(From the Ohio State Highway Patrol)

According to provisional statistics, nine people were killed in eight fatal crashes on Ohio roadways this Christmas holiday weekend, resulting in the fewest deaths during a Christmas reporting period since 2018.

The four-day Christmas reporting period began Friday, December 22 at midnight and ran through 11:59 p.m. on Monday, December 25. 

Of the nine people killed, five were not wearing a safety belt and impairment was a factor in two of the crashes.

During the reporting period, troopers arrested 213 people for operating a vehicle while impaired and 21 for illegal drugs. Troopers also issued citations for 228 safety belt and 75 distracted driving violations. Additionally, troopers assisted 1,049 motorists on Ohio roadways.

In comparison, there were 12 people killed during the 2022 Christmas holiday, which ran from December 23 to 26.

The public is encouraged to continue using #677 to report dangerous or impaired drivers, as well as drug activity. A statistical analysis of the Patrol’s enforcement activity and crash data over the holiday is available here.

The Findlay Police Department says Blanchard Valley Hospital in Findlay received a bomb threat on Tuesday.

Police say the threat was emailed to the hospital and stated that explosives were in the building.

The Findlay Police Department, Findlay Fire Department, and Hancock County Sheriff’s Office responded, and hospital security were already on the scene. 

Police say personnel searched the interior and exterior of the hospital grounds and a bomb detection K9 unit arrived on scene to assist in the search.

After a thorough search of the property, nothing suspicious was located.

Police say the message received was vague and was determined to be part of a swatting style message that was received at several hospitals in multiple locations across Ohio.

(From the Fostoria Police Division)

Today is a day of mixed emotions for members of the Fostoria Police Department, as we say goodbye to one of our four legged partners.

After 10 ½ amazing years, K9 Marley is retiring. Since day one, this guy has been an unbelievable asset to our department.

Marley and his handler, Officer Don Dennis have set the bar very high for newcomers K9 Bandit and K9 Creed.

During retirement, Marley will continue to live his best life with Officer Dennis and his adorable family.

Congratulations Marley on your well-deserved retirement. You will be missed!!!

Findlay City Schools says Findlay First Edition Director Kevin Manley returned to his teaching position on Thursday.

He had been on administrative leave since the end of November when the school district announced that an investigation was underway into reports regarding student behavior and the culture of the Findlay First Edition program “that do not align with our values and expectations for our students,” said Superintendent Dr. Andy Hatton.

Dr. Hatton made clear at the November 27 school board meeting that the reports did not include allegations of boundary issues involving FFE Director Kevin Manley and students.

Dr. Hatton said the school district retained a third-party investigator to conduct an unbiased comprehensive investigation.

Findlay City Schools says the interview phase of the investigation has concluded and they are awaiting the final findings of the investigation.

(From Liberty-Benton Local Schools)

Liberty-Benton Local Schools received a $100,000 check from Marathon Petroleum Corporation on December 21, 2023, as part of the Thriving Communities grant.

Superintendent Otley expressed gratitude, emphasizing that the generous gift will help offset safety and security upgrade expenses.

The enhancements, implemented last summer, include door sensors, video surveillance upgrades, line-of-sight solutions, secondary locking devices, emergency notification systems, and structural improvements.

This contribution allows the district to invest further in safety infrastructure.

Findlay Mayor Christina Muryn was sworn in for her second full term.

In the picture, Mayor Muryn is being sworn in to office by Judge Kristen Johnson.

Mayor Muryn’s husband, Tyler, is by her side. The Color Guard can also be seen in the picture.

Mayor Muryn tells WFIN News that she’s incredibly grateful for the support of the citizens of Findlay and she doesn’t take the responsibility of leading the city lightly.

“I know that we’ve accomplished a lot over the last four years but we have a lot more work to do and I’m very excited to continue to lead the city of Findlay.”

Muryn was appointed mayor in February of 2019 to replace Lydia Mihalik who joined the cabinet of Ohio Governor Mike DeWine.

In May of 2019 Muryn won the Republican mayoral primary.

In November of 2019, Muryn won the general election earning her first full four-year term as mayor.

(From the Tiffin Police Department)

On Thursday, December 21, 2023 Tiffin Police Detectives, with the assistance of multiple law enforcement agencies, arrested an adult male, age 43, who traveled from Nashville, Tennessee to Tiffin, Ohio to engage in sexual conduct with a minor female child.

