Findlay and Hancock County are included in a Freeze Warning issued by the National Weather Service.

The Freeze Warning will be in effect from 2 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Wednesday.

Temperatures as low as 30 degrees are possible.

Frost and freeze conditions could kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing.

Temps are expected to rebound to a high of around 53 on Wednesday and then warm up as the week progresses.

Get the latest forecast and weather alerts by clicking here.

(From McComb Local Schools)

The Save a Life Tour came to McComb School.

High school students had the opportunity to try a texting and driving simulator and an impaired driving simulator.

The students also wore impairment goggles to attempt sobriety tests and games.

Thank you to all who made this day possible for the students, including Hancock Public Health and Hancock County Sheriff Elect Mike Cortez.

Distracted and impaired driving claims too many lives each year.

This program was sponsored as part of an initiative to take preventative measures toward saving lives.

(From Awakening Minds Art)

Awakening Minds Art (AMA) held its 14th Annual Art Auction on October 12, 2024, successfully raising funds to support its therapeutic and educational visual art programs. The live auction featured artwork created by AMA students, who work with instructors to develop non-art-related goals through art-making.

Above is a picture of Mason Frias showing off his auction painting “Ice Cream for Two”.

More than 150 attendees gathered to bid on student pieces, with some of the students presenting their work as it was auctioned. The event, which serves as AMA’s primary fundraiser, highlighted the organization’s mission to provide inclusive, therapeutic art programs to individuals of all ages and abilities.

“We are grateful for the overwhelming generosity shown tonight,” said Emily Sullivan, executive director of AMA. “This event is about more than just raising funds—it’s a celebration of our students, their achievements, and the support of our community.”

AMA also recognized The Heritage, the 2024 Honorary Agency. The Heritage served as the host facility for AMA’s initial programming in 2009, and their ongoing support has played a key role in the organization’s growth. AMA also honored Sarah (Crisp) Ricker, the founder of Awakening Minds Art, for her years of dedication and service.

Special thanks were extended to this year’s major sponsors, including Marathon Petroleum Corporation, Buckeye Broadband, Don & Carrie Templin, and Ohio Logistics. Their support, along with many individual donors, ensures AMA can continue offering programming to individuals of all ages and abilities across the region.

All proceeds from the auction will benefit AMA’s programs. AMA offers programs that foster creativity and self-expression while also helping participants achieve non-art-related goals.

About Awakening Minds Art
Awakening Minds Art was founded in 2009 to provide therapeutic and educational programming for individuals of all abilities. Through adaptive and inclusive art education, AMA fosters growth, communication, and self-expression for participants.

For more information on Awakening Minds Art, visit awakeningmindsart.org or follow them on social media. Donations can be made online or by check mailed to 1640 Tiffin Ave, Findlay, OH, 45840.

(From the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife)

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife will release 14,400 ring-necked pheasants at public hunting areas in late October and November. Releases will begin Saturday, Oct. 19 during Ohio’s youth small game hunting season.

This fall, the Division of Wildlife will release male pheasants (roosters) at 36 public hunting areas throughout Ohio. The Division of Wildlife will release pheasants for the following dates:

Saturday Oct. 19 (first youth weekend)

Saturday Oct. 26 (second youth weekend)

Friday, Nov. 1 (opening day)

Saturday, Nov. 9

Thursday, Nov. 28 (Thanksgiving Day)

Pheasants will be released in the following locations:

Central Ohio: Delaware Wildlife Area; Kokosing Lake Wildlife Area; Urbana Wildlife Area

Northwest Ohio: Killdeer Plains Wildlife Area; Pickerel Creek Wildlife Area; Hancock County Wildlife Area 5; Parkersburg Wildlife Area; Wyandot Wildlife Area (no youth releases); Resthaven Wildlife Area; Tiffin River Wildlife Area; Oxbow Lake Wildlife Area; and Ringneck Ridge Wildlife Area (by special permit only).

Northeast Ohio: Berlin Lake Wildlife Area; Grand River Wildlife Area; Highlandtown Wildlife Area (no youth releases); Mosquito Creek Wildlife Area; Funk Bottoms Wildlife Area (no youth releases); Spencer Lake Wildlife Area; West Branch Wildlife Area (no youth releases); Zepernick Wildlife Area (no youth releases); Charlemont Metro Park; and Camp Belden Wildlife Area.

Southeast Ohio: Tri-Valley Wildlife Area; Pleasant Valley Wildlife Area (youth releases during controlled hunt only); Salt Fork Wildlife Area (no youth releases); and Appalachian Hills Wildlife Area.

Southwest Ohio: Fallsville Wildlife Area (no releases Oct. 19 or Nov. 9); Indian Creek Wildlife Area (no youth releases); Spring Valley Wildlife Area; Rush Run Wildlife Area; Caesar Creek Wildlife Area; Darke Wildlife Area; East Fork Wildlife Area; Pater Wildlife Area; Fallsville South Wildlife Area; and Coldwater Creek Nature Corridor.

