All posts by Matt Demczyk

New Ohio Driver Education Requirements Will Impact Many

(ONN) – Driver’s ed laws in Ohio are about to change, impacting a majority of young adults who don’t have their license yet.

Anyone 18 or older used to be able to bypass driver’s ed to get their license if they successfully passed their driver’s test.

But, at the end of September, that age will now raise to 21.

This is part of a new law which will require everyone younger than 21 years old to go through the same driving education – 24 hours of classroom training, eight hours behind the wheel with an instructor, and 50 hours of driving with an adult.

Driving instructors say this law should help minimize crashes involving 18 to 21 year olds.

Lawmakers Introduce Bill To Ban Cat Declawing In Ohio

(ONN) – Ohio could join five other states and the District of Columbia to ban the practice of declawing cats.

Senate Bill 252 was recently introduced in Ohio.

It would make it illegal to declaw cats unless medically necessary.

Animal advocates say declawing isn’t just a nail trim – they say it’s literally cutting off the first knuckle of a cat’s paw.

If the bill passes, violators would face fines starting at $1,000 and going up to $2,500 for multiple offenses.

Police: Illegal Drugs Found During Traffic Stop, Man Arrested

(From Fostoria Police Chief Gabe Wedge)

On September 5th, 2025, at approximately 5:20PM, Fostoria Police Officer Cole Noftz conducted a traffic stop in the 200 blk of E. Crocker St, in the Seneca County portion of Fostoria. The driver, who was eventually identified as Ramiro Silva, 23 YOA, was found to be driving under several different suspensions, prompting officers to tow his vehicle.

While preparing to tow the vehicle driven by Mr. Silva, Officer Noftz and Officer Luka Sliwka conducted an inventory search. During the officers’ inventory, they found a bag containing approximately $6,000.00 in cash along with a baggy containing 26 pills, suspected to be Fentanyl. In another bag found in the vehicle, officers located a large amount of suspected Cocaine. The Cocaine is estimated to weigh over half a Kilogram.

Mr. Silva was arrested for Failure to Disclose Personal Information, ORC 2921.29(A)(1) an M4, and issued traffic citations for Driving Under a 12-Point Suspension ORC 4510.037(J) and Driving Under an OVI Suspension, ORC 4510.14(A). Mr. Silva was transported to the Seneca County Jail.

Additional charges for the suspected Cocaine and Fentanyl pills are pending, as the department waits for the results of further official chemical testing.

Family LEGO Night Among Upcoming Library Programming

(From the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library)

The Findlay-Hancock County Public Library has some wonderful programs available the week of September 14 – 20, 2025:

Our famous annual Craft Supply Swap is scheduled for September 20, but from September 10-17, we’re accepting craft supply donations. Please gather up your gently used (or never got around to using) art and craft supplies for others to be able to create with! Items must be clean and in good condition. Any remaining supplies after the swap will be donated to the library and local donation centers. Please bring donations to the front Circulation desk or Information desk.

Beginning Monday, teens in grades 8-12 can sign up for a Teen Tote filled with curated library books and surprise goodies! Once registered, participants will receive an email with a form to fill out details that will help us get to know you and your reading preferences. An active FHCPL card is required to participate. Totes can then be picked up at the Main Library, Arlington, or the Bookmobile.

Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. in the Lindamood Room, Miss Nicole presents Storytime. This week, we will sing, rhyme, read, and craft while learning all about pirates and mermaids.

At 2 p.m. on Tuesday, drop by our Younger Room to receive basic tech help. Bring your own device or practice on one of our laptops. Get help with Microsoft Word, the internet, email and more.

Teens- get ready to dive into creative chaos on Tuesday at 4 p.m. in the Lindamood Room. Using library materials, recycled items, and other colorful items, get artistic and make unique masterpieces. Enjoy a colorful stress-free environment with plenty of craft supplies!

Mini Meet-Up is scheduled for Wednesday at 9 a.m. in the Children’s Programming Room in the Children’s Department. Little ones can explore new games, toys and activities that are educational and fun while socializing and making new friends.

Starter Storytime will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday in the Lindamood Room. Miss Nicole will lead families in singing, rhyming, reading and having fun with scarves and bells.

Storytime at Arlington is scheduled for Wednesday at 11:15 a.m. at our Arlington Branch. Children can hear great stories, do crafts and fun activities. This week, we’ll learn all about the pirates and mermaids.

Have you ever wondered why the English spelling of words is sometimes… well… just weird? On Wednesday at 2 p.m. come on a surprisingly hilarious virtual journey with us and author Gabe Henry through the history of the English language, while we discuss troublemakers like Mark Twain who broke all the rules. Register at libraryc.org/findlaylibrary to be sent a link to join us. This program is presented in partnership with the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts.

On Wednesday at 6 p.m. in the Lindamood Room, Eric Wilkins, Fire Inspector at the Findlay Fire Department, will discuss fire safety. We will focus on the importance of smoke detectors and fire escape planning, particularly for senior citizens and those with disabilities.

On Wednesday at 6 p.m. in the Administration Office, the Thrills & Chills Book Discussion will talk about A killing in Amish Country by Gregg Olsen and Rebecca Morris. Read more about this title on our calendar at findlaylibrary.org/events by clicking on the event.

Thursday at 10 a.m. at the Waterfalls Pavilion at beautiful Riverside Park, Miss Nicole presents Storytime at the Park. This week, we will sing, rhyme, read, and craft while learning about pirates and mermaids. Storytime is recommended for children 6 and under but all are welcome.

