(From the Ohio Division of Wildlife)

Ohio’s weeklong deer gun hunting season begins Monday, Dec. 2, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. The gun season traditionally begins the Monday after Thanksgiving, is open to all hunters, and runs until Sunday, Dec. 8. An additional deer gun weekend follows on Dec. 21-22.

Ohio’s first deer gun season was in 1943, and excitement has remained high for white-tailed deer hunting ever since. Deer gun harvest totals are typically highest in eastern Ohio. Coshocton (2,440), Tuscarawas (2,260), Ashtabula (2,189), Muskingum (2,076), and Knox (1,878) counties led the state during the 2023 seven-day gun season. 

Hunters harvested 95,606 deer during all 2023 gun seasons (gun week, December gun weekend, and youth weekend). That total includes 70,103 deer taken during the seven-day gun season. Hunters ages 17 and younger checked 10,033 deer during the 2023 youth weekend, and another 15,470 deer in the December gun weekend. The three-year average (2021 to 2023) for these seasons is 93,207.

(From the Seneca County Drug Task Force)

On Monday, November 25, 2024, the Seneca County Drug Task Force-METRICH Enforcement Unit, along with additional Officers from the Fostoria Police Department, and Agents from the Federal Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms (ATF), Toledo Division apprehended a fleeing fugitive, in the City of Fostoria, Seneca, County, Ohio.

While preparing to execute a drug-related search warrant on a residence located at 739 Cherry Street, Fostoria, Ohio, that being the residence of Christopher Conley, Agents observed a subject by the name of Clarence David Smith Jr., who was a known fugitive, leaving the residence. A brief pursuit occurred, and Smith was discovered hiding in a garage in the 900 block of North Main Street, Fostoria, Ohio.

Upon placing Smith under arrest, Agents discovered additional Crack Cocaine, Heroin, and US Currency. Once Smith was in custody, agents and officers executed the search warrant at the residence of 739 Cherry Street, Fostoria, Ohio. The search warrant resulted in an additional small amount of Cocaine and instruments indicative of drug trafficking and abuse.

Arrested was Clarence David Smith Jr., 53 YOA for the outstanding drug trafficking warrant out of Seneca County and Aggravated Burglary, Failure to comply, tampering with evidence, and resisting arrest. And Christopher R. Conley, 46 YOA for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Additional charges of Possession of Crack Cocaine and Heroin are both pending on Smith upon further investigation.

“The Task Force has indicated that Mr. Smith is a person of interest in the drug trade that plagues our community. We have been receiving multiple complaints regarding him and the residence located at 739 Cherry Street being suspected in the illegal sales of drugs. We will continue to utilize all of the resources we have available to pursue these individuals who choose to poison our community. This is certainly not Mr. Smith’s first rodeo suspecting to be involved in drug trafficking.”……Chief Gabriel Wedge, Fostoria Police Department, said.

“I encourage citizens to continue reporting suspicious activity to their local agencies or the Seneca County Drug Task Force – METRICH Enforcement Unit Crime Hotline.ne at Local 419-443-0463, ext: 1140.”

(From the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation)

The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation Board of Trustees approved grants totaling $1,092,906.50 at the November board meeting. This total includes 30 responsive grants, 13 president’s discretionary grants and 57 donor-advised fund grants.

“So far this year we’ve awarded more than $3.3 million,” said Brian Treece, President & CEO of The Community Foundation. “Each dollar granted represents the investments donors make in the Foundation to support Hancock County and the grantee organizations who partner with us to improve the quality of life for all in the community.”

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:

Arcadia Local Schools was awarded $940 to support the creation of a greenhouse by FFA students.

Black Heritage Library and Multicultural Center was awarded $1,730 to support the Hispanic Heritage Celebration as part of the Fun for All series of free community events.

Blanchard Valley Center was awarded $10,650 to support early intervention language translation resources for local families.

Blanchard Valley Health System was awarded $24,941 to train and deploy local interpreters for newcomers to ensure better health and financial outcomes.

Children’s Mentoring Connection was awarded $1,697 to support three teen-focused events through Family and Children First Council, City Life and FOCUS Recovery and Wellness Community as part of the Fun for All series of free community events.

