(From the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office)

On Monday, February 10, 2025, the Seneca County Drug Task Force-METRICH Enforcement Unit, along with additional Deputies from the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office, and Agents from the Sandusky County Drug Task Force, executed a drug-related search warrant on a residence located at 7715 N. Co. Road 29, Flatrock, Seneca County, Ohio, which is the residence of Paul Buchanan, 36 YOA. ​

The search warrant signed by Judge Damon Alt, Seneca County Common Pleas Court led to the confiscation of suspected Methamphetamine, Criminal Tools, & Firearms.

The investigation is presently an “ongoing” investigation. The charges of Illegal Possession of Methamphetamine, and Possession of Criminal Tools are all pending on the residents in the conclusion of the entire drug investigation.

“Task Force Agents and Deputies who were executing the Search Warrant on the residence immediately contacted Seneca County Children Services for assistance when they entered the residence and discovered two small children living in dreadful living conditions. Besides the illegal drugs discovered in the residence, there was a range of factors that threaten the safety of the children, including unhygienic conditions, inadequate sanitary conditions, exposure to dangerous substances and objects, and insect infestations. I’m always pleased to see drugs removed from our community, but I’m even more grateful that the children were removed from that unhealthy and unsafe environment!”

Sheriff Fredrick W. Stevens

Seneca County Sheriff’s Office

(From Blanchard Valley Health System)

Please join us in congratulating our January team DAISY Award recipients: Adam Neinberg, Kelley Van Atta, Emily Shumaker, and Gabi Searfoss! 

These #TeamBVHS associates did a wonderful job supporting a young patient and her mother during a post-tonsillectomy emergency.

These team members in the emergency department (ED) showed incredible patience. They took the time to comfort the frightened child and explain every step of her care to her and her mother.

In the surgery holding area, the team worked seamlessly to prepare her for surgery, ensuring the child and her mother felt reassured and supported during a stressful time. After the procedure, the recovery team provided compassionate care, listening to the mother’s concerns and making the little girl feel like she was the center of attention.

The thoughtful and professional care from these nurses transformed a difficult day into a story of kindness and connection.

Pictured are Sara Jones, emergency services clinical manager, BJ Pasztor, chief operating officer of acute care services & chief nursing officer, Adam Nienberg, RN, emergency services, Kelley Van Atta, CNP, operating room, Emily Shumaker, RN, same day surgery and post anesthesia unit (SDS/PACU) RN, Gabi Searfoss, RN, SDS/PACU, Trevor Schmiedebusch, director perioperative services, and Natalie Phoenix, director of emergency services.

(From the Fostoria Police Department)

On Tuesday, February 11th, 2025, at approximately 11:46 AM, The Fostoria Police Department and Fostoria EMS responded to 1521 N. Countyline St, Fostoria, Wood County Ohio, for the report of an unresponsive infant. Once Fostoria First Responders arrived on scene, lifesaving actions were implemented, and the infant was then immediately transported to the Fostoria ProMedica Hospital for further medical aid. Unfortunately, the 4-month-old child was later pronounced deceased.

While investigating the incident, Fostoria Detectives and Wood County Children Services Investigators were able to determine the infant’s death was not of natural causes or accidental, and that the child had sustained injuries that were consistent with trauma and abuse. Through further interviews and investigation, detectives and investigators were able to determine the father, Joseph D. Bonito, 24 YOA, had purposefully injured the infant, which lead to the death.

At this time, Mr. Bonito has been charged with Murder, ORC 2903.02(B) and Endangering Children, ORC 2919.22 (B)(1)(E)(d). Mr. Bonito is currently being held in the Wood County Jail with no bond, awaiting his initial court appearance. The incident remains under investigation.

Gabe Wedge
Chief of Police
Fostoria Police Department

(From the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office)

Update as of Feb. 12th, 2025 0845

The cleanup began shortly after midnight and the latest information is that it will be 1-2 days for cleanup and once that is done they can assess the full damage to the roadway and crossing and then advise on how long it will take to make it passable for vehicles.

Sounds like they are detouring traffic north on 4 To 162 into Huron County and then on 99 through Willard to get back on 224. The bussing coordinator was made aware of the blocked crossings at 224 and the fairground road.

We will work with ODOT and our County Plow drivers to come up with a plan for the upcoming snow/ice storms tonight and this weekend.

This is going to be a fluid situation on the repair of that crossing so please be patient and as soon as we hear something different we will update you.

Shout out to AVR and CERT for all their hard work at the scene.

-Sheriff Stevens

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On Feb 11th, 2025 at approximately 8:19pm there was a train derailment in Attica on U.S. 224 with roughly 19 cars derailed. No injuries and no other property damage other than the crossing and some ground. No power poles or wire damage.

