National School Bus Safety Week runs Monday, October 20 through Friday October 24.

During the week, the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office, Findlay Police Department, and the Ohio State Highway Patrol will be increasing enforcement efforts on school bus violations such as passing a stopped school bus.

The enforcement serves as a reminder to drivers, students, and school bus drivers of the importance they all play in ensuring the safety of schoolchildren.

Findlay crime prevention officer Brian White says we all need to do our part to make sure schoolkids are safe around buses.

He says drivers are required to stop at least 10 feet in front of or behind a school bus when flashing lights and a stop arm are displayed and cannot resume driving until the school bus begins moving.

On a two-lane road all lanes of traffic must come to a stop for a school bus that’s loading or unloading students.

On a four-lane road, only vehicles going in the same direction as the school bus must stop.

The Ottawa Police Department said Ottawa-Glandorf Local Schools were placed on modified lockdown on Friday morning.

The police department said the lockdown was in response to the report of a male subject from Michigan who was believed to be experiencing a mental health crisis and was traveling to Ottawa to see his daughter.

Later in the morning, police located the male subject in Ottawa and he was transported to a hospital for evaluation and care.

Get more details from the police department below.

(From the University of Findlay)

University of Findlay President Katherine Fell, Ph.D., has announced her plans to retire at the close of the 2025-26 academic year, concluding 16 years of transformative leadership for UF.

“President Fell has led with vision, faith, and a deep commitment to the transformative power of higher education,” said Chris Ostrander, president of the University’s Board of Trustees. “We are profoundly grateful for her service and her impact on many thousands of students. She will leave Findlay poised for continued growth and a dynamic future.”

President Fell has guided the University through a time of expansion and strategic decision-making to achieve a position of strength in the higher education community, he noted.

Her tenure has been marked by a student-centered focus on academic excellence, experiential learning opportunities, and enhanced campus facilities – all advancing the University’s regional and national reputation.

UF’s standards for excellence were recently recognized for the 20th consecutive year with top rankings in U.S. News & World Report’s annual survey of “America’s Best Colleges.”

Under President Fell’s leadership, Findlay has added many new academic programs, especially at the master’s and doctoral levels, while expanding the number of partnerships with local businesses and community organizations, and amplifying its role as a regional catalyst for economic and social vitality, Ostrander explained.

She also has been a driving force behind “Together We Will,” the largest comprehensive campaign in UF history. Gifts from generous donors have nearly reached the $75 million goal and have constructed the Joseph and Judith Conda STEAM Education Center and the Dick Strahm Champions Field. A multi-million-dollar lead gift created the Watterson Center for Ethical Leadership, and $15.5 million has been given for student scholarships.

“It has been an immense honor for me to serve as the University of Findlay’s president and work alongside talented colleagues to serve our students,” President Fell said. “I am deeply grateful to our many alumni, friends, parents, and community members who believe in UF’s mission to prepare students for meaningful lives and productive careers.”

President Fell came to Findlay in 2010 after serving at Centenary College, Shreveport, La., for 24 years first as an associate professor of English and eventually as the college’s vice president of advancement.

In 2024, the Board of Trustees extended her contract for three years, through June 2026, and left open the option for her to continue beyond 2026 if she chose to do so. The Board of Trustees will launch a national search for the next president. President Fell will serve in her role through the upcoming academic year, continuing to advance key institutional priorities and working closely with the board to ensure a seamless transition.

(From the Findlay Family YMCA)

11 Cooks, 11 Recipes, Unlimited chances to give!

Our tailgate-themed Men Who Cook event is just around the corner! Do you know anyone on this year’s team? Lewis Johnson was last year’s winner, and he’s returning to defend his title. Here’s the rest of the roster: Tim Cooper, executive chef at Blanchard Valley Health System; Donnie Johnson; Matt Hull; JJ Preston; Erik Swanson; Bo Thomas; Chris Webb; Eric Forsyth; Jeremy Scheider; and Dan Metzger.

They’ll be competing for the coveted winner’s apron – and your CASH TIPS! With Coach Cliff Hite as our emcee, a cash bar, and football on the big screens, the night will be a guaranteed win.

