(From Tiffin Police Chief David Pauly)

Celebrating Partnership & Innovation at Columbian High School!

Today I want to extend a huge thank you to Officer Stevens for representing the Tiffin Police Department at Columbian High School Stacey Geiger’s Intro to Business class. Officer Stevens spent the morning working directly with two student groups as they used the Engineering Design Process to imagine the future of drone technology and logistics right here in Tiffin.

We are also incredibly grateful to Columbian High School for their continued partnership with the Tiffin Police Department. Collaborations like this not only strengthen the connection between education and public service, but also help students see new pathways for their futures.

A special thank you as well to Stacy Geiger for inviting the Tiffin Police Department into her classroom. We appreciate the opportunity to support your students, and we’re proud to see such innovative learning happening in our community.

Chief Pauly

(From the Ottawa Police Department)

If you find one of these in your yard do not touch it or pick it up.

This is the second one that has been reported to us in a two week span.

Please immediately call 419-523-3208 and dispatch will send an officer.

(From the Office of Ohio Governor Mike DeWine)

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine vetoed the following bill:

• Senate Bill 50, to amend sections 3331.02 and 4109.07 of the Revised Code regarding age and schooling certificate requirements and work hours for a person under sixteen years of age.

Governor DeWine issued the following veto message: 

“Learning to work is an essential part of growing up.  Businesses across Ohio each day give young people the opportunity to learn the so-called soft skills that will serve them well when they become adults.  In analyzing this bill, it is important to define what it would do and what it would not do.

“The bill would, for the first time, allow 14- and 15-year-olds to work up to 9 pm on SCHOOL NIGHTS.  Our child work rules have been in place, across this country, for many years.  They have provided that 14- and 15-year-olds can work after school up to 7 p.m.  This bill would extend that time to 9 p.m.  I believe it unwise to provide for 14- and 15-year-olds to work, on a school night, that late at night.  I see no compelling reason to deviate from current law.

“Under current law, 14- and 15-year-old children CAN work up to 9pm during the summer months and during any school break longer than 5 days in duration (i.e., Christmas break and spring break). Further, under current law, those 16 and older can work up to 9 p.m. even on school nights.  The only thing at issue here is whether, for 14- and 15-year-olds, DURING THE SCHOOL WEEK, the time when work must cease is 7 p.m. or 9 p.m.  I believe the current law has served us well and has effectively balanced the importance of 14- and 15-year-old children learning to work, with the importance of them having time to study.

“For the reasons set forth above, this veto is in the public interest.”

The Fort Findlay FOP Lodge 20 Foundation held its annual Cops & Kids Go Shopping event Sunday morning at the Findlay Meijer.

Children referred through the local school systems were paired with an FOP member or supporter and shopped for $200 worth of Christmas gifts and essentials.

Through a continued partnership with Coats for Christmas, every member of each participating child’s household also received warm winter gear.

In the video below, Teresa White, Director of the Fort Findlay FOP Lodge 20 Foundation, spoke with WFIN News Director Matt Demczyk about how the program continues to be one of the most beloved events of the year for the children and the officers.

(From the United Way of Hancock County)

Volunteers are needed to help run a free tax preparation program that is expected to return over $1 million to the community.

United Way of Hancock County is seeking volunteer tax preparers and greeters for its free income tax preparation program, called VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance). This IRS program serves income-eligible individuals who live, work or attend college in Hancock County and may not otherwise be able to afford to have their taxes prepared and filed. The United Way is again collaborating with the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library and 50 North, who will host the service at their sites.

The United Way is recruiting volunteers to serve as tax preparers and greeters at both the library and 50 North. Morning, afternoon and evening shifts are available Mondays through Fridays, plus Saturday mornings. Volunteers schedule their own hours during whatever days or months they are available.

Tax preparers will prepare and electronically file taxes for clients. No experience is necessary. Volunteers can work through training online or may attend training sessions with the VITA site coordinator in December to become certified. All new volunteers will work with an experienced tax preparer until they are comfortable with the program.

Greeters are needed to welcome clients as they arrive for appointments. Responsibilities include checking taxpayers in and ensuring that they have the necessary paperwork for their appointment.

During the 2025 VITA season, nearly 1,100 state and federal tax returns were filed by a group of 23 VITA volunteers. United Way of Hancock County has won a large federal grant that will allow for expansion of the program during the 2026 tax season to assist even more community members.

Appointments for the 2026 VITA season will begin Feb. 2 and will continue into the days leading up to Tax Day, based on demand.

Contact Bridgit at accounting@uwhancock.org or call 419-423-1432 to sign up as a volunteer or for more information.

