(From the Ohio Department of Transportation)

HANCOCK COUNTY UPDATE: I-75/CR 99 interchange improvement in Findlay:

Crews are preparing to switch their efforts from the new bridge to the old one.

Here’s what you need to know:

Week of March 17: Daytime right lane closures on I-75

Week of March 24: Nighttime left and middle lane closures on I-75

Stay tuned, it won’t be long until traffic is switched onto the new bridge!

The project is reconstructing the I-75/CR 99 interchange with a diverging diamond design and upgrading the County Road 99 corridor between Technology Drive and North Main Street.

(From the Ohio State Highway Patrol)

The Ohio State Highway Patrol is teaming up with local law enforcement partners to remove impaired drivers from Ohio roadways on St. Patrick’s Day. The effort is part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving campaign.

Your life, and the lives of others on the roadway, are at risk every time a driver gets behind the wheel after drinking. According to Patrol statistics, there were 14 fatal crashes, resulting in 15 total fatalities on St. Patrick’s Day over the last five years. Of those fatal crashes, nine were directly related to impaired driving.

“Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day irresponsibly can have tragic consequences,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent. “If you make the choice to drink, make the right choice to designate a sober driver and keep our roads safe for everyone.”

From 2020-2024, the Patrol made 311 OVI arrests on St. Patrick’s Day, and impaired driving accounted for a total of 213 crashes.

According to the NHTSA website, it’s important to celebrate the holiday responsibly. You can do that by designating a sober driver, offering non-alcoholic beverage options if hosting a party, ensuring all guests leave with a sober driver and always wearing your safety belt.

As always, motorists are encouraged to safely call #677 to report unsafe or impaired drivers on Ohio roadways.

(From the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation)

Happy Pi Day! The constant pi (π) is celebrated by mathematicians worldwide, and we couldn’t pass this opportunity to highlight one of our very own mathematicians.

Chris Leuthold established the Chris Leuthold Math Scholarship for a senior math student at Cory-Rawson Local Schools. Chris is a retired teacher, so it’s no surprise his scholarship is determined by a mathematical formula based on GPA and ACT scores. The fund has awarded 16 scholarships to Cory-Rawson students, totaling $25,800.

Pi and legacies have one essential thing in common – both never end.

More information on the scholarship: https://www.community-foundation.com/…/chris-leuthold…

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

The Wind Advisory goes from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday.

Forecasters say winds of 20 to 30 miles per hour will gust up to 50 miles per at times.

There is a potential for locally higher wind gusts associated with convection expected to move through the area late afternoon into the evening on Saturday.

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

Putnam County will be under a High Wind Watch on Saturday for gusts up to 55 mph. 

Showers and storms are in the forecast for Saturday with a high in the low 70s. 

Get the latest forecast and weather alerts here. 

As part of Severe Weather Awareness Week (March 16 – 22) Hancock County and the City of Findlay will be participating in the Statewide Tornado Drill on Wednesday, March 19^th at 9:50 a.m.

At that time the county’s and city’s outdoor warning sirens will be tested, weather permitting. If bad weather is in the forecast the test will be canceled.

Regular testing of Hancock County’s outdoor warning sirens occurs on the first Monday of the month at 10 a.m.

The sirens are activated when a Tornado Warning is issued by the National Weather Service, if there is a sighting of a tornado or funnel cloud by public safety personnel, or there is a report of property damage or injuries from severe storms or tornadoes.

Officials point out that the outdoor warning sirens are an outdoor warning device and not designed to necessarily alert someone inside a building.

The sirens mean to seek shelter and to tune to your local TV and radio station for further weather information.

(From Gliding Stars of Findlay)

The Gliding Stars of Findlay’s 22nd ice show is scheduled for Sunday, March 30, 2025, beginning at 2:30 p.m. at the Cube, located at 3430 North Main Street in Findlay. Doors open at 1:30pm. The theme for this year’s show is “Gliding Stars Really Big Rock Show.”

The show will feature rock music from the 1960’s, 1970’s, 1980’s, 1990’s, and 2000’s. The Stars will be wearing costumes reflecting the different decades and the show’s custom-made set will be enhanced with two video boards. The Stars and their volunteers have been practicing weekly since September to prepare a show for the community.

Gliding Stars of Findlay is a non-profit, adaptive ice-skating program for youth and adult individuals with disabilities. The program uses adaptive equipment such as walkers and modified skates to help provide the Stars the chance to skate. During the past 23 years, the program has provided opportunities for over 500 young people from throughout the region to increase their self-confidence and self-esteem, as well as develop physical strength, make new friends, and enjoy a sense of belonging. Forty-seven skaters from Hancock County and the surrounding area are a part of this year’s show.

Nearly 70 volunteers, under the direction of skating coaches, assist the participants during the weekly practices and show rehearsals. Volunteers include students from the University of Findlay and area middle and high schools, area corporations and businesses, and family members and friends.

Ticket prices for this family-friendly event are $10.00 and are available at the door the day of the show.

