(From the Hancock Historical Museum)

The Hancock Historical Museum is thrilled to announce the return of the 11th annual Oktoberfest Findlay! German heritage festival, presented by WesBanco, on Saturday, September 27, 2025, from 2:00 – 10:30 p.m. in Downtown Findlay.

As the area’s largest single-day event and the museum’s primary fundraiser, Oktoberfest Findlay! welcomes thousands of visitors each year for a day filled with tradition, fun, and community spirit. To make this year’s event the best yet, the Oktoberfest planning committee is seeking over 300 volunteers. Community members are needed for the last shift to help collect admission, check IDs, sell drink tickets, pour beverages, and assist with various activities throughout the festival. Volunteers for roles checking IDs, selling drink tickets, or pouring beverages must be 21 years or older; all other positions are open to those 18 and up.

Volunteer shifts are just three hours long, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the festivities before or after your shift. All volunteers receive training, a commemorative Oktoberfest t-shirt, and free admission to the festival. To guarantee your t-shirt, please sign up by Tuesday, September 16. Ready to join in? Sign up and learn more at OktoberfestFindlay.com.

“Oktoberfest is an annual tradition here in Findlay, but it’s more than just a festival,” said Abigail Inbody, Marketing and Community Relations Coordinator of the Hancock Historical Museum. “It’s a great way to bring the community together for some fun, and all for a good cause. We truly appreciate the village it takes to help put this event together.”

Oktoberfest Findlay! is the museum’s largest fundraiser and supports its mission to preserve Hancock County’s unique history for generations to come. For more information or to volunteer, visit OktoberfestFindlay.com or contact Abigail Inbody at the Hancock Historical Museum, 419-423-4433.

Lend a hand, make memories, and help us make history—volunteer for Oktoberfest Findlay! 2025!

(From the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office)

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of retired K9 Charlie.

K9 Charlie began his service with the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office in March 2015 and faithfully served until his retirement in November 2022.

Over the course of his career, Charlie responded to nearly 800 calls for service, conducted countless narcotics searches for vehicles, schools, and buildings, and tracked and located suspects who might have otherwise gone undetected. His efforts not only kept deputies safe but also played a critical role in protecting our community.

Beyond his service, Charlie was known for his warm and social nature. He connected with countless members of our community through public K9 demonstrations and left a lasting impression on all who met him.

We are grateful for Charlie’s dedicated service and the difference he made for Hancock County. Our thoughts are with his handler and family as they remember their loyal partner and companion.

WFIN – The video below is from Charlie’s retirement party open house in 2022, when WFIN had a chance to talk with Deputy Brunswick about what Charlie meant to the sheriff’s office and the community. 

One of the first people at the open house was a mom whose lost son was found in a cornfield by Charlie in 2020.

(From Putnam County Habitat for Humanity)

Putnam County Habitat for Humanity (PCHFH) is now accepting applications for Critical Home Repair (CHR). Applicants must be at or below 80% of the current low income limits and repairs are limited to the home living space. No garages or outbuilding repairs will be considered.

Interested Putnam County residents must complete the Critical Home Repair application located at www.putnamohhabitat.org and submit it with the income documentation:

• Employment: two months (8 weeks) pay stubs, or if a new position, a verification of employment form from a third-party verification source or signed by the employer.
• Self-Employment: the two most recent signed federal tax returns with all schedules or the most recent signed federal tax return plus the current year’s profit and loss statement signed by the income earner.
• Child support or alimony: a court order or divorce decree (dated in any year), a notarized statement from the payer to the payee, or a payment history report from a child support enforcement agency.
• Pension/retirement: two consecutive pay stubs, an award letter (dated in any year), IRS Form 1099, or the most recent two months of pension/retirement account statements.
• Social Security or disability: IRS Form 1099-SSA, an award letter, or a payment history or other print out from the Social Security Administration.
• Unemployment compensation: a government issued payment history.
• Other Government Programs: a benefit notification letter signed by the authorizing agency or a government agency payment history.
• Zero income: household members age 18 or over self-certifies to zero income using a certification form.

PCHFH also requires statements or verification letters showing:

• Cash Held in Checking Accounts (6 month average balance)–provide 6 months of checking account bank statements.
• Cash Held in Savings Accounts (2 month average balance)–provide 2 months of savings account bank statements.
• Cash Value of Revocable Trusts Available to you–Provide documentation that shows the cash value of any revocable trust provided to the family.
• Equity in Rental Property or Other Capital Investments–Provide documentation that shows the asset value, as well as any amounts owed for loans secured on the property. Assets can be valued using an auditor’s valuation or appraisal.
• Cash Value of Stocks, Bonds, Treasury Bills, Certificates of Deposit, Mutual Funds and Money Market Accounts–Provide documentation showing the most recent valuation of these accounts/assets as close to the time of indicated income verification date.
• Individual Retirement, 401K and Keogh Account Available to You (even if withdrawals would result in penalty)–Provide documentation showing the value of the accounts. If the you are making occasional withdrawals from the account, provide 6 months of statements
• Retirement & Pension Funds (only funds accessible for withdrawal by employee)
• Cash Value of Whole Life & Universal Life Insurance available to you before death: Provide statement indicating value and penalty for withdrawal.
• Personal Property Held as an Investment: Include documentation justifying valuation of asset.
• Provide statements or verification letters showing Lump Sum or One-Time Receipts (not intended as periodic payments) of these assets. 
• Mortgage or Deed of Trust: Provide legal documentation of agreement as well as a 6 month payment history.

