The students at Findlay’s Chamberlin Hill Elementary will honor local Veterans during their 27th Annual Veterans Day Program on Friday, November 8.

The school reminds the public that, due to space limitations, the program is for Veterans and their guests only.

The doors will open at 9:30 a.m. and the student program featuring patriotic songs and performances will begin at 10:15 a.m.

Lunch will be served at 11:30.

Information to RSVP can be found on the flyer below a video from last year that you can see below.

Chamberlin Hill Elementary is located at 600 West Yates Avenue.

Veteran’s Day is on Monday, November 11. 

(From Findlay Police Chief James Mathias)

On October 28, 2024 at 1828 hrs. Officers were dispatched to Bernard Park (1105 Bernard Ave.) for a report of three juveniles consuming alcoholic beverages. Officers arrived and located the three juveniles at the park. During the investigation, a male suspect fled on foot and an officer pursued.  During the foot pursuit, a male juvenile suspect discharged a firearm at the pursing officer. The pursuing officer returned fire, striking the juvenile suspect. Officers on scene immediately rendered first aid. The juvenile suspect was transported to Blanchard Valley Hospital and later to a Toledo area hospital. The juvenile suspect has been pronounced deceased on October 29, 2024.  The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation was contacted and is leading the investigation. 

This was a dangerous and tragic situation.  Our officers are trained to respond to threats of violence, especially when a gun was involved.  A handgun was recovered on scene.  My thoughts and prayers go out to all that were part of this critical incident as a department and also the loss of a life.  

We are aware of the comments, assumptions and misinformation on social media and we will be releasing information as it becomes available.  We are working closely with the Hancock County Prosecutor’s Office and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation on releasing redacted information in the near future regarding Axon Body Worn Camera footage.        

James Mathias 

Chief of Police 

Findlay Police Department 

(From the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library)

Celebrate Local Authors at the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library.

Join us for our 9th annual local Author Fest for a chance to meet, mingle with, and celebrate authors in your community! This year, we’re a stop on the ArtWalk, with books available for sale and signing.

The event takes place Friday, November 1, 2024 from 5:30 p.m. -8:00 p.m. at the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library. This year, 20 local authors/illustrators are joining us, representing a wide range of genres.

There will also be a book sale in the lower level of the library sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

The Author Fest provides an opportunity for the reading community to discuss new titles and support local authors. For a complete list of authors, please go to www.findlaylibrary.org/events and click on the event for more information.

(From the Ohio State Highway Patrol)

On November 7, the Ohio State Highway Patrol will host regional testing for prospective applicants on the campus of Ohio Northern University at the King-Horn Convocation Physical Education Center, located at 609 W. Lincoln Ave. in Ada.

Those interested in employment with the Patrol can come to the King-Horn Convocation Physical Education Center at 9 a.m., where they will have the ability to talk with troopers about a career of service in our communities and on Ohio roadways. Those who meet the basic requirements to be a trooper – age 20 to 39, U.S. citizen, high school diploma or GED, and a valid driver license – will have the opportunity to complete an application and a written test during the event. If the written test is passed, applicants can proceed and take the physical fitness assessment on the spot. Prospective applicants should arrive in appropriate business attire with identification and bring physical fitness clothing with them. This regional testing opportunity gives prospective applicants a chance to quickly complete the first few steps of the application process, bringing them closer to their goal of being a trooper.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol employs highly motivated and well-trained professionals who are committed to providing quality service to those who live, visit and do business in Ohio. If you are looking to make a difference in your community, becoming a trooper is the right career for you!

The Patrol is accepting applications for our next Academy Class. If you can’t make it on November 7, or want more details on the requirements or application process, call 1-866-TROOPER, scan the QR code below, or click here to start your journey with the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

The upcoming Veterans Empowerment Fall Fair provides an opportunity for area Veterans and their families and friends to learn about local resources, helpful organizations, and employment opportunities.

The event will be held on Saturday, November 2 on the campus of Owens Community College from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Community Education & Wellness Center.

A range of resource organizations will have information booths with representatives available to tell visitors about their programs in areas ranging from wellness and finances to home/environment, growth, and life resources.

The Veterans Empowerment Fall Fair is open to the public. Free lunch will be provided.

For more information, visit hancockveterans.com or call 419-424-7036.

