(From the City of Findlay)

The City of Findlay would like to remind residents of the yard sign regulations. The City of Findlay prohibits signs in the public right-of-way. This pertains to advertisements for businesses, non-profits, political signs, etc. Typically, a right-of-way is located between the street and sidewalk. If the right-of-way contains no sidewalk, then the right-of-way extends about 16’ from the street pavement edge.

Signs should be placed behind the telephone poles, in farm fields, or behind sidewalks. Signs should not be positioned in the area between the curb and the sidewalk on roads with curbs or in front of telephone poles. Signs can be placed on private property only with the consent of the property owner and in compliance with municipal or township ordinances, when applicable.

Any sign found in the right-of-way will be removed by the City and stored at 224 West Crawford Street for a period of 30 days. If you have any questions, please contact the City’s Zoning Department at 419-424-7108.

City of Findlay Codified Ordinances: 1161.12.3 (B) Unless with Council approval, no sign shall be placed within the public right-of-way of any public street. Within the C-3 district, temporary signs are permitted in the right of way. Permanent signs within the C-3 district must be approved by City Council.

The state has announced that nearly three dozen communities will receive funding to complete critical infrastructure and neighborhood improvement projects that enhance the quality of life for Ohioans. 

More than $18.2 million in Neighborhood Revitalization and Critical Infrastructure grants will be awarded to 34 communities for projects such as upgraded water and sewer infrastructure, road and sidewalk replacement, park improvements, recreation enhancements, new fire trucks, and more. 

Among the grants, Findlay will receive $386,500 to replace the storm sewer system along Carnahan Avenue.

The double-brick sewer, built in 1888, is deteriorating and causing collapses in the road.

Hancock County will receive $232,200 to assist Rawson with a sidewalk improvement project to increase pedestrian mobility across the village.

“This type of infrastructure may not always be visible, but its impact is felt every day,” said Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik.

“These projects will strengthen the foundation of our communities, making them safer, more resilient, and better prepared to be Ohio’s next great economic success story.” 

The grant awards are funded through the federal Community Development Block Grant program.  

(From the Findlay Fire Department)

The Findlay Fire Department is proud to announce the promotion of Jonathon Morter to the rank of Captain. Jonathon’s dedication, leadership, and commitment to public safety have earned him this well-deserved advancement.

Morter started in the fire services as a volunteer firefighter in 2014, then became a certified EMT and earned his Firefighter II certification. In 2016, Morter officially joined the Findlay fire Department where he has since become a respected and valued member of the team.

Throughout his career, Morter has exemplified the values of courage, professionalism and service, consistently going above and beyond in his duties. His experience, knowledge, and leadership have been instrumental in the success of numerous firefighting operations and emergency medical responses.

As Captain, Morter will play a critical role in guiding and mentoring other firefighters while ensuring the safety and effectiveness of his crew during training and emergencies.

The Findlay Fire Department congratulates Captain Morter on this achievement and looks forward to his continued contributions in his new role.

(From the City of Findlay)

The Findlay Airport (FDY) is a general aviation airport that aircraft of all types and sizes often utilize for training. Among the various training exercises conducted here, touch-and-go maneuvers are performed which allow pilots to practice takeoffs and landings in quick succession. Furthermore, pilots are not required to speak on the radio at non-towered airports like FDY.

A large aircraft performed some touch-and-go’s today at the Findlay Airport. The plane did not leave the runway, stop, or drop off any passengers.

All aircraft in the United States are monitored by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for safety and security reasons. This regulatory body ensures safety and security in the skies, implementing stringent guidelines and protocols that govern flight operations. The FAA’s oversight is vital in maintaining the integrity of the aviation system, safeguarding both pilots and the communities surrounding airports like FDY.

We appreciate the community’s ongoing support and interest in FDY. Please consider visiting us for the Wings and Wheels car show on Saturday, September 21 from 10am-4pm. The event is free to the public. Prior to the car show a Run the Runway 5k will take place at 9am. For more information head to facebook.com/FDYAirport or contact us at 419-422-4182.

(Above pic provided by Kyle Inbody, Airport Operations Coordinator)

(From the Hancock METRICH Enforcement Unit)

On 09/18/24 at approx. 2300 hrs. the Hancock County METRICH Drug Task Force assisted by the Findlay Police Department Emergency Response Team (ERT), and the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team (SRT) executed a narcotic search warrant at 404 Lester Ave., Findlay, Ohio.

The search of the residence yielded 37.78 grams of suspected methamphetamine, 10.93 grams of suspected Fentanyl, Prescription Pills, and several items of drug paraphernalia. Other items indicative of drug trafficking and cash were also seized.

As a result of the search the following persons were arrested and incarcerated at the Hancock County Justice Center:

Nicholas Lambert (age 48)

404 Lester Ave.

Findlay, Ohio

Charge: Possession of Methamphetamine Felony 2, Possession of Fentanyl Felony 2

Active Warrants: Findlay Municipal Court for Driving Under Suspension, Petty theft, Hancock County Sheriff’s Felony warrants for 2 counts trafficking in fentanyl related compounds F-2, and aggravated trafficking F4.

