(From the United Way of Hancock County)

United Way of Hancock County is calling on all Difference Makers — the givers, the advocates and the volunteers — to help support our community through its 2025 Annual Campaign.

This year’s campaign kicked off with a community pickleball tournament and continues through mid-November. During this two-month window, the United Way aims to raise $1.8 million to help strengthen local safety net services.

As always, every donation made to the United Way will stay in our community. The money raised during the Annual Campaign will be allocated to the United Way’s local partner agencies and their programming that exists to champion children, promote safety and health, fight hunger, foster financial stability and provide safe housing. These critical services serve 1 in 4 people in Hancock County.

“We love our campaign theme, ‘Difference Makers,’” because that’s exactly what our supporters are to those who are assisted by the life-changing services the United Way helps fund,” said Kelley McClurkin, CEO of United Way of Hancock County.

“Whether you are contributing dollars toward our campaign goal, your time as a volunteer or your voice to speak up for a cause that matters, you are making a difference for a vulnerable child, family or individual in our community. No action is too small to make a difference.”

Campaign season incorporates a variety of activities designed to build corporate enthusiasm, provide volunteer engagement and educate the public on the efforts of local nonprofits. Leading the campaign’s efforts are Kirby Overton, dean of the University of Findlay College of Business; and Kelly Wohlgamuth, coordinator of Gifted and English Learner Services at Findlay City Schools.

“United Way of Hancock County truly is one place to give, many ways to help,” said Overton. “This year, our United Way is supporting 19 local programs that are measurably improving people’s lives.”

“Every dollar you give stays in our community to enable critical services that act as a safety net for those who need them most while empowering vulnerable individuals to thrive,” Wohlgamuth added.

Each year, the United Way assembles a campaign cabinet to serve as the key connection between the organization and its corporate partners. This year’s cabinet members include:

• • Overton and Wohlgamuth, serving as Campaign chairs.

• • Chuck Bills, president of Ohio Logistics, serving as Corporate Division chair.

• • Jeff Young, superintendent of the Hancock County Education Services Center, serving as Education Division chair.

• • Myron Lewis, president and CEO of Blanchard Valley Health System, serving as Health Division chair.

• • Karen Worthington, owner of River + Road, serving as Mercantile Division chair.

• • Sean Abbott, Hancock County Prosecutor; and Jennie Treece of Findlay Brewing Co., serving as Professional Division co-chairs.

• • Jaclynn Hohman, project manager for the City of Findlay, serving as Public Division chair.

• • Josh Slough and Britt Knippen, both of Key Realty, serving as FIRE Division co-chairs.

• • Cathy Schroll, mayor of the Village of McComb, serving as Rural Division chair.

• • Anne Whitman, retired from Premier Bank, serving as Retiree/Independent Division chair.

• • Elizabeth Babcock, supply chain business analyst with Marathon Petroleum Corp., serving as Youth Division chair.

Visit www.uwhancock.org to learn more or to donate to the campaign.

(From the Big Ten Conference)

Terry Wymer, Executive Director of Collegiate Officiating Consortium (COC MBB2) and Coordinator of Officials for the Big Ten and Mountain West Conferences, passed away on Saturday, October 18 at the age of 66.

“It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our dear colleague and friend, Terry Wymer, the executive director of the Collegiate Officiating Consortium,” read a statement from the Collegiate Officiating Consortium. “Terry’s leadership, integrity, and passion for the game set the standard for all of us.

“Terry brought out the best in those around him—whether mentoring new officials, working with our coaches, or simply sharing a laugh in the locker room. His impact on the officiating community will be felt for years to come, and his absence leaves an unmistakable void in our industry.

“We extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones, especially his wife, Teresa, and his children Luke, Eric and Rachel.”

Wymer managed the day-to-day operations of the COC MBB2 and was responsible for recruiting, selecting, developing, evaluating and assigning officials for all men’s basketball games in the Big Ten and overseeing the assignments in the Horizon League, Mid-American Conference, Mountain West Conference, and Summit League.

Wymer spent the majority of his 35-year collegiate officiating career working in the Big Ten along with assignments in the Mid-American Conference, Mid-Continent Conference, Horizon League, Summit League, Big 12, and the SEC.