Two tankers leaking, one is identified as corn syrup and the other as alcohol. We have a sniffer drone going over the whole scene to double and triple verify.

At this time there is no danger of any hazardous material. Updates will come later.

-Sheriff Stevens

(From the United Way of Hancock County)

Safety net services across Hancock County will be strengthened by the allocation of $1.7 million by United Way of Hancock County.

Funding will be distributed among 19 local programs focused on the areas of championing children’s success, fighting hunger, promoting safety and health, supporting safe housing, and fostering financial stability. These priority areas were identified by a team of over 50 diverse community volunteers in a grant review process that is repeated yearly as part of United Way’s commitment to regularly assessing the community’s changing needs and responding accordingly.

“Working families and retirees continue to be impacted by our changing economy. Our funding distribution among 19 local programs serves as a safety net for the vulnerable population in our community,” said United Way of Hancock County CEO Kelley McClurkin.

The funds being distributed were raised through United Way’s 2024 Annual Campaign, which engages individual donors and retirees, as well as employees through workplace philanthropy.

“The United Way is honored to contribute to and protect our community in such an impactful way. We are sincerely thankful to our fundraising team and to everyone who trusts us with their financial gifts, including individual donors and workplace campaign partners,” McClurkin said. “You are all Difference Makers for the people who need it most.”

Championing children’s success

Local programs falling under United Way’s Vulnerable Children Initiative will receive a total of $285,000 in support of advocacy, prevention and crisis response efforts designed to protect kids and put them on a path to success.

Children’s funding will be distributed among CASA/GAL of Hancock County, whose trained volunteers advocate for youth who are navigating the court system; the Center for Safe and Healthy Children’s forensic interview program that follows a report of child abuse; child victim services offered by Open Arms Domestic Violence & Rape Crisis Services; Children’s Mentoring Connection of Hancock County’s various youth mentoring programs; Scouting and Exploring programs offered through Boy Scouts of America and Girl Scouts of Western Ohio; and the Salvation Army’s summer enrichment camp.

Fighting hunger

Food security programs have been allocated $291,000. Among rising grocery prices, United Way’s partner agencies have reported a significant increase in individuals and families seeking help through local food assistance programs.

Food security funds will support the YMCA’s Feed-A-Child program, which provides weekend backpack meals for students; vouchers for individuals and families in need of supplemental

grocery items through Christian Clearing House; West Ohio Food Bank’s distributions to Hancock County food pantries; and the emergency food pantry at the Salvation Army.

Promoting safety and health

Safety and health allocations focused on strengthening Hancock County residents’ physical and mental health will receive $316,500.

Funds distributed for safety and health will provide direct financial assistance for cancer patients living or working in Hancock County through Cancer Patient Services; adult victim services offered by Open Arms; equine-assisted therapy for veterans and people of all ages with disabilities through Challenged Champions Equestrian Center; and disaster response services programs though the American Red Cross.

Supporting safe housing

A total of $232,500 has been awarded to two Hope House programs aimed at helping people who are unhoused or who are at risk of becoming homeless. The family shelter and independence programs work to provide housing solutions, support and education to individuals and families.

Fostering financial stability

Financial stability funds totaling $50,000 will support HHWP Community Action Commission’s Hancock Area Transportation Services (HATS) program, which provides low-cost rides to employment, medical appointments and more.

Additional funding will continue to help United Way deliver its free tax preparation service, called VITA, which is taking place now, as well as the Halt Hunger Initiative. United Way’s volunteer center, Volunteers United, placed 10,200 volunteer hours in 2024.

All money raised in Hancock County stays local to support vital services, unless otherwise designated by the donor. United Way of Hancock County regularly seeks state and federal grants to help bolster funds raised locally and to allow the organization to use campaign dollars most effectively.

Visit uwhancock.org to donate or to learn more about the United Way’s mission and work.

UPDATE -Findlay and Hancock County are now included in an Ice Storm Warning issued by the National Weather Service.

Findlay and Hancock County are included in a Winter Weather Advisory issued by the National Weather Service.

The Winter Weather Advisory goes from 1 p.m. Wednesday until 7 a.m. Thursday.

Mixed precipitation is expected.

Total snow and sleet accumulations up to one inch and ice accumulations up to two tenths of an inch.

Drivers should plan on slippery road conditions.

Get the latest forecast and weather alerts here and school delays/closings here.

(From the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library)

The Findlay-Hancock County Public Library will celebrate 135 years of service to county residents on Sunday, February 23, 2025 from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. To commemorate the occasion, the public is invited to visit the library to look at historic photos and facts on display throughout the library.

