All posts by Matt Demczyk

General Election Day Approaching

The General Election will be held on November 4th.

In Findlay, four candidates are running for three At-Large seats on Findlay City Council.

The candidates are Jenny Fall, a Democrat, and Heather Kensinger, Reed Needles, and Brad Wagner, all Republicans.

There are a few other contested city council races in Findlay.

In the Third Ward, the race is between Democrat Shaun Mason and Republican Carol Smith.

The Fourth Ward race is between Republican Dan DeArment and write-in challenger Sarah Jo Pugh.

In the Fifth Ward, the race is between Republican Brian Bauman and Kevin Cullen.

Nichole Coleman, a Republican, will become the First Ward representative after defeating incumbent Holly Frische in the primary and going unchallenged in the General Election.

In the Second Ward, BJ Preston, a Republican, is running uncontested.

In the Sixth Ward, Rodney Phillips, a Republican, is running uncontested.

In the Seventh Ward, Danny Delong, a Republican, is running uncontested.

Findlay City Schools has four people running for two spots on the school board.

They are Kaleb Brankamp, Matt Cooper, Katie Hite, and Jack Winans.

As far as issues on the General Election ballot, Liberty-Benton Local Schools has a tax levy on the ballot that would substitute for two existing levies. 

Among the candidates and issues in Putnam County, four people are running for three seats on city council, and Ottawa-Glandorf Local Schools has a tax levy renewal on the ballot.

See more candidates and issues in Hancock County by clicking here, and for Putnam County click here.

Polls will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 4.

LB Students Recognized For Earning Perfect Score On State Test

(From Liberty-Benton Local Schools)

Liberty-Benton Local Schools proudly recognized 26 students in Grades 3–12 for earning Perfect Scores on their Spring 2025 state tests!

Special shoutouts to:

-Ian Billmaier & Jonah Todd – Perfect Scores in both Algebra 1 & 8th Grade Science

-Caroline Smith, Cohen Austermiller, Bryson Collert & Grayson Karhoff – 2nd year of perfect scores

-Isaac Koenig – 3 years in a row with perfect scores

-Jonah Todd, Arthur Gottardi-Lopes & Jonathan Coldren – 4-year repeat perfect score achievers!

“These students are breathing rare air,” said Superintendent Otley.

“They represent the top 1% of test-takers.”

United Way Of Hancock County Food Resource Calendar

The United Way of Hancock County is reminding everyone that its countywide Food Resource Calendar lists daily opportunities for food pantries and other resources.

The resources listed are offered regularly in Findlay and surrounding areas.

Food distribution is offered to the public with no restrictions, unless otherwise noted.

Police Officer Honored For Saving A Life

(From Tiffin Police Chief David Pauly)

Congratulations, Officer Chris Perry!

The Tiffin Police Department is proud to announce that Officer Chris Perry has been honored with the American Red Cross Hero Award for his life-saving actions during an incident earlier this year.

Officer Perry’s quick thinking, calm under pressure, and dedication to protecting others exemplify the very best of our profession. His actions not only saved a life but also remind us that all our Tiffin Officers bring courage and compassion to work with them every single day.

Please join us in congratulating Officer Perry on this well-deserved recognition!

Chief Pauly

National First Responders Day

October 28th is designated National First Responders Day to honor the men and women who act quickly when an emergency is at hand.

First responders dedicate their lives to save lives, and run toward a crisis that’s occurring while others are trying to get out of harm’s way.

They are firefighters, police, emergency medical technicians (EMT), paramedics, and 911 operators.

In an emergency, they’re the first on the scene.

These dedicated professionals answer the call when a crisis arises, often putting their own lives on the line.

“On National First Responders Day, and every day, we thank all who answer the call to protect and serve our community,” the City of Findlay said. 

New Location For Findlay ‘Night To Shine’

(From Night to Shine)

Registration for Findlay’s Night to Shine 2026 will open on November 1, 2025, for Honored Guests, Buddies, and Volunteers. The event will take place on Friday, February 13, 2026, from 6:00–9:00 PM at a new location: the Alumni Memorial Union (AMU) at the University of Findlay.

