Highway Patrol Conducting OVI Checkpoint

(From the Ohio State Highway Patrol)

The Ohio State Highway Patrol has announced that an OVI checkpoint will be held in Hancock County Friday evening.

It will be held from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. on Tiffin Avenue in Findlay. 

The OVI checkpoint, funded by federal grant funds, is planned to deter and intercept impaired drivers.

“Based on provisional data, there were 581 OVI-related fatalities last year in Ohio,” Lieutenant Evan Slates, post commander of the Findlay Post, said.

“State troopers made an average of 14,600 OVI arrests last year in an attempt to combat these dangerous drivers. OVI checkpoints are designed to not only deter impaired driving, but to proactively remove these dangerous drivers from our roadways.”

Update In Case Of Two People Found Dead In Hot Tub

(From Fostoria Police Chief Gabe Wedge)

Regarding an incident from 05/18/2025 at 638 Maple St, Fostoria Seneca County Ohio, where two individuals were found deceased in a hot tub:

The Lucas County Coroners Office has determined that both Charles Gillette, 38 YOA and Raven Krontz, 44 YOA, each from Ottawa, Ohio, died from Acute Methamphetamine toxicity, accidental overdoses.

Officers and detectives on scene at the time of the incident reported finding drug paraphernalia, consistent with methamphetamine abuse, next to the hot tub.

The coroner’s office also reported finding no injuries to either subject during their autopsy’s.

Nothing further at this time.

 

Chief Gabe Wedge

Fostoria Police Department

More ODOT Crews Getting Struck By Vehicles

The Ohio Department of Transportation is pleading with drivers to pay better attention behind the wheel as their crews continue getting hit by motorists.

In 2024, the total number of incidents for the year was 84.

“We are now slightly past the halfway point in 2025, and our crews have experienced 74 incidents. This is unacceptable,” said ODOT Press Secretary Matt Bruning.

ODOT is reminding drivers to pay attention, move over, and slow down for vehicles with flashing lights on the side of the road.

City Council Approves Funds For Design Work For Downtown Park

Findlay City Council approved an ordinance to enter into a contract with a company to provide design and engineering services for the proposed Downtown Recreation Area project.  That cost will be around $2.5 million

City Council also approved an ordinance to enter into a contract with a company to provide design and engineering work for the pedestrian bridge associated with the project.  That cost will be around $1.5 million.

The vote was 8-2, with Jim Niemeyer and Holly Frische the no votes.

The new park would be part of the Phase 2 benching project north of the Blanchard River and east of Main Street.

The estimated cost is between $10 and $40 million depending on how many features are included in the final design.

Findlay Mayor Christina Muryn is excited about what the park would mean for the city and its residents.

OSHP Offering Ride-Along Program For Potential Recruits

(From the Ohio State Highway Patrol)

Do you think a career with the Ohio State Highway Patrol is the right fit for you? We are pleased to emphasize an ongoing opportunity for individuals considering a career as an Ohio state trooper to participate in our ride-along program.

The Patrol’s ride-along program is an immersive experience that offers potential recruits a firsthand look into the daily duties and responsibilities of our troopers. Participants will ride in a cruiser alongside a trooper for a day, afternoon or night shift. They will observe troopers responding to calls for service, conducting traffic stops and engaging with the public.   

“We understand that choosing a career with the Patrol is a significant decision,” said Major Michael D. Kemmer, Office of Training, Recruitment and Professional Operations Commander. “Our ride-along program is designed to give prospective applicants an authentic glimpse into the challenging yet rewarding work our troopers do every day to keep Ohio safe.”

The ride-along program is specifically geared towards individuals who are genuinely interested in pursuing a career with the Patrol. To be eligible for a ride-along, applicants must:

  • Hold a valid driver’s license
  • Be age 18-39
  • Participate in a brief interview with the post commander before the ride-along

The Ohio State Highway Patrol is committed to recruiting and training highly motivated individuals who wish to serve their state and community by joining the next generation of state troopers.

Anyone interested in participating in a ride-along is encourage to contact their local Ohio State Highway Patrol post. Contact information for all posts can be found here. More information regarding our ride-along program can be found here.