During his career, Wymer officiated six Big Ten Tournament championship games and 21 straight NCAA Men’s Division I tournaments, advancing to the Regionals 11 times. Wymer also officiated five Final Fours and the National Championship game three times.

A member of the Ohio Basketball and University of Findlay Halls of Fame, Wymer played on Findlay’s 1979 national championship football team and earned three letters on the baseball team.

People gathered in front of the Hancock County Courthouse in Findlay on Saturday for a “No Kings” protest – joining hundreds of other protests across the United States and other countries.

Organizers and participants said the protests are against the overreach of the President and to push back against what they call his authoritarian actions.

In June, people gathered across the country for a “No Kings” protest, and organizers said Saturday’s event was the next piece of a growing, peaceful, and coordinated mobilization.

The Findlay Police Department says a man was arrested after shooting a gun during an altercation at a bar.

The police department said officers responded to Brew U, at 316 North Main Street, a little after 2 a.m. Saturday to investigate a report of shots being fired.

Police said Matthew Copeland, 22, had been involved in an altercation inside the bar that continued into the parking lot.

Police say Copeland retrieved a handgun from a vehicle and fired it several times. Police said no injured individuals were located.

Police said the gun was located and Copeland was taken into custody for using a weapon while intoxicated and discharging a firearm within city limits. 

During their investigation, police said a separate verbal altercation occurred in the parking lot between Richard Warren, 20, a Brew U employee, and Rodney Curry Jr., 24.

Police said Warren was arrested for aggravated disorderly conduct and underage consumption, and Curry Jr. was arrested for failing to disclose his personal information to law enforcement.

National School Bus Safety Week runs Monday, October 20 through Friday October 24.

During the week, the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office, Findlay Police Department, and the Ohio State Highway Patrol will be increasing enforcement efforts on school bus violations such as passing a stopped school bus.

The enforcement serves as a reminder to drivers, students, and school bus drivers of the importance they all play in ensuring the safety of schoolchildren.

Findlay crime prevention officer Brian White says we all need to do our part to make sure schoolkids are safe around buses.

He says drivers are required to stop at least 10 feet in front of or behind a school bus when flashing lights and a stop arm are displayed and cannot resume driving until the school bus begins moving.

On a two-lane road all lanes of traffic must come to a stop for a school bus that’s loading or unloading students.

On a four-lane road, only vehicles going in the same direction as the school bus must stop.

The Ottawa Police Department said Ottawa-Glandorf Local Schools were placed on modified lockdown on Friday morning.

The police department said the lockdown was in response to the report of a male subject from Michigan who was believed to be experiencing a mental health crisis and was traveling to Ottawa to see his daughter.

Later in the morning, police located the male subject in Ottawa and he was transported to a hospital for evaluation and care.

Get more details from the police department below.

(From the University of Findlay)

University of Findlay President Katherine Fell, Ph.D., has announced her plans to retire at the close of the 2025-26 academic year, concluding 16 years of transformative leadership for UF.

“President Fell has led with vision, faith, and a deep commitment to the transformative power of higher education,” said Chris Ostrander, president of the University’s Board of Trustees. “We are profoundly grateful for her service and her impact on many thousands of students. She will leave Findlay poised for continued growth and a dynamic future.”

President Fell has guided the University through a time of expansion and strategic decision-making to achieve a position of strength in the higher education community, he noted.

Her tenure has been marked by a student-centered focus on academic excellence, experiential learning opportunities, and enhanced campus facilities – all advancing the University’s regional and national reputation.

UF’s standards for excellence were recently recognized for the 20th consecutive year with top rankings in U.S. News & World Report’s annual survey of “America’s Best Colleges.”

Under President Fell’s leadership, Findlay has added many new academic programs, especially at the master’s and doctoral levels, while expanding the number of partnerships with local businesses and community organizations, and amplifying its role as a regional catalyst for economic and social vitality, Ostrander explained.

She also has been a driving force behind “Together We Will,” the largest comprehensive campaign in UF history. Gifts from generous donors have nearly reached the $75 million goal and have constructed the Joseph and Judith Conda STEAM Education Center and the Dick Strahm Champions Field. A multi-million-dollar lead gift created the Watterson Center for Ethical Leadership, and $15.5 million has been given for student scholarships.