The City of Findlay is asking people to be good neighbors and to remember to clear their sidewalk after it snows.

The city reminds residents that, per city ordinance 906.02, it is the responsibility of property owners to clear their sidewalks following snow events.

The ordinance states that snowfall must be removed from the sidewalk within 12 hours after it falls or within two hours after being notified by the city to do so.

Someone found to be in violation could be charged with a minor misdemeanor.

The owners or occupants of abutting lots and land in the City shall keep the sidewalk in front of and along their respective lots in good repair and free from filth, mud or any nuisance. The owners or occupants shall remove all snow, ice and dirt from the sidewalk along or in front of their respective property within twelve hours after any snowfall or within two hours after being notified by the Service-Safety Director to remove the same.

(From Primrose Retirement Community of Findlay)

Primrose Retirement Community of Findlay recently celebrated yet another heartwarming moment of generosity as 95-year-old resident Joyce Wilson continued her long-standing tradition of crocheting winter hats and scarves for individuals served by Findlay Hope House for the Homeless. 

 This year, Joyce created over 100 handmade pieces, each crafted entirely by hand and each stitched with intention. Joyce learned to crochet while making washcloths for World War II soldiers and has carried that skill forward for more than 30 years, using it to serve others with compassion and humility. 

 “God’s been good to me,” Joyce shared. “This is my way of giving back. I can’t serve food, but I can sit and crochet. Someone out there will have a warm hat and scarf because of it.” 

 Her winter sets are purposely designed to fit easily inside a backpack, offering practical comfort for individuals experiencing homelessness. According to Hope House, the impact of Joyce’s work goes far beyond warmth. 

 “Joyce’s generosity reminds people that they matter,” said Laurie Poland, Development Director at Findlay Hope House. “If someone has had a difficult year, receiving something handmade just for them can be deeply meaningful. Joyce’s kindness continues to touch lives in ways she may never fully see.” 

 At Primrose, we believe independence is not something our residents leave behind. It evolves. It grows. It creates new opportunities to give, serve, and thrive. Joyce is a shining example of what fostering independence can look like when older adults are supported, encouraged, and celebrated for using their gifts. 

 “Joyce is a true blessing to the Findlay community,” said Levi Heldman, Director of Sales. “She embodies everything we strive for here, and we’re truly grateful to have her as part of our Primrose family. Her generosity reflects the heart of who we are. We want our residents to thrive, stay connected, and use their gifts to serve others. Supporting Joyce as she continues to make an impact is an honor for all of us.” 

 Residents, team members, and Hope House representatives joined together at Primrose for a warm and joyful presentation as Joyce’s hats and scarves were packed up to support families in need this winter. 

 Primrose Retirement Community remains committed to creating an environment where older adults can thrive, explore meaningful interests, and continue contributing to the communities they love. 

(From Liberty-Benton Local Schools)

Home for the Holidays? Come tour LB!

Whether you’re a proud alum, LB family, or community supporter, if you haven’t had the chance to see the new school, field house, or high school renovations, now’s your chance!

Join us on December 29 for a Liberty-Benton Campus Tour at 10:00 a.m. or 5:00 p.m.

Sign up here: https://www.liberty-benton.org/tours

Bonus: Stick around after the evening tour to cheer on the boys’ basketball team at 6 p.m.!

(From the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office)

Our office has received several phone calls in regard to a subject going by the name of “Captain Emery”. They state they work at the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office, advise the caller of a warrant out for their arrest, and demand money to make the warrant go away.

THIS IS A SCAM!

We do not have anyone at our agency by that name. The Sheriff’s Office will not call you and advise you of a warrant or demand money.

Remember: do NOT give personal or financial information over the phone!

(From the University of Findlay’s Mazza Museum)

Area residents are invited aboard a holiday adventure, the “North Pole Express,” at the December 14 “Funday Sunday” program at University of Findlay’s Mazza Museum.

Free and open to the public, the program offers a joyful flurry of excitement with holiday-themed art and construction activities, games, hands-on educational stations, and interactive STEAM activities.

The family-friendly learning extravaganza encourages artistic expression, enhances literacy, and develops critical thinking skills.

“We invite families to step into a cozy, magical afternoon filled with holiday wonder and train-themed fun that brings the spirit of the season to life,” said Amanda Davidson-Johnston, assistant director at the Mazza Museum.

Santa Claus also will be a special guest at the event.

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

The Funday Sundays 2025-26 series takes place each month 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:

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 at 419-434-4777 or amanda.davidson-johnston@findlay.edu