(Press release from the Ohio High School Athletic Association)

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Several significant changes highlight the 2025 Ohio High School Athletic Association football playoff regulations that were approved Thursday by the OHSAA Board of Directors. The number of qualifiers per region will be 12 instead of 16, with the top four seeds in each region earning a first-round bye. In addition, the first three rounds of the postseason will be hosted by the higher seeded team instead of the first two rounds.

From 1999 through 2019, eight schools per region qualified for the playoffs, which was a five-week tournament. In early 2020, the OHSAA approved a proposal from the Ohio High School Football Coaches Association to expand to 12 qualifiers per region, which added a week to the postseason. Shortly after that, the Covid-19 pandemic greatly affected high school sports, and the OHSAA allowed every school to participate in the 2020 playoffs since schools played a varying number of games. The positive feedback from schools that season prompted the OHSAA to expand from 12 to 16 qualifiers per region from 2021-24.

“For the last few years, we have been pleased that more schools experienced the football playoffs, and there were some lower seeds that won playoff games,” said Doug Ute, OHSAA Executive Director. “But over the last year, we have received feedback from our schools, with a slight majority favoring 12 qualifiers per region, and we had many conversations with stakeholders around the state that led us to make this proposal to our board. We appreciate the feedback we received and will continue to gather comments moving forward. Like we do with all of our sports, we want to make sure the student-athletes are our No. 1 priority.”

With the top four seeds in each region receiving a first-round bye, the first-round parings include the No. 12 seed playing at the No. 5 seed, No. 11 at No. 6, No. 10 at No. 7 and No. 9 and No. 8. In the second round, the No. 1 seed will host the winner of No. 12 vs. No. 5, the No. 2 seed will host the winner of No. 11 vs. No. 6, the No. 3 seed will host the winner of No. 10 vs. No. 7, and the No. 4 seed will host the winner of No. 8 vs. No. 9.

There are no changes to the 2025 divisional breakdowns and regional assignments announced by the OHSAA on May 1. The 2025 divisions and regions are posted at: https://www.ohsaa.org/Sports-Tournaments/Football/Football-2025

(Press release from the Hancock METRICH Enforcement Unit)

On 6/11/25 at approx. 2200hrs the Hancock County METRICH Drug Task Force assisted by the Findlay Police Department Emergency Response Team (ERT) executed a narcotic search warrant at 119 Tioga Ave Findlay, OH 45840.

The search of the residence yielded suspected methamphetamine, suspected pressed pills, paraphernalia, cash, and multiple items indicative of drug trafficking.

As a result of the search the following persons were arrested and incarcerated at the Hancock County Justice Center:

Brandon Navarro (42 year old)
119 Tioga Ave
Findlay, Ohio
Fresh Charge: Possession of Drugs Schedule II (Methamphetamine) Felony of the third degree

Joseph Lee (44 year old)
119 Tioga Ave
Findlay, Ohio
Charge: Arrest warrant through Fostoria PD and the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office for possession of drugs.
Fresh charge of Possession of Drugs Schedule II (Methamphetamine) Felony of the fifth degree.

Additional charges of drug trafficking and possession of drugs are expected at the conclusion of this investigation.

(Press Release from Findlay/Hanock County Habitat for Humanity)

In celebration of 25 years of building homes, hope, and community in Hancock County, Habitat for Humanity of Findlay/Hancock County and WesBanco invites the public to attend Habitat for Humanity Day on Saturday, June 21, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Riverside Park (231 McManness Avenue, Findlay, OH 45840) near the volleyball courts.

This free, family-friendly event promises an afternoon of fun, food, and connection. Attendees will enjoy bouncy houses, yard games, a cookout, and raffle prizes, all in the spirit of community celebration and learning more about Habitat’s mission and impact.

“Marking 25 years of service to Findlay and Hancock County is an incredible milestone,” said Wendy McCormick, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Findlay/Hancock County. “Habitat Day is a chance for us to say thank you to the community that has supported our mission and to share how families can get involved — whether by volunteering, donating, or applying to become a Habitat homeowner.”

Presented by WesBanco and in partnership with the Findlay YMCA, Hancock Park District, the Hancock County Chamber of Commerce and Scouting America, the event also offers an opportunity to learn more about Habitat’s current projects, including the neighborhood in the Krystal Ridge Addition, where Habitat aims to build 20 homes by the end of 2027. Since completing its first home in 2000, Habitat for Humanity of Findlay/Hancock County has built 64 homes and completed more than 200 home repair projects.

For more information about the event or how to get involved with Habitat for Humanity, visit www.habitatfindlay.org or call 419-429-1400.

(Press Release from Spectrum and Ovation TV)

Findlay, Ohio – June 10, 2025 – Spectrum today announced Marathon Center for Performing Arts (MCPA) in Findlay, Ohio will receive $10,000 through the 2024-2025 Stand For The Arts Awards, a partnership with Ovation TV that recognizes local arts, cultural and educational organizations and programs. Since the initiative started in 2017, Ovation TV and Spectrum have given out 80 awards totaling $800,000 towards arts education.

