All posts by Matt Demczyk

Police Seeking Help In IDing Theft Suspect

(From the Tiffin Police Department)

We are asking for assistance in identifying the individual shown in these photographs.

They are involved in a theft investigation from a Dollar General.

If you recognize this individual, please reach out to Ofc. Garrett at 419-447-2323 or via email at cwgarrett@tiffinohio.gov.

Thank you for helping us keep our community honest and safe!

Community Foundation Awards $770K In Grants

(From the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation)

The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation Board of Trustees approved grants totaling $770,654.84 at the February board meeting. This total includes seven responsive grants and 164 donor advised fund grants.

“This round of grants demonstrates the depth of what we do as a Foundation,” said Brian Treece, President & CEO of The Community Foundation. “From grants for Fun for All community events to supporting rural communities, mental health organizational support, health equity and environmental work. The generosity of our donors makes this work possible, which improves the quality of life for all of us here.”

Responsive Grants

Responsive grants are awarded to organizations that meet community needs and match The Community Foundation’s goals and objectives. Grantseekers must submit a written grant proposal for consideration. Applications are reviewed four times per year.

Funding for responsive grants comes from our Community’s Endowment, which is comprised of Funds for the Common Good and Field of Interest Funds established by donors at The Community Foundation. The following responsive grants were approved by the Board of Trustees, made possible by our Community’s Endowment:

50 North was awarded $18,000 to support events throughout 2025 as part of the Foundation’s Fun for All series of free community events.

The Community Foundation was awarded two grants:

$10,000 to create the Village of Arcadia Community Field of Interest Fund to support items in the village’s Heart & Soul action plan.

$10,000 to create the Village of Arlington Community Field of Interest Fund to support items in the village’s Heart & Soul action plan.

Hancock County ADAMHS Board was awarded $35,000 for planning and project management to renovate the ADAMHS Board’s Grace Boulevard property.

NAMI Hancock County was awarded $1,875 for a board retreat and strategic planning session.

West Ohio Land Conservancy was awarded $56,600 to support hiring a part-time executive director.

University of Findlay Center for Civic Engagement was awarded $10,000 to support community engagement events as part of its Health Equity Action Plan.

Donor Advised Grants

Individuals, families or corporations establish donor advised funds to recommend grants to nonprofits they’re passionate about. The Foundation vets the nonprofits, and grants are awarded. The following donor advised grants were awarded:

164 grants to 104 organizations totaling $629,179.84.

Employee Insights Needed To Shape Hancock County’s Workforce

(From Raise The Bar Hancock County)

Whether employees are on the frontline, managing a team, working in an office, or running a business, their experience at work matters. Raise the Bar Hancock County and the Hancock County Business Advisory Council are calling on local employees at all levels and in all industries to participate in the Professional Insights Poll, a quick survey designed to identify priority skills and training.

The poll is open until February 27, 2025, and takes less than eight minutes to complete. Responses will directly shape local education and training programs, ensuring the next generation is ready to step into careers with the right skills — whether in manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, IT, retail, finance, or any other field.

What We’re Asking About:

    • The tools, equipment, and technology used in an employee’s job
    • The technical skills and certifications that matter to an industry

No matter the workplace role—whether employee’s are just starting out, supervising a team, or leading a company—their perspective is valuable. We need input from all generations, backgrounds, and experience levels.

How to Participate

Taking the survey is easy! Complete the survey by clicking on the photo or scanning the QR code at www.raisethebarhancock.org/insightpoll.

Raise the Bar and local education leaders will use the results to improve career readiness programs, shape curriculum, and support businesses with stronger job candidates.

About Raise the Bar Hancock County

Raise the Bar Hancock County builds partnerships between schools, employers, and community leaders to ensure a strong, skilled workforce. Through initiatives like career exposure programs, curriculum development, and employer engagement, Raise the Bar is shaping the future of work in Hancock County.

About Hancock County Business Advisory Council

Led by Raise the Bar and the Hancock County ESC, the Hancock County Business Advisory Council (BAC) assists in building a viable and productive relationship between the schools and employers in Hancock County through increased awareness, cooperation, and involvement. Operating under the requirements of the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, the Hancock County BAC’s members include representatives from every Hancock County local school district and area employers. The BAC meets quarterly to streamline workforce development initiatives for students in grades K-12.

Camp 9-1-1 Interactive Safety Camp Registration

(From Camp 9-1-1)

Calling all future safety superheroes!

Camp 911 is back and open for registration!

This fun and interactive safety camp is designed for Hancock County kids entering kindergarten and is led by our local first responders.