Please return all documents to Putnam County Habitat for Humanity, 150 N. Oak Street, Ottawa, OH 45875. By providing this information, applicants are not only verifying their financial eligibility for the PCHFH CHR program, they are providing the documentation necessary for PCHFH to locate and secure grant funding for as much of the repair project as possible. A limited amount of grant funding is available yet for 2025. Applications for projects that are eligible for 2025 funding must be received by October 17, 2025. Call PCHFH at 419-523-9621 with questions.

(From the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office)

On Friday, September 12, 2025, the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office announced the conclusion of two separate investigations involving a Bettsville, Ohio, man.

The investigations stemmed from allegations that the individual sexually assaulted two women.

Following a thorough review of the evidence, the Seneca County Grand Jury returned a four-count indictment against the suspect.

Arrested was Tyler J. Hossler, 28 YOA, for Rape, Sexual Battery, and 2 (two) counts of attempted Rape.

The Seneca County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to protecting the safety of the community and ensuring that victims of crime are heard and supported.

Sheriff Fredrick W. Stevens, Seneca County

(ONN) – Driver’s ed laws in Ohio are about to change, impacting a majority of young adults who don’t have their license yet.

Anyone 18 or older used to be able to bypass driver’s ed to get their license if they successfully passed their driver’s test.

But, at the end of September, that age will now raise to 21.

This is part of a new law which will require everyone younger than 21 years old to go through the same driving education – 24 hours of classroom training, eight hours behind the wheel with an instructor, and 50 hours of driving with an adult.

Driving instructors say this law should help minimize crashes involving 18 to 21 year olds.

(ONN) – Ohio could join five other states and the District of Columbia to ban the practice of declawing cats.

Senate Bill 252 was recently introduced in Ohio.

It would make it illegal to declaw cats unless medically necessary.

Animal advocates say declawing isn’t just a nail trim – they say it’s literally cutting off the first knuckle of a cat’s paw.

If the bill passes, violators would face fines starting at $1,000 and going up to $2,500 for multiple offenses.

(From Fostoria Police Chief Gabe Wedge)

On September 5th, 2025, at approximately 5:20PM, Fostoria Police Officer Cole Noftz conducted a traffic stop in the 200 blk of E. Crocker St, in the Seneca County portion of Fostoria. The driver, who was eventually identified as Ramiro Silva, 23 YOA, was found to be driving under several different suspensions, prompting officers to tow his vehicle.

While preparing to tow the vehicle driven by Mr. Silva, Officer Noftz and Officer Luka Sliwka conducted an inventory search. During the officers’ inventory, they found a bag containing approximately $6,000.00 in cash along with a baggy containing 26 pills, suspected to be Fentanyl. In another bag found in the vehicle, officers located a large amount of suspected Cocaine. The Cocaine is estimated to weigh over half a Kilogram.

Mr. Silva was arrested for Failure to Disclose Personal Information, ORC 2921.29(A)(1) an M4, and issued traffic citations for Driving Under a 12-Point Suspension ORC 4510.037(J) and Driving Under an OVI Suspension, ORC 4510.14(A). Mr. Silva was transported to the Seneca County Jail.

Additional charges for the suspected Cocaine and Fentanyl pills are pending, as the department waits for the results of further official chemical testing.

(From the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library)

The Findlay-Hancock County Public Library has some wonderful programs available the week of September 14 – 20, 2025:

Our famous annual Craft Supply Swap is scheduled for September 20, but from September 10-17, we’re accepting craft supply donations. Please gather up your gently used (or never got around to using) art and craft supplies for others to be able to create with! Items must be clean and in good condition. Any remaining supplies after the swap will be donated to the library and local donation centers. Please bring donations to the front Circulation desk or Information desk.

Beginning Monday, teens in grades 8-12 can sign up for a Teen Tote filled with curated library books and surprise goodies! Once registered, participants will receive an email with a form to fill out details that will help us get to know you and your reading preferences. An active FHCPL card is required to participate. Totes can then be picked up at the Main Library, Arlington, or the Bookmobile.

Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. in the Lindamood Room, Miss Nicole presents Storytime. This week, we will sing, rhyme, read, and craft while learning all about pirates and mermaids.

At 2 p.m. on Tuesday, drop by our Younger Room to receive basic tech help. Bring your own device or practice on one of our laptops. Get help with Microsoft Word, the internet, email and more.

Teens- get ready to dive into creative chaos on Tuesday at 4 p.m. in the Lindamood Room. Using library materials, recycled items, and other colorful items, get artistic and make unique masterpieces. Enjoy a colorful stress-free environment with plenty of craft supplies!

Mini Meet-Up is scheduled for Wednesday at 9 a.m. in the Children’s Programming Room in the Children’s Department. Little ones can explore new games, toys and activities that are educational and fun while socializing and making new friends.