“An unwavering commitment to the communities we serve is at the very core of Spectrum’s long-time partnership with Ovation TV and Stand for the Arts,” said Adam Falk, Senior Vice President, State Government Affairs for Charter Communications, which operates the Spectrum brand. “Together we have honored 80 organizations who help shape and define their community’s unique culture and heritage, while providing opportunities for people to connect and share their experiences. This year’s recipients take that impact even further, from providing affordable studio space and accessible art spaces to offering educational programs that inspire creativity for all ages. We congratulate Marathon Center for Performing Arts (MCPA) for being recognized this year and look forward to celebrating their work together.”

MCPA will use its 2024-2025 Stand For The Arts funding to further its programmatic and artistic efforts, with a focus on the organization’s robust education programs and free community outreach activities. MCPA enriches the community through arts, culture and entertainment and hosts over 300 events each year including live performances, weddings and preschool graduation ceremonies.

The award was presented during the MCPA’s Mainstage Series Season Reveal Party this evening. As a part of the check presentation, Findlay Mayor Christina Muryn joined Spectrum and Ovation TV to share congratulatory remarks.

“We’re honored to receive this Stand For The Arts Award and grateful to Spectrum and Ovation TV for recognizing the power of the arts to strengthen communities,” said Heather J. Clow, Executive Director, MCPA. “This support helps us continue offering performances, programs, and experiences that inspire creativity and connection in Findlay and beyond.”

Marathon Center for Performing Arts is one of 10 organizations receiving support in Spectrum markets across the country. Select arts organizations are awarded $10,000 Stand For The Arts contributions based on the following criteria: support of creatives and artists via community-driven programming; as advocates for equity and access to the arts; and for providing accessible spaces for creative expression.

“Ovation TV and Spectrum will be donating another $100,000 this year to support local organizations and arts initiatives across the country as we celebrate the 8^th year of Stand For The Arts,” said Sol Doten, Senior Vice President, Head of Marketing and Communications for Ovation TV. “We are committed to continue to uplift and encourage artists of all ages through this partnership.”

More information about Stand For The Arts and the Stand For The Arts Awards is available at:  www.standforthearts.com.

Pictured from L to R:
• Brian Young, Director, Government Affairs, Spectrum
• Findlay Mayor Christina Muryn
• Heather Clow, Executive Director, Marathon Center for Performing Arts
• Sol Doten, Senior Vice President, Head of Marketing & Communications, Ovation TV

(Release by the Ohio State Highway Patrol)

Monterey Township – On May 5, 2025, at approximately 10:57 A.M., the Lima Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol responded to a report of fatal crash on US 224 and SR 66 near Ottoville in Putnam County.

Dorothy Smith, age 72, from Anderson, Indiana was driving a 2021 Honda CR-V eastbound on US 224. Brittany Patton, age 28, from Van Wert, Ohio was driving a 2007 Ford E-150 Van southbound on SR 66. The Ford failed to stop at a posted stop sign and struck the Honda. The Honda went off the right side of the roadway, struck a stop sign and overturned. The Ford went off the left side of the roadway.

Dorothy Smith was pronounced deceased at the scene and was transported by Ottoville EMS to the Lucas County Coroner’s Office. Brittany Patton suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was transported by Putnam County EMS to St. Rita’s Medical Center in Lima. Nathan Smith, age 72, from Anderson, Indiana was a passenger in the Honda. He suffered life-threatening injuries and was transported by Ottoville EMS to St. Rita’s Medical Center in Lima. There were three children in the Ford, ages 4, 4, and 3 months. The three children were not injured and were transported by Putnam County EMS to St. Rita’s Medical Center in Lima for precautionary purposes.

Both vehicles sustained severe damage and were transported from the scene by Jim Schmidt Chevrolet.

The children were all in child safety seats and all occupants were wearing their safety belts.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted at the scene by Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, Ottoville Police Department, Kalida Police Department, Ottoville Fire Department, Fort Jennings Fire Department, Kalida Fire Department, Putnam County EMS, Ottoville EMS, Kalida EMS, The Ohio Department of Transportation, Jim Schmidt Chevrolet, and The Putnam County Coroner’s Office.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol encourages everyone to put their phones down while driving and wear their safety belts.

The crash remains under investigation.

A Pre-Trial Conference (Zoom) today on a dispute of ballot language with a proposed Allen Township zoning resolution on Tuesday’s primary election has been referred for second Pre-Trial (again by Zoom) on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. 

The case involves One Power Company vs. the Board of Allen Township Trustees requesting votes cast be rejected. Common Pleas Court Judge Jonathan Starn has requested the parties file their briefs no later than 4:00 pm today.

According to the judgement entry, the parties discussed the status of the pending motion for the issuance of a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO). Based upon those discussions, the Court directed counsel for the parties to brief the issue of what impact, if any, the requested TRO could have on the ability to certify election results if resolution of this matter could not occur before the statutory deadline for certification of election results.