Children’s Museum of Findlay was awarded $150 for incorporating pumpkins into a fall free play day as part of the Fun for All series of free community events.

City of Findlay was awarded three grants:

$2,500 for a video series to assist the newcomer population.

$5,265 for the city’s Christmas tree ornament decorating and free ice skating as part of the Fun for All series of free community events.

$2,500 for a video series for newcomer population assimilation support.

The Community Foundation was awarded four grants:

$5,500 for the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy’s AI course for local nonprofit organizations.

$10,000 for community leadership efforts, including mayors’ meetings, Community Conversations and more.

$12,000 for school foundation capacity building.

$20,000 for research on workforce and recreation in Hancock County.

Hancock Public Health was awarded three grants:

$924 for services to diabetic youth in local school systems.

$2,150 for CPR/AED training for Family Center agencies.

$15,000 for ongoing translation services.

Lima Symphony Orchestra was awarded $2,500 to support three Symphony Storytime performances at the library as part of the Fun for All series of free community events.

Marathon Center for the Performing Arts was awarded $10,023 for a free concert in Jenera as part of the Fun for All series of free community events.

Miracle League of Findlay was awarded $25,000 to leverage funding for the Miracle Park Fitness Complex near the Cube.

Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation, Inc. was awarded $1,305 for a Fall Family Fun Day as part of the Fun for All series of free community events.

Open Arms Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Services was awarded $7,548 to support the expansion of services into the rural parts of Hancock County.

Raise the Bar was awarded $549 to support the expansion of the K-12 Career Engagement Immersion Continuum with local students.

Toledo Opera was awarded $10,000 to support a Family Opera on Wheels event and presentations at local city and county schools.

Toledo Zoological Society Foundation was awarded $533 for a November Funday Sunday at the Mazza Museum as part of the Fun for All series of free community events.

Village of Arlington was awarded $5,615 for a portable ice skating rink.

Village of McComb was awarded $1,056 to support a village mural related to Heart & Soul.

Village of Mt. Blanchard was awarded $678 to support Hurricane Park improvements as a Heart & Soul priority.

President’s Discretionary Grants

President’s Discretionary grants fund urgent or special requests outside The Community Foundation’s various grant cycles. The President of The Community Foundation is allocated an amount each year. These grants typically do not individually exceed $5,000. The following discretionary grants were awarded:

This year, TCF staff dedicated the 2024 president’s discretionary funds to combat nonprofit staff burnout.

Children’s Mentoring Connection was awarded $2,000 for a team-building retreat for CMC staff.

Christian Clearing House was awarded $730 for a spa day for CCH staff.

The Community Foundation was awarded $4,234 for a nonprofit appreciation day for local organizations.

Findlay Area Youth for Christ was awarded $2,079 for a staff appreciation evening.

Findlay-Hancock County Public Library was awarded $3,168 for staff logo wear.

Findlay Hope House was awarded $5,000 for the new Connecting Area Professionals of Social Services (CAPSS) program, which aims to create a sense of community for these professionals.

Findlay YMCA was awarded $1,996 for a teambuilding day for leadership staff.

FOCUS Recovery and Wellness Community was awarded $3,000 for a day of mental health supporting activities for staff.

Habitat for Humanity of Findlay/Hancock County was awarded $2,450 for teambuilding day.

Hancock Historical Museum was awarded $973 for a staff appreciation day.

Marathon Center for the Performing Arts was awarded $1,770 for a staff retreat day.

NAMI Hancock County was awarded $1,400 for teambuilding activities.

Welcome to A New Life was awarded $1,200 for teambuilding activities.

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:

57 grants to 44 organizations totaling $630,120.50.

(From the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office)

The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating numerous cases of fraud and scam complaints.

The suspects in the investigations are contacting victims via telephone, posing as family members, court employees, law enforcement officers, and agents of several different federal agencies.

While speaking with the victims, they sound legitimate and convincing.

Many of the victims are requested to provide cash, gift cards, or several different types of electronic transactions, sometimes in the form of Cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin.

