(ONN) – Driver’s ed laws in Ohio are changing, impacting a majority of young adults who don’t have their license yet.

Anyone 18 or older used to be able to bypass driver’s education to get their license if they successfully passed their driver’s test.

But, on September 30, that age will now raise to 21.

This is part of a new law which will require everyone younger than 21 years old to go through the same driving education – 24 hours of classroom training, eight hours behind the wheel with an instructor, and 50 hours of driving with an adult.

Driving instructors say this law should help minimize crashes involving 18 to 21 year olds.

(ONN) – An Ohio farmer is offering a reward after hundreds of his biggest pumpkins were stolen right out of his field.

Terry Dunlap has experienced pumpkin theft before at his pumpkin patch in Fairfield County, but never of this magnitude.

He says thieves took 300 pumpkins worth a total of around $6,000.

It was Tuesday morning when he realized a theft had taken place on his farm.

Dunlap reported the theft to the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office and is offering a reward for information that leads to an arrest.

(From the Hancock County Parkinson’s Network)

The Hancock County Parkinson’s Network is accepting grant applications from individuals, nonprofits, and agencies in Hancock County for projects, programs, and initiatives that align with its mission of providing education, resources, and support to individuals and caregivers affected by Parkinson’s disease.

The grant offers funding of up to $5,000 for initiatives that aim to make a positive impact in the local Parkinson’s community with a total of $10,000 available for this grant period. Applications must be completed online via the Hancock County Parkinson’s Network website at hcparkinsonsnetwork.org/grants.

The deadline for submission is November 14, 2025, and award decisions will be communicated to applicants by December 31, 2025.

Grant recipients will be required to use the funds within one year and provide a report on the outcome of their project, detailing whether objectives were met.

For more information or questions regarding the grant application process, visit hcparkinsonsnetwork.org/grants.

Contact:
Hancock County Parkinson’s Network
founder@hcparkinsonsnetwork.org

(From the City of Findlay)

CONSTRUCTION 9/29-10/3:

-River Rd. will be closed from Stanford Parkway to Broad Ave. at 8am on Monday, September 29th for sewer repairs. It will be reopened on Tuesday, September 30th at 3pm.

-Twp. Rd. 77 (Western Ave.) will be closed to all traffic in sections from Twp. Rd. 80 to Trail 81 for a sanitary sewer project.

-Hurd Ave. will be closed to all traffic from Sandusky St. to Putnam St. for sanitary sewer replacement.

-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 Trail 237 to TR 242 for the installation of Greenway Trail Phase 3.

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

(From the Tiffin Police Department)

Sergeant Justin Nowak conducted a traffic stop in the area of Hall and Oak Street on Saturday night after observing a vehicle strike a curb while making a turn. The vehicle, a 2013 Ford Focus, was operated by Jeremy Hull, 43, of Tiffin.

During the stop, criminal indicators were observed, and the Sandusky County Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit was requested to assist, as Tiffin’s K9 team is currently out of state in training. The K9 gave a positive indication, leading officers to conduct a search of the vehicle and its occupants.

During the search, Randy Perkins, 59, was found to be in possession of suspected narcotics. Officers recovered approximately 29.6 grams of suspected Fentanyl and 3.4 grams of suspected cocaine from Perkins.

Hull was cited for striking a curb with his vehicle. A backseat passenger, Dustin Neikirk, 39, was also present but was not charged at this time. Charges are pending against Perkins for possession and trafficking of narcotics.

This case highlights the importance of proactive policing and interagency partnerships. The quick response by Sergeant Nowak and the assistance of the Sandusky County K9 played a critical role in removing dangerous narcotics from circulation. Fentanyl poses a grave threat to the safety of our community, and we remain committed to protecting the public through diligent enforcement efforts.

The case remains under investigation, and further charges will be reviewed by the Seneca County Prosecutor’s Office.

Chief David Pauly

(From the Ohio Department of Transportation)

The following ODOT construction projects are anticipated to affect roadways in Hancock County.

• All outlined work is weather permitting.
• Click the project title to view the project location on OHGO.com. 
• Follow the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) District 1 on Facebook or X for current Hancock County construction information.

