(From the Bluffton Lions Foundation)

About 35 supporters joined to dedicate the Bluffton Lions Way State Route 103 Path dedication Tuesday afternoon. Special music was given by a Bluffton High School Ensemble; Bluffton Administrator, Jesse Blackburn introduced Chris Hughes, ODOT District Deputy Director who congratulated the many pathway partners. Mayor Richard Johnson and Council President Jerry Cupples added their kudos and thanks. The MC for the event was Jackie Bourassa, the Bluffton Lions Foundation President.

Many donors, individuals, corporations, state agencies, and board members celebrated by cutting a ribbon and unveiling a recognition sign.

The State Route 103 Path connects numerous food vendors near the I-75/SR 103 interchange with the Village of Bluffton. Its construction represents a major improvement to the corridor entering the Village.

The State Route 103 Path is part of a master-plan to create 9.3 miles of class I pathway that completely encircles the Village of Bluffton and connects the 6 major recreation areas. The Bluffton Lions Foundation and the Bluffton Pathway Board have been consistently working on the master-plan for over 15 years. Completed pathways include Lions Way County Line Path; Augsburger Path; Bently Road Path; Bently Road North Path; Parkview Path and the Original Lions Way – on the Norfolk Southern Railway bed.

Community support is the reason these pathways exist; there have been extraordinary efforts and giving in Bluffton along with several major gifts and grants to make these paths a reality. ODOT and several other government agencies were instrumental in the SR 103 Path development.

(From the University of Findlay)

The University of Findlay will host its annual Health and Wellness Fair, scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 19, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will take place in the Koehler Fitness and Recreation Complex and is free and open to the public. This year’s fair will offer an expanded range of activities and services, including a focus on flu and COVID-19 vaccinations.

The fair will also host numerous health screenings and services, including hearing, vision, dental, blood sugar, blood pressure, chiropractic care, skin, and bone density. Glucose and cholesterol testing will be available for $7 each or $10 for both, with a 12-hour fast required for accurate results.

Various campus offices, including safety and security, disability services, academic services, counseling, and campus ministry, will be represented. Student organizations, including the occupational therapy program and the College of Pharmacy, will also participate. Representatives from the UF Cardio Center and Oiler Well will be present to offer valuable health information.

The event is sponsored by the UF Cosiano Health Center and the UF Office of Intercultural Student Services. For more details, please contact the Cosiano Health Center at 419-434-4550. Join us for a day filled with valuable health information and engaging activities designed to promote your well-being!

(From the City of Findlay)

The City of Findlay Police Department is committed to transparency and community safety. Today, we are releasing the latest crime statistics for the city, providing an overview of trends and our ongoing efforts to enhance public safety. Crime statistics are tracked in accordance with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) categories and standards.

We want to assure residents that data does not support the assertions that crime in Findlay is on the rise and clarify our commitment to factual information and public safety. Our latest statistics indicate that overall crime rates in the city have remained stable. The City Administration and Police Department will continue to analyze crime trends, adjust strategies, and work closely with the community to provide accurate information. We remain dedicated to fostering a safe and secure environment for all residents.

“While we are encouraged by the overall trends in crime rates, we recognize the importance of continuing our efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of our community,” said Chief of Police James Mathias. “Our commitment to reducing crime and enhancing public safety remains unwavering. We thank our community for their continued support and cooperation.”

Please remember the importance of involving law enforcement when facing any issues or emergencies. If you find yourself in a situation where you need assistance or witness an incident contact the Police first by calling 9-1-1 for emergencies or 419-424-7150 for non-emergencies.  

For more information please visit our website at www.FindlayOhio.gov or contact us at 419-424-7194.

(From the Fostoria Police Department)

A special congratulations goes out to Fostoria Police Officer/ National Guard Member Brayden Moon, who over the weekend competed in the Adjuant General’s Match (National Guard Shooting Competition) at Camp Perry.

Officer Moon placed 1st in pistol novice class and 2nd overall in competition out of 153 participants.

