(From the Hancock Historical Museum)

The Hancock Historical Museum invites the public to join them for the next installment of its 2025 Classic Movie Night series on Friday, October 24, with a screening of the legendary Universal horror film The Bride of Frankenstein (1935), directed by James Whale and starring Boris Karloff and Elsa Lanchester.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the film will begin at 7:00 p.m. Admission is free, and popcorn and other refreshments will be available.

A masterpiece of early cinema, The Bride of Frankenstein is widely regarded as one of the greatest horror films ever made. Both haunting and darkly humorous, the film continues the story of Dr. Frankenstein’s monstrous creation as he demands a mate, leading to the birth of one of the most iconic figures in film history.

The evening will feature a special introduction by John King, President of the Ray Browne Pop Culture Association at Bowling Green State University, who will provide insight into the film’s historical and cultural significance, as well as its enduring impact on the horror genre.

The museum’s Classic Movie Night series offers audiences the chance to experience timeless films in a historic setting, enhanced by expert commentary that brings added depth and appreciation to each screening.

The remaining 2025 Classic Movie Night lineup includes: • November 21 – Dark Passage (PG, 1947) • December 19 – It’s A Wonderful Life (PG, 1946)

All films will be shown at the Hancock Historical Museum, located at 422 West Sandusky Street, Findlay, Ohio.

Don’t miss this opportunity to see one of cinema’s most iconic monsters come to life on the big screen, just in time for Halloween! Whether you’re a classic horror fan or a newcomer to the genre, The Bride of Frankenstein promises an unforgettable evening of gothic atmosphere and cinematic artistry. For more information, please visit www.hancockhistoricalmuseum.org or call 419-423-4433.

The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office says Sheriff Michael Cortez is excited to improve community engagement with the release of the new Hancock County Sheriff’s Office smartphone app.

The app is now available in both the Apple Store and Google Play.

The sheriff’s office says the free app is designed to keep residents and families safe by providing the latest updates and information from the sheriff’s office, including updates on alerts and emergencies.   

The app includes features like ‘submit a tip’, ‘records and reports’, and ‘corrections’.

 Get more details on the app below.

(From the Ohio State Highway Patrol)

The Celebration of Life for Trooper Nicholas P. Cayton, who died in the line of duty on October 16, 2025, will be held at the Beeghly Center on Youngstown State University’s campus Wednesday afternoon.

The Celebration of Life will begin at 1 p.m., with doors opening at noon. 

Trooper Nicholas P. Cayton, 40, passed away on October 16, 2025, after his marked Patrol cruiser was struck by a commercial vehicle on state Route 11 in Mahoning County.

Trooper Cayton graduated from the Ohio State Highway Patrol Training Academy in 2012 as a member of the 152^nd Class. Throughout his career, he served at the Canfield and Lisbon posts, as well as in the Ohio Army National Guard.

Trooper Cayton is survived by his wife, Lynsey, and their two children.

(From the Bluffton Ohio Historical Society)

The Bluffton Ohio Historical Society received the pieces from the John Dillinger jail cell in the old Allen County Jail in Lima.

Dillinger spent four days here in 1933.

We received the bars/door, sink, toilet, wall-mounted desk, chairs, coat hanger/shelf, and a nice old chair from the jail complex – all on permanent loan.

Now to work out funding to display all of this.

Special thanks to Allen County for making this happen.

Dillinger and his gang robbed Citizens National Bank of Bluffton of $2,100 on August 14th, 1933.

The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office is reminding drivers to watch out for children during upcoming Trick-or-Treat events in communities in the county.

The sheriff’s office released a list of Putnam County community Trick-or-Treat dates and times.

Ottawa’s Trick-or-Treat will be on October 23^rd from 6 to 7, and in downtown Ottawa from 7 to 8.

Leipsic’s will be on October 30 from 6 to 7.

Pandora’s will be on October 30 from 6 to 7.

See the full list below provided by the sheriff’s office.

(From the Ohio State Highway Patrol)

The Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) is reminding parents and guardians to have life-saving conversations with their teens about safe driving during National Teen Driver Safety Week, which runs from October 19-25.