From Mayor Christina Muryn’s Office…

Due to a malfunction of several sirens during this morning’s monthly test, the disaster warning sirens will be retested at 1:30pm today, May 5, 2025.

(From the Diocese of Toledo, May 2025)

The Diocese of Toledo’s St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Findlay will open a Chesterton Academy for the 2026-2027 school year. This new high school will be in addition to the existing St. Michael the Archangel Elementary School, which has provided a high-quality Catholic education to students in pre-K through 8th grade for over 150 years.

“We are blessed to have many good high schools in our community which our students can attend when they complete 8th grade,” said Fr. Adam Hertzfeld, the pastor of St. Michael the Archangel Parish. “The new Chesterton Academy, however, will provide families in our region a completely different educational option from anything else being offered.”

According to Bishop Daniel Thomas, “I am grateful to Fr. Hertzfeld and his team for this new initiative and excited that this model of instruction will be offered in our Diocese. Grounded in a faith and virtue based education, the curriculum challenges students to develop skills of logic and reason so that they can think critically and learn independently. This Chesterton Academy will enrich St. Michael the Archangel Parish, the local region, and Catholic Education in our Diocese.”

The new parish high school will be part of the Chesterton Schools Network, a faith-based educational organization that has over 60 schools around the globe. Students at Chesterton Academies receive a classical Catholic education which provides a broad humanities-focused curriculum. The course of studies defined by the Chesterton Schools Network offers classes in mathematics, the sciences, classical literature, philosophy, and theology. Additionally, all students are also required to take art, music, and drama classes. Students participate in a “house system” which helps build community, fosters
leadership, and cultivates virtues.

“We’ve done a tremendous amount of market research and analysis over the past 18 months that have demonstrated the desire for a Catholic high school in Findlay,” said board chair Rob Spicer. He continues, “a Chesterton education provides students with a broad exposure to many different disciplines which helps to expand their interest and uncover hidden talents, providing integral human formation so students may be articulate, clear thinking, well-rounded and joyful individuals.”

The Chesterton School model is based on the principle of small class sizes and small schools. Instead of a traditional classroom setting, with individual desks and a teacher at a blackboard, Chesterton Academy students are taught in a seminar style around a central table meant to foster discussion and engagement.

While the Catholic faith is interwoven into every subject within the school day, many non-Catholic students attend Chesterton Academies. Both Catholic and non-Catholic families alike appreciate the rigorous classical education the schools offer. If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, visit findlaychesterton.org.

(Release provided by Blanchard Valley Health System)

Blanchard Valley Health System (BVHS) is pleased to announce Benjamin Sapp’s appointment as its new Chief Development Officer at the Blanchard Valley Health Foundation.

Sapp brings more than 18 years of progressive leadership experience in fundraising, education, and nonprofit management. A results-driven development professional, he has consistently excelled in creating and implementing impactful fundraising strategies, building high-performing teams, and fostering meaningful donor relationships.

“We welcome Ben to the organization,” said Myron Lewis, MSW, MBA, FACHE, President & CEO of BVHS. “He will be an extraordinary addition to the team whose focus is to support the health system and community through philanthropy. His experience and relationship-building skills are essential to this role and the overall success of our mission.”

Sapp most recently served as Director of the Mazza Museum at the University of Findlay, where he led with vision and collaboration, significantly advancing the museum’s outreach and philanthropic efforts. His deep ties to the University of Findlay include earning a Master of Arts degree with an emphasis in Children’s Literature in 1995 and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education in 1993, with a focus in Social Studies.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Sapp is an active and passionate community steward. He serves on the boards of the YMCA (2025–present), Hancock Federal Credit Union (2021–present), and Christian Clearing House (2022–present). He is also involved with the Arts and Heritage Council (2017–present) and Toledo Area Cultural Leaders (2014–present), and he previously served on the Macklin Intergenerational Institute Board (2017–2024).

“BVHS is an incredible community partner that provides seamless, high-quality healthcare throughout the region, “ said Ben. I look forward to supporting its mission and working with an outstanding team dedicated to making a difference daily.”

The Blanchard Valley Health Foundation plays a vital role in advancing the mission of BVHS by connecting generous donors to programs and initiatives that enhance patient care and community health. Sapp will be instrumental to these efforts, beginning with the “Our Future” capital campaign, which is already underway.

“I am looking forward to collaborating with current and future donors whose passion is healthcare,” added Sapp. “Together, we will build a foundation for quality care for generations of families.”

To learn more about Blanchard Valley Health System, visit bvhealthsystem.org. You can also support the Blanchard Valley Health Foundation by giving to the capital campaign at bvhealthsystem.org/ourfuture.

Findlay Police have identified the victims who were found deceased in Apartment 1, 708 N. Main Street at 4:31 am on April 20.

In a release by FPD, the victims have been identified as Richard Gutierrez Jr. (52 years old) and Ernesto Mendoza Jr.(61 years old), both of Findlay. Next of kin were notified.

Autopsies have been ordered and the investigation is on going.