(From the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office)

The Seneca County Sheriff’s Office has partnered with Tiffin University to do some Community Engagement and collect responses through a Community Policing Survey for both our Agency and the Tiffin Police Department.

This is confidential and will take less than 10 minutes of your time and help us get feedback directly from the citizens we serve.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation and participation in this community wide survey.

Use the QR code below to get started!

-Sheriff Stevens

(From the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation)

A new fund was recently established at the Foundation to support improving educational opportunities and experiences for students in the Arlington Local Schools industrial arts and agricultural science programs.

The Jeff Wilson Memorial Fund for Industrial Arts and Agricultural Sciences was established in memory of Jeff. Jeff worked his entire teaching career (1975-2008) at Arlington Local Schools, teaching ag education, general science and vet science. He was passionate about helping all students find their skills and talents and was an example of positivity and a great work ethic.

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

(From the Fostoria Police Department)

On the morning of Sunday February 23rd, 2025, at approximately 0430 hrs, the Fostoria Police Department responded to 310 S. Poplar St for a report of shots fired. Upon officers’ arrival, they discovered that the house had been shot 4 times at the rear of the residence along an alleyway. After securing the residence and the area, Fostoria Detective Brooks Hall was called to the scene to investigate further.

Through Detective Hall’s investigation of the shooting, he was able to determine the shooter and another subject, came to the rear of 310 S. Poplar St from 201 E. Crocker St in Fostoria, fired 4 shots at the residence, before fleeing back to 201 E Crocker St.

On February 24th, 2025, at approximately 2030 hrs, Detectives from the Fostoria Police Department with the assistance of the Seneca County Regional SRT, executed a search warrant at 201 E. Crocker St, to look for the suspects and possible evidence from the shooting. The Seneca County Regional SRT surrounded the residence and ordered out all occupants of the home out by loudspeaker. Those individuals were secured and SRT made entry into the location to secure it as well. After searching the residence and conducting interviews of the occupants, Fostoria Detectives were able to identify the shooter.

On February 25, 2025, the Fostoria Police Department arrested Michael Bollinger, 18 YOA, for Discharging a Firearm into Habitation, ORC 2923.161 (A)(1), a Felony of the Second Degree. Mr. Bollinger turned himself over to the Fostoria Police Department without incident and admitted to his involvement in the shooting. Mr. Bollinger is currently being held in the Seneca County Jail with no bond, awaiting his initial court appearance. The investigation is still ongoing.

“The responding officers’ prompt response and textbook handling of the shooting, along with Detective Halls thorough investigation, were paramount in resolving this investigation so quickly. I cannot say enough about the officers working in the Fostoria Police Department; Our department has truly been tested over the past couple of weeks, and I am proud to say they have all handled it remarkably.”

“I would also like to thank the Seneca County Regional SRT for their assistance in executing the search warrant last night. This team came in and safely secured the occupants and residence in a quick and professional manner, without further incident. The Seneca County Regional SRT is made up of 6 officers from the Fostoria Police Department, 7 officers from the Tiffin Police Department, 5 deputies from the Seneca County Sheriff’s Department, 3 medics from the Fostoria Fire Department, and 3 Medics from the Tiffin Fire Department. This group’s dedication to our area is unmatched. They are always ready at a moment’s notice, and train to handle almost every scenario you can think of. The collaboration of the City of Fostoria, the City of Tiffin, and Seneca County has truly been a blessing for the area.”

Police Chief Gabe Wedge

Fostoria Police Department

(From Blanchard Valley Health System)

Blanchard Valley Hospital, a division of Blanchard Valley Health System, has been awarded on Newsweek’s list of the World’s Best Hospitals 2025.

A repeat winner of this award, BVH received additional recognition this year in two categories, infection prevention and patient experience.

The award list was announced on February 26, 2025, and can be viewed on Newsweek’s website.