The new roundabout near U.S. 68 and S.R. 15 on the south side of Findlay is almost finished.

The Ohio Department of Transportation says the roundabout is expected to open on Monday, November 4. (see pics and video below)

ODOT originally expected it to open on Friday, November 1. 

Construction began on August 19. 

ODOT’s Cheri Newton explains how the project came about.

ODOT says the project was needed because Township Roads 49 and 77, which provide access to U.S. 68, will be removed as part of the Eagle Creek Dry Storage Basin project, one of the projects included in the Flood-Risk Reduction Program currently underway by Hancock County and the Maumee Watershed Conservancy District. 

The project will:

-Remove the current U.S. 68 exit ramp from State Route 15 eastbound.

-Connect Township Road 80 to the ramp to provide access to U.S. 68.

-Construct a new U.S. 68 exit ramp from State Route 15 eastbound.

-Construct a roundabout at the intersection of U.S. 68, the new U.S. 68 exit ramp, and the eastbound State Route 15 entrance ramp.

(From the Findlay Police Department)

UPDATE – Police say the juvenile has been pronounced deceased.

INITIAL NEWS RELEASE BELOW –

Officers were dispatched to Bernard Park (1105 Bernard Ave.) on Monday at 1828 hours for a report of three juveniles consuming alcoholic beverages.

Officers arrived and located the three juveniles at the park.

During the investigation, a male suspect fled on foot and an officer pursued.

During the foot pursuit, a male juvenile suspect discharged a firearm at the pursuing officer.

The pursuing officer returned fire, striking the juvenile suspect.

Officers on scene immediately rendered first aid.

The juvenile suspect was transported to Blanchard Valley Hospital and later to a Toledo area hospital in critical, but stable condition.

The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation was contacted and is leading the investigation.

(From the City of Findlay)

The City of Findlay’s 2024 Request a Tree Program has come to an end. A total of 374 trees at 208 properties were planted thanks to the partnership of the Findlay Shade Tree Commission and the Public Works Department. Over 30 different tree varieties were planted with Sun Valley Red Maple, Thundercloud Plum, Autumn Blaze Maple, and Autumn Flowering Cherry being among the most popular. The Request a Tree Program was administered free of charge to residents with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars.

Those that received trees are reminded to check them weekly until at least Thanksgiving, keeping in mind that trees require 30 minutes to an hour of watering at a slow trickle.

The long-time Request a Tree program will continue in the Spring of 2025. Findlay residents may request a tree for $25 on the City of Findlay’s website or by calling the Public Works Department (419) 424-7137. The $25 fee will be evaluated during the City’s budget process to determine if it will be offered free of charge in 2025.

The Findlay Shade Tree Commission was created in 1978 by Findlay City Council to address the need to care for Findlay’s aging urban forest. Members of the Shade Tree Commission are appointed by the Mayor to three-year terms. The Commission operates with guidance from the Shade Tree Ordinance 913 and coordinates with the Public Works Department.

The Shade Tree Commission’s responsibilities are to provide leadership in selection, promotion, planting, and care of trees in public areas like street right-of-way, parks, cemeteries and other City properties, as well as hazardous tree removal.

Findlay continues to be a “Tree City USA” community for over 40 years designated by the National Arbor Day Foundation.

(ONN) – State officials are focusing on ensuring that everyone’s vote is secure ahead of Election Day on November 5.

Ohio’s Secretary of State Frank LaRose says there are multiple security steps in place to prevent hacking and tampering with voting machines.

Polls are open for early voting daily through Sunday, November 3, but hours vary every day.

To vote early head to your county board of elections and bring a valid photo ID such as your driver license, passport, or state-issued ID.

The remaining early voting times at the Hancock County Board of Elections are below.

October 29 – 7:30 am to 8:30 pm (absentee ballot application deadline – last day to mail absentee ballot)

October 30 thru November 1 – 7:30 am to 7:30 pm

November 2 – 8:00 am to 4:00 pm

November 3 – 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm

(WTOL-11) – It’s officially flu season in the Buckeye State.

According to data from the Ohio Department of Health, two people have been hospitalized in Hancock County with the flu so far this year.

Those are the only hospitalizations reported in northwest Ohio.

For the week ending October 19, there were 20 influenza hospitalizations statewide in Ohio

 Flu season runs from October through May.

Health experts recommend getting vaccinated against the flu each year.