Interstate 75 and County Road 99 interchange and corridor improvement:  The project will reconstruct the interchange with a diverging diamond design and upgrade the County Road 99 corridor between Technology Drive and North Main Street. Visit the project webpage: PID 102375.

NEW TRAFFIC IMPACTS

• CR 99 east of Main Street at the railroad tracks will close Wednesday, Oct. 1, for approximately five days for railroad crossing repair and reconstruction.
  • Detour: Main St. to Bigelow Ave. to Bright Rd. to CR 212, back to CR 99. (see map)
• Paving of CR 99 will impact traffic in October and November.

CONTINUING TRAFFIC IMPACTS

• CR 99 is restricted to one lane in both directions.

State Route 15/County Road 193 intersection improvement

State Route 15 at County Road 193 between the city of Findlay and the village of Vanlue is restricted to one lane, April 7-Nov. 14, to construct an overpass on County Road 193 over State Route 15.

Visit the project webpage: PID 114008.

TRAFFIC IMPACTS

• SR 15 is restricted to one 12-foot lane with a 3-foot buffer on both sides.
• CR 193 over SR 15 is closed. 

State Route 37 drainage repair

State Route 37 between Township Road 147 and Township Road 149 will close on Tuesday, Sept. 30, for approximately one day for drainage repair.

TRAFFIC IMPACTS

• Detour: SR 103 to U.S. 68, to U.S. 30, back to SR 37 (see map).

(From Raise the Bar Hancock County)

Hancock County students had the chance to step into the world of entrepreneurship at our Entrepreneurship Career Expo!

Hosted at the University of Findlay, the expo highlighted the process of entrepreneurship across multiple industries, from idea to launch to growth. Students explored how creativity, resilience, and innovation turn into real-world business opportunities.

This event was also the kickoff to our 2025–2026 Career Expo Series, where students will continue exploring different industries and discovering the many career paths available right here in Hancock County.

A huge thank you to the presenters and partners who made the day possible and to the students for bringing their energy and curiosity!

Dr. Angie Huber, Live Well Physical Therapy

Dr. Lauren Forsythe, Foresight Pharma Solutions

Dr. Scott Grant, Triple Threat Leadership

Dr. Megan Adams, Homeplace Creative

Jason Evatt, Airborn Outfitters

Dr. Carla Treadway, Treadway Acres Flower Farm | Tread’s Gym- Carla Treadway Strength and Conditioning

Northwest Ohio Small Business Development Center – Rhodes State College

Also thank you to the following schools for sending a great group of enthusiastic students

Home of Arlington Local School

Cory-Rawson Local Schools

Findlay City Schools Findlay High School

Findlay Digital Academy online High School

Liberty-Benton Local Schools Liberty-Benton High School

McComb Jr. High/High School – McComb Panthers

Van Buren Local Schools

(ONN) – Proposed legislation at the Ohio Statehouse could impact parents who are not married.

Two Ohio lawmakers are pushing new legislation called the Right to Know Act.

The bill would require hospitals to offer genetic testing to confirm paternity when a child is born to unwed parents.

Supporters say it would help families build trust and avoid future conflict.

Parents could decline the testing but would have to sign a waiver acknowledging the offer.

House Bill 435 is now before the House Judiciary Committee awaiting a hearing.

(ONN) – Findlay City Schools are looking to bring back some transportation services after voters approved a 1 percent income tax back in the spring.

A series of failed levies forced the district to cut $6 million from its operating budget this year.

That included cutting transportation down to the state minimum.

But now the new tax is allowing the district to start planning enhancements before the money becomes available next year.

Superintendent Dr. Andy Hatton says the next hurdle will be hiring enough bus drivers to make this goal attainable by mid-year.

The current transportation plan for Findlay City Schools has a two-mile walk zone for K-8 students and no busing for high school.

The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office says it’s with heavy hearts that they share the passing of retired Deputy Bruce Meyers.

The sheriff’s office said, even after Bruce retired in 2017, his commitment to the community never wavered as he continued to serve as an Auxiliary Deputy, always giving his time and heart to the badge and the people around him.

“His legacy of service and kindness will never be forgotten,” the sheriff’s office said.