(From Findlay City Schools)

A true win isn’t always reflected on a scoreboard.

And for the Findlay Trojans, hockey isn’t just about the goals scored or the games played. It’s about connection, community, and heart.

During a special visit to Birchaven, our players spent time sharing stories from the season, talking about all things hockey, and creating moments that truly mattered. From joyful laughs to meaningful conversations, it was clear: the impact of this team stretches far beyond the ice.

We’re incredibly grateful for opportunities like this—to give back, to listen, and to learn from those who have cheered long before we ever laced up our skates.

This is what it means to be #TrojanTrue.

(From Hancock County Sheriff Michael Cortez)

On behalf of the men and women of the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office, I’m proud to share our 2025 Annual Activity Report with the community.

This report highlights the work your Sheriff’s Office accomplished throughout 2025—across patrol services, corrections, dispatch/communications, investigations, training, and agency initiatives—and reflects our commitment to professionalism, integrity, accountability and excellence.

Thank you for your continued trust and support. We are honored to serve Hancock County—every day, every shift, every call.

— Sheriff Michael Cortez

To the Hancock County Community,

As we close out my first year as your Sheriff, I want to provide a transparent

update on what your Sheriff’s Office has accomplished, what the data tells us, and

where we’re focused next.

Public safety work and service delivery

Your Sheriff’s Office remained consistently active across the county. During 2025,

we closed 32,149 total incidents, conducted 4,214 traffic stops, investigated

1,421 criminal cases, and worked 277 OVI/reckless operation investigations.

We also investigated 1,033 traffic crashes and executed 534 arrest warrants.

In addition to enforcement efforts, our office continues to provide essential court

and civil services, including 2,024 court documents served and 819 civil

protection orders processed, along with other civil actions.

We also continued proactive investigations, including drug enforcement activity in

partnership with our Detectives/METRICH operations.

Emergency communications

Our emergency communications team handled 10,072 calls received through 9-1-

1 services in 2025. That call volume reflects the critical role dispatch plays every

day-often at the very start of a crisis-and I’m grateful for their professionalism

and calm under pressure.

Jail operations and corrections

Our Corrections Division managed an average daily inmate population of 77,

completed 1,471 total book-ins, handled 1,479 internal incidents, and provided

77,518 meals in 2025.

Those numbers reflect a demanding operating environment that requires

consistency, safety, and strong staffing.

Records and clerical services

Behind the scenes, our Records/Clerical team continued to deliver high-volume

public services, including 503 background checks, 531 records requests, 787

reports processed, and 289 expungements.

(From the Tiffin Police Department)

Advocates from the Seneca County Board of DD, Amy Miller, Joe Coleman, and Ruben Villarreal, visited the Tiffin Police Department to share information about Keith’s Law and the new Blue Envelope Program. Thank you to all three for taking the time to meet with Sgt. Watson and I and for helping educate our agency on these important initiatives.

Ohio recently passed HB 144 (Keith’s Law), which allows individuals with a medically diagnosed communication disability or those who regularly transport someone with communication challenges to voluntarily enroll in the program. During traffic stops or emergencies, first responders will be notified through a database that the individual may have difficulty communicating, allowing responders to adjust their approach and reduce misunderstandings.

The Blue Envelope Program supports the same goal.

The envelope serves as a discreet tool for drivers or passengers to alert officers that they may need additional patience or alternative communication methods. Drivers can store their license, registration, insurance, and helpful information inside. The packet also includes a decal and wallet card.

These packets are provided at no cost and can be obtained through your Service and Support Administrator or directly from the Tiffin Police Department.

This is also a good opportunity to remind everyone about the Tiffin Police Department’s Special Needs Advanced Notification Form, which has been available for several years. This form is designed for individuals who may require special assistance during emergencies or during interactions with Police or Fire/EMS. Information provided is confidential and entered into our dispatch system so that responders are better prepared to assist community members when situations arise.

The form is available on the Tiffin Police Department webpage at the link below. Scroll to the final Frequently Asked Question and select the form. Completed forms can be emailed to our Records Division or delivered in person to the dispatch center. This is another way the Tiffin Police Department strives to provide the level of service our community deserves.

If you have questions about the form or need to provide additional information beyond the space provided, please contact the Tiffin Police Department.