Night to Shine is a worldwide event sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation, offering a prom night experience for individuals with special needs ages 14 and older. The 2026 Findlay event is being hosted in partnership with St. Marks Findlay, Movement Findlay, and College First Church of God.

All registration will be managed through the event website at findlaynighttoshine.org. Buddies and volunteers age 18 and older will be required to complete a background check as part of the registration process. 

For additional information or to make a donation, visit findlaynighttoshine.org or contact the event committee at hello@findlaynighttoshine.org

About Night to Shine:
Night to Shine is an annual worldwide event sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation, designed to provide an unforgettable prom night experience for individuals with special needs, ages 14 and older.

The Host Churches:
St. Marks United Methodist Church of Findlay, Movement Church of Findlay, and College First Church of God are partnering to host the 2026 Findlay Night to Shine event.

GOP Gubernatorial Candidate Speaks In Findlay

Republican candidate for Ohio Governor Vivek Ramaswamy spoke at the Hancock County GOP’s Fall Dinner in Findlay.

“Thank you, Hancock County,” Ramaswamy said on his Facebook page.

He said everywhere he goes he hears that property taxes are a problem and says we’re going to fix it.

Ramaswamy said he understands why a lot of young people are cynical about the American Dream.

“It’s up to us to revive it and that’s what we’re going to do in Ohio.”

Former Ohio Director of the Ohio Department of Health Amy Acton remains the top candidate on the Democratic side, with former Ohio Congressman Tim Ryan reportedly considering entering the race.

University Of Findlay ‘Oiler Preview Day’ Coming Up

(From the University of Findlay)

The University of Findlay will offer its next Oiler Preview Day on Tuesday, November 11. Oiler Preview Days are designed to give future students and their families the information they need to take the next step.

During these events, you’ll have the opportunity to meet with faculty in your program of interest, get acquainted with our Admissions team, learn about financial aid and scholarships, gain an understanding of the admissions process, and explore campus via a guided tour.

To learn more, visit: https://www.findlay.edu/admissions/visit-experience/.

Findlay Trojan Club Offering Custom Yard Signs

(From the Findlay Trojan Club)

Attention all sport fans! The Trojan Club is now offering custom yard signs to help support all middle and high school student-athletes.

Signs will be available for purchase at the start of each sports season (fall, winter, spring) and be delivered to coaches for distribution about two weeks after the sale ends.

-2025-2026 Sales Periods:

Winter: October 21st – November 7th

Spring: February 23rd – March 13th

Each 24″ x 18″ sign is $20 and comes with a premium weather-resistant yard stake.

For more information or to place your order visit https://forms.gle/o5KEmuBZ5HRt3qkPA

OSU All-American And NFL Veteran Nick Mangold Passes Away

(From the Ohio State University)

The Ohio State Department of Athletics and football program was saddened on Sunday morning to learn of the death of Nick Mangold, who passed away at the age of 41 from complications from kidney disease.

Mangold, an All-American center during his career with the Buckeyes, played for Ohio State from 2002-05. He started 33 games in his career and became the first-ever Ohio State center to be chosen in the first round of the NFL Draft. Mangold played on teams that were 43-8 over his four-year career and won four bowl games. In 2023, he was enshrined into the Ohio State Athletics Hall of Fame.

A native of Centerville, Ohio, Mangold’s NFL career was filled with honors. Over his 11-year career – all of which he played with the New York Jets – he made seven Pro Bowl appearances. Mangold started 171 games for the Jets from 2006 through 2017, including seven playoff games and two NFC Championship Game appearances. He was named a first-team All-Pro after his 2009 and 2010 seasons and a second-team All-Pro in 2011.

In 2022, Mangold was inducted into the Jets’ Ring of Honor. Just last week, he was selected to advance to the next round of voting for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026.