by many, but we wish him nothing but the very best in his future endeavors. Congratulations, Captain Dell—and thank you for 27 years of service!

(From the Findlay YMCA)

It’s still under construction, but the ‘WOW’ factor is in full force at our new Early Learning Center!

Y directors took another tour as work continued inside and landscaping took shape.

Soon, we’ll be sharing about our great fall Grand Opening plans!

Meanwhile, we encourage you to drive by and see the amazing changes for yourself.

You can also schedule a tour with Y Child Development District Director Kari Redman by emailing her at KRedman@findlayymca.com.

(From the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office)

It’s getting to be that time of year, fall harvest! We just want to take a moment to remind drivers to be extra vigilant and patient as our great farmers travel with their machinery to and from their fields, farms, and grain elevators.

A couple things to remember:

-Farmers may be pulling in and out of fields and lanes, not just other roads.

-Machinery may be on the roads at night with their hazard lights on finishing up or trying to beat some rain.

They are doing their best to give everyone room on the road, a little patience will go a long way! Please keep slow and give them as much space as you can.

We’d like to wish all our great farmers a safe and successful harvest!

(From the Hancock Historical Museum)

The Hancock Historical Museum invites the community to step back into the 19th century and tour its Little Red Schoolhouse property during an Open House from 1 – 4 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 14. Museum docents will guide visitors as they explore the one-room schoolhouse and children can partake in activities provided.

The Little Red Schoolhouse located at 8884 County Road 236, Findlay, OH was built in 1882 and educated local schoolchildren until 1936. It was then used to store grain for 36 years until the Hancock County Retired Teachers and the Hancock Historical Society restored the schoolhouse in 1972. Today, it is owned and operated by the Hancock Historical Museum and hosts area third and fourth grade students for field trips each year.

“You can really imagine what school would have been like in the 1800s,” said Abigail Inbody, Marketing & Community Relations Coordinator of the Hancock Historical Museum. “It’s a unique piece of history that we are excited to show at the Open House.”

The property also includes Brucklacher Memorial Park which features a playground, sculptures and an outdoor history walk. The park opened in 2020 as the Kiwanis of Findlay Club’s 100th year project and continues to be a flourishing collaboration with Kiwanis and the museum.

The Open House at the Little Red Schoolhouse is free of charge, no reservation necessary. Donations to the museum will be accepted. For more information or to schedule a class field trip, please contact the Hancock Historical Museum at 419-423-4433.

(ONN) – There’s a continued push from Ohio lawmakers and the governor to make not wearing a seat belt a primary offense.

Ohio is one of only 14 states that has secondary laws for seat belts.

That means police have to pull you over for something else before they cite you for not wearing your seat belt.

But, Governor DeWine wants that to change by making it possible for officers to pull you over and cite you for not buckling up.

Last year a task force found Ohio ranked one of the worst states when it comes to seat belt use.

Government studies show states with primary seat belt laws see more people wearing them.

(From the Tiffin Police Department)

One year ago today, the Tiffin Police Department received a report of a missing person, Mr. Leonard C. Nye, a 73-year-old resident of Tiffin. Sadly, despite an extensive investigation, Mr. Nye has not yet been located.

Foul play is suspected in this case, as evidence indicates that Mr. Nye’s disappearance began at his residence on N. Sandusky Street. Some of that evidence has been submitted to the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation Crime Lab for processing, and detectives continue to actively follow every lead and tip that comes into the department.

The Tiffin Police Department has identified an individual who may possess information relevant to this investigation. Additionally our detectives would like to speak with ANYONE who can provide details that may aid in locating Mr. Nye and/or are pertinent to the case investigation.

This case remains a priority for the Tiffin Police Department. Beyond the work of our detectives, we know there is a family that has been left without answers, and a community that has felt this loss for the past year. Our commitment is unwavering – we want to bring Mr. Nye home to his loved ones.

We ask the community to continue to stand with us. If you have any information that may help in this investigation or lead to the whereabouts of Mr. Leonard C. Nye, please contact Detective Stafford at 419-447-2323, Ext. 1121.

Thank you to our community for your continued support, awareness, and willingness to come forward with information. Together, we hold onto hope for answers and resolution.

Chief Pauly