All posts by Matt Demczyk

Liberty-Benton Local Schools Unveils New Scoreboard

(From Liberty-Benton Local Schools)

It’s here! We’re thrilled to unveil our brand-new stadium scoreboard, made possible through incredible community support and partnership!

A huge THANK YOU to the LB Athletic Boosters, the Scoreboard Capital Committee (Jeremy Theiss, Paul Witte, Jason Broerman, Nick Ferris, Marc Krauss, Abe Sparling, and Matt Moser), and everyone who helped bring this project to life.

Special recognition to our Naming Rights Sponsor, Garner Trucking, and to the following sponsors who have made the project possible!

-Naming Rights Sponsor

Garner Trucking

-Eagle Sponsors

Elchert Wealth Management

Chick-fil-A

Marathon Petroleum (sponsorship was a workforce grant to cover cost of software)

-Diamond Sponsors

Key Realty – Scott Kellar (split sponsorship)

LoanDepot – Scott Snapp (split sponsorship)

Findlay Truck & RV

Bellstores

Lion’s Share Company

-Gold Sponsors

Stump Family

Pilgrim Restaurant

Stump Fire Protection

The Baking Company & Bread Kneads

-Silver Sponsors

Nutrien Ag

Monkey Around

This scoreboard is more than lights; it’s a symbol of what we can accomplish together. From our students and families to every supporter in the stands, this is for you!

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor or in advertising on our new board, contact the Capital Committee at LBCap2020@gmail.com

Dump Truck Driver Injured In Crash

(From the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office)

On September 8, 2025 at 4:32 PM the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office investigated a single vehicle rollover crash involving a dump truck with injuries at TR 111 West of TR 123 in Pleasant Township.

Through the investigation it was learned that Andrew Straley (25yoa) of Findlay was West on TR 111 in a 1989 International dump truck.

Andrew traveled off the right side of the roadway, when the load of stone he was hauling shifted.

Andrew over corrected and lost control.

Andrew’s vehicle traveled across the roadway striking a driveway culvert, causing the vehicle to overturn.

Andrew was ejected from the vehicle, causing the vehicle to land on Andrew pinning him underneath.

Andrew was freed from under the vehicle by the McComb Fire Department.

Andrew was airlifted by Mercy Health Life Flight to St V Hospital in Toledo with unknown injuries.

Andrew was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.

Assisting at the scene was the McComb Fire Department, PMP EMS, Allen Twp Fire Department, Ed’s Towing and Hancock County EMA.

Sheriff’s Office Warns Of Scam

(From the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office)

We have been receiving complaints reference people receiving a text message from the BMV.

This is a scam.

Do not reply to the message and if you have any further questions you can call the BMV or our office for assistance.

(From the Ohio BMV)

Ohio Residents have reported receiving text messages from scammers claiming to be from BMV and informing the recipients that they have an outstanding traffic ticket.

Ohio BMV will never send you a text demanding payment or for your personal info.

Trash Truck Contents Catch On Fire

(From Tiffin Fire/Rescue Division)

This morning, a Rumpke trash truck experienced a fire within its contents. The driver safely dumped the load onto Summit Street between Greenfield and Main, allowing Tiffin Fire/Rescue personnel to quickly extinguish the burning material.

The City of Tiffin Public Works Department also assisted by bringing equipment to disperse the debris, helping firefighters access and fully extinguish the fire more efficiently.

To help prevent fires like this, please do not dispose of:

  • Lithium-ion batteries
  • Hot ashes
  • Smoking materials

Please help us keep our community safe!

Raise The Bar Congratulates Latest WorkAdvance Program Graduates

Raise the Bar Hancock County is congratulating the members of its 16th WorkAdvance cohort on their graduation from the program.

Raise the Bar says seven graduates celebrated their completion of the program and two secured jobs before graduation, beginning work at BVHS and DHL.

Raise the Bar says all of the graduates sat for the Certified Manufacturing Associate exam, with two already passing and others on track to succeed soon.

Tricia Valasek is executive director of Raise the Bar Hancock County.

Hancock County’s WorkAdvance program requires eligible individuals to participate in a two-week training. The training covers job readiness skills; math refreshers; and technical training such as safety, robotics, machining, quality, troubleshooting, and assembly. Participants will interact with instructors to gain familiarity and comfort with the expectations of local manufacturing workplaces.

At the end of the training, partnering manufacturers will interview participants and potentially offer positions on their teams.

Ohio Recognizes 988 Day For Mental Health And Crisis Support

(From the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services)

Today marks 988 Day, a national day of awareness and action to promote the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, a vital resource that connects Ohioans experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis with free, confidential support 24/7. Local, state, and national events – including community mental health fairs, training sessions, webinars, and social media campaigns – will be held today and throughout the week using the hashtag #988Day.

“988 is saving lives,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. “Today is about reminding Ohioans that they are not alone, and that there is immediate help available. The more we can do to promote this lifesaving resource, the more Ohioans we can connect to the mental health support they need.”

