(From the Alzheimer’s Association)

The Alzheimer’s Association invites Northwest Ohioans to register for the 2025 Findlay/Hancock County Walk to End Alzheimer’s^®, taking place on Saturday, September 27 at Riverside Park, 231 McManness Ave. in Findlay. Registration begins at 9:00 am with the Promise Garden Ceremony at 10 and the Walk immediately afterward.

With more than 600 Walks taking place across the U.S. each year, Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest fundraising event and supports the Association’s free educational programs and support groups, Alzheimer’s care services and advancements in treatment and research. 

On Walk day, participants honor those affected by Alzheimer’s with the poignant Promise Garden ceremony — a mission-focused experience that signifies our solidarity in the fight against the disease. Walkers will carry flowers of various colors, each color representing their personal connection to the disease.

“Walk to End Alzheimer’s is a day filled with emotion, inspiration, inclusion and hope,”  said Danica Knapke, Walk manager. “Walks bring people together and reassure them that they’re not alone in their journey. Every step we take as a community takes us closer to a cure and to achieving our mission of a world without Alzheimer’s and dementia. Now, more than ever, it’s crucial that we raise money that will directly benefit Northwest Ohio families.”

Participation is free. Walkers and teams can set fundraising goals and earn incentives including t-shirts, backpacks, water bottles, blankets and more. 

To register and receive the latest updates on this year’s Walks, visit the Walk website.

For the first time, the number of people living with Alzheimer’s disease in the U.S. is more than 7 million. That includes 236,200 in Ohio, according to the 2025 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures. Deaths due to Alzheimer’s more than doubled (142%) between 2000 and 2022, while deaths from the leading cause of mortality (heart disease) decreased by 2.1%. 

To learn more about Alzheimer’s or other dementia and to access free local support and resources, visit alz.org/nwohio or call the Northwest Ohio Chapter at 419.537.1999 or the 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.

(From the Hancock Park District)

The Hancock Park District (HPD) Hike-It program is a way for folks to go out and explore the trails throughout Hancock County. For the 11th year, participants are encouraged to walk the designated trails at several Hancock County locations.

Registration can be done online at hancockparks.com under the “Park News” section. If this is your first year to participate you may stop into our office to pick up your complimentary walking stick.

Hiking must be done by Friday, December 5 for you to receive your 2025 medallion, which can be placed on your walking stick. Please visit hancockparks.com for complete program details!

The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office has released its monthly report for August.

The sheriff’s office said it closed 2,990 total incidents, including 354 traffic stops, 33 OVI/reckless operation investigations, investigated 74 crashes and executed 53 arrest warrants.

Sheriff Mike Cortez says he’s profoundly grateful for the community’s collaboration and confident in a shared commitment to transparency, accountability, excellence, and professionalism.

The full report is below.

(From the University of Findlay)

The University of Findlay will host Homecoming and Family Weekend 2025 from October 9 to 12, inviting all alumni, friends, families, and community members to be part of the celebration.

“For many generations, a phrase commonly heard around campus has been: ‘Findlay just feels like home’,” President Katherine Fell, Ph.D., said. “It might be the lifelong friendships, the supportive faculty and staff, the dynamic community, the learning environment, or our culture of caring for others that makes UF a special place.”

“And no matter how long you’ve been away – perhaps just a few months or maybe quite a few years – Findlay will always be your home,” she added.

Homecoming and Family Weekend 2025 activities will feature many beloved Findlay traditions, along with some new activities this year.

“Please join us, wearing your favorite Orange and Black apparel, for a variety of exciting, entertaining events throughout the long weekend,” Fell said. “The unity and commitment of our friends, alumni, parents, faculty, staff, and students to UF are what make the Oiler Family strong.”

Additional information and registration for events can be found on the Homecoming and Family Weekend webpage: www.findlay.edu/homecoming.

Among the events open to the public:

THURSDAY, OCT. 9

Pop by the Rock

11 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Spirit Rock in front of Morey Hall The Spirit Rock is ready and waiting for students, alumni, and friends to make their mark. Pop by for a selfie, treats, and bring a marker to leave an Oiler Nation Homecoming message. Cost is free.

