(By Sean M. Abbott, Hancock County Prosecuting Attorney and Jessica K. Leeth, Victim Advocate Director)

Sexual Assault is Serious

Sexual assault in the United States is very serious. Statistics have shown that a sexual assault occurs nearly every 98 seconds, and that a child is a victim of a sexual assault every 8 minutes. This is alarming! Fortunately, Ohio has enacted many statutes that directly address sexual assaults, including Rape, Sexual Battery, Unlawful Sexual Conduct with a Minor, and Gross Sexual Imposition.

Unfortunately, sexual assaults are some of the most difficult cases to investigate and prosecute. This is generally due to lack of physical evidence, as the longer a victim waits to report the assault, the higher the likelihood that the physical evidence has disappeared.

However, there are steps that can be taken to ensure the best possible outcome for a victim of sexual assault. If you or anybody you know has been the victim of a potential sexual assault, please follow these steps:

1. DO NOT SHOWER OR WASH YOUR CLOTHES: Taking a shower or washing the clothes you were wearing during the assault could drastically reduce the likelihood of obtaining DNA evidence linking your attacker to the assault.
2. SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY: Most hospitals have a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) on staff who will work with you every step of the way in documenting any and all evidence left behind on your person or clothing. The SANE Nurse will perform a thorough examination, collect evidence, and contact law enforcement.
3. COOPERATE WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT: Full cooperation with law enforcement allows for a more-thorough investigation and will enhance the likelihood of your attacker receiving punishment.
4. UTILIZE LOCAL SUPPORT PROGRAMS: Various victim advocate and counseling programs are available to offer support for a victim of a sexual assault. These services provide support and educational materials to address any issues that arise from the assault. In Hancock County, Open Arms is a great resource. The Open Arms Crisis Hotline can be reached at (419)422-4766.
5. DISTANCE YOURSELF FROM NEGATIVE INFLUENCES: Many people will reach out to the victims in an attempt to persuade them not to pursue criminal charges and/or to try to discredit them. This sometimes includes threats. If someone makes any threatening statements to you, you should immediately report them to law enforcement.

Being a victim of a sexual assault can be scary and intimidating, however, there are resources available. If you have questions or concerns about a sexual assault, please feel free to contact the Hancock County Prosecutor’s office and our Victim Witness Division.

If you or someone you know has been the victim of a sexual assault, please contact the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office at (419) 422-2424 or the Findlay Police Department at (419) 424-7150 to open a formal investigation.

(From the University of Findlay’s Mazza Museum)

On January 11th from 1:00–3:30 PM, join us for a Birthday Party celebrating America’s 250th Birthday, featuring a special visit from author/illustrator duo Peter Barnes and Cheryl Shaw Barnes.

We’ll also be celebrating the opening of our new America 250 gallery, and thanks to America 250-Ohio, every child will receive a free book to take home.

A perfect afternoon for families to celebrate history, reading, and community together.

(From the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office)

On January 4th, 2026 at 5:25pm, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office received 911 calls regarding a structure fire located at 16440 U.S. 224 Columbus Grove, Ohio, which is located just outside of the Village of Kalida.

Upon arrival, first responders found a large shed, standing next to the residence fully engulfed. After approximately three hours, the fire was extinguished and the building deemed a total loss.

The residence, which is owned by Kenneth and Deborah Karl, suffered only cosmetic damages.

On scene was the Kalida Fire Department assisted by the Columbus Grove Fire Department, Fort Jennings Fire Department, and the Glandorf Fire Department.

Also assisting was the Kalida E.M.S. Columbus Grove E.M.S. Putnam County E.M.S. and Elite Drove Services.

It is unclear of what caused the fire and the Ohio Fire Marshal Service will be following up on the matter in the next couple days.

(From The Ohio State Highway Patrol)

Do you have a new year’s resolution to volunteer more and give back to your community? Here’s your chance to make an impact in 2026.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol Auxiliary, an all-volunteer force that supports troopers in their daily duties, is looking for dedicated volunteers who want to help create a safer Ohio.

Auxiliary officers assist with crash scenes, traffic stops, traffic control, disaster relief and special details across the state. If you’re ready to give back, learn new skills and serve your community, now is your chance.

Start the year with purpose. Start it with us. https://www.oshpauxiliary.org/join

The City of Findlay says the Green Waste Site will be open Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. until Friday, January 16, for Christmas Tree disposal.

The Green Waste Site is located at 330 North Cory Street, behind the public works department.

The entrance is near the railroad tracks.

(From Findlay Firefighters Local 381)

As 2025 has come to an end, Findlay Firefighters officially completed our busiest year on record at 2,977 calls for service.

This is an increase from 2,352 in 2020 (20.9% increase) and 2,178 calls in 2015 (26.8% increase).

Our call volume may continue to increase, but our commitment remains constant.

Local 381 would like to thank our community for their support.

We are extremely blessed to work for such an incredible city and look forward to continuing to work with the newly sworn in city council members.

Here’s to a great 2026!

(From Blanchard Valley Health System)

What a sweet way to celebrate the new year!

Nevaeh Olyvia Robinson welcomed her New Year’s baby boy, Ny’Meir Keyari Jones, at 5:29 a.m. on January 1, 2026. Weighing in at 5lbs. 10 oz, Ny’Meir is the perfect way to start 2026.

Join us in congratulating the happy family! Thank you for entrusting Blanchard Valley Health System with your care on this special day.

To learn more about our comprehensive women’s care services, visit bvhealthsystem.org/women.

The Ohio Department of Transportation is letting drivers know of a ramp closure on Interstate 75.

ODOT says the Interstate 75 northbound entrance ramp from State Route 103 in Bluffton will close on Monday, January 5, for approximately one day for bridge repairs.

The suggested detour from ODOT: SR 103 to SR 235, back to I-75.

The Children’s Museum of Findlay is working on getting its new location ready to go after having to leave the now-demolished Findlay Mall.

The new location for the Children’s Museum of Findlay is 11600 County Road 99, a little east of the RaceTrac gas station.

“We can’t wait to bring PLAY back to life for our community,” the museum said while announcing its new location.

A special thank-you to our Board Members, donors, and community champions who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make this happen.

Executive Director Allison Behm-Kemmere was on with WFIN’s Chris Oaks in November to discuss all that goes into getting their new facility ready for the kids.

The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office has released its monthly totals for December.

Calls for Service: 878

Traffic Stops: 339

Paper Service: 93

Motor Vehicle Accidents: 72

Domestic Violence/ Disputes: 7

OVI’s: 1

Warrants Served: 4

Vehicle Unlocks: 12

Golf Cart Inspections: 3

Corrections Division:

Total Book-Ins: 23

Jail Transports: 31

Average Daily Inmate Population: 25