Thank you,

Chief Pauly

https://www.tiffinohio.gov/departments/police/faq

(From the Ohio State Highway Patrol)

On January 21, 2026, at approximately 2:47 P.M., the Lima Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol responded to a report of a commercial semi-truck striking a home in Richland Township in Allen County.

Gerry Bright, age 55, from Frankfort, Indiana was operating a 2022 Volvo Semi westbound on US 30. The vehicle went off the right side of the roadway, struck a guardrail, and a fence. The semi then struck a house, causing it to partially collapse, before damaging three parked vehicles. Mr. Bright suffered non-life threatening injuries and was transported from the scene by Beaverdam Richland EMS to Lima Memorial Hospital.

Lawrence Myers, age 51, and Blake Vires, age 21, both from Lima, Ohio were inside the house when it was struck. They both suffered non-life threatening injuries and were transported to Mercy Health St. Rita’s Hospital by Beaverdam Richland EMS.

The semi sustained severe damage and was towed from the scene by Minich Towing. The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted at the scene by Beaverdam Richland Fire, Beaverdam Richland EMS, Minich Towing, and American Electric Power. The crash remains under investigation.

(From the City of Findlay)

Opt-out letters will be mailed to current and newly eligible accounts in the electric aggregation program starting January 19, 2026. Starting with the March 2026 meter reads, the aggregation program will offer a new fixed rate of 9.96 cents ($0.0996) per kWh for 21-months until the December 2027 meter reads. Residents and small businesses should look for a mailer to arrive on or about January 19, 2026, concerning the new electric aggregation program offer from Dynegy.

The mailer will explain the offer the City negotiated and the means to opt-out should a customer not want to participate in the program. Residents will have 21 days to contact, or return an opt-out card to, Dynegy if they decide not to participate.

For current participants wishing to continue, or newly eligible accounts wishing to begin, participating in the aggregation program no action is needed in response to the letter you receive. Only those wishing not to participate in the program should respond to their opt-out letter.

We remind you that the aggregation program is simply another option for you to consider, and it is important that you make yourself aware of the other options available to you, specifically:

• The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio provides a list of other publicly available offers on their website, www.energychoice.ohio.gov. Anyone considering these supply offers should be aware of any early termination penalties, fixed monthly charges, or automatic renewal provisions that can quickly offset any perceived savings. Our program includes none of the above.
• The utility’s default supply option, also known as your Price-to-Compare. This is a variable rate option which is adjusted periodically.
While the aggregation program has been able to protect participants from rising rates over the past several years, the rate for the new term will be rising to meet current market conditions. The aggregation program will continue to provide a competitive price offer. However, it never guarantees to be the lowest available option at all times. Residents are reminded that the aggregation program is simply one option for them to consider as they seek to manage their electric costs.

The City of Findlay is pleased to have made this program possible. Residents who have questions about their letter or status in the aggregation program should contact Dynegy at 888-682-2170. The City of Findlay cannot confirm your account status or add/remove accounts from the program.

For samples of Opt Out letter and FAQ, click on the links below:
Opt Out Letter
FAQ

Findlay Mayor Christina Muryn sent Congressman Bob Latta, Senator Jon Husted, and Senator Bernie Moreno a letter outlining concerns about recent federal action affecting international adoptions and how a local family is being impacted.

You can read Mayor Muryn’s full letter below.

Dear Congressman Latta, Senator Husted, and Senator Moreno:

Happy New Year. I write to you today on behalf of families in Findlay and across Ohio who are being directly impacted by recent federal action affecting intercountry adoption—and, perhaps more importantly, a critical human issue: the protection of vulnerable children.

Findlay is a community that shares your values of family, compassion, and adherence to the law. For many years, Ohio families have followed the rigorous federal and international requirements necessary to adopt children from abroad, particularly from countries that are parties to the Hague Adoption Convention. These families have fully complied with background checks, home studies, security reviews, and all immigration requirements established by the United States government.

The Presidential Proclamation issued on December 16, 2025—Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States—removed the long-standing exemption that allowed visas for internationally adopted children from Haiti and other affected countries. As a result, children who are already legally adopted by U.S. citizens are now unable to enter the United States.