College of Education Speaker

7 – 8:30 p.m. | Old Main, Ritz Auditorium Clifton Core MAE ’06, Bellefontaine High School principal, will share his experiences as a social studies teacher, intervention specialist, associate principal, and head principal. Cost is free.

Mazza Museum – A Storm of Horses

6 p.m. | Mazza Museum, Virginia B. Gardner Fine Arts Pavilion

Visiting artist Ruth Sanderson is returning to the Mazza Museum for a free presentation and exhibit

featuring original artwork from her extensive career as an illustrator. She is well-known for her inspiring book, “A Storm of Horses,” about Rosa Bonheur, a famous French painter from the 1800s. Watch for an equine visit to the museum, as well.

Bonfire Bash: Flames, Festivities, and Fun

7:30 – 10 p.m. | DeHaven Soccer Stadium

Kick off Homecoming weekend at the Bonfire Bash with live music from student DJs. Sports teams will be introduced, and free T-shirts will be handed out to the first 250 people. Revive Worship Band

will close out the night with a worship service. Cost is free.

FRIDAY, OCT. 10

Class of 1975 50th Reunion

4 – 7 p.m. | Virginia B. Gardner Fine Arts Pavilion Members of the Class of 1975 and their guests are invited to a special reunion gathering with dinner, Golden Diploma presentation, and campus tour. Fee and registration required.

Oiler Palooza Battle of the Bands

7 – 9 p.m. | Lawn in front of Center for Student Life & College of Business (CBSL) A student, family, and community event with live music in the Battle of the Bands featuring student, faculty, staff, and alumni performers, plus games, inflatables, and food for purchase. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Cost is free.

SATURDAY, OCT. 11

Heart Healthy 5K and 1.5-mile Fun Walk

7 – 8:45 a.m. Check-in | In front of Old Main

9 a.m. shotgun start | Griffith Memorial Arch

American Pharmacists Association Academy of Student Pharmacists is hosting the 10th annual 5K and 1.4-mile fun walk. A portion of event proceeds will be donated to the American Heart Association. Fee and registration required.

Alumni Association Annual Awards Breakfast

9 a.m.| Winebrenner Building, TLB Auditorium

Enjoy breakfast with alumni from all over the nation while congratulating the 2025 Distinguished Alumni, and recipients of the Old Main Award, the Gold Medallion, and the Arch Award. We’ll also honor the Class of 1975 for their Golden Anniversary (50 years). Fee and registration required.

Open House and Gift Shop

10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. | Mazza Museum and Conda STEAM Center

The museum and gift shop are open with family-friendly activities.

Oiler Tailgate

Noon – 1:30 p.m. | Donnell Stadium

Enjoy a casual, family-friendly tailgate with picnic food, games, and live music by Tongue n’ Groove before the football game. Cost is free.

Football Game – Findlay Oilers vs. Hillsdale Chargers

2 p.m. | Donnell Stadium

Cheer on the UF football team at the annual Homecoming game. The 2025 Homecoming Court will be announced, along with the 2025 Distinguished Alumni awardees. The Oiler marching band will welcome back UF band alumni to perform with them. Also, the 1995 NAIA National Championship football team will be recognized. Tickets can be purchased at the gate.

Rieck Center Night Hike

8 p.m. | Rieck Center for Habitat Studies

A night hike will take participants through the nature trails at the Rieck Center to look for

owls. Ultraviolet lights will be set up around the nature center to attract moths and

other nocturnal invertebrates.

Oiler Movie Night Under the Stars

8:30 p.m. | DeHaven Soccer Stadium

A special outdoor showing under the stars will feature “High School Musical.” Bring a blanket and favorite snacks.

SUNDAY, OCT. 12

Worship Service

10 a.m. | Winebrenner TLB auditorium Students, alumni, and friends are invited to a special time of worship to celebrate faith heritage and God’s hand of blessing through the years.

Fall Open House

1:30-3 p.m. | Rieck Center for Habitat Studies

After an informative program, attendees are welcome to hike the property and walk along the story

trail. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided.

