(From the Ohio Department of Transportation)

In an effort to reduce serious and deadly crashes, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) will join several other state transportation departments to mark Buckle Up Phone Down Day on Wednesday, October 29. This national effort aims to bring attention to two of the most common factors in deadly crashes each year.

“Drivers can protect themselves and those nearby by simply wearing a seatbelt and putting away their phones,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “These small actions make a big difference because they vastly increase the odds of surviving a crash or preventing one in the first place.”

Ohio has recorded a steady decline in overall traffic deaths over the last three years, but too many people continue to die on Ohio roadways.

“Our mission is to save lives. Buckling up and putting your phone down are not suggestions, they are life-saving commitments,” said ODOT Director Pamela Boratyn. “When you get behind the wheel, your sole purpose is to make safe choices that ensure you and everyone else on the road make it home safely.”

Buckle Up
According to the Ohio Department of Public Safety and Ohio Traffic Safety Office, a 2024 survey showed the state’s seat belt compliance rate was only 85.2%, below the national average of 91.2%.

Last year, 64% of people killed in Ohio traffic crashes were not wearing a seatbelt when one was available – the fifth straight year that rate was over 60%.

In July, Governor DeWine and Lieutenant Governor Jim Tressel announced a new safety campaign to raise awareness about how vehicle occupants who fail to buckle up threaten the safety of others traveling with them.

You can learn more about Ohio’s efforts to increase buckle up rates at buckleup.ohio.gov.

Phone Down
In Ohio, it is illegal to use or hold a cell phone or electronic device in your hand, lap, or other parts of the body while driving on Ohio roads. If an officer sees a violation, they can pull you over.

Since Ohio strengthened distracted driving laws in 2023, the number of crashes and fatalities have steadily declined. In 2022, there were 10,280 crashes with 35 deaths tied to distracted driving. Last year, there were 8,570 crashes with 27 deaths in crashes where distraction was a factor. So far this year, there have been 6,508 crashes and 21 deaths. Distracted driving crashes are under-reported as it is difficult to prove distraction in many crashes.

You can learn more about Ohio’s effort to combat distracted driving at phonesdown.ohio.gov.

History of Buckle Up Phone Down Day
Buckle Up — Phone Down Day is a cooperative safety observance promoted by transportation and safety agencies across the U.S. The challenge asks drivers to commit to two straightforward actions: buckle every occupant in the vehicle and put phones away while driving. The program is supported by state departments of transportation, highway safety offices, and law enforcement partners who use the day to amplify public education and enforcement messages encouraging safer behavior behind the wheel.

The Buckle Up Phone Down concept was launched in 2017 by the Missouri Department of Transportation. MoDOT took the message on the road across the state urging people to sign a pledge to take both important actions for every trip. To date, more than 56,000 individual pledges and 760 business pledges have been signed in Missouri. More than a dozen other states, including Ohio, have joined the national effort.

(From the City of Findlay)

Beginning at 7 a.m. on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, Columbia Gas will conduct gas line repairs in the intersection of North Main St. and East/West Bigelow St.

During the repair work, traffic signals at the intersection will be set to red, and flaggers will direct traffic through the area.

Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes if possible.

Updates will be provided as additional information and scheduling details become available.

The General Election will be held on November 4^th.

In Findlay, four candidates are running for three At-Large seats on Findlay City Council.

The candidates are Jenny Fall, a Democrat, and Heather Kensinger, Reed Needles, and Brad Wagner, all Republicans.

There are a few other contested city council races in Findlay.

In the Third Ward, the race is between Democrat Shaun Mason and Republican Carol Smith.

The Fourth Ward race is between Republican Dan DeArment and write-in challenger Sarah Jo Pugh.

In the Fifth Ward, the race is between Republican Brian Bauman and Kevin Cullen.

Nichole Coleman, a Republican, will become the First Ward representative after defeating incumbent Holly Frische in the primary and going unchallenged in the General Election.

In the Second Ward, BJ Preston, a Republican, is running uncontested.

In the Sixth Ward, Rodney Phillips, a Republican, is running uncontested.

In the Seventh Ward, Danny Delong, a Republican, is running uncontested.

Findlay City Schools has four people running for two spots on the school board.

They are Kaleb Brankamp, Matt Cooper, Katie Hite, and Jack Winans.

As far as issues on the General Election ballot, Liberty-Benton Local Schools has a tax levy on the ballot that would substitute for two existing levies. 