As of this week, a local family informed me that their adoption agency alone has 44 children currently stranded in Haiti, despite being fully and legally adopted by American families, solely because adoption visas can no longer be issued under the Proclamation. These children are not pending matches; their adoptions are complete under U.S. and international law. In addition, dozens of other children remain in legal limbo because their families are awaiting final USCIS approvals that were underway prior to the policy change.

While the federal government has a clear duty to protect national security, children adopted through the Hague Convention process are among the most thoroughly vetted entrants to the United States. They are immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, have undergone extensive scrutiny, and present no credible national security risk. The current policy unintentionally harms children while undermining families who have complied fully with every legal requirement.

As you know, Haiti, along with many other countries around the world, is currently unsafe, and for children, these conditions are even more severe. Each day brings the risk of kidnapping, violence, or exploitation. It is difficult to imagine living with greater fear of personal safety than fear of starvation, yet that is the daily reality for many of these children. Just yesterday, Greybull Rescue successfully completed a courageous operation to bring three adopted children home from Haiti. Those children were only able to enter the United States because their visas had been issued prior to January 1. Their arrival underscores both the urgency of this issue and the reality that children remain in dangerous and unstable conditions solely due to a technical policy barrier.

I respectfully urge you to advocate for the immediate reinstatement of the adoptee visa exemption or for a targeted solution that allows visas to be issued for children already legally adopted by U.S. citizens. Addressing this issue would uphold family unity, honor lawful adoption processes, and reflect America’s longstanding commitment to the welfare of children—without compromising national security.

Families in Findlay and throughout the United States are looking for immediate action from their federal representatives. I appreciate your attention to this matter and your continued service to our state. If I can be of assistance on this critical human issue, please do not hesitate to contact me by phone at 419-424- 7137 or by email at cmuryn@findlayohio.gov.

Respectfully, Christina M. Muryn, Mayor

(From Hancock Leadership)

The Hancock Leadership Class of 2026, an initiative of the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, is proud to announce its class project: Creating Safe Spaces, a transformative initiative to design, build, and dedicate a new playground in the Riverview Terrace neighborhood. This project is a direct response to community-identified needs and aims to foster a safe, visible, and welcoming area for children and families.

According to the 2021 Health Equities Report for Hancock County, Riverview Terrace is part of a larger area in our county experiencing greater health disparities than that of other areas of the community. These disparities affect not only physical health, but also access to safe spaces, social connections, and opportunities for children to build healthy habits early in life.

Local families have voiced a clear need for a safe, open, and visible place for children to play and neighbors to gather. The existing neighborhood playground in Riverview Terrace, located in Liberty Benton school district, is currently unsafe and largely unusable due to its location and equipment condition. Parents and property management agree: a new, well-situated playground is critical for community safety and well-being.

The Creating Safe Spaces project is a collaborative effort led by the Hancock Leadership Class of 2026, in partnership with the Center for Civic Engagement, Findlay Fresh Start, The Delegation, the University of Findlay, and key local government partners. The City of Findlay and Lincoln School Developers have generously offered the playground equipment from the former Lincoln School, which will be relocated and restored at Riverview Terrace. Residents of Riverview Terrace will play a central role in designing and developing the playground, ensuring the space reflects the community’s unique needs and aspirations.

The project is already underway, with planning and coordination involving the County Regional Planning, Commissioners, and Township Trustees. The new playground is scheduled for installation and dedication in May 2026, culminating in a community celebration for all residents.

Hancock Leadership’s fundraising goal is $20,000, which will cover the costs of equipment relocation, repairs, landscaping, and a dedication event. They are calling on local businesses, organizations, and individuals to help them reach this goal. All donations will directly support the creation of a safe, vibrant space where children can thrive and neighbors can connect.

Join Us in Building a Healthier Future

By supporting Creating Safe Spaces, you are investing in the health, safety, and future of Riverview Terrace families. Together, we can address longstanding inequities and create a lasting impact—one playground at a time.

To donate or learn more, please contact the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce or visit www.findlayhancockchamber.com/committees/hancock-adult-leadership/. Let’s build a brighter, healthier future for all our neighbors—starting with a safe place to play.

Findlay City Council approved an ordinance establishing a 12-month moratorium on the establishment, expansion, relocation, or certain changes in ownership and control of businesses utilizing type C skill-based amusement machines.