Pheasant hunters should note that pheasant hunting is open only to hunters with a controlled access permit at Urbana Wildlife Area, Mosquito Creek Wildlife Area, and Coldwater Creek Nature Corridor.

Select pheasant hunting fields on Kokosing, Pickerel Creek, Parkersburg, Funk Bottoms, East Fork, Pater, and Fallsville South wildlife areas, as well as Hancock County Wildlife Area 5, require a controlled access permit on all Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from Oct. 15 to Nov. 15; the Wednesday before Thanksgiving; and Thanksgiving Day.

Pleasant Valley, Salt Fork, and Killdeer Plains wildlife areas offer both controlled access pheasant hunts and public hunts. A special permit is required to hunt on Ringneck Ridge Wildlife Area; find additional information from the Sandusky County Park District. All other release locations offer public hunting.

Ohio’s ring-necked pheasant hunting season is open from Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, until Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. The daily harvest limit is two male birds; no hens (females) may be harvested. A valid Ohio hunting license is required to pursue pheasants and other game birds.

Pursuing small game is a great way to introduce someone to hunting and create lasting memories in the field. For more information on getting started, explore the interactive Introduction to Upland Game Birds online learning module and related resources through the Wild Ohio Harvest Community. Check out one of the Division of Wildlife’s public shotgun ranges to practice shooting before your hunt.

Additional details on Ohio’s fall pheasant releases can be found at wildohio.gov, along with maps of public hunting areas, the current hunting and trapping regulations, and more.

(ONN) – The races for the seats on the Ohio Supreme Court could be extremely consequential.

Ohio is among only a few states where voters could flip partisan control of their state supreme court.

That’s because three seats are on the ballot this year.

Right now, the court is a four to three Republican majority.

But, if Democrats win all three seats, they would hold the court’s majority for the first time in more than 40 years.

Political expert David Niven with the University of Cincinnati says who ends up winning those seats will have a major impact on keeping state lawmakers in check.

“These are incredibly consequential races. We’re talking about basically whether the legislature can do whatever it wants or whether the legislature is going to have to behave and follow the Ohio Constitution.”

WFIN recently spoke with incumbent Justice Michael Donnelly, a Democrat, and his challenger, Hamilton County Judge Megan Shanahan, a Republican. 

Click here for that story. 

(From the Ohio State Highway Patrol)

The Norwalk Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash that occurred on October 11, 2024, at 2:05 p.m. on SR 19 at SR 18 in the Village of Republic, Seneca County.

William Owsley, age 71, of Fremont, Ohio, was traveling southbound on SR 19 on a 2016 Harley Davidson motorcycle.

Diane Fisher, age 66, also of Fremont, Ohio, was traveling southbound on SR 19 in front of Mr. Owsley in a 2010 Chevrolet Silverado and was stopped at the stop sign for SR 18.

Mr. Owsley struck Ms. Fisher from behind.

Mr. Owsley, who was not wearing a helmet, was transported from the scene to ProMedica Toledo Hospital by Life Flight.

He succumbed to his injuries at 3:45 p.m. on October 13, 2024. Ms. Fisher, who was wearing her seatbelt, sustained minor injuries and was taken to Mercy Health – Tiffin Hospital by Seneca County EMS.

Wilcox Garage responded to the scene and towed both vehicles.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted at the scene by the Republic Fire Department, the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office, Republic Police, Seneca County EMS, Life Flight, and Wilcox Garage.

At this time, it is unknown whether alcohol or drugs were factors, and the crash remains under investigation.

(From Dr. Bill Kose with Blanchard Valley Health System)

Once again, with the seasons turning to the fall, we at Blanchard Valley Health System want to remind our community that respiratory illnesses like influenza and COVID-19 are spreading more readily. We encourage you to take care of yourself and remember the need to protect others.

It’s hard to get a good sense of the prevalence of COVID since many people experience milder symptoms and might not take a COVID test. However, we do know from wastewater testing that more viruses are circulating.

Generally, people who catch COVID do not get as sick these days as they would have in the past. However, we have had several patients recently who were sick enough with COVID that it required admission to the hospital. As always, people who are older or have compromised immune systems are most at risk.

While the virus is less severe today, it is more contagious. A disease that spreads rapidly among many people – even if most of those people have mild symptoms – can still pose dangers to people who have other illnesses like heart problems and might be at risk for complications.

Of course, COVID isn’t the only respiratory illness out there. Fall and winter also bring higher rates of influenza, bacterial pneumonia, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

RSV causes mild symptoms for most people but can be dangerous for older people and infants. Last year, for the first time, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention encouraged adults aged 60 and over to get vaccinated against RSV.

Flu and COVID vaccines are also becoming more readily available and can help protect you if exposed to these illnesses.

All of us can do our part to prevent the spreading of respiratory illnesses. Most young, healthy people who get any of these infections will recover without serious complications, but for others getting sick might be dangerous, even life-threatening. So, the less disease spreads, the safer our most vulnerable will be.