See more candidates and issues in Hancock County by clicking here, and for Putnam County click here.

Polls will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 4.

(From Liberty-Benton Local Schools)

Liberty-Benton Local Schools proudly recognized 26 students in Grades 3–12 for earning Perfect Scores on their Spring 2025 state tests!

Special shoutouts to:

-Ian Billmaier & Jonah Todd – Perfect Scores in both Algebra 1 & 8th Grade Science

-Caroline Smith, Cohen Austermiller, Bryson Collert & Grayson Karhoff – 2nd year of perfect scores

-Isaac Koenig – 3 years in a row with perfect scores

-Jonah Todd, Arthur Gottardi-Lopes & Jonathan Coldren – 4-year repeat perfect score achievers!

“These students are breathing rare air,” said Superintendent Otley.

“They represent the top 1% of test-takers.”

The United Way of Hancock County is reminding everyone that its countywide Food Resource Calendar lists daily opportunities for food pantries and other resources.

The resources listed are offered regularly in Findlay and surrounding areas.

Food distribution is offered to the public with no restrictions, unless otherwise noted.

(From Tiffin Police Chief David Pauly)

Congratulations, Officer Chris Perry!

The Tiffin Police Department is proud to announce that Officer Chris Perry has been honored with the American Red Cross Hero Award for his life-saving actions during an incident earlier this year.

Officer Perry’s quick thinking, calm under pressure, and dedication to protecting others exemplify the very best of our profession. His actions not only saved a life but also remind us that all our Tiffin Officers bring courage and compassion to work with them every single day.

Please join us in congratulating Officer Perry on this well-deserved recognition!

Chief Pauly

October 28th is designated National First Responders Day to honor the men and women who act quickly when an emergency is at hand.

First responders dedicate their lives to save lives, and run toward a crisis that’s occurring while others are trying to get out of harm’s way.

They are firefighters, police, emergency medical technicians (EMT), paramedics, and 911 operators.

In an emergency, they’re the first on the scene.

These dedicated professionals answer the call when a crisis arises, often putting their own lives on the line.

“On National First Responders Day, and every day, we thank all who answer the call to protect and serve our community,” the City of Findlay said. 

(From Night to Shine)

Registration for Findlay’s Night to Shine 2026 will open on November 1, 2025, for Honored Guests, Buddies, and Volunteers. The event will take place on Friday, February 13, 2026, from 6:00–9:00 PM at a new location: the Alumni Memorial Union (AMU) at the University of Findlay.

Night to Shine is a worldwide event sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation, offering a prom night experience for individuals with special needs ages 14 and older. The 2026 Findlay event is being hosted in partnership with St. Marks Findlay, Movement Findlay, and College First Church of God.

All registration will be managed through the event website at findlaynighttoshine.org. Buddies and volunteers age 18 and older will be required to complete a background check as part of the registration process. 

For additional information or to make a donation, visit findlaynighttoshine.org or contact the event committee at hello@findlaynighttoshine.org

About Night to Shine:
Night to Shine is an annual worldwide event sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation, designed to provide an unforgettable prom night experience for individuals with special needs, ages 14 and older.

The Host Churches:
St. Marks United Methodist Church of Findlay, Movement Church of Findlay, and College First Church of God are partnering to host the 2026 Findlay Night to Shine event.

Republican candidate for Ohio Governor Vivek Ramaswamy spoke at the Hancock County GOP’s Fall Dinner in Findlay.

“Thank you, Hancock County,” Ramaswamy said on his Facebook page.

He said everywhere he goes he hears that property taxes are a problem and says we’re going to fix it.

Ramaswamy said he understands why a lot of young people are cynical about the American Dream.

“It’s up to us to revive it and that’s what we’re going to do in Ohio.”

Former Ohio Director of the Ohio Department of Health Amy Acton remains the top candidate on the Democratic side, with former Ohio Congressman Tim Ryan reportedly considering entering the race.

(From the University of Findlay)

The University of Findlay will offer its next Oiler Preview Day on Tuesday, November 11. Oiler Preview Days are designed to give future students and their families the information they need to take the next step.

During these events, you’ll have the opportunity to meet with faculty in your program of interest, get acquainted with our Admissions team, learn about financial aid and scholarships, gain an understanding of the admissions process, and explore campus via a guided tour.

To learn more, visit: https://www.findlay.edu/admissions/visit-experience/.