Eight raffle items each valued from $300 up to $750, will be raffled off during the show. Tickets for the raffle are four for $5.00 and can be purchased in advance from a Gliding Stars parent or board member or the day of the show. Ticket holders do not need to be present at the show to win.

Major show sponsors include Marathon Petroleum Company LP, Hancock-Wood Electric Community Trust Fund, and The Findlay-Hancock Community Foundation.

For additional information, visit www.glidingstarsoffindlay.org or www.facebook.com/GlidingStarsofFindlay

(From the Ohio Department of Transportation)

Ohioans are encouraged to be a part of the process to shape the future of transportation in our state.

The Ohio Department of Transportation is accepting public comments on the Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP) for 2026 through 2029. The plan identifies the multi-modal transportation improvement projects that are scheduled for some phase of implementation throughout the state over the next four years.  

The draft documents will be available for public review and comment through April 11, 2025.

For additional STIP information and locations of STIP Open Houses, please visit the STIP website: transportation.ohio.gov/stip.

Any comments concerning the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program may be submitted by email to Natasha.Turner@dot.ohio.gov or postal mail to:

Mr. James Gates, Deputy Director
Division of Planning
Ohio Department of Transportation
Mail Stop # 3260
1980 West Broad Street
Columbus, Ohio 43223

Written comments must be received by the close of business on April 11, 2025. Individuals who may require interpretation or translation services or a reasonable accommodation to review and comment on the draft 2026-2026 STIP should contact Natasha Turner. Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.

(From the Tiffin Police Department)

It is my great pleasure to announce the promotion of Rebecca L. Timm to the rank of Sergeant with the Tiffin Police Department. This evening, the Honorable Mayor Lee Wilkinson had the privilege of administering the oath of office to Sergeant Timm, with family, co-workers, friends, and retired officers in attendance to share in this significant achievement. A special moment occurred when her son had the honor of pinning her newly earned Sergeant’s badge to her uniform.

Since joining the Tiffin Police Department in October 2005, Sergeant Timm has demonstrated unwavering dedication to public safety, upholding the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and service. Her commitment to excellence has been recognized through numerous commendations and awards, both from within the department and from the community she serves.

In addition to her patrol responsibilities, Sergeant Timm serves as a valued member of the Regional Hostage Negotiation Team, where her expertise in crisis negotiation has been instrumental in securing peaceful resolutions in high-stakes situations. Her ability to remain composed under pressure and employ effective negotiation techniques has prevented potential tragedies and reinforced the department’s commitment to preserving life and public safety.

Sergeant Timm’s dedication to professional growth is evident in her academic achievements. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Heidelberg University and a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice from Tiffin University, further enhancing her leadership capabilities and contributions to the department.

This promotion marks a historic milestone for the Tiffin Police Department, as Sergeant Timm becomes only the second female officer to achieve this rank. The last female officer promoted to sergeant was Michelle Craig, nearly 40 years ago. Additionally, Sergeant Timm will be succeeding retired Sergeant Rob Bour, who concluded his distinguished career with TPD in January.

The Tiffin Police Department is honored to welcome Sergeant Timm into this leadership role. Her experience, expertise, and commitment to the community will undoubtedly have a lasting and positive impact on both the department and the citizens we serve.

Please join me in congratulating Sergeant Rebecca L. Timm on this well-deserved promotion. Way to go Becca!!

Chief David Pauly

Tiffin Police Department

(From the City of Findlay)

Mayor Christina Muryn was among 40 U.S. mayors selected to participate in the prestigious 35th annual Yale Mayors College and CEO Summit, held in Washington, D.C. This high-level gathering brought together top government and business leaders to discuss critical economic and policy issues shaping communities nationwide.

The summit covered pressing topics, including the short- and long-term impacts of tariffs, cybersecurity, and strategies for working with the Trump Administration 2.0. Highlights included an economic discussion featuring White House Economic Advisor Steve Moore and a discussion on local and federal partnerships for improving public safety with FBI Director Kash Patel.

The event also convened approximately 50 of the nation’s top CEOs, including Jamie Dimon (JPMorgan), Mark Stewart (Goodyear), David Solomon (Goldman Sachs), Barbara Humpton (Siemens), Maria Black (ADP), Michael Dell (Dell Technologies), and Andrew Ferguson (FTC Chairman).

Mayor Muryn’s participation underscores Findlay’s commitment to staying at the forefront of economic and policy discussions that impact local businesses and residents. Muryn has attended this annual gathering since taking office in 2019.

(From the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library)

During last year’s active storm season, the library became more than just a place for books—it became a shelter.

When tornado warnings were issued, patrons, staff, and even those passing through downtown found safety in our lower-level meeting rooms.

While the main library floor closes during warnings, our front doors and parking garage entrance remain open to anyone in need of a secure place to wait out the storm.

One memorable moment from last year? A Master Gardeners program turned into a community shelter, as attendees and residents took cover together, finding both safety and a shared sense of resilience.

As we head into another storm season, know that the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library is here for you.

We hope for calm skies, but if severe weather strikes, our doors will be open.

Stay safe, Findlay!