Phillip Bibler (age 31)

404 Lester Ave

Findlay, Ohio

Active Warrants: Hancock County Sheriff’s Office Warrants 2 counts trafficking in Fentanyl related compound F4 and F5, Aggravated trafficking F3

Additional charges of drug trafficking, possession of drugs, and permitting drug abuse 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.”

(From Findlay Service League)

Findlay Service League announces the launch of their service year and are accepting requests for volunteers and funding. Nonprofit organizations are eligible to request volunteers or funds for projects and events happening between September 2024 and April 2025. A sum of just over $31,000 in community funding is available.

We had another record year of service and fundraising last year and we are excited to put the $31,000 back into other community non-profits in need. We at Findlay Service League are looking forward to new and continuing service requests.

Community Impact

Last year, Findlay Service League Members contributed 842 hours of volunteer hours and granted $16,000 in funding requests, which helped 18 community organizations. Findlay Service League also awarded $3,000 in the Spirit of Volunteerism Scholarships to two graduating high school seniors who exemplified a life dedicated to service.

Each year Findlay Service League identifies a need in the local community for Make a Difference Day (MADD). The 2024 MADD project will once again be “We make a difference. Period.” Findlay Service League Members will be collecting period products to distribute to schools in Findlay and throughout Hancock County. Last year we gathered and packed enough product that we not only supplied period products to Findlay schools, but also to Hancock County Schools with a total of 14 schools benefiting from this project. 

The provisional (new members) class hosts Done in a Day projects throughout the service year. Done in a Day projects identifies local organizations and attempts to fulfill their supply list needs.

We would love to have more ladies join our mission of Findlay Service League which is: “The purpose of FSL shall be to: Initiate and implement service projects to meet community needs.  Support local 501(c)3 charities and financial contributions. Offer opportunities to members to develop effective volunteer and leadership skills. 

The suspect in a shooting outside a Findlay bar has been indicted by a Hancock County Grand Jury.

Court records show Marcuss Martinez (pictured below) is facing charges of attempted murder, felonious assault, having a weapon against a court order, and tampering with evidence.

The 39-year-old from Findlay is being held at the Hancock County Jail.

On Friday, September 13 police responded to investigate a report of a man with a gun outside of Old Stoney Ledge at 752 Howard Street.

While en route to the location, officers were advised a man had been shot once and the suspect had fled the scene.

Officers arrived in the area and said the suspect, Martinez, was located near the area of College Street and Fox Street.

Police say Martinez ran through some yards before being taken into custody.

The victim was transported to the Blanchard Valley Hospital by private vehicle.

Police said the victim sustained a gunshot wound to the lower left portion of his face.

The victim was later transported by Life Flight to OSU Hospital for further treatment.

Joshua Shaferly has withdrawn from the race for Hancock County Commissioner.

The Democrat would have faced Republican Jeffrey Hunker in the fall election.

The Hancock County Board of Elections says Shaferly’s name will still appear on the ballot as he notified the BOE after the deadline to remove his name from the ballot.

The BOE say there will be a notice on each voting machine letting voters know that he has withdrawn and any votes cast for him will not be counted. The notice will also be included in each absentee ballot the BOE sends out.

WFIN and The Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce had three candidate forums scheduled but with Shaferly’s withdrawal two forums will now be held on WFIN. 

The first forum will be held on Monday, September 23 and include the candidates for Hancock County Common Pleas Court Judge; Phil Riegle and Alex Treece.  The winner will replace retiring Judge Reginald Routson.  

The second forum will be held on Monday, September 30 and include the candidates for the Ohio House of Representatives 83^rd District; Republican Ty Mathews and Democrat Sheila Coressel.

The forums will be held at 50 North from 5 to 6 p.m.

The deadline to register to vote is October 7 and absentee voting by mail and early in-person voting begins the following day.

Click here for more election information from the Hancock County Board of Elections and click here for the Ohio Secretary of State’s website.

(ONN) – A new bill at the Ohio Statehouse aims to get the lead out of Ohio’s water.

Lawmakers are highlighting House Bill 534.

The main goal of the legislation is to eliminate lead water service lines within 15 years.

Ohio currently ranks second in the nation for the most lead pipes serving families with an estimated 745,000 still in use.

Exposure to lead can cause serious health effects, especially in children.

(From Hancock County Engineer Doug Cade) 

The Hancock County Engineer Maintenance crews will be doing work on the Bright Road Bridge at the Blanchard River just north of the intersection with SR 568 beginning Monday, September 23.

The project will involve shifting traffic to adjoining lanes and lane closures during the repairs.

The bridge will remain open to traffic, however, it is recommended that motorists find alternative routes to avoid possible traffic delays. 

The project is expected to last two weeks, weather permitting.

 We understand the inconvenience that this lane closure will cause, however it is necessary to maintain a safe and efficient transportation system for Hancock County. We appreciate your patience in advance.