ATHLETIC EVENTS

Women’s soccer vs. Northwood, 1 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 9, DeHaven Soccer Stadium

UF Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, 6:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 10, Winebrenner TLB Auditorium, advance reservations required

Women’s lacrosse alumni game, 10 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 11, Russ & Peg Armstrong Sports Complex

Swimming & diving alumni meet, 11 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 11, Sink Natatorium

Men’s soccer vs. Northwood, 1 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 11, DeHaven Soccer Stadium

Football vs. Hillsdale College, 2 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 11, Donnell Stadium

THROUGHOUT THE WEEKEND

Star Gazing at the Newhard Planetarium

Friday: 5 & 6 p.m.; Saturday: 10, 10:45, 11:30 a.m.

Brewer Science Center

Stop by the planetarium to discover what to look for in a fall-winter evening sky. Take a quick fly through the universe and experience our awesome solar system in this exciting and informative 45 minute experience. No admission fee.

To learn more about specific events and speakers, or to register to attend any of the events, visit the Homecoming webpage. Homecoming events and information are also available on the Oiler Mobile App, which is free to download in the App Store and Play Store.

(From the Ohio Department of Natural Resources)

Three Ohio wildlife officers were recently honored with Officer of the Year awards from national conservation organizations, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.

Ohio Wildlife Officer Craig Barr, assigned to Allen County, was named Ohio Wildlife Officer of the Year by Shikar-Safari Club International. Ohio Wildlife Officer Chad Grote, assigned to Marion County, was recognized by the Mississippi Flyway Council as the 2025 Waterfowl Protection Officer of the Year. Lake Erie Law Enforcement Supervisor Matt Leibengood, assigned to Lake Erie, was named 2025 Officer of the Year by the Association of Midwest Fish and Game Law Enforcement Officers.

Shikar-Safari Club International 2025 Ohio Wildlife Officer of the Year

Shikar-Safari Club International is a conservation-based organization that presents annual awards to deserving wildlife law enforcement officers in all states, provinces, and territories in the U.S. and Canada. The annual award honors an officer whose efforts show outstanding performance and achievement among commissioned conservation law enforcement personnel.

Ohio Wildlife Officer Craig Barr (pictured above) has 20 years of service and has served Allen County since 2006. Officer Barr is a member of the Wildlife Officer Bike Patrol Unit and serves as an instructor in both the cadet training academy and advanced training. He is enthusiastic about public engagement and plays an active role in the Hunting with Heroes event in Allen County. In addition to his on-duty dedication, he volunteers his personal time and resources to give back to veterans through Walleyes for Wounded Heroes.
 
Mississippi Flyway Council 2025 Waterfowl Protection Officer of the Year

The Waterfowl Protection Officer of the Year award is presented to a law enforcement officer who exhibits exceptional dedication and service to the protection of the Mississippi Flyway’s waterfowl populations.

Ohio Wildlife Officer Chad Grote was recognized for his leadership in waterfowl enforcement, education, and bird identification. He has served central Ohio and the Marion County area for the last 19 years. This region includes a premier waterfowl hunting destination, Big Island Wildlife Area. Officer Grote worked with local conservation organizations to establish public hunting opportunities on hundreds of acres. He also serves as the lead instructor for the Division of Wildlife’s waterfowl training and identification team and as a field training officer.

 
Association of Midwest Fish and Game Law Enforcement 2025 Officer of the Year
Each year, the Association of Midwest Fish and Game Law Enforcement Officers recognizes an individual in any of its member agencies with an Officer of the Year award. The award honors an officer who shows dedication to conservation and public service.

Lake Erie Law Enforcement Supervisor Matt Leibengood has also served in Summit, Hancock, Seneca, and Sandusky counties as well as on Lake Erie over the course of 20 years. He currently leads a staff of investigators and wildlife officers who enforce the critically important commercial and sport fishing laws on Lake Erie. In recent years he has helped grow the Division of Wildlife’s Search, Rescue, and Tracking team. Officer Leibengood is also working with the pet and aquarium trade to limit the risk of establishing injurious aquatic invasive species. Officer Leibengood has demonstrated commitment to public service, outreach, and conservation through selfless service.

A group of local students has started a nonprofit to help out the community.

Findlay Fresh Start is a nonprofit organization based in Findlay founded by five high school students who wanted to make a positive impact in their community.