Cash transactions have reportedly been conducted at residences, parking lots and outside of closed businesses. Not only does a theft occur, these types of transactions place victims in incredibly unsafe, potentially dangerous situations, and should always be avoided.

Although anyone could fall victim to the scams, the victims targeted are typically elderly.

The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind everyone that no legitimate court employee, law enforcement officer or federal agent will request anyone to conduct financial business through the form of gift cards or cryptocurrency.

Additionally, cash will not be accepted anywhere other than in-person at a legitimate, official building and only by a clearly identifiable official employee.

If you have any additional information related to or believe you or a loved one have fallen victim to this type of scam, please contact your local law enforcement agency.

For the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office, call 419-422-2424.

Detective Aaron J. Smith L49

Hancock County Sheriff’s Office

(From Welcome to a New Life)

Welcome to a New Life, a nonprofit organization mentoring adults involved in the Hancock County criminal justice system, is once again holding a gift card drive as their 2024 Giving Tuesday project. The organization is seeking donations of gift cards to restaurants and coffee shops. Other gift cards (Walmart, Meijer, Dollar General, cab vouchers, gas cards, etc.) will also be accepted and will be used to assist mentees with unexpected expenses.

The mission of Welcome to a New Life relies on volunteer mentors to meet regularly with adults involved in the Hancock County criminal justice system, helping them to establish goals, develop healthy relationships, and giving them hope in their new life journey. Often, these meetings occur in local small businesses like restaurants, cafes and other businesses providing services.

By hosting a Giving Tuesday Gift Card Drive, Welcome to a New Life believes that we are not only supporting the work of our volunteer mentors and their mentees, but also our Hancock County businesses. By purchasing a gift card and donating it to Welcome to a New Life, the restaurants and businesses win, our organization wins, and the mentors and mentees win.

How to Participate:
Purchase a gift card from a restaurant, coffee shop, or store. We Serve. Coffee will match any $5 gift card purchased at their cafe. To get your donation back to WNL, you can: Bring the gift card to We Serve. Coffee – you’ll get a free 16oz. drink; Bring the gift card to WNL’s Open House on December 3 from 8am – 5pm at 1219 W. Main Cross St. Suite 201; or you can mail the gift card to:

Welcome to a New Life
1219 West Main Cross Suite 201
Findlay, OH 45840

If you would like to provide an online contribution toward the purchase of gift cards, visit https://www.welcometoanewlife.org/givingtuesday.

For more information visit welcometoanewlife.org or contact the WNL office at 419-455-6082.

(From the City of Findlay)

Mayor Christina Muryn has issued a proclamation declaring Saturday, November 30, 2024, as Small Business Saturday in Findlay, Ohio and recognizes the contributions that small businesses make to our local economy.

For information on Small Business Saturday, including extended business hours, head to the Visit Findlay website.

(From Bowling Green State University)

Bowling Green State University is the first university in the United States to accept mobile driver’s licenses for age verification. Concessionaires across BGSU’s athletic events will be able to securely and privately accept customers’ mobile driver’s licenses, including IDs in Apple Wallet, in person at its athletics events.

Ohio driver’s licenses and state IDs are available for Ohioans to add to Apple Wallet, which the state of Ohio adopted earlier this year. This has allowed Ohio residents to add their state-issued identification card or driver’s license directly to Apple Wallet for use in various locations – which now includes inside BGSU Athletics venues. Ohio driver’s licenses and state IDs in Apple Wallet offer a convenient and secure companion to the physical plastic card but does not replace an individual’s physical card.

“It’s great to see Bowling Green State University become a nationwide trailblazer for adopting the Ohio Mobile ID, providing convenience to spectators and Falcon fans attending BGSU athletic events,” said Lt. Governor Jon Husted. “At InnovateOhio, our goal is to make Ohio the most innovative, entrepreneurial state in the Midwest, and the Ohio Mobile ID is one of the latest efforts aimed at better serving our customers – the people of Ohio – through technology.”

Users can present a compliant mobile driver’s license to a Tap2iD reader using NFC technology from Credence to privately and securely verify their age when making a purchase.