The city says the moratorium will give it time to review and consider zoning and regulatory controls.

You can read the full ordinance below.

ORDINANCE NO. 2026-011

AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING A TEMPORARY MORATORIUM ON THE

ESTABLISHMENT, EXPANSION, RELOCATION, OR CERTAIN CHANGES IN OWNERSHIP

OR CONTROL OF BUSINESSES UTILIZING TYPE C SKILL-BASED AMUSEMENT

MACHINES WITHIN THE CITY OF FINDLAY, OHIO, FOR A PERIOD OF TWELVE (12)

MONTHS, TO ALLOW TIME FOR THE REVIEW AND CONSIDERATION OF ZONING AND

REGULATORY CONTROLS, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.

WHEREAS, The City of Findlay, Ohio has the authority under Ohio law to regulate land use and

business activities within its jurisdiction in order to protect the public health, safety, and welfare,

and;

WHEREAS, The Ohio Casino Control Commission and Ohio law recognize different categories

of skill-based amusement machines, including devices commonly understood as Type A (such

as claw or crane machines), Type B (such as ticket-redemption arcade games), and Type C

skill-based amusement machines, and;

WHEREAS, Type C skill-based amusement machines are typically characterized by video-

based gameplay that closely resembles casino-style slot machines, are often operated in

standalone or limited-purpose commercial establishments, and may award cash or cash-

equivalent prizes, with the degree of player skill involved being the subject of ongoing regulatory

and legal scrutiny in the State of Ohio, and;

WHEREAS, City Council finds that businesses utilizing Type C skill-based amusement

machines present land-use, secondary-impact, and enforcement considerations that are not

fully addressed under the City’s current zoning regulations, and;

WHEREAS, City Council further finds that the legal and regulatory status of Type C skill-based

amusement machines remains unsettled, and that additional time is necessary to evaluate

appropriate zoning classifications and reasonable local regulations that are consistent with state

law, and;

WHEREAS, City Council desires to act in a transparent, measured, and good-faith manner by

temporarily preserving the status quo while potential zoning and regulatory amendments are

studied and considered, and;

WHEREAS, This moratorium is not intended to regulate gambling, determine the legality of any

device, or restrict traditional amusement or arcade uses, but solely to address local land-use

and zoning considerations associated with businesses utilizing Type C skill-based amusement

machines.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the City of Findlay, State of Ohio:

SECTION 1: A temporary moratorium is hereby established on the establishment, expansion,

or relocation of any business that utilizes Type C skill-based amusement machines, as generally

classified or described by the Ohio Casino Control Commission, within the corporate limits of

the City of Findlay.

SECTION 2: For purposes of this Ordinance, any change in ownership, control, or business

entity of a business utilizing Type C skill-based amusement machines that results in the creation

of a new or substantially different business operation, including but not limited to a sale of

assets, transfer of a controlling interest, or issuance of a new state or local license, shall be

deemed the establishment of a new business and shall be subject to the moratorium

established herein.

Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the continued operation of a lawfully

existing business under the same ownership and control as of the effective date of this

Ordinance. Routine internal corporate restructuring that does not result in a change of

controlling interest or operational control shall not be deemed the establishment of a new

business.

SECTION 3: This moratorium shall not apply to:

Type A skill-based amusement machines, including but not limited to claw or crane machines

awarding non-cash novelty prizes; or

Type B skill-based amusement machines, including arcade-style or ticket-redemption games

customarily operated at family entertainment centers or similar venues.

SECTION 4: The moratorium established by this Ordinance shall be in effect for a period of

twelve (12) months from the effective date of this Ordinance, unless sooner repealed or

extended by City Council.

SECTION 5: The purpose of this moratorium is to allow City Council, the Planning Commission,

and appropriate City departments sufficient time to study, review, and consider zoning and

regulatory amendments related to businesses utilizing Type C skill-based amusement machines

for possible inclusion in the City of Findlay Zoning Code and Codified Ordinances.

SECTION 6: This Ordinance is hereby declared to be an emergency measure necessary for the

immediate preservation of the public peace, health, safety, and welfare of the City of Findlay,

and shall take effect immediately upon its passage and approval by the Mayor.