The team consists of Hank Walters, Rayanna Cap, Jaylin Patterson, Jason Davis, and Carson Reese, and is dedicated to improving the lives of unhoused and low-income individuals.

“Together, we’re working to create lasting change. With your support, Findlay can have a fresh start.”

The team has recently been assembling and distributing hygiene and home maintenance kits, and also helps with financial literacy and other essential life skills. 

Hank Walters, a student at Cory-Rawson High School was on with WFIN’s Chris Oaks to discuss their efforts to help out the community, and that interview can be heard below.

Get more details on Findlay Fresh Start by clicking here.

(From Hancock Public Health)

Buckle Up for Safety!

Hancock Public Health is hosting a **Car Seat Check Event** on September 11, 2025!

Join us to make sure your little ones are riding safely and securely.

Time:

– Morning Session: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

– Afternoon Session: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

This free event is open to all! Bring your car seats, your questions, and let our certified technicians help you get everything adjusted just right. From infant seats to boosters, we’ll make sure your car seat is properly installed and tailored for safety.

Location: Hancock Public Health

No appointment necessary – just drop in! Whether you’re a new parent, a grandparent, or a caregiver, this is a great opportunity to make sure your family is as safe as possible on the road.

We can’t wait to see you there!

(From the Ohio State Highway Patrol)

On September 10, 2025, at approximately 10:13 A.M., the Lima Post of The Ohio State Highway Patrol responded to a report of a three-vehicle crash on Interstate 75, near SR 81 in Bath Township, Allen County.

Mazen Mammo, age 37, from Madison Heights, Michigan, was operating a 2021 Freightliner Cascadia semi southbound on Interstate 75. Nardini Salvatore, age 63, from Jacksonville, Florida was operating a 2020 Volvo 860 semi, stopped in traffic southbound on Interstate 75. Jean Fervil, age 73, from McDonough, Georgia was operating a 2017 Freightliner Cascadia semi, stopped in traffic southbound on Interstate 75. Mr. Mammo’s vehicle struck the rear of the vehicle driven by Mr. Salvatore. The vehicle driven by Mr. Salvatore was pushed into the vehicle driven by Mr. Fervil. Mr. Mammo’s vehicle caught fire as a result of the crash.

Mr. Mammo suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. He was transported by Allen Mortuary Services to the Lucas County Morgue. Mr. Salvatore and Mr. Fervil suffered minor injuries and were both transported to Lima Memorial Hospital by Lima EMS.

The 2021 Freightliner sustained severe damage and was towed from the scene by Beaverdam Fleet. The 2020 Volvo sustained severe damage and was towed from the scene by Miller Performance. The 2017 Freightliner sustained moderate damage to the trailer and was towed from the scene by Minich Towing.

Interstate 75 southbound was closed for several hours due to the crash.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted on-scene by Bath Township Fire, Bath Township EMS, Lima Fire, Lima EMS, Perry Township Fire, Perry Township EMS, The Allen County Sheriff’s Office, The Allen County Coroner’s Office, Allen County EMA, Allen County EPA, The Ohio Department of Transportation, Allen Mortuary Services, Minich Towing, Miller Performance, and Beaverdam Fleet.

The crash remains under investigation.

(From the City of Fostoria)

On September 8, Captain Dan Dell of the City of Fostoria Police Department made his last call out as he officially retired after 27 years of service. Captain Dell has served our community with honor and dedication since September 8, 1998.

As a surprise, his coworkers and family gathered outside of the Police Department to witness his final call out, given by former dispatcher Louanne Grine. It was a touching moment to celebrate a remarkable career.

We sincerely thank Captain Dell for his hard work, loyalty, and commitment to the Fostoria Police Department and to the City of Fostoria. He will be deeply missed by many, but we wish him nothing but the very best in his future endeavors. Congratulations, Captain Dell—and thank you for 27 years of service!

(From the Findlay YMCA)

It’s still under construction, but the ‘WOW’ factor is in full force at our new Early Learning Center!

Y directors took another tour as work continued inside and landscaping took shape.

Soon, we’ll be sharing about our great fall Grand Opening plans!

Meanwhile, we encourage you to drive by and see the amazing changes for yourself.

You can also schedule a tour with Y Child Development District Director Kari Redman by emailing her at KRedman@findlayymca.com.