All posts by Matt Demczyk

City Of Findlay Christmas Tree Goes Up In Front Of Municipal Building

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. 

Medical Debt Bill Proposed At Ohio Statehouse

(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.

‘Blaze Of Lights’ Ready To Illuminate Bluffton Once Again

(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.

Children’s Museum Of Findlay Excited For New Location

The Children’s Museum of Findlay recently announced its new location after having to leave the now-demolished Findlay Mall.

The new location for the Children’s Museum of Findlay will be 11600 County Road 99, a little east of the RaceTrac gas station.

“We can’t wait to bring PLAY back to life for our community,” the museum said while announcing its new location.

A special thank-you to our Board Members, donors, and community champions who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make this happen.

Executive Director Allison Behm-Kemmere was on with WFIN’s Chris Oaks to discuss all that goes into getting their new facility ready for the kids.

OSHP Findlay Post Dispatcher Of The Year

(From the Ohio State Highway Patrol)

Ohio State Highway Patrol Dispatcher Lisa M. Burns has been selected as the 2025 Dispatcher of the Year at the Findlay Dispatch Center.

The selection of Dispatcher Burns, is in recognition of outstanding service during 2025 at the Findlay Dispatch Center. Fellow dispatchers from the Findlay Post, troopers and supervision from the Findlay Post, and troopers and supervision from the Lima Post chose Burns based on technical job knowledge and ability, enthusiastic work attitude, teamwork, and prompt and courteous response to the public’s request for information and assistance.

Dispatcher Burns joined the Patrol in 2021 and has served at the Findlay Dispatch Center throughout her career. She is now in contention for the District and State Dispatcher of the Year Award to be announced at a later date.

Dispatcher Burns resides in Hancock County with her husband.

Twinkle Nights Drive-Thru Holiday Light Show

(From Family Resource Center)

Family Resource Center is thrilled to announce the inaugural season of Twinkle Nights, Hancock County’s first drive-thru holiday light show. This brand-new community tradition launches at the Hancock County Fairgrounds beginning on Saturday, November 22, and will run every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night through December 21.

Before cars roll through the opening weekend, the community is invited to a special walk-thru preview night on Friday, November 21. This will be the only opportunity to experience Twinkle Nights on foot, which allows families, neighbors, and holiday light lovers a chance to take in the displays up close and at their own pace. There is no charge for admission to the one-time only walk-thru night, but donations to Family Resource Center are encouraged.

Twinkle Nights brings a new experience to the area, combining dozens of scenes, thousands of lights, festive family fun, and a mission-driven purpose. Proceeds from the event will support Family Resource Center’s work in providing mental health and addiction prevention, treatment, and recovery services in the area.

Several theme nights are planned, including two sensory-sensitive “Calm & Bright Nights” with a less intense sight and sound experience, a toy drive to support the local Toys for Tots program, a weekend recognizing Veterans, and a special visit from holiday characters including Santa Claus himself on the last weekend before Christmas.

Regular admission to Twinkle Nights is $15 per carload per visit, and a $25 Season Pass, which is good for unlimited visits, is also available. To learn more about Family Resource Center’s mission and our new Twinkle Nights Drive-Thru Holiday Light Show, visit www.twinklenightsfindlay.com

Man Dies In Hancock County Crash

The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal crash.

The crash happened at around 4:24 Tuesday morning on Township Road 21, west of State Route 613.

The sheriff’s office says Arthur Patterson Jr., 81, of North Baltimore, was driving west on Township Road 21, west of State Route 613, when he failed to negotiate a curve and his SUV went off the road and overturned.

Patterson Jr. was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The crash remains under investigation.

New Diverging Diamond Interchange Opens On North End Of Findlay

The new diverging diamond interchange at Interstate 75 and County Road 99 on the north end of Findlay opened on Monday afternoon.

The Ohio Department of Transportation says the new interchange will combat congestion at the important economic hub while reducing the risk of crashes and making travel in the area easier and safer.

WFIN News spoke with Findlay Mayor Christina Muryn about the importance of the new interchange.

We also spoke with Hancock County Engineer Doug Cade at the ribbon-cutting for the new interchange.

ODOT says a DDI shifts the eastbound and westbound traffic to the other side of the bridge at signalized crossovers which eliminates left turns across traffic and the traffic signals for left turns.

The benefit is that all traffic can enter the interstate in a free flow movement to the ramps which reduces the long start and stop times of trucks at signals.

The project also included upgrading intersections along County Road 99 from North Main Street to Technology Drive.

The video below explains how to navigate a diverging diamond interchange.

The picture above is from the ribbon-cutting, which was held at 2 o’clock, and the interchange opened a little after 4 o’clock. 

Hancock County Veterans Service Office Announces New Location

(From the Hancock County Veterans Service Office)

The Hancock County Veterans Service Office is on the move. Beginning Monday, December 1, the office will officially open at its new location: 401 Olive Street, Findlay.

This expanded space will allow the agency to better serve veterans, their families, and community members. All current services— including benefits assistance, employment resources, and transportation —will continue without interruption. The dedicated staff looks forward to providing even stronger communication and connection from the new office.

To prepare for the move, the office will be closed November 24–26. During this time, the main office phone will be temporarily unavailable. Anyone needing assistance may call the temporary number at 419-348-9330.

The team is excited to welcome Hancock County veterans to the new location beginning December 1 and appreciates the community’s patience and support during the transition. For questions or additional information, visit www.hancockveterans.com or call 419-424-7036.