Hancock County’s treasurer has received a statewide honor.
Steve Welton received the County Treasurers Association of Ohio’s “Treasurer of the Year Award” during the organization’s fall conference in Columbus.
Click here for the Hancock County Treasurer’s Office website.
(From Family Resource Center)
Family Resource Center is thrilled to announce the inaugural season of Twinkle Nights, Hancock County’s first drive-thru holiday light show. This brand-new community tradition launches at the Hancock County Fairgrounds beginning on Saturday, November 22, and will run every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night through December 21.
Before cars roll through the opening weekend, the community is invited to a special walk-thru preview night on Friday, November 21. This will be the only opportunity to experience Twinkle Nights on foot, which allows families, neighbors, and holiday light lovers a chance to take in the displays up close and at their own pace. There is no charge for admission to the one-time only walk-thru night, but donations to Family Resource Center are encouraged.
Twinkle Nights brings a new experience to the area, combining dozens of scenes, thousands of lights, festive family fun, and a mission-driven purpose. Proceeds from the event will support Family Resource Center’s work in providing mental health and addiction prevention, treatment, and recovery services in the area.
Several theme nights are planned, including two sensory-sensitive “Calm & Bright Nights” with a less intense sight and sound experience, a toy drive to support the local Toys for Tots program, a weekend recognizing Veterans, and a special visit from holiday characters including Santa Claus himself on the last weekend before Christmas.
Regular admission to Twinkle Nights is $15 per carload per visit, and a $25 Season Pass, which is good for unlimited visits, is also available. To learn more about Family Resource Center’s mission and our new Twinkle Nights Drive-Thru Holiday Light Show, visit www.twinklenightsfindlay.com
The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal crash.
The crash happened at around 4:24 Tuesday morning on Township Road 21, west of State Route 613.
The sheriff’s office says Arthur Patterson Jr., 81, of North Baltimore, was driving west on Township Road 21, west of State Route 613, when he failed to negotiate a curve and his SUV went off the road and overturned.
Patterson Jr. was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The crash remains under investigation.
The new diverging diamond interchange at Interstate 75 and County Road 99 on the north end of Findlay opened on Monday afternoon.
The Ohio Department of Transportation says the new interchange will combat congestion at the important economic hub while reducing the risk of crashes and making travel in the area easier and safer.
WFIN News spoke with Findlay Mayor Christina Muryn about the importance of the new interchange.
We also spoke with Hancock County Engineer Doug Cade at the ribbon-cutting for the new interchange.
ODOT says a DDI shifts the eastbound and westbound traffic to the other side of the bridge at signalized crossovers which eliminates left turns across traffic and the traffic signals for left turns.
The benefit is that all traffic can enter the interstate in a free flow movement to the ramps which reduces the long start and stop times of trucks at signals.
The project also included upgrading intersections along County Road 99 from North Main Street to Technology Drive.
The video below explains how to navigate a diverging diamond interchange.
The picture above is from the ribbon-cutting, which was held at 2 o’clock, and the interchange opened a little after 4 o’clock.
(From the Hancock County Veterans Service Office)
The Hancock County Veterans Service Office is on the move. Beginning Monday, December 1, the office will officially open at its new location: 401 Olive Street, Findlay.
This expanded space will allow the agency to better serve veterans, their families, and community members. All current services— including benefits assistance, employment resources, and transportation —will continue without interruption. The dedicated staff looks forward to providing even stronger communication and connection from the new office.
To prepare for the move, the office will be closed November 24–26. During this time, the main office phone will be temporarily unavailable. Anyone needing assistance may call the temporary number at 419-348-9330.
The team is excited to welcome Hancock County veterans to the new location beginning December 1 and appreciates the community’s patience and support during the transition. For questions or additional information, visit www.hancockveterans.com or call 419-424-7036.
(From the Hancock Historical Museum)
Step into the magic of the season with the 2025 Historic Homes Tour: Holiday Edition! Mark your calendars for December 13th and 14th as this beloved biennial tradition returns, offering a rare chance to explore Findlay’s architectural heritage. Experience some of the city’s most beautiful historic homes, spanning from the 1870s to the 1900s, each decked in festive holiday décor.
Kick off the weekend in style at the exclusive Yuletide Preview on Saturday, December 13th, from 6–10 pm. Enjoy a VIP evening touring these stunning homes at your own pace, followed by an elegant soiree at Swan House Tea & Coffee, complete with tea, gingerbread cookies, and delightful refreshments.
Tickets for this special preview are limited—secure yours online or at the museum before they’re gone!
On Sunday, December 14th, from 11 am to 4 pm, the tour continues as six remarkable homes open their doors to the public. Explore at your leisure while docents share the fascinating histories and architectural highlights of each property. Start at any home and create your own path through Findlay’s storied neighborhoods. The Hancock Historical Museum is still seeking volunteers for this one-of-a-kind event. All training and historical information will be provided. Please visit our website for more information or to sign up.