In early December a concerned mother contacted the Tiffin Police after learning her daughter was being paid by a 43-year-old male to send him nude images of herself. The male making those requests of her daughter was identified as Shane Allyne and he was a family acquaintance. Tiffin P.D. Det. England’s investigation confirmed the juvenile had been paid by Mr. Allyne for providing nude images of herself and was offered additional money from Mr. Allyne if the juvenile agreed to engage in sexual conduct with him. Additionally, the investigation revealed Mr. Allyne sent explicit photos and videos of himself to the juvenile and continued to direct the juvenile to send him explicit images of herself to him.

Today, Mr. Allyne traveled from Nashville, Tennessee to the Columbus area where he was to attend a holiday party for his business. After arriving in Columbus he then traveled by car to Tiffin. Mr. Allyne made it clear that he would pay several hundred dollars and up to a thousand dollars to the juvenile if she met with him and engaged in sexual conduct with him at a hotel room. With the assistance of Homeland Security Agents from Nashville Tennessee and from Columbus, Ohio, as well as help from Special Agent Hoffert, the Sandusky County Drug Task Force, and the Seneca County Drug Task Force, Mr. Allyne was tracked and tailed from the Nashville airport to the Columbus airport to a local lodging establishment in Tiffin, Ohio.

Mr. Allyne arrived in Tiffin and checked into the local lodging establishment. Upon exiting that establishment, Mr. Allyne was immediately arrested by law enforcement. Mr. Allyne was transported to the Seneca County Jail. Pending charges for Mr. Allyne will be Compelling Prostitution, Attempted Pandering Obscenity Involving a Minor, Disseminating Matter Harmful to Juveniles, as well as additional charges.

I would like to personally thank ALL the law enforcement agencies for providing their assistance in this investigation and subsequent operation. The Tiffin Police Department remains dedicated to investing time, effort and resources in the ongoing protection of our most precious asset – our children. In particular, we recognize the gravity of the threat posed by child sexual predators and want to assure this community that our commitment to investigating and combating this heinous crime remains steadfast. If you have concerns, information, or suggestions regarding the protection of our children, including issues related to their safety, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Tiffin Police. We are here to listen, engage, and work together to ensure a safer community for us all.

Tiffin Police Chief David W. Pauly

The Findlay Police Department says a man fired a gunshot into a bar after leaving the business after getting into an argument.

Police say it happened at Tim and Tommy’s Tavern on Walnut Street at approximately 12:42 Friday morning.

Police say Alexander Lorenzo, 44, of Findlay, had been in an argument inside the bar and left.

A short time later he drove by the bar and fired a handgun from his truck as he drove by.

The bullet struck the door to the bar and lodged in the metal frame.

Lorenzo was located by police and arrested for discharging a firearm and creating a substantial risk of physical harm, a third-degree felony.

He was booked at the Hancock County Jail.

There were no injuries.

(From Marathon Petroleum)

Marathon Petroleum Corp. (NYSE: MPC) President and Chief Executive Officer Michael J. Hennigan today announced changes to the executive management team of MPC, effective January 1, 2024.

Maryann T. Mannen, executive vice president and chief financial officer of MPC, has been appointed president of MPC. Hennigan will continue to serve as MPC’s CEO, as well as the chairman, president and chief executive officer of the general partner of MPLX LP (NYSE: MPLX). 

As MPC president, Mannen will have oversight responsibility for the nation’s largest refining business, commercial performance, and the health, environment, safety and security function. She also will continue to serve as a member of the board of directors of the general partner of MPLX. Prior to joining MPC in 2021, Mannen had a 35-year career in the energy sector, holding positions of increasing responsibility at TechnipFMC and predecessor companies, including executive vice president and chief financial officer.

“Maryann’s new role is in recognition of her leadership capability and the contributions she has made across the Marathon landscape over the past few years,” said Hennigan. “She has been instrumental in achieving our strategic progress.”  

Succeeding Mannen, John J. Quaid, executive vice president and chief financial officer of the general partner of MPLX, has been appointed executive vice president and chief financial officer of MPC. He also will continue to serve as a member of the board of directors of the general partner of MPLX. Quaid joined MPC in 2014 as vice president and controller and became executive vice president and chief financial officer of the general partner of MPLX in 2021. Prior to joining MPC, Quaid held several roles of increasing responsibility at U. S. Steel.

“John’s financial expertise and effective communication style with the investment community will serve MPC well as we continue our relentless pursuit of shareholder value,” said Hennigan.    

Mannen and Quaid will continue reporting to Hennigan in their new roles.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held in McComb for a new childcare facility.

The Little Panthers Learning Center will be located at 321 Park Drive South.

“It will be a blessing for the people living in this community,” said Mayor Cathy Schroll.

“They are scrambling looking for sitters.”

The mayor says some parents go to Findlay and Bluffton for childcare and this new facility will make a big difference in many lives.

Schroll said childcare services, including before and after-school programming, have been among the goals of the current village council.