When a user presents their mobile driver’s license to a BGSU concession, the concessionaire will only be provided the required information necessary for age verification, such as age and ID photo.

How to present an ID in Apple Wallet
To present an ID in Apple Wallet, residents can simply hold their iPhone or Apple Watch near a reader. Residents’ devices will then display what information is being requested, and only after authorizing with Face ID or Touch ID is the requested information released from a device. Since the information is shared digitally, residents do not need to hand over their iPhone or Apple Watch to present an ID in Apple Wallet.

A cutting-edge campus
The implementation is part of the University’s continued effort to adopt cutting-edge technology on its campuses. 

In 2020, BGSU was the first university in Ohio to implement Starship Technology, which allows users to have food delivered using 100% electric robots. The University deployed an autonomous floor-scrubbing robot in 2023 to increase cleanliness and campus health while enhancing employee experiences.

This year, BGSU was among the first universities in the country to introduce Amazon Just Walk Out technology, which allows shoppers to check out at a campus market without waiting in any lines.

“Bowling Green State University has long embraced the latest in technology to streamline the student experience, as well as the experience of supporters and community members visiting our campus,” BGSU President Rodney K. Rogers said. “As a public university for the public good, Bowling Green is pleased to be part of the innovation taking place across Ohio. We are grateful to InnovateOhio and Lt. Governor Husted for supporting the implementation of Ohio Mobile ID at BGSU, which provides a safe, more convenient experience for our students and guests.”

BGSU Athletics already uses the All-In-1 Pass for sporting events, which allows season-ticket holders, students and mini-plan holders to add all of their seat tickets to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet — without having to download new tickets every week.

“BGSU Athletics is continuously looking for innovative ways to implement new technologies that enhance our fan experience,” BGSU Director of Athletics Derek van der Merwe said. “Throughout the past two years, we have been directly engaging with our fans through consumer surveys to focus our efforts on elevating the game day experience. We are excited to introduce this cutting-edge technology, which aligns with the feedback we have received in finding new ways to reduce wait times and get our fans back to the game.”

Students and visitors from other states who support mobile driver’s licenses including Arizona, Maryland, Georgia, Colorado, Hawaii, California, Iowa, New York and Utah, will also be able to present their mobile driver’s licenses at BGSU events.

Ohio driver’s licenses and state IDs in Apple Wallet
In addition to BGSU’s athletic events, Ohio driver’s licenses and state IDs in Apple Wallet can today be used in-person at select airport TSA check lanes, including Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport and John Glenn Columbus International Airport, and businesses with compliant mobile ID readers, or in select apps that require identity or age verification.

To add an Ohio driver’s license or state ID to Apple Wallet, residents can tap the + button at the top of the screen in Apple Wallet on their iPhone, select “driver’s license or state ID,” and follow the on-screen instructions to start the set-up and verification process.

For more information on the Ohio Mobile ID, FAQS and demonstration videos, visit the OhioBMV website.

(From the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office)

Be warned Seneca County Residents, the scammers have made their rounds back to our county…..again.

The recent scammers are using our name, SENECA COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE and collecting some of our names off of our website or annual reports and calling your landlines and cell phones and sounding official and even texting documents to your cell phones that look “official”. The typical scam is that you have a warrant because you missed a court date or jury duty, out of Toledo for Federal Court and a Judge has signed a warrant for your arrest. But you can pay it off and not be arrested. They then request $$$ over the phone be sent to them through gift cards or something similar.

For the thousandth time, NO POLICE/SHERIFF official will call you and threaten to arrest you if you don’t send them an ITUNE card or other means of sending money. IF you have a warrant we will come speak with you in person, in uniform with warrant in hand and if it isn’t a Felony then you will be allowed to post bond but not to us as we do not take money, that would be at the court or at TPD Dispatch. PLEASE just hang up and block that number.

There is no need to contact our office or the courthouse as this is 100% a scam. From what we can tell it has been going around about a week now in our County and even our own Deputies are getting the calls and when confronted the scammer hangs up. Of course they spoof the number they are calling on so it cannot be tracked. They have tried using Deputy’s names and a couple of our sergeants or made up Sergeant names, and just today are using our Chief Deputy’s name to make it sound official or to make you second guess yourselves because you may know the name they are using.