The World’s Best Hospitals 2025 ranking lists the best hospitals in 30 countries. The countries were selected based on multiple comparability factors, such as standard of living/life expectancy, population size, number of hospitals, and data availability. Newsweek and Statista awarded the best hospitals based on four data sources. They include: recommendations from medical experts through an online survey among tens of thousands of doctors, health care professionals, and hospital managers in 30 countries; results from patient surveys of patient satisfaction with hospitalization; hospital quality metrics and medical indicators, such as data on quality of care for treatments, hygiene measures, patient safety, and waiting times; and the Statista Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) Implementation Survey, an optional online survey on the implementation and use of PROMs in hospitals.

Based on the above four pillars and their respective weights, a final source was calculated for each hospital.

“We are honored to receive this national recognition once again, and are thankful also for the additional recognition for our efforts to improve infection prevention and the patient experience,” said Myron D. Lewis, MSW, MBA, FACHE, president and chief executive officer of Blanchard Valley Health System. “Our associates take both of these aspects of healthcare very seriously as part of our commitment to our patients and their families. Each time we add or expand a practice or service, such as the recent openings of the Acute Rehabilitation Unit and the Wellness Park campus, we keep the care of our patients and community in mind. It is rewarding to see national recognition once again for the hard work that our associates do each and every day to ensure patients receive safe, quality care.”

(From the Fostoria Police Department)

At approximately 0953 hrs, on February 25 the Fostoria Police Department received a call of a subject on the E. Center St train overpass, standing on the outside of the railing. When responding officers arrived on scene, the male subject began threatening to jump from the overpass. Officers blocked traffic and relayed with CSX to stop any incoming trains. Fostoria EMS was also called to the scene.

After approximately 15 minutes of de-escalating the situation and calming the subject down, the subject reluctantly came back to the inside of the railing. However, he then changed his mind and attempted to climb to the outside of the railing again, but officers were able to pull him back away from doing so. The subject then began fighting the officers; however, officers were able to restrain the subject and secure his movements. The subject was then taken to Fostoria ProMedica Hospital to be evaluated.

“This is just another example of how Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) is paying off in the City of Fostoria and across the nation. Officers are entering the situation in a safe but more passive manner, to de-escalate the situations by speaking to the subject first, slowing things down, instead of going straight to hands on.”

“A special thanks to the officers on scene, Officer Don Dennis, Officer Brady Jaso, Sergeant Kent Reinbolt, Captain Dan Dell, and Detective Sergeant Nate Elliott. Their hard work and dedication to training likely saved a life today.”

Police Chief Gabe Wedge

Fostoria Police Department.

(From the Tiffin Police Department)

We are asking for assistance in identifying the individual shown in these photographs.

They are involved in a theft investigation from a Dollar General.

If you recognize this individual, please reach out to Ofc. Garrett at 419-447-2323 or via email at cwgarrett@tiffinohio.gov.

Thank you for helping us keep our community honest and safe!

(From the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation)

The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation Board of Trustees approved grants totaling $770,654.84 at the February board meeting. This total includes seven responsive grants and 164 donor advised fund grants.

“This round of grants demonstrates the depth of what we do as a Foundation,” said Brian Treece, President & CEO of The Community Foundation. “From grants for Fun for All community events to supporting rural communities, mental health organizational support, health equity and environmental work. The generosity of our donors makes this work possible, which improves the quality of life for all of us here.”

Responsive Grants

Responsive grants are awarded to organizations that meet community needs and match The Community Foundation’s goals and objectives. Grantseekers must submit a written grant proposal for consideration. Applications are reviewed four times per year.

Funding for responsive grants comes from our Community’s Endowment, which is comprised of Funds for the Common Good and Field of Interest Funds established by donors at The Community Foundation. The following responsive grants were approved by the Board of Trustees, made possible by our Community’s Endowment:

50 North was awarded $18,000 to support events throughout 2025 as part of the Foundation’s Fun for All series of free community events.

The Community Foundation was awarded two grants:

$10,000 to create the Village of Arcadia Community Field of Interest Fund to support items in the village’s Heart & Soul action plan.