This year’s anniversary is a special one as the library embarks on a new adventure, beginning with a refresh of the library. This project reflects the library’s ongoing commitment to the changing needs of our community. The public is invited to join us not only to celebrate this special milestone, but also to tour the exciting new paint colors, carpeting and department shifts to create a better flow for patrons and to make the most of our available space.

The Findlay-Hancock County Public Library opened on January 27, 1890. Today, the library continues the proud tradition of providing books, newspapers, magazines, and other physical material, but also provides vital education services that are available without charge to our community. The library can also be utilized to improve job skills, increase computer learning, attend our adult literacy program, as well as a variety of programming for children, teens and adults. Patrons can use our free Wi-Fi to gain access to digital material through hoopla, Kanopy, and the Ohio Digital Library.

Library Director, Sarah Clevidence said of this special anniversary, “Our library has a long history of supporting our community. We are excited to share the recent updates to library spaces that will help continue that tradition of support for years to come.”

For more information on services and programs that are available at the library, please visit www.findlaylibrary.org or call the library at 419-422-1712.

WKXA’s Rex Howard spoke with Holly and Emmie about the upcoming CHD Awareness Day event at We Serve. Coffee on Valentine’s Day.

Congenital Heart Defects (CHDs) are the most common type of birth defect, affecting approximately 1 in every 100 babies born.

CHD Awareness Week, observed annually and this year from February 7th to 14th, is a crucial time to shine a light on these conditions, celebrate the strength of those living with them and raise awareness about the importance of early detection and ongoing care. 

Listen to Rex’s interview with Holly and Emmie below.

(From Blanchard Valley Health System)

Community members with prescriptions to fill can use the on-site outpatient pharmacy (Center for Medication Management) located within Blanchard Valley Hospital or Harry’s Pharmacy inside the Carey Medical & Diagnostic Center. Both sites are divisions of Blanchard Valley Health System and can accommodate the medication needs of anyone in the community.

“Community members probably don’t realize that both BVHS pharmacies can manage their prescriptions similar to other retail pharmacies in our community,” said Tenna Rhonemus, BS Pharm, RPh, BCGP, pharmacy supervisor of outpatient services. “It’s an easy process to have prescriptions transferred to our team. We can even help customers establish new accounts.”

“For many residents of both Findlay and Carey, the BVHS outpatient pharmacy locations may be the most convenient option,” said Ryan Kruse, PharmD, MBA, director of pharmacy. “One thing that sets us apart is that we are a pharmacy dedicated solely to caring for people’s medication needs, unlike other retail pharmacies, which are located within other stores or businesses.”

Northwest Ohio residents who need or want to transfer prescriptions will find the locations convenient. Most insurances are accepted.

“Our outpatient pharmacy teams recognize the importance of forming relationships, and all of our associates make an effort to get to know their patients,” Rhonemus said. “We’re here to provide the personal attention patients seek in their healthcare. This personal touch makes for a more pleasant experience. It ensures that if a patient has a question or concern about a prescription, they have an established relationship and feel comfortable asking their pharmacist.”

The Center for Medication Management is located on the first floor of Blanchard Valley Hospital, 1900 South Main Street, Findlay, and can be reached at 419.429.7002. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Harry’s Pharmacy is located inside the Carey Medical and Diagnostic Center, 930 Sheriden Drive, Carey, and can be reached at 419.396.7977. Prescriptions can be filled Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The prescription pick-up area is closed from 1:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. Harry’s Pharmacy offers home delivery, call-ahead curbside delivery, in-store consultations, and a convenient storefront.

“We can assist anyone wanting to transfer their prescriptions to our team if they give us a call,” continued Kruse. “Customers seem to like the location of our Findlay outpatient pharmacy because they can also shop at the hospital gift shop across the hallway or pick up a beverage from the Healing Grounds coffee shop.”

For more information or to refill a prescription online, please visit bvhealthsystem.org/pharmacy

(From The Office of Congressman Latta)

Today, Congressman Bob Latta (R-OH5) released the following statement after being named by Roll Call as one of only 13 Members of the U.S. House of Representatives who voted on all 516 roll call votes in 2024 and one of only 18 Members to vote on all 719 roll call votes in 2023:

“I believe it is my duty as the Representative for Ohio’s Fifth Congressional District to do everything I can to show up and represent my constituents in the People’s House through voting. That’s why I’m proud to have not missed a single vote during the two years of the 118th Congress. As House Republicans work to lower costs, secure the border, and get our fiscal house in order, it’s imperative we have full voting participation from our Members. I pledge to my constituents that I will do everything I can to continue showing up, voting, and representing their best interests in Congress.”