By Sheri Trusty, Seneca County Sheriff’s Office Public Relations Coordinator

When Murray and Mindy Park wanted to take their rare 1960 Chrysler 300T to a car show on Sept. 20, they had many options. There were several cars shows in the area that day. In the end, the Parks decided to attend the Charity Vehicle Show hosted by the Harold J. Fraley Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Lodge #128 in downtown Tiffin during the Tiffin-Seneca Heritage Festival. The car show, which was organized by Seneca County Sheriff’s Deputy Greg Smith, served as a fundraiser for this year’s Shop with a Cop.

“There were a bunch of car shows today, but we talked and decided that this was a good cause,” Murray said.

Murray’s father purchased a 1960 Chrysler 300T when Murray was a young boy, which they planned to restore it together, but that never happened. So about 12 years ago, Murray bought one for himself.

“I’ve wanted one since I was little,” he said. “It’s a rare, limited-production car.”

Across the parking lot, Tom Maiberger displayed his 1964 Volkswagen Panel Delivery Van painted to look like the original delivery van used at his family’s business, Tiffin Paper Company, now called TPC Food Service. The original van was eventually sold to a junk yard, and Maiberger bought it back and restored it.

“I rebuilt the motor, and then-Chief Deputy Jack Fredericks used it to do a drug bust,” Maiberger said. “He just pulled it up in front of the house. No one suspected anything.”

Maiberger kept the van a couple of years before selling it, but eventually, he wanted another one.

“It took about ten years to find this van,” he said at the Charity Vehicle Show. “I found this one in Colorado. It was owned by Nike and used as a promotional van for their Mojo golf balls.”

Dennis Snay brought his 2001 cherry red Corvette to the FOP car show. He purchased it after returning from serving in Afghanistan. Snay was a combat medic and petroleum specialist, and at the end of his military career, he served as an assistant chaplain.

“I was part of the final pullout,” he said. “I counseled about 200 marines, sailors and soldiers.”

One of the first things he did when he returned was buy the Corvette.

“I bought it five days after I came back from my last deployment,” he said. “It was an early retirement gift to myself. I have no buyer’s remorse. Next to God, this is my therapy.”

Several local leaders helped judge the car show, including Seneca County Sheriff Fredrick Stevens, Seneca County Commissioner Bill Frankart, Tiffin Mayor Lee Wilkinson, FOP member and Seneca County Sheriff’s Lt. Joe Cunningham, Tiffin Police Officer Chris Perry, Downtown Tiffin Main Street Manager Donna Gross, Heritage Festival Acting President Chad Kiser, and Heritage Festival Logistics & Volunteer Manager Nikki Distel. Deputy Smith was grateful that they volunteered their time, and he is thankful for everyone who helped or participated in the car show, including his wife, Detective Cassidy Smith, who helped him run the event.

The money raised at the car show will help purchase Christmas gifts for local children through the annual Shop with a Cop event. Donations are appreciated to help the FOP assist more children this Christmas. Any amount will help, and Sponsorship Badge Levels are available. Donors at the Platinum or Gold Badge levels can shop alongside a cop and a kid on Shop with a Cop day.

• Platinum Badge – Over $600
• Gold Badge – $600 (Supports three children)
• Silver Badge – $400 – (Supports two children)
• Copper Badge – $200 (Supports one child)
• Bronze Badge – Below $200

“One hundred percent of the donations stay in the county,” said Sergeant Charles Dell of the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office, who serves as FOP Lodge #128 President.

Donations can be dropped off at the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office or at the Tiffin Police Department, or they can be mailed to: FOP Lodge #128, Attn: Badge Level, PO Box 285, Tiffin, OH 44883. Please include your name, address, phone number, and email.

(From the Tiffin Police Department)

The police department is seeking help identifying the individual in these photos.

They are wanted for questioning in a theft investigation.

If you have information, please send a private message or contact Sgt. Timm at (419) 447-2323 ext. 0.

