The Findlay Police Department says a man operating an electric bicycle was seriously injured in a crash with an SUV.

The crash happened at around 7 p.m. Monday at the intersection of North Blanchard Street and George Street.

Police say Nathan C. Shaver, 32, of MaComb, Michigan was operating an electric bicycle eastbound on George Street while Jennifer A. Neal, 54, of Findlay was driving an SUV northbound on North Blanchard Street.

Police say Shaver was transported to a hospital with serious injuries.

No citations have been issued yet, police said.

The crash remains under investigation.

The folks at Sunrise Senior Living in Findlay got to enjoy the total solar eclipse.

WFIN was on hand as several residents donned their solar eclipse glasses and looked toward the sky Monday afternoon.

We spoke with 97-year-old Theresa Roberts who was absolutely blown away by her first total solar eclipse. (video below)

“It’s the first time I’ve ever seen it and it was absolutely beautiful.”

Sunrise Senior Living had 15 of their residents outside to enjoy the eclipse, and thanks to them for letting WFIN stop by and be a part of the special day.

(From the Hancock Country Veterans Service Office)

In the fall of 2023, the Hancock Country Veterans Service Office along with the Hancock Historical Museum and Hancock Park District worked together to create the Heritage Trail Story Walk. The Trail begins at Litzenberg Memorial Woods on the county’s west side and ends at Van Horn Cemetery on the county’s east side. It connects parks, historic sites, and landmarks with over 20 miles of pavement, grass and dirt. Storyboards were installed at various points along the trail to highlight the contributions from Hancock County Veterans during various wars and conflicts.

The first four boards, featuring The War of 1812, The Civil War, World War I (The Great War) and World War II have been installed and we are happy to announce that the final four boards will be completed in 2024. Being added to the story walk this year will be contributions made by Hancock County veterans during the Korean War, The Vietnam War, The Persian Gulf War (Desert Storm) and The Global War on Terrorism (Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom).

We spoke with Nichole Coleman, Director of the Hancock County Veterans Service Office, about the new Veterans Story Walk during its unveiling in September 2023. (video below)

This trail has given us a wonderful opportunity to educate and celebrate the accomplishments of Hancock County through the Veteran Story Walk. Each storyboard includes information about a war or conflict and how Hancock County veterans served or contributed, thanks to research completed by the Hancock County Historical Museum.

“We want to make sure that we never forget about these important historic events and the part that our veterans played,” said Ed Newton, resiliency operations manager. “It gives us an opportunity to tell their story and helps us carry on our county’s rich heritage to the next generation. Our veterans enjoy telling their stories. Make sure you take time to visit our wonderful parks, learn about history and celebrate our wonderful Hancock County veterans. Maybe this will inspire you to start a conversation with a veteran to learn more about what encouraged them to serve.”

This project has been fully funded thanks to a grant from The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation. The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life for all in the community. Established in 1992 as a result of an estate gift from L. Dale Dorney, The Community Foundation has granted more than $75 million to fund projects to support our community. Visit community-foundation.com or call (419) 425-1100 to learn more about how the Foundation is making a lasting community impact.

The University of Findlay held an eclipse watch party in front of the College of Business building on Monday.

People could be seen getting their equipment ready to photograph the eclipse or just hanging out with family on the lawn.

Two pairs of larger-than-life eclipse glasses made by the UF maintenance department were a big hit with people, and plenty of pictures were taken with them.

See video of the fun below.

(ONN) – An advocacy group is hoping to change the minimum wage in Ohio.

The Ohio Capital Journal reports that Ohioans could have a chance to vote to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2026.

Raise the Wage Ohio is collecting signatures to put a proposed constitutional amendment on this year’s ballot that would raise the minimum wage to $12.75 an hour starting Jan. 1, 2025, and then it would go up to $15 an hour starting on Jan. 1, 2026.

It would also get rid of Ohio’s tipped wage.

Ohio’s current minimum wage is $10.45 an hour for non-tipped employees and $5.25 for tipped employees.

They need to collect more than 413,000 signatures by July.

(From the Findlay Police Department)

Officers were dispatched to the 100 block of E Foulke Ave. at 4:22 Saturday morning for reports of several shots fired in the area.

Upon initial investigation, it was determined several shots were exchanged between individuals and damage to property was discovered.

At this time, no injuries were reported.

No arrests have been made due to the ongoing criminal investigation.

If there is anyone with information, please contact the Findlay Police Department.

Longtime Findlay Trojans Boys Basketball Coach Jim Rucki is retiring.

“Thank you Coach Rucki for devoting your career to teaching & guiding the youth of Findlay and spending countless hours preparing your teams for success on & off the court,” the school said on Facebook. 

Coach Rucki finishes his career with an overall record of 545 wins including 385-178 at Findlay High School.