$10,000 to create the Village of Arlington Community Field of Interest Fund to support items in the village’s Heart & Soul action plan.

Hancock County ADAMHS Board was awarded $35,000 for planning and project management to renovate the ADAMHS Board’s Grace Boulevard property.

NAMI Hancock County was awarded $1,875 for a board retreat and strategic planning session.

West Ohio Land Conservancy was awarded $56,600 to support hiring a part-time executive director.

University of Findlay Center for Civic Engagement was awarded $10,000 to support community engagement events as part of its Health Equity Action Plan.

Donor Advised Grants

Individuals, families or corporations establish donor advised funds to recommend grants to nonprofits they’re passionate about. The Foundation vets the nonprofits, and grants are awarded. The following donor advised grants were awarded:

164 grants to 104 organizations totaling $629,179.84.

(From Raise The Bar Hancock County)

Whether employees are on the frontline, managing a team, working in an office, or running a business, their experience at work matters. Raise the Bar Hancock County and the Hancock County Business Advisory Council are calling on local employees at all levels and in all industries to participate in the Professional Insights Poll, a quick survey designed to identify priority skills and training.

The poll is open until February 27, 2025, and takes less than eight minutes to complete. Responses will directly shape local education and training programs, ensuring the next generation is ready to step into careers with the right skills — whether in manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, IT, retail, finance, or any other field.

What We’re Asking About:

• • The tools, equipment, and technology used in an employee’s job

• • The technical skills and certifications that matter to an industry

No matter the workplace role—whether employee’s are just starting out, supervising a team, or leading a company—their perspective is valuable. We need input from all generations, backgrounds, and experience levels.

How to Participate

Taking the survey is easy! Complete the survey by clicking on the photo or scanning the QR code at www.raisethebarhancock.org/insightpoll.

Raise the Bar and local education leaders will use the results to improve career readiness programs, shape curriculum, and support businesses with stronger job candidates.

About Raise the Bar Hancock County

Raise the Bar Hancock County builds partnerships between schools, employers, and community leaders to ensure a strong, skilled workforce. Through initiatives like career exposure programs, curriculum development, and employer engagement, Raise the Bar is shaping the future of work in Hancock County.

About Hancock County Business Advisory Council

Led by Raise the Bar and the Hancock County ESC, the Hancock County Business Advisory Council (BAC) assists in building a viable and productive relationship between the schools and employers in Hancock County through increased awareness, cooperation, and involvement. Operating under the requirements of the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, the Hancock County BAC’s members include representatives from every Hancock County local school district and area employers. The BAC meets quarterly to streamline workforce development initiatives for students in grades K-12.

(From Camp 9-1-1)

Calling all future safety superheroes!

Camp 911 is back and open for registration!

This fun and interactive safety camp is designed for Hancock County kids entering kindergarten and is led by our local first responders.

Dates: June 23 – June 27

Two Sessions Available:

AM Session: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM – Tuesday, June 24 – Friday, June 27

PM Session: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM – Monday, June 23rd – Thursday, June 26

Kids will learn essential safety skills, meet real-life heroes, and have a blast in hands-on activities!

Register Now:

AM Session: https://forms.gle/8mf6rurdbepcpi4v8

PM Session: https://forms.gle/fjYJZxopZWHQMXDj9

(From Findlay City Schools)

What better way to celebrate the opening of the Findlay City Schools Preschool application today than with a “stick-tapping”serenade at last night’s Board of Education meeting?

Our 5-Star FCS Preschool not only meets but exceeds state standards for health, safety, and educational quality. We are thrilled to offer this level of excellence to our community.

We also heard from Donnell PTO for our District Support Organization Spotlight about why they choose to continue supporting our staff and students through incredible fundraisers and events, and had an incredible update from our FHS Dean of Students and Assistant Principal about the moves they’re making in restorative practices that are truly impacting every corner of FHS.

We are lucky to be here.