Thank you for taking the time to look and share.

(From the City of Fostoria)

City of Fostoria employees came together for our very first “Green Team Days”, a new initiative where multiple departments join forces to help re-beautify our parks.

At City Park, our crews:

-Repainted playground equipment

-Replaced swings and teeter-totter seats

-Picked up leaves and sticks

-Power-washed the shelter house

-Removed old rainbow-colored parking bumpers and replaced with new

A huge thank-you goes to Botimer Tree Service for donating their time and labor to remove numerous dead trees and trim back dangerous branches. Your generosity helps keep our park safe and welcoming!

We’re also excited to share that new cornhole boards are now installed at City Park!

These boards are made of concrete (weather-resistant) but coated for smooth play. At this time, cornhole bags will be provided with shelter rentals, but anyone is welcome to play anytime by bringing their own bags.

Thank you to our hardworking City employees for making this project possible and to Botimer Tree Service for supporting our community.

Next up – Replacing the gravel under the playground with rubber surfacing to provide better safety for children!

Stay tuned for updates!

(From the Ohio Department of Transportation District 1)

The end of National Roundabouts Week is here, but our commitment to improving roadway safety is year-round.

We’ve been hard at work studying intersections and securing funding to add more roundabouts in the future.

Check out this map to see all our current and future roundabouts!

Construction dates are subject to change.

(From Blanchard Valley Health System)

Did you know hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), a cutting-edge treatment for difficult-to-heal or complex wounds, is available at Wound Care Solutions, part of Blanchard Valley Health System?

HBOT involves using a hyperbaric chamber that delivers 100% oxygen at pressures above normal atmospheric levels, triggering physiological effects that support healing and better outcomes.

This process increases oxygen levels in blood plasma, helping to combat infection, lower amputation rates, and boost tissue repair by stimulating cellular activity.

To learn more about the services offered at Wound Care Solutions, please visit bvhs.info/WoundCareSolutions. 

(From the Fostoria Economic Development Corporation)

The Board of Directors of the Fostoria Economic Development Corporation (FEDC) and the Fostoria Learning Center is proud to announce the appointment of Gregory R. Allen as Executive Director.

Greg brings over three decades of executive leadership and community engagement experience to the role. He recently retired as Executive Vice President of WesBanco (formerly Premier Bank and First Federal Bank), where he built a 37-year career in banking with a focus on investment, business growth, and community partnerships.

In addition to his professional career, Greg has been an active leader in regional economic development. He has served on the Board of Directors and in key leadership positions with the Fostoria Economic Development Corporation, Defiance County Economic Development, the Findlay–Hancock County Alliance, Allen County Visionaries, and Greater Fort Wayne, Inc.

Greg earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Finance) from Bowling Green State University and is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Madison Graduate School of Banking. His service to the country includes time in the Ohio Army National Guard, where he served during the Persian Gulf War.

“We are excited to welcome Greg into this leadership role,” said Tom Reineke, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Fostoria Economic Development Corporation. “His proven expertise in finance, community development, and organizational leadership will be instrumental in advancing the missions of both FEDC and the Fostoria Learning Center.”

Greg shared his commitment to the new role, stating: “I am honored to step into the role of Executive Director for the Fostoria Economic Development Corporation and the Fostoria Learning Center. My wife, Susan, and I lived in Fostoria in the mid-1990s, where we built lasting friendships and developed a deep appreciation for this community. I look forward to using my experience and abilities to give back to Fostoria and to work collaboratively toward an even brighter future. I would also like to recognize Renee Smith for her outstanding leadership as President. She leaves behind strong, financially sound organizations, and I wish her continued success in her future endeavors.”

(From the Ohio Department of Natural Resources)

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Director Mary Mertz announced that Ohio State Parks has been named the best park system in the nation for providing excellent recreation programs and services.

