Monthly Archives: December 2022

Bank Robbery In Arlington

The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office is seeking help from the public in identifying a bank robber.

The sheriff’s office says the suspect in the surveillance pictures entered Premier Bank at 112 East Liberty Street in Arlington at 9:52 Saturday morning.

Investigators say the individual showed the teller a note demanding money and then fled the business with an undetermined amount of cash.

The suspect is described as a white male between five-feet-eight and five-feet-ten inches tall and weighing between 225 and 250 pounds.

The suspect fled the area in a silver 4 door vehicle of unknown make or model.

Anyone with information about the robbery is urged to contact the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office at 419-422-2424.

 

 

WFIN’s Images Of 2022

Here are some of the many pictures, in no particular order, taken by WFIN News while covering stories in 2022. Have a Happy New Year!

April 8 – Firefighters placed a big American Flag over the street in Mt. Cory (above) where the funeral procession for Bluffton police officer Dominic Francis would be coming through momentarily, on its way to Clymer Cemetery.

January 24 – Some Findlay youngsters, snow shovels in hand, walk down a sidewalk after helping clear snow from people’s sidewalks and driveways.

 

August 2 – K9 Sonny of the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office says hi to some of his fans at Findlay’s Night Out event at Riverside Park ahead of participating in the K9 Demonstration that also included local K9s Charlie, of the sheriff’s office, and Deke and Shadow from the police department.

 

June 3 – A semi crashed into the top of the pharmacy drive-thru area of the Walmart on Trenton Avenue in Findlay. Police told us at the scene that there were no injuries.

 

Dec. 17 – Some folks participating in Wreaths Across America Day at Findlay’s Maple Grove Cemetery.

 

Feb. 4 – A handful of people quickly converged on the scene to help out when they saw this Findlay police officer helping a motorist out of the snow along South Main Street.

 

May 9 – The Fort Findlay FOP Lodge 20 held its annual memorial service for fallen officers, with one new name being added to the memorial this year, that of Bluffton Officer Dominic Francis. Get more by clicking here. 

 

Aug. 5 – Glenwood Middle School Principal Meg Simon braces herself as yet another accurate youngster hits the target, sending her into the drink at the Findlay City Schools Community Day at Donnell Stadium.

 

Jan 23 – A Findlay man fires up his snowblower to clear his sidewalk of the snow that fell on Sunday.

 

Feb 14 – One of the Super Bowl-themed ODOT message boards from over the weekend encouraging Bengals fans to enjoy the game responsibly.

 

April 22 – A Naturalization Ceremony was held at the University of Findlay in which 60 people from dozens of countries took the Oath of Citizenship and became American citizens.

 

April 29 – Findlay’s Tom Brumley took delivery of a rare Ford GT at Reineke Ford Lincoln of Findlay earlier in the week. Tom’s wearing the GT hat in the picture.

 

May 20 – A Huey comes in for a landing during The Findlay Show – Armed Forces Day Celebration at the Hancock County Fairgrounds.

 

June 24 – More than 180 youngsters took part in Camp 911 in Findlay this week, here seen checking out a Life Flight helicopter and talking with the crew.

 

Aug. 12 – It was a beautiful morning to be in the air at Flag City BalloonFest Friday morning. Here, WKXA’s Jay Harris and pilot Jeff Conley can be seen in the distance in a pic that was taken from the Cosmic Crisp apple balloon that WFIN’s Matt Demczyk was riding in with pilot Steve Wilkinson. Get more by clicking here. 

 

Aug. 26 – The Findlay Trojans student section celebrates a tremendous kick return TD by Donovan Harris that got the Trojans on the board in the first half against a very good Perrysburg team that defeated the Trojans 49-21 Friday night at Donnell Stadium.

 

Sep. 2 – A barrel racer competes at the Hancock County Fair on a sunny Friday afternoon in Findlay.

 

Sep. 30 – People participating in the ‘Silent Watch’ event outside the Hancock County Courthouse this week to let Veterans who suffer from PTSD know they don’t have to fight alone. Get more by clicking here. 

 

Oct. 28 – Two years ago, K9 Charlie with the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office located a missing boy in a cornfield, and earlier this week the mom and son stopped by Charlie’s retirement party at the sheriff’s office to wish him a happy retirement. Get more by clicking here. 

 

Nov. 11 – Chamberlin Hill 4th graders waving American Flags while performing Stars and Stripes Forever during the school’s 25th Annual Veterans Day Program on Friday. Get more by clicking here. 

 

Dec. 9 – Findlay firefighters took youngsters shopping earlier in the week for the Shop With a Firefighter program put on by Findlay Hope House. Get more by clicking here. 

 

Dec. 13 – While stopped at the light at Sandusky and Blanchard the other day we noticed this youngster posing for a picture with the Living The Sweet Life mural on the side of The Baking Company & Bread Kneads and thought we’d snap a pic of our own.