“We wish you and your family the best in retirement.”

In 2022 we spoke with Coach Rucki about reaching 500 career wins, and you can get that story by clicking here. 

Athletic Director Nate Weihrauch provided the following statement on Coach Rucki:

Coach Rucki is a tremendous coach who has dedicated himself to the philosophy of education-based athletics where he pursued excellence in every aspect.

Coach devoted his life to teaching and guiding our youth and has spent countless hours preparing his team for success on and off the court. 

Coach Rucki could always be found in his office after hours or scouting other teams to ensure his team was ready for any scenario.

Coach Rucki earned an overall record of 545 wins including 385-178 in Findlay; earned multiple league, sectional, and district titles and numerous state, district, and league coach of the year honors.

Most importantly, Coach Rucki loved working with kids and teaching them the game of basketball. 

Coach has an unwavering commitment to the community of Findlay, Findlay Athletics, and Trojan Basketball. 

His 545 career wins and 25 consecutive years with a winning record at Findlay are impressive. 

Still, the most impressive feat has been the inspiration, character, integrity, values, and life lessons he taught our young people that will impact them for a lifetime.

Not only has Coach impacted our youth but he has impacted our department as a mentor and loyal and faithful friend. 

We certainly wish Coach, his wife Eileen, and their family the best in retirement.

(From the Office of the Ohio Governor)

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced that he is activating the Ohio Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to support local communities before, during, and after Monday’s solar eclipse, which could draw hundreds of thousands of visitors to Ohio.

“There is no better place to experience the eclipse than in Ohio, the Birthplace of Aviation and the heart of aerospace,” said Governor DeWine. “While we are confident that our local communities have fully prepared for the influx of spectators, having our Emergency Operations Center at the ready will allow us to immediately respond if any unexpected needs arise.”

Beginning on Sunday, staff members from the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Ohio Emergency Management Agency, Ohio Adjutant General’s Department, Ohio Fire Marshal’s Office, Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, and the departments of transportation, natural resources, administrative services, and job and family services will assemble at the EOC in Columbus to organize resources for local partners who request support.

The EOC activation follows the executive order issued by Governor DeWine last month that directed all state departments and agencies to be prepared to support local communities during the eclipse. Ohio EMA has been coordinating with state, local, and private partners to prepare for increased demands on gas, food, shelter, traffic, and cell phone service since 2021.

“We usually don’t have this much notice for a large-scale event, but the eclipse has been hundreds of years in the making, so that helped make our jobs a little easier,” said Sima Merick, director of the Ohio Emergency Management Agency. “Our EOC teams will be watching traffic cameras, weather radar, and monitoring local needs through contact with our county partners, and we stand ready to provide resources as needed.”

In addition to the EOC activation, the Ohio State Highway Patrol will increase staffing levels and activate its aviation unit to enhance traffic safety services and emergency response on Ohio’s highways. Troopers will be available to support local law enforcement agencies on request and will be ready to assist motorists in the days leading up to and after the eclipse. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources will also increase its law enforcement staffing levels at its 23 state parks and five wildlife areas that are in or near the path of totality. 

The Ohio Department of Transportation will be fully staffed on the day of the eclipse to assist with traffic control and adjust traffic signal timing near popular viewing areas as needed. The Ohio Turnpike’s toll booths, service plazas, and maintenance buildings will also be fully staffed, and the turnpike will be monitored by tow truck operators to provide roadside assistance to stranded motorists. Portable message signs will be placed at various locations to keep travelers informed about traffic incidents and driving conditions. 

The 2024 Hope House Benefit Auction ‘Hope Shines Bright’ will be held on Friday, April 12 at the Hancock Hotel.

Development Director Laurie Poland was on with WFIN’s Chris Oaks to discuss the event and how their organization helps homeless and impoverished individuals and families in Hancock County.

With the help of dedicated volunteers and generous donors, Hope House assists with securing safe and affordable housing for over 3500 individuals each year.

Born out of the need for homeless services for women and children in 1990, Hope House now provides a continuum of services that help individuals and families locate and permanently maintain housing. In addition to the Hope House Shelter, Hope House serves as the Front Door for housing assistance in Hancock County out of its offices in The Family Center.

Get more on Hope House and their upcoming ‘Hope Shines Bright’ benefit auction by clicking here.

(WTOL) – 15-year-old Jaylah Perry was shot and killed in Toledo last month.

Now, her organs are saving other’s lives.

Kara Steele is director of community services for Life Connection of Ohio.

“Despite the circumstances of her death, Jaylah had the last word. She was able to save lives through organ donation which is an incredible life-saving legacy.”

Perry’s family decided to donate her organs through Life connection of Ohio and now six people in different states are recipients.

Life Connection of Ohio says one person has the ability to save up to eight lives with organ donation and 125 more with tissue donation.