In Ohio, 988 is administered by the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) through an in-state network of 988 contact centers that provide coverage to residents in all 88 counties. “988 Day is more than just a reminder that help is only three digits away,” said OhioMHAS Director LeeAnne Cornyn. “It’s a call to action to help combat the stigma surrounding mental health, highlight the vital support the Lifeline provides, and a reminder to all Ohioans that they are not alone.”

This year’s theme, “Compassionate Help. Anytime. Anywhere.” focuses on three key messages:

  • Know the Number: 988 is the easy-to-remember number for emotional, mental health, substance use, and suicide crises. It’s free, confidential, and available to Ohioans in all 88 counties.
  • Spread the Word: Ohioans are encouraged to share the 988 number with their communities, families, and friends. The more people know, the more lives can be saved.
  • Support the System: Communities, leaders, and organizations are encouraged to support and invest in crisis response systems and mental health services to ensure 988 continues to serve all who need it.

Since launching in 2022, Ohio’s trained call center specialists have responded to more than 617,000 calls, texts, and chats, and are currently averaging more than 23,000 contacts per month. Ohio 988 administrators attribute much of the growth in usage of the Lifeline to a combination of a statewide awareness campaign and local, grassroots efforts. In fact, according to a new survey commissioned by OhioMHAS to help measure the impact of a year-long, multi-media campaign, 53% of Ohioans expressed familiarity with the service compared to just 36% when the campaign launched.

To help achieve even greater awareness, Ohioans are encouraged to check out the Ohio 988 Materials Generator where they can create customized posters, flyers, and other community education resources. They can also visit the 988 Ohio Store to purchase 988-themed apparel and accessories. Learn more at 988.ohio.gov.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 or visit 988Lifeline.org for 24/7, confidential support.

180th Fighter Wing Conducting Nighttime Training Flights

(From the 180th Fighter Wing)

Are you ready for some Night Flying?

We will be conducting night time training flights, Monday – Friday, until about 11pm.

Let us know where you see or hear us!

 

Semi Crash In Findlay

A semi crashed on US68/SR15 Monday morning.

The crash occurred at around 11:30 a.m. in the northbound lanes.

The semi went off the right side of the highway and crashed.

The driver was alert and was taken to Blanchard Valley Hospital, WFIN News was told at the scene. 

The semi was carrying plastic pellets.

A portion of Western Avenue was closed for a while as the semi was pulled over there to be removed.

Traffic was getting by on the highway but drivers should use caution and watch for the emergency vehicles.

See some video from the scene below. 

Alzheimer’s Association Hosting Free Community Programs

(From the Alzheimer’s Association Northwest Ohio Chapter)

The Alzheimer’s Association Northwest Ohio Chapter is hosting several free programs this month, including:

Healthy Living for your Brain and Body

Wednesday, September 17, 11:30 am

Findlay YMCA, Downtown Branch, 300 E. Lincoln St, Findlay

Please register at the front desk or email asertell@findlayymca.com

    • Join us to learn about research in the areas of nutrition, exercise, cognitive activity and social engagement, and use hands-on tools to help you incorporate these recommendations into a plan for healthy aging.

 

Healthy Living for the Brain and Body

Tuesday, September 23, 5:00 pm

Putnam County Library, 118 E. Main St, Pandora

Please call 419.523.3747, ext. 214 to register

    • Attendees will learn about science-backed lifestyle choices that may help keep the brain and body healthy as someone ages. Join to learn about research in the areas of diet and nutrition, exercise, cognitive activity and social engagement, and learn about hands-on tools to create a plan for healthy aging.

Introduction to Alzheimer’s

Wednesday, September 24, 5:00 pm

Leipsic Community Center, 120 E Main Street, Leipsic

To register, please call 800.272.3900

    • Enjoy a brief discussion about 10 Healthy Habits you can start today to keep your brain healthy as you age and the warning signs to monitor in yourself and others.

“These programs offer valuable information both about Alzheimer’s disease in general and the behaviors caused by dementia,” said Pam Myers, senior director, programs for the Alzheimer’s Association Central Ohio and Northwest Ohio Chapters. “Whether your family is just facing an Alzheimer’s diagnosis or you’ve been living with the disease for years, it can be challenging to know where to turn when you have questions. We can help.”

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.

Childhood Vaccination Numbers Trending Down In Ohio

(ONN) – Childhood vaccination numbers are trending down in Ohio.

State health officials report a little more than 85 percent of kindergartners met all required shots for the 2024 to 2025 school year.

That’s a nearly 4-and-a-half percent drop from the 2019 to 2020 school year and below the 90 percent benchmark needed for herd immunity to slow the spread of disease.

Officials say more Ohio kindergartners are skipping vaccines, with non-medical exemptions rising from 2.6 percent in 2019-20 to 4 percent in 2023-24.