Please do not fall for this and let everyone know, especially your elderly relatives who may not be on social media and read this, to just hang up and block the number. The sooner they get no responses (ie. $$$) then they will move on to another geographical area to try their scam.

-Sheriff Stevens

(From the Ohio State Highway Patrol)

The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Lima Post is investigating a fatal crash that occurred at approximately 6:46 A.M. on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, on Reservoir Road in Allen County.

A bicycle, operated by Luis A. Santiago Garcia, age 38, of Bluffton, Indiana, was westbound on Reservoir Road. A 2020 Ford F-150, operated by James L. Kidd Sr., age 58, of Kenton, was also westbound on Reservoir Road. Mr. Kidd struck Mr. Garcia in the rear. Mr. Garcia was thrown from the bicycle after impact. Mr. Garcia’s bicycle was not equipped with lights in the front or the rear.

Mr. Garcia succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene by the Allen County Coroner’s Office.

The crash resulted in a closure of Reservoir Road, between Cool Road and Thayer Road. The roadway has since been reopened.

The Lima Post was assisted on scene by the Allen County Sheriff’s Office, Lafayette-Jackson Township Fire Department, Bath Township Fire Department, the Allen County Coroner’s Office, H&H Funeral Services, and Minich Truck Repair Towing Services.

The crash remains under investigation

(From Dr. Bill Kose with Blanchard Valley Health System)

Colon cancer is very treatable when detected early, but not enough people get screened for it regularly. At Blanchard Valley Health System, we encourage people not to forget this important aspect of caring for themselves and their health.

The recommended screening age has been reduced to 45 years old for individuals who have no symptoms. People with a family history of colon cancer may want to talk to their doctor about possibly getting screened at an earlier age. People living with other gastrointestinal illnesses, such as inflammatory bowel disease or ulcerative colitis, may also be at higher risk and might benefit from getting screened at an earlier age. If you have any questions about whether you should be screened, talk to your primary care provider.

The recommended screening age of 45, which was previously 50, has been lowered because more younger adults are being diagnosed with colon cancer.

People younger than 45 do get colon cancer, too, although not as often. Regardless of your age, it’s a good idea to get checked if you experience symptoms, such as bleeding or a change in bowel habits.

Colonoscopies are the most effective way of screening for colon cancer. People may delay a colonoscopy for many reasons, but the most common is the preparation. The bowel must be completely cleaned out prior to the colonoscopy. This is a day-long process.

However, if you have heard stories of people who had really difficult colonoscopy experiences in the past, keep in mind that things have changed. The preparation process itself, while still uncomfortable, is more tolerable than it used to be.

Anesthesia, too, is very different. You will be fully sedated and should not be awake or aware at all during the colonoscopy itself. However, you should wake up fairly quickly afterward, without the same level of grogginess that patients experienced in the past. You will still need someone to drive you home, but otherwise, you should be able to go about normal activities later that day.

If you’ve never had a colonoscopy before, the process may cause some anxiety if you don’t know what to expect. Be sure to ask your healthcare team any questions ahead of time. They want you to get screened and to be well prepared.

A colonoscopy is considered the “gold standard” of screening for colon cancer. It can have its drawbacks, however. For some people, taking a day off of work for the preparation may not be feasible, for example.

So, while it is considered the best test, we encourage you to seek out other types of testing if you are unable or choose not to get a colonoscopy. Home screening tests can look for microscopic traces of blood in the stool or changes in DNA that might indicate cancer or precancerous polyps. While both false negatives and false positives are possible, these tests are generally considered effective. They can be done at home and do not require preparation or any anesthesia.

A healthy lifestyle may reduce the risk of colon cancer, just as is the case with many other illnesses. Be sure to eat a lot of fruits and vegetables and consume plenty of fiber. Additionally, we urge people to get exercise and generally take good care of themselves. This will go a long way toward protecting not only your colon but your entire body.

William Kose, MD, JD

Vice President of Special Projects,

Blanchard Valley Health System