National Roundabouts Week is September 15-19.

According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), roundabouts can reduce injury and fatal crashes by an average of 82 percent at intersections where they are installed.

The Ohio Department of Transportation says Hancock County has three roundabouts: the Lima Avenue double roundabouts and the one near State Route 15 and U.S. 68.

Hancock County’s fourth roundabout is in the works for next year in Bluffton on State Route 103 at the intersection with Navajo Drive.

In, 2022, a roundabout was installed at U.S. 224 and State Route 587 in western Seneca County between Findlay and Tiffin.

ODOT District 1 Director Chris Hughes on how to navigate a roundabout.

ODOT’s Cheri Newton on the effectiveness of roundabouts.

“They improve intersection safety and improve congestion. They can handle a lot of traffic efficiently and do so while reducing crash severity and crash numbers.”

Learn more about roundabouts by clicking here.

The City of Findlay says traffic patterns will be shifted on the Blanchard Street Bridge between East Main Cross Street and Cross Avenue while repairs are being made to the bridge.

The city says two-way traffic is expected to be maintained during the repairs and to drive with caution in the area.

The City of Findlay said it will provide updates on the project schedule and traffic conditions as needed.

(From the Findlay Police Department)

The funeral service for Officer John Schimmoeller will be held on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at Gateway Church.

Following the service, a funeral procession will take place beginning at approximately 12:00 P.M.

The procession will follow the route below: -North on County Road 9 from Gateway Church -East on State Route 12 / West Main Cross Street -South on South Main Street -West on West Lima Street -North on South Cory Street -West on West Main Cross Street, returning to Gateway Church

The funeral and procession are reserved for family and members of local law enforcement, both active and retired. However, members of the public who wish to pay their respects are encouraged to safely line the procession route.

Please note that traffic delays are expected along the route during the procession. Drivers are advised to plan alternate routes or allow additional travel time.

This event is an opportunity for the community to come together in remembrance and honor of Officer Schimmoeller’s service and dedication. We appreciate the public’s cooperation and support during this time.

(From the City of Fostoria)

Welcome to the Team!

On September 12, Mayor Donald Mennel had the honor of swearing in Fostoria’s newest police officer, Demetreus Bell.

We are excited to welcome Officer Bell to the City of Fostoria and look forward to the positive impact he will have on our community.

(From the City of Findlay)

CONSTRUCTION 9/15-9/19:

-Twp. Rd. 77 (Western Ave.) will be closed to all traffic in sections from Twp. Rd. 80 to Trail 81 for a sanitary sewer project.

-Western/Broad Ave. will be closed to through traffic from Main Cross St. to Howard St. for sewer installation. Detour will be posted.

-Beginning September 15, traffic patterns will be shifted on the bridge on S. Blanchard St. between E. Main Cross St. and Cross Ave. while the bridge is under construction. Two-way traffic is expected to be maintained during construction. Please use caution in this area.

Please call the Engineering Department with any questions (419) 424-7121.

The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office said a man led deputies on a pursuit when they attempted to pick him up on an arrest warrant.

It began at 12:21 a.m. on Monday at a residence on Road 5-F in Leipsic.

The sheriff’s office said before deputies could serve the warrant on Joseph Saldana, 39, he got into his vehicle and fled the residence and a pursuit began.

The pursuit went on and off-road and through farm fields and eventually ended when Saldana’s vehicle became disabled in a field on Road 3, near Gilboa.

Saldana was taken into custody without further incident.

(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