 

Dec. 23 – Cars head down a snow-covered South Main Street in Findlay during a windy winter storm that produced wind gusts of up to 60 miles per hour.

 

Hancock Park District Holding Photography Hike

The Hancock Park District is inviting people to a photography hike.

It will be held on Saturday, January 14th at Oakwoods Nature Preserve, Discovery Center at 9 a.m.

The hike is for ages 16 and older and is free. No registration is required.

“If you have a passion for photography or if you want to learn, come along on a hike with fellow photographers to capture the beauty of our parks through the lens of the camera. We will hike the trails, while taking photos of scenery, wildlife, plants, and anything else that would make an interesting subject. All skill levels and camera types are welcome.”

Oakwoods Nature Preserve is located at 1400 Oakwoods Lane, off County Road 144, just west of Findlay.

For more information about other upcoming park programs and events, view the “Programs & Activities Calendar” at www.HancockParks.com or call the park office at 419-425-7275.

(the pictures above and below were taken at Riverbend Recreation Area)

 

‘Forever Memories’ Event Being Held To Honor Deceased Loved Ones

Community members who are grieving a deceased loved one will be able to honor their memories in an upcoming event sponsored by Bridge Home Health & Hospice, a division of Blanchard Valley Health System.

Bridge Bereavement Services will host a “Forever Memories” group from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 16 at Birchaven Village Hub, 15100 Birchaven Lane, Findlay.

Individuals who have experienced the death of a loved one will create 12” x 12” memory frames that will honor their deceased loved one’s life and the relationship they shared.

The group is open to any adult or family who has recently lost a loved one, regardless of whether that person was a patient of Bridge Home Health & Hospice.

Participants will have an opportunity to create lasting memories and share openly about their loved ones.

All supplies will be provided at no cost. Participants will simply need to bring their memories and a few photographs.

Registration is required by February 2 in order to prepare frames and supplies.

To register, call 419-423-5351.

 

Highway Patrol: Designate A Sober Driver For New Year’s

This year, the New Year’s Eve holiday is different from years past. The holiday is also mixed with a college football playoff game featuring the Ohio State Buckeyes. The Ohio State Highway Patrol is urging drivers who intend to watch football and/or celebrate the new year to plan ahead and designate a sober driver. The Patrol’s zero-tolerance policy is part of the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement campaign.

The New Year’s holiday reporting period begins Friday, December 30 at midnight and ends on Monday, January 2 at 11:59 p.m.

During the four-day 2021-2022 New Year’s reporting period, there were 12 fatal crashes that killed 12 people. Of those, alcohol and/or drugs were a factor in six fatal crashes, while speed played a role in two of the crashes. Of the eight fatalities in which seat belts were available, five were unbelted. There were also four pedestrians killed during the holiday period.

“We want those celebrating the new year and cheering on the Buckeyes to enjoy their night, but without putting the lives of others at risk,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “Please designate a driver before you venture out.”

During last year’s reporting period, the Patrol made 232 arrests for OVI. Last year’s reporting period ran from Thursday, December 30 through Sunday, January 2.

“Driving impaired can have tragic and senseless consequences,” said Colonel Chuck A. Jones, Patrol superintendent. “We need you to help us ring in the new year safely and responsibly.”

The Patrol reminds drivers to plan ahead, designate a sober driver or make other arrangements.

Motorists are encouraged to report impaired drivers and drug activity to the Patrol by calling #677.

 

BVHS Names New Chief People Officer

Blanchard Valley Health System has announced that Eric Proctor will become its new chief people officer (CPO) and drive the talent strategy for more than 3,300 associates and oversee corporate public relations and marketing, and the Blanchard Valley Health Foundation.

“BVHS is firmly committed to investing in our people and culture,” explained Myron Lewis, president and chief executive officer. “With the addition of Eric, we emphasize that commitment. He has a demonstrated track record and will be an integral addition as we continue to grow as an organization.”

Before joining BVHS, Eric served as the vice president of people and culture business transformation at Novant Health, an integrated four-state health system in the Southeast.

“Careers in the healthcare industry are ever-evolving,” shared Proctor. “It is exciting to be on the BVHS team where we can develop new ways to recruit, retain and support our workforce,” said Proctor. “Enhancing our efforts around workforce and workplace experience is a key driver in achieving the organization’s mission.”

Proctor will begin his role with BVHS on January 9, 2023.

 

Mayor, Findlay Recognized For ‘Move With The Mayor’ Initiative

The City of Findlay says Mayor Christina Muryn and the City of Findlay ranked number 1 out of 40 other U.S. mayors and cities in Move With The Mayor, a nationwide initiative to reduce the nation’s No. 1 killer, heart disease and stroke, by inspiring residents to increase their daily physical activity and engage in programs taking place in their backyards to build a healthy life.