On Thursday at 2 p.m. in the Lindamood Room, we’ll be hosting an exciting game of adult book bingo at the library. Enjoy an afternoon of fun, community, and the chance to win book prizes. Book prizes will be adult gently used items or advanced reader copies. No experience is needed and all necessary materials will be provided. Space is limited to the first 26 participants. Doors will open 15 minutes before the fun starts.

Get ready for session 3 of the Family Table Series where we tackle the problem of when the table becomes a battlefield on Thursday at 5 p.m. in the Younger Room. We will address healthy ways to navigate disagreements with defiant young eaters.

Enjoy Family LEGO Night and build, get creative, and have fun with your crew at the library on Thursday at 6 p.m. in the Lindamood Room. We’ll provide the LEGO bricks— just bring your family and your imagination. Work together as a family or let your kids show off their best creations. This program is perfect for families looking to spend time together while building something awesome. Children age 8 and under should be accompanied by an adult.

Do you have a craft work in progress sitting around waiting to be finished and want to spend time with other creative people? Be a part of our monthly craft circle where all crafts are welcome on Tuesday at 6 p.m. in the Administration Office.

Join us for Starter Storytime at the Park on Friday at 10 a.m. Meet us at the Waterfalls Pavilion at Riverside Park for Storytime fun! This program is designed for little ones up to 36 months.

Our Craft Supply Swap is back on Saturday, September 20! Come in to the Lindamood Room and the Blanchard Room starting at 10 a.m. and stock up on craft supplies! You don’t need to have donated anything to take supplies. We ask that you please bring a bag to take supplies home with you.

Stay in touch and keep updated at www.findlaylibrary.org, on our Facebook page, facebook.com/fhcpl, on Pinterest at pinterest.com/findlaylibrary, and on Instagram @ fhcpl.

Findlay High School Homecoming Court Announced

(From Findlay City Schools)

Announcing our 2025 Findlay High School Homecoming Court:

Back Row: Isaac Weese, Will Hammer, Jaycob Bosse, Reece Stillings, Braden Cramer
Front Row: Libby Mihalik, Lauren Heydinger, Rayanna Cap, Lola Spieles, Olivia Gayhart

Celebrate with us the week of September 21-27, 2025!

Spirit Week Themes:
Monday (9/22): Pajama Day
Tuesday (9/23): Jersey Day
Wednesday (9/24): Royalty Day
Thursday (9/25): Surfers vs. Bikers
Friday (9/26): Blue & Gold

Homecoming Parade 9/26: 5:30pm
Homecoming Football Game 9/26: 7:00pm

We can’t wait to see who receives the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award, watch our Alumni Cheerleaders and Band, and celebrate the 20th Reunion of the class of 2005.

Join us for Homecoming 2025, Trojan Country!

McColley, Mathews Stop By WFIN To Discuss Work In The Legislature

Ohio Senate President Rob McColley and State Representative Ty Mathews stopped by the WFIN Studios on Friday to discuss their latest work in the Ohio Legislature and other issues.  

Redistricting, property tax reform, and political violence and the Charlie Kirk killing were some of the issues we discussed with Mathews, a native of Arlington.

Mathews says resorting to violence against someone who holds different political views is totally and utterly unacceptable, and we need to respect the opinion of others even if we don’t agree with them. 

“This has been the greatest nation I believe this world has ever seen, and that’s what we need to look at as citizens in this country and really tune down on the hateful political rhetoric – and I’ll say – on both sides.”   

Listen back to our full interview with Mathews by clicking on the audio file below.

McColley and Mathews were in Findlay Friday to speak at the Hancock County GOP luncheon at the American Legion on West Front Street and were kind enough to stop by WFIN beforehand.

Test Drive Event Benefits Millstream Career Center

Reineke Ford Lincoln will be holding an event called Drive 4 UR Community benefiting Millstream Career Center.

It will be held on Tuesday, September 16 from 3 to 7 at Reineke Ford Lincoln, 12000 County Road 99, in Findlay.

For every valid test drive in a new Ford vehicle, Ford Motor Company will contribute $30 to Millstream Career Center, with donations totaling up to $6,000.

“It’s a quick and easy way for community members to get behind the wheel of a new Ford and make a difference locally,” said Alex Reineke of Reineke Family Dealerships.

“Millstream Career Center plays a vital role in preparing students for careers in our community and beyond,” he added.  

“We’re proud to partner with Ford Motor Company on this event and give our neighbors a chance to support Millstream in such a fun, engaging way.”

The initiative is part of Ford’s Drive 4 UR Community program, which has raised millions of dollars nationwide to support schools, nonprofits, and local causes.

Findlay Police Officer Passes Away

(From the Findlay Police Department)

It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the passing of one of our own, Officer John Schimmoeller, who dedicated 29 years of distinguished service to our department and the Findlay community. His dedication, strength, and compassion made a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

Officer Schimmoeller was a respected member of our department – a dedicated public servant, a trusted colleague, and a steady presence throughout our ranks. His contributions over nearly three decades reflect a deep commitment to duty, integrity, and the well-being of others. His absence leaves a void that cannot be filled, but his spirit will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

During this time of mourning, our thoughts are with Officer Schimmoeller’s family, friends, and all who knew and loved him. We respectfully ask the community to join us in honoring his memory and keeping those closest to him in your thoughts.

We are reminded that behind the badge are individuals who carry the weight of this work every day. As we honor Officer Schimmoeller’s life and legacy, we also recommit ourselves to looking after one another and ensuring that every member of our department knows they are never alone.

Officer Schimmoeller, thank you for your service. You will never be forgotten.

Rest easy, Brother. We’ll take it from here.