Officer Moon also received the Governors Twenty Tab which represents the top 10 pistol and rifle shooters in the State of Ohio.

Officer Moon placed 1st out of those top 10, again from a field of 153 competitors!

Again, congratulations Officer Moon, we are super proud of you!

Thank you for your service to our Country and our Community!

On Saturday, September 21, the Wings & Wheels Car Show and 5K will be held at the Findlay Airport.

“Get ready for a day filled with excitement, featuring rides on the iconic Ford Tri-Motor, a craft fair, food trucks, a kids’ zone, and of course, the main attraction, the car show!”

“This is a family-friendly event with something for everyone to enjoy.”

“Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to witness the beauty of classic cars and airplanes, enjoy delicious food, and participate in fun activities!”

(From the Hancock County Solid Waste Management District)

The conclusion of the 2024 Hazardous Waste & Paint collection events is approaching. The Hancock County Solid Waste Management District, will be hosting the FINAL free collection for Hancock County Residents of household hazardous waste, paint, and solvent collection.

The last opportunity for the event for this calendar year…

Date: September 24, 2024

Time: 1 pm – 6 pm

Location: Hancock County Fairgrounds 1017 E. Sandusky St., Findlay OH 45840 (follow signage – use “exit” as Entrance)

Accepted Items include Paints, Stains, Thinners, Aerosols, Mercury, Propane Cylinders, Cleaners, Fertilizers, Pesticides, Acids, Oxidizers, Lead-Acid Batteries, Antifreeze, Motor Oil, and Fuels. Reminder: this is a residential program – no business will be accepted Litter Landing Recycling Facility is located at 1720 E. Sandusky St., Findlay

Residents unable to participate in the free collection event will need to store their materials or find alternate disposal methods until another community event is scheduled, potentially in 2025. Community event guidelines, specifics and other recycling information can be found online at www.HancockEnvironment.com

(From Liberty-Benton Local Schools)

Liberty-Benton Local Schools received FIVE STARS out of five on the State Report Card for the 2023-2024 school year!

CONGRATULATIONS AND THANK YOU to all of our staff and hard-working students!

It takes everyone to make this possible.

The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office says a woman was killed when her car was hit by a train in the southern part of the county.

It happened on Township Road 150 near US 68, in Madison Township at around 7:15 Monday night.

The sheriff’s office reports that Eden Lasley, 23, of Findlay, was driving west on Township Road 150 and failed to stop at the stop sign at the railroad crossing on Township Road 150 and was struck by a CSX train.

Her car overturned and came to rest in a field.

She was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Assisting on scene were the Arlington Volunteer Fire Department, Appleseed EMS, Hanco EMS, Hancock County EMA, CSX, and R&A Towing.

(ONN) – According to the US Drought Monitor, 87 of 88 Ohio counties are now under drought conditions.

More than 20 percent of the state is classified as under exceptional drought and another 60 percent is seeing severe or extreme drought.

With little to no rain in the forecast, those numbers are expected to increase.

The impact on Ohio farmers is devastating.

Farmers are harvesting soybeans and corn now, more than 30 days ahead of schedule in an effort to salvage what they can.

22 counties have been declared natural disasters with 16 more eligible for assistance from the US Department of Agriculture.

In some cases, field yield is down 50 percent from last year.

(ONN) – The Ohio Supreme Court has issued a ruling on language that would affect Issue 1 in the November election.

Issue 1 seeks to remove politicians from the redistricting process and create an independent commission in an effort to eliminate gerrymandering and draw fairer districts.

The group ‘Citizens, Not Politicians’ says the language inserted into the redistricting amendment by Secretary of State Frank LaRose is misleading and includes biased language that deliberately encourages voters to reject the amendment.

The Ohio Supreme Court has ruled that two provisions must be revised in the ballot language for a proposed constitutional amendment on redistricting.

The group ‘Citizens, Not Politicians’ requested all 8 provisions to be changed, but the supreme court ruled only two must be changed.

Those include section 5, which deals with proportionality, and section 8, which deals with public participation.