“It has been an immense honor for me to serve as the University of Findlay’s president and work alongside talented colleagues to serve our students,” President Fell said. “I am deeply grateful to our many alumni, friends, parents, and community members who believe in UF’s mission to prepare students for meaningful lives and productive careers.”

President Fell came to Findlay in 2010 after serving at Centenary College, Shreveport, La., for 24 years first as an associate professor of English and eventually as the college’s vice president of advancement.

In 2024, the Board of Trustees extended her contract for three years, through June 2026, and left open the option for her to continue beyond 2026 if she chose to do so. The Board of Trustees will launch a national search for the next president. President Fell will serve in her role through the upcoming academic year, continuing to advance key institutional priorities and working closely with the board to ensure a seamless transition.

(From the Findlay Family YMCA)

11 Cooks, 11 Recipes, Unlimited chances to give!

Our tailgate-themed Men Who Cook event is just around the corner! Do you know anyone on this year’s team? Lewis Johnson was last year’s winner, and he’s returning to defend his title. Here’s the rest of the roster: Tim Cooper, executive chef at Blanchard Valley Health System; Donnie Johnson; Matt Hull; JJ Preston; Erik Swanson; Bo Thomas; Chris Webb; Eric Forsyth; Jeremy Scheider; and Dan Metzger.

They’ll be competing for the coveted winner’s apron – and your CASH TIPS! With Coach Cliff Hite as our emcee, a cash bar, and football on the big screens, the night will be a guaranteed win.

Proceeds from tips and ticket sales will support our Open Doors Community Scholarship Campaign, which helps families in need access YMCA memberships and vital programs like free swim lessons, senior fitness classes, and more.

A LIMITED NUMBER OF TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE. Get yours now: https://tinyurl.com/yc3mz5kx

Save the date: Saturday, Nov. 1

Findlay Inn & Conference Center

Who will earn your tip?

(From the City of Findlay)

The City of Findlay will offer a bulk trash drop-off for Findlay residents from Saturday, October 25 to Saturday, November 1, 2025. Hours are 8am-7pm or until full on weekdays and 8am-4pm or until full on Saturdays.

Dumpsters will be at the Public Works Department, 330 N. Cory St. where city residents may dispose of unwanted debris.

Hazardous materials, commercial tires, concrete, appliances and electronics will not be accepted. Proof of residency or ID may be required.

The city will accept noncommercial vehicle tires. The tires must be off of the rim. Proof of residency in the City of Findlay and/or ID will be required.

Please note that it is illegal to transport more than ten scrap tires at any time without obtaining a registration certificate from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency per ORC 3734.83.

(From the Ohio State Highway Patrol)

The Ohio State Highway Patrol is deeply saddened to announce the line-of-duty death of Trooper Nicholas P. Cayton, 40, who was fatally struck while assisting a disabled vehicle on State Route 11 in Mahoning County Thursday morning.

Around 11:52 a.m., Trooper Cayton responded to state Route 11 northbound, south of U.S. 224, following reports of a disabled 2024 Kenworth semi tractor-trailer stopped in the right lane. Upon making contact with the semi driver, Nelson De Jesus Herrera Vasquez, 65, Florida, it was determined his vehicle had struck an item in the roadway.

While still on scene, Trooper Cayton was sitting in his marked cruiser with his emergency overhead lights activated when a 2007 Mack Granite, driven by Ryan Rach, 35, Canfield, traveling northbound crashed into the back of his cruiser. The cruiser then traveled forward into the back of the disabled tractor-trailer, also striking Vasquez who was standing outside of his vehicle.

Trooper Cayton was pronounced dead at the scene and Vasquez was life-flighted to a nearby hospital for treatment. Rach was uninjured in the crash.

The Canfield Fire Department, Boardman Township Fire Department, Ellsworth Fire Department, Canfield Police Department, Mahoning County Sheriff’s Office, Ohio Environmental Protection Agency and Ohio Department of Transportation assisted on scene.

This crash remains under investigation.