(From Coats for Christmas)

Coats for Christmas is a great example of the community working together to help out those who are on a tight budget or who are in need and cannot afford a winter coat. Each year we ask many of the area schools and some businesses, organizations, and individuals to collect and donate gently used winter coats.

Previously City Dry Cleaning and now City Uniforms and Linens, graciously cleans all of these coats and that is no small task – generally we collect over 2,300 coats each year. So we thank City Uniforms and Linens for this donation! There is also a goal to have enough gloves and hats for everyone who comes to collect a coat. In addition we also collect blankets and socks that are available at our event.

Donations: If you are not able to donate coats but still want to help. We accept cash or check donations that goes towards Coats for Christmas each year. Mail donations to the Chamber at 123 E Main Cross St Findlay, Ohio. Make the checks out to “The Alliance Foundation” and place Coats for Christmas in the memo line. You may also pay online by going to findlayhancockchamber.com. Select “store” from the drop down menu and click Coats.

Collection & Distribution

Collection locations: We will be collecting used coats from Wednesday, Nov., 12th through Wednesday, Nov., 26th . The coats can be dropped off at the new City Apparel business location at 116 E. Main Cross Street, which was the prior location of City Dry Cleaning. 

Coats may also be dropped off at various Findlay City Schools and county school locations, the Hancock County Library as well as local businesses with donation boxes. If you would like to purchase new coats, hats, mittens, or blankets for the event, then you can drop those off at the downtown YMCA Branch at 300 Lincoln Street in Findlay prior to Fri., Dec. 5th. Indicate when you drop them off that they are new.

Collection dates: Collection will begin on November 12th and will wrap up November 26th.

Cleaning dates: Monday, Dec. 1st – Thursday, Dec. 4th

Set up: Friday, Dec. 5th

Distribution dates: Saturday, December 6th distribution will be from 9 am – 3 pm. Coats will be available again on Sunday, December 7th from 1 pm – 3 pm. There is no financial restriction for eligibility; therefore, anyone in need of a coat or hat and mittens is welcome.

Distribution will take place at East Branch YMCA: 1400 Manor Hill Rd. Findlay, Ohio 45840

Volunteers – So how can you or your business or your organization or your church take part in this event? You can collect coats for us! We ALWAYS need kids’ coats and oversized adult coats. You can buy new mittens, gloves, hats, blankets, or socks? Or you can volunteer to help before the event, during the event, or afterwards. Get involved! It’s a great way to clean out your closets, help out those in need, and give back.

Click the link to sign up to volunteer: Coats for Christmas Commitee: Coats for Christmas 2025

Volunteers can contact Jackie Baltz at Jacquelynbaltz@gmail.com with any questions regarding volunteering.

For more information follow for updates on facebook.com/coatsforchristmas.

The City of Findlay has adopted an ordinance regulating animal noise.

The ordinance passed by Findlay City Council states: “no owner, keeper or harborer of an animal shall permit or suffer such an animal to continuously bark, howl or emit other audible sounds which create excessive or offensive noise to the annoyance or discomfort of any person of ordinary sensibilities in the vicinity of such animal.”

Someone found to be in violation of the ordinance would be guilty of a minor misdemeanor.

(From the Hancock Historical Museum)

Celebrate Noirvember with Us!

Join the Hancock Historical Museum for Classic Movie Night on Friday, November 21 at 7 PM as we screen Dark Passage (1947), starring Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall.

But what is film noir?

Film noir emerged in the 1940s, known for its shadowy atmosphere, morally tangled characters, and stories where nothing is quite what it seems. These films blend crime, suspense, and moody visual style—perfect for chilly November nights.

Free Admission

Popcorn & refreshments provided

Doors open at 6:30 PM

Before the film, enjoy some historical background to set the mood—and stick around afterward for an optional discussion.

Step into the shadows with this Noirvember favorite!

(From Tiffin City Schools)

A message from Mr. Monsour:

Today, I had the honor of receiving my official recognition from the State Board of Education—an unforgettable moment in my career. It was followed by a lunch at the Statehouse with Governor Mike DeWine and Fran DeWine.

To the staff of Tiffin Columbian High School and to all my students—past and present—this recognition is truly yours. Everything I am as an educator has been shaped by your hard work, curiosity, and commitment. This award is for you.

And to the Tiffin community: thank you. Your support for your teachers, especially through tough times, we have had a cre, has meant more than you know. Strong schools are built by strong communities, and I’m grateful every day to call this one home.

