(From the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office)

Several local nonprofit organizations are working together to provide essential services that support individuals and families experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, and substance use recovery in Hancock County. These services are offered at no cost and are designed to meet immediate needs while connecting people to longer-term support.

City Mission of Findlay

City Mission of Findlay provides emergency and crisis homeless shelter, food services.

outreach, and longer-term housing programs. The Mission operates a low-barrier overnight

shelter open 365 days a year. typically from 8:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m., with minimal

requirements for entry. During inclement weather, shelter hours may be extended. Current

shelter hours can be confirmed by calling 419-423-9151.

City Mission also offers outreach and referral services for substance use treatment, mental

health care, and medical services. Longer-term shelter and advocacy are available through

the reSTART program, and a Women and Children’s Crisis Shelter supports families

experiencing homelessness. The Mission provides daily hot meals, serving two meals per

day to the publie and three meals per day to shelter guests.

NAMI Hancock County

NAMI Hancock County offers education, support groups, and referrals for individuals living

with mental health conditions and for family members supporting loved ones. NAMI

provides a welcoming space for learning, self-care, and connection.

NAMI is typically open Monday-Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Friday from 9:00

a.m. to 3:00 p.m .. with hours subject to staff availability. Weather-related closures are

posted on the WFIN School Delays website under Local Cancellations.

Focus Recovery & Wellness Community

Focus Recovery and Wellness Community (Focus) is a peer-led organization supporting

individuals on their chosen path of recovery. Focus offers youth services (ages 10-17) at

The Loft, adult services at the Recovery Center, and Recovery Housing for men, women, and

pregnant women. Programs are led by individuals with lived experience and focus on home.

health, community, and purpose.

Adults may apply for membership at the Recovery Center. 509 W. Trenton Ave .. Findlay.

Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and the first and third Saturdays from 11:00

a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Questions can be directed to 419-423-5071.

Each organization has specific program guidelines and eligibility requirements. Individuals

are encouraged to contact each agency directly to confirm services and availability. At this

time, there is not a designated emergency or crisis safe day space available in the

community.

Additional community resources include St. Andrew’s Laundry Facility, open Tuesdays and

Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and the Library, which is open to the public during

normal library hours.

(ONN) – A U.S. Senator from Ohio wants to put age restrictions on social media.

Ohio Senator Bernie Moreno is proposing a complete social media ban for anyone under the age of 18.

During a Senate committee meeting last week, he called social media, quote, worse than cigarettes for this generation.

Moreno also suggested withholding federal funding from schools that allow students to have cell phones.

These restrictions are backed by experts who agree there is a need for stronger protections, although the age threshold varies.

Legislation has been introduced on the national level to ban kids under the age of 13 from using social media.

(From the Findlay Trojan Club)

THANK YOU, TROJAN COUNTRY!

The Trojan Club would like to extend a huge THANK YOU to everyone who supported our Ball Drop fundraiser. Your generosity and continued support of Trojan athletics truly make a difference!

Congratulations to our winners! Thank you to Jereme Phillips for donating his $2,500 winnings back to Trojan Club!

A special thank you to our event sponsor, Taylor Automotive Family, for their incredible support and commitment to our student-athletes and community. We are grateful for your partnership.

Trojan Country shows up every time—and we couldn’t do it without you!

(From Liberty-Benton Local Schools)

Big news from the Liberty-Benton Music Boosters!

We’ve launched a new initiative called “Working to WOW” — a fundraiser focused on upgrading the technology behind our amazing student performances. From lighting and sound to equipment for our orchestra pit, these enhancements will make a huge difference for our performers now and in the future.

Thanks to everyone who’s already donated! YOU are helping us elevate the arts at LB!

Our Focus:

-Stage lighting upgrades for a professional and polished look

-Microphone improvements for clearer, more reliable sound

-Pit backline enhancements to support our student musicians

These upgrades mean fewer rentals, better performances, and a more sustainable program overall.

Our goal: $25,000 by January 31, 2026 – with a long-term vision of reaching $50,000!

Want to learn more or contribute?

Contact: MusicBoosters@Liberty-Benton.org

Thank you for supporting our students and the performing arts at LB!

(From Hancock Park District)

Our 2025 People’s Choice Photography Contest winner is Mike Anderson with his photograph “A Mother’s Love” taken at Riverbend Recreation Area!

His Photograph had 309 votes.

Join us in congratulating Mike on his win!

Thank you to everyone who entered the contest!