Ohio was awarded the 2025 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management this morning from the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration, in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association. Ohio earned the Gold Medal Award over fellow finalists Florida and Wyoming.

“Our state parks protect Ohio’s natural resources while providing incredible opportunities for people to explore, learn, and connect with nature,” said Governor DeWine. “From protecting natural resources to creating once-in-a-lifetime experiences, Ohio state parks are truly for everyone. We are thrilled to be recognized as the best in the nation.”

The award represents ODNR’s commitment to innovation, accessibility, and conservation. With free entry to all 76 state parks, Ohio offers more than 9,300 campsites, 1,200 miles of trails, 10 lodges, and over 7,100 educational programs annually. ODNR has also led the way in accessibility with adaptive kayak launches, inclusive playgrounds, and other creative programs.

“Ohioans and visitors from across the country make our state parks their destination, and we are grateful for their support,” said Director Mertz. “Earning the Gold Medal is an extraordinary honor that highlights the pride, beauty, and enjoyment Ohio state parks bring to millions of people each year.”

“This recognition belongs to the park managers, naturalists, officers, maintenance crews, and every staff member and volunteer who make our parks safe, welcoming, and memorable,” said Glen Cobb, chief of the ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft. “They are the heartbeat of Ohio’s park system, and this award reflects their passion and hard work.”

(ONN) – The Ohio Department of Transportation has reversed course and has granted the Cleveland Browns a construction permit after all.

ODOT approved an aviation permit for the teams Brook Park stadium, helping the team clear a major hurdle to move out of downtown Cleveland.

The Browns want to build their new domed stadium near Cleveland Hopkins Airport.

ODOT originally denied the Browns a construction permit, saying the stadium exceeded height limitations by 58 feet, even though the FAA found no hazards.

Now, an independent aviation consultant determined the stadium would have no adverse effect on safety or on flight operations at Hopkins.

(From the United Way of Hancock County)

Local volunteers will put in nearly 700 service hours in just three days during United Way of Hancock County’s Fall Days of Caring event.

Spanning Sept. 22-24, this biannual volunteer event has matched 173 volunteers with 26 service projects. These volunteers’ landscaping, organizing, painting, cleaning and construction efforts will add up to 692 hours and will save local organizations over $24,000 in labor costs, based on the estimated value of a volunteer hour at $33.49.

Volunteer teams are made up primarily of workplace groups and will work in four-hour shifts at locations throughout Hancock County.

“We want to thank our corporate partners for their cooperation in generously allowing their employees to devote time out of their work week to better our community,” said United Way of Hancock County CEO Kelley McClurkin.

“Fall Days of Caring is a wonderful effort that workplace teams rally behind every year, and it’s a great kickoff to our Campaign season. Thank you, volunteers, for contributing your time and energy in such a meaningful way!”

Days of Caring sponsors include City Apparel + Merch, Marathon Petroleum Corp., Whirlpool Corp., Freudenberg-NOK and First National Bank.

In addition to next week’s activities, a five-day Days of Caring event was held in May. During that week, 861 volunteers put in 3,444 service hours to complete 89 projects.

Volunteers United, the agency’s internal volunteer hub, placed over 10,200 volunteer hours in 2024. Visit liveunitedhancockcounty.org/volunteersunited for more information about Days of Caring or how you can get involved with local volunteer efforts.

(From the Ohio State Highway Patrol)

The Ohio State Highway Patrol, along with members of the 6-State Trooper Project, joined forces to focus on felony drug arrests and illegal firearms seizures.

During the four-day initiative, which ran from Thursday, September 11 through Sunday, September 14, the Patrol made 48 arrests on felony charges and seized 13 illegal firearms.

The campaign included the Indiana State Police, Kentucky State Police, Michigan State Police, Pennsylvania State Police and West Virginia State Police.

The 6-State Trooper Project is a multi-state law enforcement partnership aimed at providing combined and coordinated law enforcement and security services in the areas of highway safety, criminal patrol and information sharing.