Proceeds from tips and ticket sales will support our Open Doors Community Scholarship Campaign, which helps families in need access YMCA memberships and vital programs like free swim lessons, senior fitness classes, and more.

A LIMITED NUMBER OF TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE. Get yours now: https://tinyurl.com/yc3mz5kx

Save the date: Saturday, Nov. 1

Findlay Inn & Conference Center

Who will earn your tip?

(From the City of Findlay)

The City of Findlay will offer a bulk trash drop-off for Findlay residents from Saturday, October 25 to Saturday, November 1, 2025. Hours are 8am-7pm or until full on weekdays and 8am-4pm or until full on Saturdays.

Dumpsters will be at the Public Works Department, 330 N. Cory St. where city residents may dispose of unwanted debris.

Hazardous materials, commercial tires, concrete, appliances and electronics will not be accepted. Proof of residency or ID may be required.

The city will accept noncommercial vehicle tires. The tires must be off of the rim. Proof of residency in the City of Findlay and/or ID will be required.

Please note that it is illegal to transport more than ten scrap tires at any time without obtaining a registration certificate from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency per ORC 3734.83.

(From the Ohio State Highway Patrol)

The Ohio State Highway Patrol is deeply saddened to announce the line-of-duty death of Trooper Nicholas P. Cayton, 40, who was fatally struck while assisting a disabled vehicle on State Route 11 in Mahoning County Thursday morning.

Around 11:52 a.m., Trooper Cayton responded to state Route 11 northbound, south of U.S. 224, following reports of a disabled 2024 Kenworth semi tractor-trailer stopped in the right lane. Upon making contact with the semi driver, Nelson De Jesus Herrera Vasquez, 65, Florida, it was determined his vehicle had struck an item in the roadway.

While still on scene, Trooper Cayton was sitting in his marked cruiser with his emergency overhead lights activated when a 2007 Mack Granite, driven by Ryan Rach, 35, Canfield, traveling northbound crashed into the back of his cruiser. The cruiser then traveled forward into the back of the disabled tractor-trailer, also striking Vasquez who was standing outside of his vehicle.

Trooper Cayton was pronounced dead at the scene and Vasquez was life-flighted to a nearby hospital for treatment. Rach was uninjured in the crash.

The Canfield Fire Department, Boardman Township Fire Department, Ellsworth Fire Department, Canfield Police Department, Mahoning County Sheriff’s Office, Ohio Environmental Protection Agency and Ohio Department of Transportation assisted on scene.

This crash remains under investigation.

(From the Fort Findlay FOP Lodge 20 Foundation)

Findlay’s most magical night of the year is almost here! The 2025 Cops & Kids Findlay Halloween Parade presented by loanDepot will fill south Findlay with costumes, candy, and community spirit on Tuesday, October 21, stepping off at 7 p.m.

All proceeds from the parade benefit the Cops & Kids Champion Fund, which promotes positive interaction between youth and law enforcement and supports law enforcement across Hancock County through the Fort Findlay FOP Lodge #20 Foundation.

Before the parade begins, families are invited to gather for an evening of spooky fun and live entertainment at the Great Pumpkin Playoff, presented in partnership with the Findlay Family YMCA and Ary Entertainment, in the Great Lakes Entertainment Zone at South Main Street and Baldwin Avenue. The YMCA will host a series of games of chance and skill, complete with glow and light-up prizes for lucky winners. Mitch Ary, the official Halloween Hype Man, will keep the crowd moving and grooving with festive tunes to set the tone for the night.

The Great Pumpkin Playoff will conclude with the crowning of this year’s Halloween Parade Queen and King, Lauren Schimmoeller and Alex Bibler.

Following the Great Pumpkin Playoff, parade-goers will enjoy a patriotic opening. Larry Develvis and the United States Marine Corps Color Guard will present the colors as the National Anthem is sung by Summer White. Before the parade reaches State Bank Judges Square, guests will be treated to a lively performance by Findlay First Edition.

Traffic and Parking Information

While the fun is just beginning for spectators, drivers should plan ahead for road closures and parking restrictions in the downtown area.