(From Van Buren Local Schools)

How does a person juggle being an art teacher, entrepreneur, and musician? It isn’t easy, but 1998 VB graduate Jason Wagner shares how he does it in the latest Joust About Careers episode.

In episode 106, Jason shares how working at a summer camp led to amazing career opportunities, including backpacking across Europe; how he sometimes looks at his career as a compilation of side hustles; how success requires hard work going hand in hand with talent; and much more.

To watch on YouTube, visit bit.ly/JoustAboutCareers. To listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or other podcast platforms, search Joust About Careers.

(ONN) – An Ohio man is facing abduction charges after he allegedly used a Jeep from a car dealership to run errands while an employee was inside the vehicle.

According to court records, Todd Marrs went to a car dealership in Marysville last month and requested a test drive.

Court records show that during the test drive, Marrs took a different route and refused to return to the car dealership.

The dealership employee started texting her coworkers and shared her phone’s location.

Court records show that she called a coworker at the dealership, and Marrs took her phone and threw it on the floorboard.

He then went to a hospital to pick up a friend and refused to return to the dealership until he completed his errands.

Marrs was arraigned in Union County Court and given a $250,000 bond.

Republican candidate for Ohio governor Vivek Ramaswamy announced earlier in January that he selected Ohio Senate President Rob McColley as his running mate in the 2026 election.

McColley was on with WFIN’s Chris Oaks to discuss the opportunity of being the state’s next Lt. Governor.

Ramaswamy calls McColley a proven conservative leader who is committed to making Ohio the best state in which to live, work and raise a family.

McColley says Ramaswamy will be one of the boldest leaders in the history of Ohio, and he’s honored to help execute his vision.

(ONN) – There are several programs available to assist Ohioans having trouble paying their heating bills.

The Home Energy Assistance Program, or HEAP, is a federally funded program that helps eligible people with their energy bills.

The HeatShare Program is a partnership between the Salvation Army and Columbia Gas of Ohio.

Columbia Gas also has the Warm Choice Program which can help income eligible customers receive free winterization of their homes.

And, Columbia Gas also offers a special reconnect order so those with outstanding fees can pay $175 dollars to have their service reconnected or avoid disconnection — and then set up a payment plan to pay back overdue bills.

The customer service number for Columbia Gas of Ohio is 1 800 344 4077.

(From Findlay City Schools)

Findlay City Schools is proud to announce the official launch of the Findlay City Schools Foundation. Established in December 2023 and modeled from several Northwest Ohio school districts, the Foundation was created to enhance and elevate educational opportunities for both staff and students, while providing a predictable source of longevity for the future of the district. Educational foundations provide a vital pathway to receive and distribute funds that augment, supplement, or enhance the resources available to a school district.

“A school foundation creates extra opportunities not only for students and staff, but for the future of the district as a whole,” said Andrea Barger, Coordinator of Development and Alumni Relations, and leader of the development of the Foundation. “Schools with successful foundations have the security of the longevity it provides and allows donors to truly leave a legacy for the next generation.”

The establishment of the Foundation was made possible through the generosity and vision of a group of committed community leaders. Findlay City Schools gratefully acknowledges the following Founding Donors of the Findlay City Schools Foundation:

Don and Pat Bauman ● Pam and Jon Beall ● Jack and Jane Bender ● Tom and Kate Donnell ● Chris and MaryBeth Hammond ● Kathy and Garry Peiffer ● The Reinhart Foundation ● Brad Redman ● Susan and Grant Russel ● Beth Waddell ● Jim and Laurie Wilkins ● Findlay City Schools Administration Team & Board of Education

Founding donors Chris and Mary Beth Hammond emphasized the importance of community involvement in education:

“We believe in and support education for all, and the stability it brings to our community. We are proud to be early supporters of these new funding sources.”

The Findlay City Schools Foundation Funds will be held and managed through a partnership with the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation. To ensure the greatest organized impact, a dedicated Findlay City Schools Foundation Advisory Committee will review, approve, and manage the distribution of monies.

“Our community has a proud tradition of investing in the future,” said Superintendent, Dr. Andy Hatton. “By investing in endowed funds, the Foundation will create dynamic opportunities and resources for our students for generations to come. Sustained commitment to the Foundation ensures that Findlay City Schools will be on a path to excellence that goes above and beyond what we are able to provide with our operating funds, elevating student experiences to prepare them for our ever-changing world.”

Findlay City Schools serves the community of Findlay, Ohio, dedicated to unlocking the potential of every student through academic excellence and diverse opportunities. For more information on the

Findlay City Schools Foundation or to make a donation, please visit www.fcs-foundation.org.