Feeling humbled, grateful, and TC proud.

(ONN) – A bill to eliminate Ohio’s four-day grace period for mail-in absentee ballots to be received took another step forward.

The House General Government Committee passed Senate Bill 293 by a vote of 9-4 along party lines with Republicans supporting it.

Currently, ballots can be received by board of elections offices up to four days after the election.

The bill sponsors say 34 states already require absentee ballots to be returned by mail on or before Election Day. Ohio would be the 35th. They say it would bring Ohio in line with federal election law.

Opponents have called the measure a voter suppression bill.

Under this bill, military and overseas voters are exempt and would still get the four-day grace period.

The Findlay Trojans football team finished the season with a record of 6-5, losing their first-round playoff game to Huber Heights Wayne.

John Marshall, on his Coaches Corner show, spoke with Head Coach Stefan Adams about how the season went, pointing out that seven points was the difference between a 6-5 record and going 9-2.

Coach Adams said his players fought every snap all season long and thanks the fans for their support.

Get more of John’s interview with Coach Adams below, which WFIN’s Chris Oaks played back on his show.

(From the Wood County Sheriff’s Office)

Sheriff Mark Wasylyshyn announces that the Ohio Department of Public Safety’s (ODPS)

Ohio Traffic Safety Office (OTSO) awarded $56,893.48 in federal traffic safety funding to the

Wood County Sheriff’s Office for federal fiscal year 2026.

“These funds are critical in ensuring that we are doing everything we possibly can to keep our local community safe,” said Sheriff Mark Wasylyshyn. “Speed, impaired driving, restraint use are a priority for Wood County and we are committed to working with our partners at the state level to address this safety issue.”

The Wood County Sheriff’s Office will be conducting high-visibility enforcement, working overtime hours funded by the grant funds for 2025-2026.

The City of Findlay Christmas Tree has arrived and was put up in Dorney Plaza in front of the Findlay Municipal Building.

The tree will be decorated over the coming days, leading up to the tree lighting ceremony on Friday, November 28, at 6 p.m.

The tree already has its topper in place, a star that was made by students at Millstream Career Center in 2021.

Read more about the star by clicking here.

See video of last year’s tree lighting ceremony below. 

(ONN) – It is estimated that almost 1 million Ohioans have medical debt, and new bipartisan legislation at the Ohio Statehouse could ease some of the problems associated with carrying that debt.

Many people are one medical emergency away from being in a financial crisis.

Now there’s a bipartisan push to address the crisis at the state level.

The bill would prohibit medical debt from appearing on credit reports, ban wage garnishment, and cap interest at 3 percent, down from the current 8 percent.

Lawmakers say the bill does face opposition, mostly from debt collectors.

(From the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce)

The beloved Blaze of Lights event is ready to illuminate Bluffton with holiday cheer once more. Organized by the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the Village of Bluffton, this year’s celebration is set to provide a full day of festive activities on November 29, 2025.

Celebrate Small Business Saturday – Shop Local All Day!
Start your day by supporting Bluffton’s local businesses. Discover unique gifts and enjoy special deals as you shop small, reinforcing the community ties and getting into the holiday spirit.

Event Highlights:

4:00 PM – Vine Street Food Trucks: Indulge in a variety of flavorful options from local food trucks stationed on Vine Street, offering a delicious bite to delight every palate.

5:00 PM – Parade on Main Street: Experience the magic of our holiday parade as it makes its way from Snider Rd to College Ave, showcasing creative floats and the exuberant spirit of the season.

6:00 PM – Evening Activities on Main Street:

• Revel in live music and entertainment
• Visits with Santa Claus for delightful holiday moments
• Trolley and horse-drawn wagon tours for a nostalgic experience
• The Hope Express train rides for the kids and kids at heart
• Make a new friend at the Furry Tales Mobile Workshop

6:30 PM – Reading of the Christmas Story and Lighting of the Ream Display: Gather on Main St. for a heartfelt reading of the Christmas story followed by the festive lighting of the Ream display, a traditional highlight of the celebration.

7:00 PM – After the Blaze Party on Vine Street: End the night on a high note with the After the Blaze Party featuring food, adult beverages, and live music by the energetic “Stedic Music.” For more about Stedic Music, visit their Facebook page.

Join us for this annual Bluffton tradition, where community, lights, and holiday joy come together to create memories that last a lifetime. We invite everyone to partake in the festivities and joy of the season.