Starter Storytime will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday in the Lindamood Room. Miss Nicole will lead families in singing, rhyming, reading and having fun with scarves and bells.

Storytime at Arlington is scheduled for Wednesday at 11:15 a.m. at our Arlington Branch. Children can hear great stories, do crafts and fun activities. This week, we’ll learn all about the pirates and mermaids.

Have you ever wondered why the English spelling of words is sometimes… well… just weird? On Wednesday at 2 p.m. come on a surprisingly hilarious virtual journey with us and author Gabe Henry through the history of the English language, while we discuss troublemakers like Mark Twain who broke all the rules. Register at libraryc.org/findlaylibrary to be sent a link to join us. This program is presented in partnership with the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts.

On Wednesday at 6 p.m. in the Lindamood Room, Eric Wilkins, Fire Inspector at the Findlay Fire Department, will discuss fire safety. We will focus on the importance of smoke detectors and fire escape planning, particularly for senior citizens and those with disabilities.

On Wednesday at 6 p.m. in the Administration Office, the Thrills & Chills Book Discussion will talk about A killing in Amish Country by Gregg Olsen and Rebecca Morris. Read more about this title on our calendar at findlaylibrary.org/events by clicking on the event.

Thursday at 10 a.m. at the Waterfalls Pavilion at beautiful Riverside Park, Miss Nicole presents Storytime at the Park. This week, we will sing, rhyme, read, and craft while learning about pirates and mermaids. Storytime is recommended for children 6 and under but all are welcome.

On Thursday at 2 p.m. in the Lindamood Room, we’ll be hosting an exciting game of adult book bingo at the library. Enjoy an afternoon of fun, community, and the chance to win book prizes. Book prizes will be adult gently used items or advanced reader copies. No experience is needed and all necessary materials will be provided. Space is limited to the first 26 participants. Doors will open 15 minutes before the fun starts.

Get ready for session 3 of the Family Table Series where we tackle the problem of when the table becomes a battlefield on Thursday at 5 p.m. in the Younger Room. We will address healthy ways to navigate disagreements with defiant young eaters.

Enjoy Family LEGO Night and build, get creative, and have fun with your crew at the library on Thursday at 6 p.m. in the Lindamood Room. We’ll provide the LEGO bricks— just bring your family and your imagination. Work together as a family or let your kids show off their best creations. This program is perfect for families looking to spend time together while building something awesome. Children age 8 and under should be accompanied by an adult.

Do you have a craft work in progress sitting around waiting to be finished and want to spend time with other creative people? Be a part of our monthly craft circle where all crafts are welcome on Tuesday at 6 p.m. in the Administration Office.

Join us for Starter Storytime at the Park on Friday at 10 a.m. Meet us at the Waterfalls Pavilion at Riverside Park for Storytime fun! This program is designed for little ones up to 36 months.

Our Craft Supply Swap is back on Saturday, September 20! Come in to the Lindamood Room and the Blanchard Room starting at 10 a.m. and stock up on craft supplies! You don’t need to have donated anything to take supplies. We ask that you please bring a bag to take supplies home with you.

Stay in touch and keep updated at www.findlaylibrary.org, on our Facebook page, facebook.com/fhcpl, on Pinterest at pinterest.com/findlaylibrary, and on Instagram @ fhcpl.

(From Findlay City Schools)

Announcing our 2025 Findlay High School Homecoming Court:

Back Row: Isaac Weese, Will Hammer, Jaycob Bosse, Reece Stillings, Braden Cramer
Front Row: Libby Mihalik, Lauren Heydinger, Rayanna Cap, Lola Spieles, Olivia Gayhart

Celebrate with us the week of September 21-27, 2025!

Spirit Week Themes:
Monday (9/22): Pajama Day
Tuesday (9/23): Jersey Day
Wednesday (9/24): Royalty Day
Thursday (9/25): Surfers vs. Bikers
Friday (9/26): Blue & Gold

Homecoming Parade 9/26: 5:30pm
Homecoming Football Game 9/26: 7:00pm

We can’t wait to see who receives the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award, watch our Alumni Cheerleaders and Band, and celebrate the 20th Reunion of the class of 2005.

Join us for Homecoming 2025, Trojan Country!

Ohio Senate President Rob McColley and State Representative Ty Mathews stopped by the WFIN Studios on Friday to discuss their latest work in the Ohio Legislature and other issues.  

Redistricting, property tax reform, and political violence and the Charlie Kirk killing were some of the issues we discussed with Mathews, a native of Arlington.

Mathews says resorting to violence against someone who holds different political views is totally and utterly unacceptable, and we need to respect the opinion of others even if we don’t agree with them. 

“This has been the greatest nation I believe this world has ever seen, and that’s what we need to look at as citizens in this country and really tune down on the hateful political rhetoric – and I’ll say – on both sides.”   

Listen back to our full interview with Mathews by clicking on the audio file below.

McColley and Mathews were in Findlay Friday to speak at the Hancock County GOP luncheon at the American Legion on West Front Street and were kind enough to stop by WFIN beforehand.