Dates: June 23 – June 27

Two Sessions Available:

AM Session: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM – Tuesday, June 24 – Friday, June 27

PM Session: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM – Monday, June 23rd – Thursday, June 26

Kids will learn essential safety skills, meet real-life heroes, and have a blast in hands-on activities!

Register Now:

AM Session: https://forms.gle/8mf6rurdbepcpi4v8

PM Session: https://forms.gle/fjYJZxopZWHQMXDj9

Findlay City Schools Preschool Application Open

(From Findlay City Schools)

What better way to celebrate the opening of the Findlay City Schools Preschool application today than with a “stick-tapping”serenade at last night’s Board of Education meeting?

Our 5-Star FCS Preschool not only meets but exceeds state standards for health, safety, and educational quality. We are thrilled to offer this level of excellence to our community.

We also heard from Donnell PTO for our District Support Organization Spotlight about why they choose to continue supporting our staff and students through incredible fundraisers and events, and had an incredible update from our FHS Dean of Students and Assistant Principal about the moves they’re making in restorative practices that are truly impacting every corner of FHS.

We are lucky to be here.

Woman Announces Candidacy For Findlay City Council

A woman has announced her candidacy for Findlay City Council.

Heather Carlin-Kensinger is running for an At-Large seat on City Council.

“Seven generations ago my family founded Findlay. They were instrumental in helping it to grow over the years. I love this town. I want it to continue to be the place my grandfathers envisioned seven generations from now,” Heather wrote in a news release announcing her candidacy which you can read below.

Several other people are running for one of the three At-Large seats on City Council including; Antonia Faisant, Jenny Fall, L. Reed Needles, Randy Otermat, Joshua V. Palmer, and Bradley L. Wagner.   

At-Large incumbents Grant Russel, Randy Greeno, and Jeff Wobser did not file to run for an At-Large seat.    

 

Heather Carlin-Kensinger is officially announcing her candidacy for Findlay City Council At-Large, bringing a vision of common sense policies that sets up our community for economic growth. With a legacy dating back to the original pioneers of Findlay, Heather is committed to making Findlay a better place for all its residents now and for generations to come.

“Seven generations ago my family founded Findlay. They were instrumental in helping it to grow over the years. I love this town. I want it to continue to be the place my grandfathers envisioned seven generations from now. I truly believe that legacy guides us, community unites us, and it is vision that drives us forward.”

Following in the footsteps of her grandfather Mayor William J Carlin and great-great grandfather Mayor William L Carlin, she values the history of Findlay and seeks to create a strong future. She yearns for Findlay to be a safe and attractive community once again for industry, education, entertainment, and family activities. Keeping downtown beautiful, attracting new businesses, and providing new opportunities are key.

“People in the surrounding communities should see Findlay as a destination point. Local businesses should help draw people to us. Growing our economy provides the resources for our citizens to be able to afford the benefits of living in Findlay for them and their children.”

For more information regarding Heather Carlin-Kensinger, please go to www.VoteForHeatherCarlinKensinger.com

Sheriff: Man Arrested In Connection With Domestic Violence Incident

The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office said an irate intoxicated man was eventually taken into custody after barricading himself inside his residence during a domestic violence incident.

Deputies responded to an address on Road L in Ottawa on Sunday night for an active domestic violence situation.

The sheriff’s office said Kris E. Reynolds, 49, had barricaded himself inside the residence and refused to interact with deputies.

The Special Response Team was activated and negotiations were ongoing for several hours with Reynolds refusing to exit the residence.

Warrants were obtained, and after four hours of negotiations and a breakdown of negotiations, the Special Response Team entered the residence and placed Reynolds under arrest without incident.

Jeff Dean Astronomy & Science Exploration Fund

(From GoFundMe)

In honor of Findlay’s Jeff Dean’s lifelong passion for science, space, and astronomy, The Jeff Dean Astronomy & Science Exploration Fund has been established to continue his legacy.

 This initiative will support science education and foster curiosity in students of all ages. 

GoFundMe donations will help Jeff’s family collaborate with his former friends and colleagues to expand astronomy education.

Please consider sharing.

Hancock County Drug Task Force Executes Search Warrants

(From the Hancock METRICH Enforcement Unit)

On 2/20/25 at approx. 1200 hrs the Hancock County METRICH Drug Task Force was conducting surveillance in the area Joshua Frenzel was believed to be located. Joshua had multiple felony warrants out of Hancock County Sheriff’s Office for F-1 possession of cocaine, F-3 possession of fentanyl, and F-3 weapons under disability.

After observing what appeared to multiple drug transactions at two different residences, two search warrants were obtained. At 1703 hrs with the assistance of the Hancock County Special Response Team (SRT), and the Findlay Police Department Emergency Response Team (ERT). Search warrant was conducted at 8166 Parkwood Dr. and 10223 Parkwood Dr.

