(From the United Way of Hancock County)

There are 81 pinwheels surrounding the Hancock County Courthouse, each representing a child adjudicated as abused, neglected or dependent in our community in 2024.

Thanks to Hancock County Job and Family Services and CASA of Hancock County Ohio — along with the wonderful youth from the Kindness Klub — for joining us in raising awareness this Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Randall Galbraith, Director of Hancock County Job and Family Services, says child abuse is everyone’s problem and everyone’s responsibility to help out and alleviate it.

The pinwheels will remain on display through April, which is observed as National Child Abuse Prevention Month. 

(From the Ohio Department of Transportation)

April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and while distracted driving remains a significant concern in Ohio, new data indicates that two years after the state’s “phones down” law took effect, Ohio is seeing positive, lifesaving results.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed Senate Bill 288 in 2023. The bill strengthened the state’s distracted driving laws by making it a primary offense to use handheld electronic devices while driving.

According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the average number of crashes in Ohio has dropped by 8%, injuries are down 3%, and traffic fatalities have declined by 4% since the law took effect in April 2023.

Data from Cambridge Mobile Telematics (CMT) continues to show about a 10% drop in cell phone use in Ohio among drivers who share their device data as part of employer-based safety programs or in exchange for insurance discounts. CMT estimates the law has saved Ohio at least $337 million in economic damages.

“We’re certainly seeing less distracted driving than before the law went into effect, but we still have a long way to go,” said Governor DeWine. “I appreciate all the drivers who have chosen to stay focused on the road, and I encourage more drivers to do the same. Distracted-driving crashes are completely avoidable.”

(From the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library)

All three of our card finalists were strong contenders, and we had voters that LOVED all of the designs.

50 youth in Hancock County submitted designs for the contest, and 239 community members voted on the finalists.

But now the votes have been counted, and we are excited to announce the winner of our Youth Library Card Design Contest is Gabriella Berger.

When will the new cards be available? The new cards should be available in early June, in time for our SummerREAD program.

Who can get the new card design? The new design will be for youth cards for patrons under 18. 

I already have a card. Can I get a new one with the new design? Patrons under 18 who already have a library card are able to get the new design if you pay $1 (the replacement card fee). The new card would have a new barcode, so you will have to update your library card number anywhere it was saved digitally.

(From the Hancock Historical Museum)

The Hancock Historical Museum, in collaboration with the Arlington Heart & Soul Initiative and the Hancock County Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society, invites the community to participate in Preserve, Share & Scan: Arlington’s Community History Day on Sunday, April 13, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at the Arlington School Cafeteria.

This special event offers an opportunity for residents to share their stories, have their historical photographs scanned, and contribute artifacts for an upcoming exhibit on Arlington’s rich history. Volunteers, including members of the Hancock County Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society, will be on hand to assist with scanning, documentation, and gathering community memories while guests enjoy coffee and cookies. Community members are encouraged to bring photographs, memorabilia, and historical artifacts to be scanned and returned or considered for loan or donation to the museum’s collection.

The exhibit will highlight key moments in Arlington’s past, including:

• Early Settlement & Founding – Indigenous history, pioneer families, and early industries
• Village Growth & Development – Schools, businesses, transportation, and major historical events
• Community Life & Traditions – Local festivals, sports teams, social organizations, and beloved institutions
• Challenges & Resilience – The impact of wars, natural disasters, and community perseverance
• Modern Era & Looking Ahead – Notable figures, ongoing preservation efforts, and Arlington today

This event is an opportunity for the Arlington community to come together and help preserve its history for future generations. Items of particular interest include school memorabilia, photographs of businesses, artifacts from local events, and family heirlooms that tell the story of life in Arlington.

If you have items to share, but are unable to attend, or if you are interested in donating or loaning materials for the exhibit, please contact Joy Bennett at jbennett@hancockhistoricalmuseum.org.

Join us in celebrating and preserving the history of Arlington—one story, one photograph, and one memory at a time!

(ONN) – A crime that caused a young man to take his own life has been turned into a new law with strict penalties.

The crime of sextortion is now a felony in Ohio.

Braden’s Law recently went into effect.

It’s named after 15-year-old Braden Marcus.

He was a student at Olentangy High School when he became the victim of a financial sextortion scam that led to his death.

Anyone trying to sexually extort a minor, elderly, or disabled person will now be hit with a first degree felony.

3rd graders from across Putnam County are making the trip to the Gerding Farm in Glandorf this week for Farm Safety Days.

The visit starts with a mock ATV crash and full EMS response including a life-flight helicopter coming in for a landing.

The event also features a variety of presenters from Putnam County talking about everything from water/pond safety to lawnmower safety to gun safety.

“Thank you Ruth and Dale Gerding for doing this the last 26 years,” said the Putnam County Office of Public Safety.

(From the University of Findlay)

(From ODOT Northwest Ohio District 1)

We are all still reeling from this close call.

A car veered off course and took out a truck mirror on Interstate 75 near the Hancock/Allen County line near Bluffton.

A Hancock County crew was setting up a work zone for crack sealing operations. 

Miraculously, our friend and co-worker pressed themself against the vehicle just in time.

Think about it – if the mirrors collided, how much space was left for the person in between?

It’s a chilling reminder of the risks we take when we’re not paying attention on the road.

Drive like your life depends on it – because it does.

Pay attention, for yourself and everyone else.

(From the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation)

Gavin left an indelible mark on the world through his talent and love of humanity.

He was a beloved hometown boy, a talent for the world, and a genuinely kind human being.

The Gavin Creel Memorial Fund is a commitment to creating safe, inclusive, and enduring spaces where students can discover their voice, unleash their creativity, and build lifelong skills through the performing arts.

To learn more or donate to the newly established fund, visit: https://www.community-foundation.com/…/gavin-creel… 

WFIN – Tony-winning actor Gavin Creel, a 1994 graduate of Findlay High School, passed away in September of cancer at the age of 48.  

(From Hancock Public Health)

The Harm Reduction Division at a health department focuses on reducing the negative effects of substance use, promoting public health, and preventing overdoses.

Here are some interesting facts about what they do:

They distribute free naloxone (Narcan) to save lives!

They focus on meeting people where they are.

They help people access addiction treatment—when they’re ready.

They fight the stigma around addiction.