Families play a critical role in reinforcing safe driving at home by setting the example, following the rules of the road and spending time driving with their teens. Through this, they can strengthen the lessons taught by troopers and give young drivers the confidence to build lasting safe habits.

“Just like mastering a sport or a musical instrument, safe driving takes practice,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “I encourage parents and guardians to actively coach their teens on safe driving skills and have open and consistent conversations with their kids about the importance of being a responsible driver.”

Like learning any skill, driving takes practice, and according to the Ohio Traffic Safety Office (OTSO), teens are safer drivers when their parents spend more time practicing with them, provide constructive feedback and expose them to varied driving environments.

In Ohio last year, over 37,000 teen drivers were involved in crashes. A teen driver was at-fault in 64 fatal crashes and over 6,700 injury crashes. Many of these incidents were connected to behaviors that can be prevented including speeding, distracted driving, lack of safety belt use and alcohol and drug impaired driving. Of the 44 teen drivers killed in traffic crashes last year, 81% were not wearing an available safety belt.

To help reinforce safe driving habits, the Patrol is encouraging teens to always wear a safety belt, stay focused on the roadway, obey posted speed limits and never drive impaired. Because passengers are a common source of distraction, Ohio law restricts drivers under the age of 18 from having more than one non-family passenger during the first year of a probationary license unless a parent or guardian is present.

“The Patrol is committed to giving young drivers the tools they need to make safe choices,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent. “Through education, we are working to build a strong foundation of safety that will benefit Ohio’s newest drivers for years to come.”

The OSHP is also committed to teen driver safety through our Drive to Live program, which brings troopers into schools to share real-world experiences and education with young drivers. Schools interested in hosting a presentation are encouraged to contact their local Patrol post.

Earlier this year, OTSO introduced new resources on TeachYourTeentoDrive.ohio.gov which are designed to support parents as they coach their teen through the three phases of licensure under Ohio’s Graduated Driver’s License (GDL) law.

A new, free, state-supported mobile app called RoadReady Ohio helps parents log the required 50 hours of driving and make the most of this practice time before teens can obtain their license.

(From the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce)

Do you have an artistic eye? Do you appreciate the uniqueness and beauty of Bluffton? If so, this competition is for you!

We’re hosting a year-long photo competition from November 1, 2025, to October 1, 2026, open to everyone in our community. The goal is to capture images from local events, scenery, and moments that showcase what makes Bluffton so special. At the end of the competition, entries will be judged and prizes awarded.

To register (it’s free!) and receive more information, as well as the competition rules and guidelines, please fill out the form below.

https://docs.google.com/…/1FAIpQLSeItBcOWycR34…/viewform

The competition begins November 1st!

**Credit for this beautiful sunset photo: Jamie Nygaard**

(From the City of Findlay)

The City of Findlay is performing numerous construction projects throughout the city. The status of some of the projects is weather and contractor schedule permitting. Listed below are some of the projects and the restrictions that result from the ongoing projects. These restrictions are in effect from October 20, 2025, until further notice.

-Kennison Dr. will be closed to all traffic in sections from Penrose Dr. to Spring Lake Dr. West for a sanitary sewer project.

-Spring Lake Dr. East will be closed to all traffic in sections from TR 80 to Dead End for a sanitary sewer project.

-Traffic delays are expected on the South side of the intersection of TR 77 and TR 80 due to a lateral bore installation.

-Sherry St. will be closed to all traffic from Sixth St. to Pearl St. for a sanitary sewer project.

-SR 568 will be maintained with portable traffic lights from CR 236 to TR 241 for the installation of the Greenway Trail Phase 3.

Please contact the Engineering Department with any questions (419) 424-7121.

Community Trick-or-Treat celebrations aren’t far off – so when is your community celebrating?

Findlay’s Trick-or-Treat will be held on Saturday, October 25 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Arlington’s will be on Thursday, October 30 from 6 to 8.

McComb’s will be on Friday, October 31 from 6 to 7.

See the full list of Hancock County Trick-or-Treat dates and times below compiled by Visit Findlay.

And, of course, the 2025 Cops & Kids Findlay Halloween Parade will be held on Tuesday, October 21 beginning at 7 p.m.

The parade will head north on South Main Street from Sixth Street/Lake Cascades Parkway to Lima Street.

(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.