(From the Hancock County Prosecutor’s Office)

Hancock County Prosecutor Sean M. Abbott announced that the Hancock County Prosecutor’s Office has concluded its review of the officer-involved critical incident that occurred on October 28, 2024 at Bernard Park, 1105 Bernard Ave. in Findlay that resulted in the death of 17-year-old Kalvin Darapheth.

The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation conducted the case investigation and presented all the evidence to the Hancock County Prosecutor’s Office for its review. “After careful review of all the facts and evidence, I have concluded that the application of the use of deadly force by City of Findlay Police Officer Kyle Bormuth was objectively reasonable under the circumstances as defined by Tennessee v. Garner, 471 U.S. 1 (1985) and Graham v. Connor, 490 U.S. 386 (1989). Therefore, our office will not be presenting this matter to the Hancock County grand jury and this investigation will be considered closed,” Abbott said.

On October 28, 2024, Findlay Police Department officers were dispatched to Bernard Park, 1105 Bernard Ave, Findlay, Ohio to investigate a complaint of juveniles consuming alcoholic beverages while in the park. Upon arrival, officers encountered three (3) juveniles, including Darapheth, in possession of alcoholic beverages. While engaged in conversation, prior to being arrested, Darapheth fled the area on foot resulting in Officer Bormuth giving chase.

Darapheth is then seen on police body worn camera footage brandishing a handgun and firing two rounds at Officer Bormuth. Officer Bormuth returned fire, firing eight rounds at Darapheth and striking him four times. During a crime scene search, Darapheth was found to have fired three additional rounds after Officer Bormuth returned fire. The body worn camera did not capture visual footage of Darapheth firing the last 3 rounds, but the shots are heard on camera footage and additional casings were discovered near Darapheth. The firearm utilized by Darapheth in the incident was reported stolen on September 19, 2024.

Darapheth was treated at the scene and transported to Blanchard Valley Hospital in Findlay. He was later flown to ProMedica Toledo Hospital where Darapheth succumbed to his injuries the following day, on October 29, 2024

(From the Ohio State Highway Patrol)

The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Lima Post is investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash that occurred on January 27, 2025 at approximately 8:25 P.M, on State Route 15 near County Road 21 in Monroe Township, Putnam County.

A 2021 Chevrolet Equinox, operated by Erica Shafer, age 32, of Continental, Ohio was traveling south on County Road 21. A 2023 Chevrolet Suburban, operated by Kristen Stechschulte, age 43, of Cloverdale, Ohio, was traveling east on State Route 15. Shafer failed to stop at the posted stop sign at the intersection of County Road 21 and State Route 15, and struck the Chevrolet Suburban. Both vehicles traveled off the southeast side of the roadway, and struck a utility pole, traffic sign, and junction box. Shafer was not wearing a safety belt and was pronounced deceased on scene by medical personnel. Stechschulte and two juvenile passengers were wearing safety belts, and were transported by ambulance to ProMedica Defiance Regional Hospital and Mercy Health Defiance Hospital with serious injury.

Lima Post Troopers were assisted at the crash scene by the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, Putnam County EMS, Kalida EMS, Continental Fire Department, Continental Police Department, Putnam County Coroner’s Office, Love-Heitmeyer Funeral Home, Paulding-Putnam Electric Co-op, and 419 Towing. The intersection was closed for approximately two hours.

Alcohol impairment is a factor in the crash. The Ohio State Highway Patrol reminds motorists not to drive impaired and to always wear a safety belt. The crash remains under investigation.

(From the University of Findlay)

Area residents of all ages are invited take part in games galore on February 2 during the next “Funday Sunday” program at University of Findlay’s Mazza Museum. This month’s program, which is free and open to the public, features a “Game on!” theme.

Guests will enjoy art activities, games, hands-on educational stations, interactive STEAM activities, planetarium shows, and more.

“We’re excited to bring Muddy and Muddonna from the Toledo Mud Hens and our UF mascot Derrick the Oiler together for an action-packed event. It will be a day of fun, energy, and unforgettable moments,” said Amanda Davidson-Johnston, education manager at the Mazza Museum.

The family-friendly learning extravaganza encourages artistic expression, enhances literacy, and develops critical thinking skills, she noted.

Registration is required and can be completed on the Mazza Museum’s website or https://oilers.findlay.edu/pages/events/mazza-funday-sunday

Funday Sundays take place monthly at the Mazza Museum, from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., through April. The event is sponsored by Hancock Federal Credit Union.

The remaining themes for Funday Sundays in 2025 are:

March 2: Accelerate!

April 6: Farmyard Fables

For more information on upcoming events, visit the Mazza Museum’s Events page online at www.mazzamuseum.org/events/. For specific questions regarding Funday Sunday, contact Amanda Davidson-Johnston, Mazza Museum education manager, at 419-434-4777 or amanda.davidson-johnston@findlay.edu.

(From Findlay City Schools)

Millstream Career Center announced that it has received a $100,000 donation from Marathon Petroleum Corporation to The Stream STEM Center. This contribution will empower the advancement of cutting-edge technologies and innovation in the fields of engineering, robotics, and manufacturing, enabling students to explore career paths in high-demand industries. The Stream STEM Center is a hub of creativity and learning, dedicated to equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape. With this donation, the center will enhance its facilities, acquire state-of-the-art equipment, and expand its educational programs.

“At Marathon Petroleum, we are committed to investing in the future of our communities,” said Ashley Goecke, Community Relations Representative at Marathon Petroleum. “By supporting The Stream STEM Center, we are helping to prepare the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers who will drive progress in engineering, robotics, and manufacturing.”