There are also economic ramifications for our community. If many workers are out sick simultaneously, it is harder for a business to be productive. If a lot of children have to stay home from school, not only could they stay caught up in their education, but their parents may need to take time off from work to care for them.

If you do get sick, take whatever steps possible to protect others. Cover coughs and sneezes and stay home or wear a mask while out if you are experiencing significant symptoms. Isolate yourself from other household members if possible, to avoid getting them sick.

Wash your hands frequently, regardless of the time of year. Also, illnesses spread more quickly in winter because people spend more time indoors close to one another. The more you open windows to ventilate rooms when the weather allows, the better. When

you can, go for a walk outside, the fresh air and exercise are also likely to lift your spirits.

Doing your best to avoid catching or spreading illness can protect not only you and your family, but people throughout the community. We encourage you to remember this as we approach the holiday season. Let’s do what we can to ensure it’s a healthy, happy, safe time of year for us all.

William Kose, MD, JD

Vice President of Special Projects, Blanchard Valley Health System

(From the Hancock Historical Museum)

The Hancock Historical Museum’s annual Halloween Spooktacular presented by Hancock Federal Credit Union will return from 5 – 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19.

Perfect for all ages, visitors will enjoy tours of the “haunted” Hull House, built in 1881, and sample seasonal treats cooked over the hearth in the historic Crawford Log House.

Guests are encouraged to come in costume.

Throughout the museum campus, children will enjoy face-painting, pumpkin and cookie decorating, crafts and games.

A variety of activities will be provided by community partners, including the Children’s Museum of Findlay, Rieck Center for Habitat Studies, OSU Extension, YMCA, Blanchard River Watershed Partnership, Scouts, ADDAPTCO, 50 North and the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library.

Children will receive a complimentary Halloween-themed book while supplies last, courtesy of the Richard P. Barchent Jr. Educational Fund.

Admission is free for museum members and $1 per person for nonmembers.

Spooktacular is made possible by Hancock Federal Credit Union and Area Dentists.

All proceeds of the event go directly toward the museum’s annual operations, allowing the organization to preserve Hancock County history, host exhibits and provide educational programs for all ages.

The Hancock Historical Museum is located at 422 W. Sandusky St. in Findlay.

For more information about Spooktacular, visit HancockHistoricalMuseum.org or call the Hancock Historical Museum at 419-423-4433.

(From the Ohio State Highway Patrol)

Eleven winning first responder agencies from across Ohio were recognized during the 2024 Light Ohio Blue First Responder Photo Challenge Awards Ceremony at First Responders Park in Hilliard.

Each year, Light Ohio Blue conducts a photo contest in remembrance of the heroic actions taken by the men and women who responded to Ground Zero following the 9/11 attacks.

During this year’s contest, 153,829 votes were cast by law enforcement personnel, first responders and the public. Photograph submissions were eligible in one of 11 categories based on the agencies’ jurisdictional area population size and/or vehicle type. Award winning agencies included:

-People’s Choice – Wellington Police Department (15,920 votes)

-Law Enforcement Category 1 – Cleveland Division of Police (14,731 votes)

-Law Enforcement Category 2 – Lancaster Police Department (11,299.5 votes)

-Law Enforcement Category 3 – North Canton Police Department (2,729.5 votes)

-Law Enforcement Category 4 – Moraine Police Department (4,146 votes)

-Law Enforcement Category 5 – Plain City Police Department (12,387 votes)

-Law Enforcement Category 6 – Nationwide Children’s Hospital Protective Services (1,734 votes)

-Fire/EMS Category 1 – Columbus Division of Fire (3,043 votes)

-Fire/Ems Category 2 – Marysville Fire Division (2,262.5 votes)

-Fire/EMS Category 3 – Pickaway Township Fire Department (1,597 votes)

-Specialty Equipment – Ohio State Highway Patrol (4,973.5 votes)

Light Ohio Blue extends congratulations to all of the 2024 First Responder Photo Challenge winners, and thank you to all the agencies that participated in this year’s contest.

ADAMHS says drug overdose deaths in Hancock County have dropped 60 percent in three years, but those working behind the scenes to continue that trend say there is more work is needed.

ADAMHS is the Hancock County Board of Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services.

Officials say, while it is difficult to determine exactly what has brought the significant decline, increased harm reduction efforts are likely a considerable part of the reason.

Hancock Public Health has made Narcan (Nalaxone) easier and less expensive and even has made the overdose-reversing drug available in public vending machines.

Kalynn Sommers is Harm Reduction Coordinator at Hancock Public Health.

ADAMHS says suicide deaths have also gone down during the same period.

The picture above is from Hancock County Overdose Awareness Day in August.

Get more details on that by clicking here.

Hancock Public Health reminds people that they have Narcan available through Project DAWN (Deaths Avoided with Naloxone) as a way to combat the opioid overdose epidemic.

Additionally, Nalox boxes are located throughout the county where people can get Narcan if they need it.