Featured homes on this year’s tour include:
Decker-Hopkins House (c. 1874) – 1214 Hurd Avenue
Messinger-Aldrich House (c. 1903) – 1035 S. Main Street
Job Chamberlin Jr. House (c. 1874) – 1014 S. Main Street
George Treece House (c. 1888) – 908 S. Main Street
Emmor L. Entrikin House (c. 1885) – 844 S. Main Street
Swan House Tea & Coffee (c. 1857)– 225 W. Sandusky Street
The Historic Homes Tour is more than a walk through history; it’s a celebration of Findlay’s unique architecture and the homeowners’ passion and dedication. Your participation directly supports the Hancock Historical Museum’s programming and operations, ensuring these stories endure for generations to come.
Tickets for the Yuletide Preview are $65 for members and $75 for non-members. Advance purchase required. Sunday tour tickets are $25 in advance and $35 on the day of ($25 for museum members), available at the museum (422 W. Sandusky Street) or online at hancockhistoricalmuseum.org.
Special thanks to Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices – Koehler Realty, Swan House Tea & Coffee, and Burlwick & Co. for their generous support. For more details, including a tour map, visit hancockhistoricalmuseum.org or call (419) 423-4433. Don’t miss this festive journey through Findlay’s history!
(From the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office)
Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, OH, K9 Falko will receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Falko’s vest was sponsored by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. and will be embroidered with the sentiment “Born to Love-Trained to Serve-Loyal Always”. Delivery is expected within ten weeks.
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. This potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged K9 officers is U.S. made, custom fitted, and National Institute of Justice (NIJ) certified. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 6,225 vests valued at $6.9 million to K9s in all 50 states, made possible by both private and corporate donations.
The program is open to U.S. dogs at least 20 months old, actively employed, and certified with law enforcement or related agencies. K9s with expired vests are also eligible to participate. There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States.
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount, while a single donation of $1,050 will sponsor one vest. Each vest has a value of $1800.00, weighs an average of 4-5 lbs., and comes with a five-year warranty. For more information, or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call (508) 824-6978. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts donations at www.vik9s.org, or you may mail your contribution to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718
(From the Hancock County METRICH Drug Task Force)
On 11/14/25 at approx. 1900 hrs the Hancock County METRICH Drug Task Force assisted by the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop in the city of Findlay, and executed a narcotic search warrant at 912 Heatherview Ct Apt A, Findlay OH 45840. The traffic stop and search warrant were the conclusion of a three month investigation.
The search of the residence yielded suspected Heroin, $2,380 in cash, drug paraphernalia, and multiple items indicative of drug trafficking. A vehicle was also seized as result of this investigation.
As a result of the search the following person were arrested and incarcerated at the Hancock County Justice Center:
Jaylen McCoy (33 year old)
912 Heatherview Ct. Apt A.
Findlay, Ohio
Fresh Charge: Possession of Drugs, Felony of the second degree, OVI.
Additional charges of drug trafficking and possession of drugs are expected at the conclusion of this investigation.
The Hancock METRICH Drug Enforcement Unit is supported by METRICH in Mansfield, OH and funded in part by the Office of Criminal Justice Services.
METRICH Crime Tip Hotline: 419-52-CRIME (419-522-7463) or download the METRICH enforcement unit mobile app to “Submit a Tip.”
The Ohio high school football playoffs continue on Friday, November 21.
Leipsic (11-1) will play Columbus Grove (9-3) at Lima Shawnee High School on Friday, November 21, at 7 p.m.
That game will be aired on 100.5 WKXA.
Carey (9-4) will play Hopewell-Loudon (11-1) at Donnell Stadium in Findlay Friday night at 7.
Liberty-Benton’s season came to a close on Friday in a loss to Liberty Center, but the Eagles finished the season with a great record of 12-1.
The Findlay Trojans lost their first-round playoff game on November 7 to Huber Heights Wayne, finishing the season with a record of 6-5.
See the full list of regional pairings and sites by clicking here.
(From the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office)
On Sunday, November 16th, 2025, at approximately 3:32 PM, Deputies from the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office responded to a two-vehicle crash in the 15000 block of SR 568 in Marion Township.
The crash involved a grey 2019 Honda Civic (operated by Jeremy Perez Ortega, 20 YOA of Kermit, TX) and a black 1999 Ford F-250 (operated by Forry Fredritz, 33 YOA of Carey, OH) Preliminary investigation indicates the driver of the Honda Civic was pulled off of the south side of SR 568, facing eastbound, in a gravel lot. The driver of the Honda Civic attempted to make a U-Turn to head west on SR 568, when his vehicle was struck on the driver’s side by the Ford F-250 heading eastbound.
Jeremy Perez Ortega was transported from the scene by Life Flight to St Vincent Hospital with suspected life-threatening injuries. Jeremy’s back seat passenger (Griselda Ortega Hernandez 49 YOA of Kermit, TX) was transported from the scene by Life Flight to St Vincent Hospital with suspected serious injuries. Jeremy’s front seat passenger (Malaguias Perez Bautista 64 YOA of Edinburg, TX) was initially transported to Blanchard Valley Hospital, then later transported to St Vincent Hospital by Hanco EMS with suspected serious injuries. Forry Fredritz was released from the scene with possible minor injuries.
Assisting on scene were Hanco EMS, Vanlue Fire Department, Mercy Health Life Flight and Dick’s Towing.
The crash remains under investigation by the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office.