The funds will be used to bolster hands-on learning opportunities for students, including access to advanced robotics systems, engineering tools, and manufacturing technologies. These resources will provide students with real-world experience and foster a passion for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) careers.

“We are incredibly grateful for Marathon Petroleum’s generosity and belief in our mission,” said Pam Hamlin, Director of Millstream Career Center. “This donation will make a significant impact on our ability to inspire and prepare students for success in technology-driven industries.”

Marathon Petroleum’s donation underscores the company’s commitment to thriving communities and workforce development. By investing in The Stream STEM Center, Marathon Petroleum is helping to bridge the gap between education and industry, creating a brighter future for students and the local workforce. For more information about The Stream STEM Center at Millstream Career Center, please contact Pam Hamlin at phamlin@fcs.org.

Marathon Petroleum Corporation (MPC) is a leading integrated downstream energy company, specializing in refining, marketing, and transportation of petroleum products. With a strong commitment to sustainability and community engagement, MPC strives to make a positive impact in the areas where it operates.

Millstream Career Center is dedicated to providing students with exceptional career and technical education opportunities. Through innovative programs and partnerships with industry leaders, the center prepares students for success in today’s competitive job market.

(From the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library)

Library Refresh Update!

The Library Design Team is getting started! 

They’ll begin by moving items away from the walls in all areas and then focus on reorganizing collections in Youth Services.

The paint crew will also kick off their work. Starting today (Monday), Youth Services, Media Services, and the current Genealogy area will be off-limits to patrons, but don’t worry—staff will still have access to these collections and can retrieve items for you upon request.

A temporary service point for Media/Youth Services will be set up near Circulation.

Thank you for your patience as we work to bring you a brighter, better library!

(From the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation)

Congratulations to the following local nonprofit leaders for receiving their Nonprofit Management Certificate through The Center for Nonprofit Resources: Teresa White (Fort Findlay F.O.P. Lodge # 20), Erin Dirksen (City Mission of Findlay), Dustin Fuller (Habitat for Humanity of Findlay, Ohio) and Emily Sulivan (Awakening Minds Art)!

The Foundation offered this course at no cost to these nonprofits as part of the Organizational Strengthening Individual Professional Development Fund.

Learn more here: https://www.community-foundation.com/…/organization…/ipd.

Findlay and Hancock County are included in a Wind Advisory issued by the National Weather Service.

The Wind Advisory goes from 10 a.m. Monday until 1 a.m. Tuesday.

Forecasters say winds of 25 miles per hour will gust up to 50 miles per at times.

Unsecured objects will blow around and some tree limbs could come down, resulting in a few power outages.

Get the latest forecast and weather alerts here.

(From Liberty-Benton Local Schools)

Liberty-Benton Local Schools is excited to announce that it will join the Cardinal Division of the Northern Lakes League (NLL) starting in the 2026-2027 school year. This move follows a thorough exploration of options to ensure the district’s athletic programs continue to thrive in a competitive, balanced, and geographically reasonable conference.

Liberty-Benton has been a proud member of the Blanchard Valley Conference but has sought a new home that better aligns with its needs. Finding a suitable conference has been a significant challenge due to limited openings in leagues that include schools of similar size, competition, and reasonable travel distances.

The Northern Lakes League, which is expanding to include Liberty-Benton, features two divisions based on enrollment: The larger Buckeye Division, and the smaller Cardinal Division. Currently the divisions are as follows:

Buckeye: Anthony Wayne, Findlay, Northview, Perrysburg, Whitmer (exception in football which also includes Springfield)

Cardinal: Bowling Green, Napoleon, Clay, Fremont Ross, Southview, and Springfield for all sports except football.

Liberty-Benton has enjoyed competing against many NLL schools in non-conference play in multiple sports over the past few years. As an NLL member, Liberty-Benton will compete in the smaller Cardinal Division.

“This is an exciting opportunity for Liberty-Benton,” said Superintendent Bruce Otley. “Liberty-Benton has been competing against many NLL schools as non-conference opponents over the past several years. Joining the Northern Lakes League will provide excellent competition for our student-athletes while maintaining manageable travel times. We are grateful for the invitation to join the NLL and look forward to building strong relationships within this new league.”

Liberty-Benton fondly reflects on the history and traditions shared within the member schools of the Blanchard Valley Conference. While this transition marks a new chapter, the district remains committed to fostering exceptional opportunities for all students—both on and off the field.

(From the Findlay Police Department)

Officers were dispatched to 1434 Tappan St. around 0338 hrs. on January 26 for a report of a criminal trespassing in progress.  

The caller advised the suspect, Brooklin Gelbaugh (22 yoa) was already issued a trespass warning for the property and had driven there in a red Subaru Legacy.

Officers arrived on scene and advised Brooklin had left the residence.

Around 0350 hrs. officers located the red Subaru traveling away from the area.

A traffic stop was attempted on the vehicle at Lima Ave and S. West St. Brooklyn refused to stop.

Officers began pursuing the vehicle traveling north on S. West St, west on W. Main Cross St, and then north on I-75.

The pursuit reached speeds of 130 plus miles per hour and multiple traffic violations were observed during the pursuit.

Officers lost visual contact with the Subaru near exit 171 and the pursuit was terminated.

A short while later the Ohio State Patrol located the Subaru traveling southbound on I-75 and conducted a traffic stop near mile marker 175.

Officers arrived at the traffic stop and took Brooklin into custody for Failure to comply with the order or signal of a police officer, a felony of the 4th degree.

Charges are also being submitted for a criminal trespass and criminal damaging offenses that occurred at 1434 Tappan St.