The search of these two residences yielded 26 Suboxone strips, over 300 prescription pills, multiple suspected stolen credit cards, $490 in cash, 2 firearms, drug paraphernalia, and multiple items indicative of drug trafficking.

As a result of the search the following persons are expected to have charges of possession and permitting drug abuse at the conclusion of the investigation.

Haley Harris (age 22)

8166 Parkwood Dr

Findlay OH

Justin Patterson (age 36)

10223 Parkwood Dr.

Findlay OH

As a result of this operation the following person was arrested and incarcerated at the Hancock County Justice Center:

Joshua Frenzel (age 38)

8166 Parkwood Dr.

Findlay, Ohio

Charge: Warrants Hancock County Sheriff’s Office F-1 possession of cocaine, F-3 possession of fentanyl, and F-3 weapons under disability.

Additional charges of drug trafficking and possession of drugs are expected at the conclusion of this investigation.

The Hancock METRICH Drug Enforcement Unit is supported by METRICH in Mansfield, OH and funded in part by the Office of Criminal Justice Services.

METRICH Crime Tip Hotline: 419-52-CRIME (419-522-7463) or download the METRICH enforcement unit mobile app to “Submit a Tip.”

Ramaswamy Announces Bid For Governor

(From Vivek for Ohio)

Ohio native and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy officially launched his campaign for Governor of Ohio at a high-energy event at CTL Aerospace in Cincinnati. Joined by his wife, Apoorva, Vivek addressed a crowd of more than 1,000 enthusiastic supporters, unveiling an ambitious vision to make Ohio a national leader in economic growth, educational excellence, and cutting-edge innovation—setting an example for the entire country.

In his opening remarks, Vivek officially announced his candidacy for governor. “I’m honored to announce that I am running to be the next governor of a great state at the heart of the greatest nation known to mankind. The state where I was born and raised. The state where Apoorva and I are raising our two sons. A state whose best days are still ahead. I am honored to announce my candidacy to serve as the next Governor of the State of Ohio.”

Born and raised in Cincinnati, the event highlighted Vivek’s commitment to Ohio’s industrial and technological future and his deep roots in the community. In his speech, he pledged to bring bold, fresh leadership to Columbus and chart a new course for the Buckeye State. With a vision rooted in the foundational values of faith, family, patriotism, and hard work, Vivek pledged to lead Ohio to new heights. As governor, he plans to pursue bold priorities to drive Ohio forward:

Economic Excellence Through Bold Leadership: By eliminating government waste and slashing red tape, Vivek will make Ohio the best state in America to live, work, and start a business. He will fight to cut the state income tax—eventually to zero—and to immediately lower skyrocketing property taxes. He will restore law and order by empowering local police and reattach work requirements to Medicaid and welfare.

Making Ohio the State of Educational Excellence: Vivek will make Ohio the nation’s leader in education, where multiple pathways to success are embraced and accessible to all. His goal is to create a true meritocracy that values academic and vocational pursuits equally, empowering every child to follow their unique path to a successful future. His plan includes universal school choice, ensuring school safety with a police officer in every school, and tackling chronic absenteeism. He will fight to implement merit-based pay for teachers and principals, reinstate physical education standards, and address the youth mental health crisis by tackling a deeper crisis of purpose in our young people.

Reviving the American Dream in Ohio: Vivek’s agenda goes beyond economic growth and academic success—it’s about improving everyday life and restoring belief in the American Dream. He envisions a future where local businesses thrive, families grow without financial strain, and every child—no matter their background—has the tools to succeed and build a brighter future. Vivek’s mission is to create a new generation that embraces capitalism, success, and the belief that excellence is their destiny.

 

After presenting his policy vision, Vivek outlined how he will measure success. “My metric for success as your next governor is the number of people who move into our state versus out, the number of children who are born into families in our state, and the number of those children who go on to remain in this state to make Ohio the place where they pursue their American Dream.”

 He urged Ohioans from all walks of life to unite behind his movement. “We want to build a coalition—the movement starts today—of Ohioans, black or white, man or woman, urban or rural, even Democrat or Republican. If you care about economic excellence and educational excellence, then join us because we’re going to be working together to take our state to new heights.”

Looking ahead, Vivek painted a bold vision for Ohio’s future. “Ten years from now, when we’re sending manned rockets to Mars, when we’re powering our electric grid with nuclear energy, when we’re actually curing previously incurable genetic diseases, you know what people are going to say then? ‘Only in Ohio.’ And this is just the beginning.”

Following the Cincinnati launch event, Vivek will continue his campaign kickoff with rallies in New Albany on Monday and Toledo and Strongsville on Tuesday. More than 4,500 Ohioans have RSVP’d to attend all four events.