Number Of Active Bald Eagle Nests Increasing In Ohio

(From the Ohio Department of Natural Resources)

Ohio can celebrate a milestone with 964 confirmed active bald eagle nests, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife. More than 1,800 reports from citizen scientists statewide helped complete the 2025 bald eagle nest census. Division of Wildlife staff followed up on these reports and confirmed nest locations in 87 of Ohio’s 88 counties.

Active nests were counted as those with an incubating eagle, eggs, or eaglets present. Given the high volume of nests, this nest census represents the most complete picture possible of Ohio’s breeding bald eagle population.
 
“The bald eagle is one of Ohio’s great conservation success stories,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. “The eagle’s remarkable comeback over the last few decades, both in Ohio and nationwide, proves how much we can accomplish when we conserve and protect habitat.”

Bald eagles prosper in areas with wetland habitat. Lake Erie and other large waterbodies host the highest number of eagles because of easy access to food, such as fish. The 13 counties with the highest number of bald eagle nests include: Ottawa (112), Sandusky (61), Erie (40), Seneca (36), Wyandot (31), Trumbull (29), Lucas (27), Huron (21), Wood (20), Coshocton (19), Knox (19), Licking (19), and Mercer (19).

Check it out: Map of eagle nests per county

Each spring, the Division of Wildlife uses aerial surveys of a portion of the state to estimate Ohio’s population of nesting bald eagles. A complete nest census, in which every bald eagle nest in the state is counted, is performed less frequently. The last statewide census, conducted in 2020, documented 707 active bald eagle nests. The number of active nests increased 36% from 2020 to 2025.
 
“The census was a success because of the involvement of so many Ohioans. Thank you to each of you who contributed to this monumental effort,” said Laura Kearns, a wildlife biologist with the Division of Wildlife. “This comprehensive study shows that Ohio’s eagle population is resilient and thriving.”
 
Based on the 2025 aerial survey of a portion of eagle nests, the success rate, or the number of nests with eggs or eaglets, was 78%. Last year, the nest success rate was 82%, and it was 73% in 2023. This year, the number of eaglets per active nest was 1.3. That was slightly lower than last year’s number of 1.6 and similar to 2023 (1.2).

Cleveland Demanding Browns Stop All Work On New Stadium

(ONN) – The city of Cleveland is demanding that the Browns stop all work on their planned Brook Park stadium until their downtown lease expires in 2028.

In a new court filing, the city argues that any financing, construction or negotiations tied to a new stadium in Brook Park violates that lease.

This comes just days after a Cuyahoga County judge denied the Browns’ attempt to dismiss the city’s lawsuit aimed at blocking the relocation.

Meanwhile, the team is pushing forward in federal court, trying to keep its lawsuit alive challenging Ohio’s Modell Law.

The Haslam Sports Group says it needs a quick ruling to stay on track to break ground next year.

State Route 568 Bridge Projects On Schedule

The Ohio Department of Transportation says a project to rehabilitate two bridges on the east side of Findlay is a few weeks away from completion.

On May 15th, State Route 568 closed for approximately 75 days to rehabilitate two bridges:

  • Over the Blanchard River between TT 234 and CR 236
  • Over Glauner Ditch between CR 236 and CR 237

ODOT says the project is on schedule and the road is tentatively scheduled to reopen on or around August 1.

Sheriff’s Office To Spread Christmas Cheer In July

(From the Wood County Sheriff’s Office)

The Wood County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with Kroger and JE Dunn, is excited to announce to celebrate “Christmas in July”, Saturday July 19. This unique initiative aims to bring the community together and spread joy by surprising citizens with a gift card to Kroger, with the goal of giving back to the communities they live in and serve every day.

During the event, sheriff’s deputies will identify residents and provide them with a gift card to Kroger, allowing them to enjoy a shopping experience at their local Kroger store.

“The Wood County Sheriff’s Office is pleased to partner with JE Dunn and Kroger to celebrate Christmas in July, said Wood County Sheriff Mark Wasylyshyn. This is a great example of partnering with local community stakeholders to have a positive interaction with the public. We love helping and serving our community!”

This initiative not only aims to bring a smile to the faces of those who receive the gift cards but also highlights the importance of community engagement and collaboration between local businesses and law enforcement. By working together, the Wood County Sheriff’s Office, JE Dunn and Kroger hope to create a positive impact and foster a sense of unity within the community.