Parade staging begins at 5:30 p.m., when the route will be secured. Staging areas include:

• South Main Street, south of 6th Street to Fairlawn Place
• Lake Cascades Parkway, from South Main Street to Western Avenue
• Parking lot of Findlay Surgery Center – available for walkers being dropped off

Parking Restrictions
No parking will be allowed starting at 12 p.m. on South Main Street from Lima Street to McPherson Avenue (both sides). Additional no-parking areas beginning at 5 p.m. include:

• South Main Street from Lima Street to Lincoln Street (northbound only)
• East and West Lima Streets from South Main Street to Washington Avenue and South West Street, respectively
• East Street between East Lima Street and East Lincoln Street
• Hancock, First, Second, Third, Glendale, Greenlawn, East McPherson, Seventh, West McPherson, Stadium, Lime, Baldwin, Locust, and Elm Streets (each from South Main Street to the first north/south alley)

Baldwin Avenue (from the alley to South Main Street, including sidewalks) will close at 4 p.m. and remain closed until after the parade. Parking in this area will not be permitted beginning at 4 p.m.

Resident Access
From 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., the Findlay Police Department will accommodate reasonable special travel requests for residents needing access to homes along the parade route. Entry points will be available at South Main Street and Lima Street, and at South Main Street and 6th Street. Requests after 6:30 p.m. will be held until the parade concludes.

For route maps, parade details, and real-time traffic updates, visit https://copsandkidsfindlay.org/.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Roseanna Thornton with Open Arms was on with WFIN’s Chris Oaks to discuss all the programs and services they offer the community.

She says Open Arms Domestic Violence & Rape Crisis Services is available 24/7 to support survivors, educate the community, and help break the cycle of violence in Hancock County.

“No one should have to face abuse alone.”

She says if you, or someone you know, needs help, call or text the 24-Hour Crisis Hotline at 419-422-4766.

Get more information on their website https://openarmsfindlay.com/domestic-violence-awareness…/

Extreme Drought conditions persist in Hancock County and across the region according to the latest map released by the U.S. Drought Monitor on Thursday, October 16.

The map shows most of Hancock County labeled as being in Extreme Drought, with the designation also extending into most of Putnam County, all of Wood County, parts of Seneca County, and in other areas of northwest Ohio.

WTOL-11 Chief Meteorologist Chris Vickers says we can expect some rainfall late Saturday and on Sunday but it will be far from being a drought buster.

Get the latest forecast and weather alerts by clicking here. 

(From the University of Findlay)

“Build Tomorrow with Habitat for Humanity” will be the hands-on theme of this year’s first “Funday Sunday” program at University of Findlay’s Mazza Museum.

The October 26 program, which is free and open to the public, offers free art and construction activities, games, hands-on educational stations, and interactive STEAM activities for the whole family. The family-friendly learning extravaganza encourages artistic expression, enhances literacy, and develops critical thinking skills.

“We are kicking off this year’s series with a special program with one of our community partners,” said Amanda Davidson-Johnston, assistant director at the Mazza Museum. “Habitat for Humanity does such great work in the community, and we want to celebrate their 25th anniversary in Findlay.”

Author/illustrator and paper toy maker Merrill Rainey also will be on hand for this Funday Sunday. A resident of Whitehouse, Ohio, his latest book is On the Air With Dr. Doodlebug, which he describes as “a radio show in a book.” He also works for children’s magazines including Highlights, Ranger Rick, and Humpty Dumpty.

He will provide fun activities allowing children to “color, cut, and create” fun projects.

Registration is required and can be completed on the Mazza Museum’s website.

The Funday Sundays 2025-26 series takes place November through April, from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. It is sponsored by Hancock Federal Credit Union.

Themes for additional Funday Sundays this year are:

December 14: The North Pole Railway

January 11: Happy Birthday USA!

February 8: Jungle Expedition with the Toledo Zoo

March 15: Comics Unleashed

April 19: Weather Wonders

For more information on upcoming events, visit the Mazza Museum’s Events page online at www.mazzamuseum.org/events/. For specific questions regarding Funday Sunday, please contact Amanda Davidson-Johnston, Mazza Museum education manager, at 419-434-4777 or amanda.davidson-johnston@findlay.edu.