“I am proud of how the Move with the Mayor program has provided an action plan for my team to identify ways to improve our community’s health and find opportunities to build new, and strengthen existing partnerships to educate, encourage, and change,” the mayor said.

“Small changes to our daily lives are key to ensuring healthier lives and an overall healthier community. I look forward to our efforts continuing to evolve and supporting the initiatives identified in our Hancock County Community Health Improvement Plan.”

 

 

In addition to hosting physical activity events within the city, mayors also completed the Move with the Mayor/Step it Up! Success Roadmap, which helps cities identify strengths and opportunities for improvement in heart-health-related policies and programs.

The Mayor collaborated across sectors within the city, including public health, parks & recreation, school district, and health department to complete the Step it Up! Success Roadmap, providing a comprehensive view of the city’s approach to community health. The Roadmap also helps cities identify the number of Community Guide recommendations (a collection of evidence-based findings of the Community Preventive Services Task Force (CPSTF) they are implementing.

This is the 4th year of Mayor Muryn’s participation in “Move with the Mayor.” Mayor Muryn offered a range of physical activity events in 2022, including walks at local schools, self-guided participation and other joint events such as the Play Ball program. These events raised awareness about lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease. They also supported connections among residents.

 

COVID And Flu Vaccine Walk-In Clinics

Effective in January of 2023, Hancock Public Health will be offering COVID-19 and flu vaccines for adults, adolescents, and children each Friday from 9 – 11:30 a.m. and 1 – 3:30 p.m.

No appointment is necessary. People should bring a form of identification, insurance cards and COVID-19 vaccination card.

Adolescent and children vaccinations are available for COVID beginning at age 6 months. Hancock Public Health currently has the Pfizer BioNTech bivalent vaccine for ages 6 months to 17 years old, Moderna bivalent vaccine ages 12-17 years old, and Novavax vaccine ages 12-17 years old.

Anyone under the age of 18 must have a parent/guardian present to receive a vaccination.

For questions or concerns, contact the health department at 419-424-7441.

 

OSHP Warns Against Impaired Driving Over New Year’s

This year, the New Year’s Eve holiday is different from years past. The holiday is also mixed with a college football playoff game featuring the Ohio State Buckeyes. The Ohio State Highway Patrol is urging drivers who intend to watch football and/or celebrate the new year to plan ahead and designate a sober driver. The Patrol’s zero-tolerance policy is part of the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement campaign.

The New Year’s holiday reporting period begins Friday, December 30 at midnight and ends on Monday, January 2 at 11:59 p.m.

During the four-day 2021-2022 New Year’s reporting period, there were 12 fatal crashes that killed 12 people. Of those, alcohol and/or drugs were a factor in six fatal crashes, while speed played a role in two of the crashes. Of the eight fatalities in which seat belts were available, five were unbelted. There were also four pedestrians killed during the holiday period.

“We want those celebrating the new year and cheering on the Buckeyes to enjoy their night, but without putting the lives of others at risk,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “Please designate a driver before you venture out.”

During last year’s reporting period, the Patrol made 232 arrests for OVI. Last year’s reporting period ran from Thursday, December 30 through Sunday, January 2.

“Driving impaired can have tragic and senseless consequences,” said Colonel Chuck A. Jones, Patrol superintendent. “We need you to help us ring in the new year safely and responsibly.”

The Patrol reminds drivers to plan ahead, designate a sober driver or make other arrangements.

Motorists are encouraged to report impaired drivers and drug activity to the Patrol by calling #677.

 

 

ODOT Crews To Help With Blizzard Recovery Efforts In New York

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced that he has dispatched support from the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) to aid in emergency snow removal efforts in the state of New York following the deadly Christmas-weekend blizzard.

A convoy of 28 ODOT workers, 12 tandem dump trucks, two utility mechanic trucks, and four crew cab pick-up trucks departed from Ashtabula this morning for a 6-day deployment. The ODOT team includes highway technicians, mechanics, and managers from District 4 (Akron), District 11 (New Philadelphia) and District 12 (Cleveland).

“ODOT snowplow drivers and mechanics have been remarkable during this Christmas winter storm,” said Governor DeWine.  “We are happy to help our neighbors in New York state and know that they would do the same for us in Ohio if the situation was reversed.”

The ODOT team is traveling along Interstate 90 to western New York and will receive their route assignments from local authorities once they arrive. Crews will work two 12-hour shifts and return to Ohio on Tuesday, January 3.

“The men and women of ODOT are the best at what they do. I know they’ll work hard to help our neighbors in New York. At the end of the day, we’re all Americans,” said ODOT Director Jack Marchbanks.

With a statewide fleet of nearly 1,600 plows, ODOT will maintain enough plows and drivers for winter operations in Ohio should the need for snow removal arise during the deployment.