(From the Ohio Education Association)

The Ohio Education Association commends Tiffin Education Association member Chris Monsour and extends a huge congratulations to him for being named the 2026 Ohio Teacher of the Year by the State Board of Education. Monsour was honored in a ceremony at Columbian High School in Tiffin, where he teaches several advanced science courses.

“Mr. Monsour’s passion for science education and for ensuring his students have access to the opportunities they need to succeed should be applauded,” OEA President Jeff Wensing said. “Over the course of Mr. Monsour’s more than two and a half decades in the classroom, he has impacted countless students’ lives, nurturing their curiosity, sparking a love of learning through hands-on experiments, and empowering them to reach their full potential, in Tiffin City Schools and beyond.”

Monsour currently teaches College Credit Plus (CCP) Environment and Society, CCP Oceanus, CCP Anatomy and Physiology, Honors Biology, and AP Biology. He brings extensive experience to his students’ learning, sharing what he has learned on numerous global expeditions, on land and at sea, with his high school classes. 

“Mr. Monsour is an outstanding educator, dedicated to engaging students in their learning and building their excitement about science and the pursuit of knowledge,” Wensing said. “We are so pleased to see his passion, dedication, and professionalism celebrated through this well-deserved Ohio Teacher of the Year honor.” 

Mr. Monsour was selected from among eleven 2026 State Board District Teachers of the Year as the 2026 Ohio Teacher of the Year. The Ohio Education Association congratulates all of the honorees and celebrates this recognition of the incredible work they do every day to serve Ohio’s public school students.

(From the Ohio Department of Transportation District 1)

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) District 1 has concluded the public involvement process for three proposed roundabouts and selected the layouts to carry forward into the detailed design phase. All three intersections have received funding through Ohio’s Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) to enhance safety.

“We are excited to move these projects forward. Roundabouts have proven to be effective at our rural intersections,” said Chris Hughes, ODOT District 1 deputy director. “Where we have built them in Allen and Van Wert counties there have been zero fatal crashes, injury crashes are down 72% and crashes overall are down 36%,” said Hughes.

Roundabouts alleviate crash severity by reducing speed and conflict points.

State Route 67 and State Route 235 in Roundhead Township, Hardin County

A centered, circular, single-lane roundabout will be built. This design delivers the best safety benefit at a lower construction cost. Construction is tentatively set for Fall 2028.

Review the project documents online at transportation.ohio.gov/projects/projects/121970

Questions and comments regarding the design can be sent to project manager Robert Mooney at Robert.Mooney@dot.ohio.gov or 419-999-6987.

State Route 15 and State Route 18 in Noble Township, Defiance County

A three-leg, single-lane roundabout that includes the realignment of Stever Road northwest of the roundabout will be constructed. The primary benefits of this design over the four-leg roundabout alternative are lower construction costs and right-of-way impacts. Construction is tentatively set for Fall 2027.

Review the project documents online at transportation.ohio.gov/projects/projects/121294

Questions and comments regarding the design can be sent to project manager Anna Watkins at Anna.Watkins@dot.ohio.gov or 419-999-6914.

State Route118 and Wren-Landeck Road in Liberty Township, Van Wert County

A single-lane roundabout positioned northeast of the intersection will be constructed. The layout optimizes safe entry angles and balances residential and agricultural right-of-way impacts. Construction is tentatively set for 2028

Review the project documents online at transportation.ohio.gov/projects/projects/120693

Questions and comments regarding the design can be sent to project manager Morgan Gerdeman at Morgan.Gerdeman@dot.ohio.gov or 419-999-6869.

Addressing public concerns

During the public comment period approximately half the comments received voiced support for the roundabouts. Common questions and concerns include:  

• Roundabout Size: The roundabouts will be large enough to support the turning radius of large vehicles and farm equipment. The dimensions will be similar to those previously built in Allen County and Van Wert County where trucks and farm equipment are able to easily navigate the roundabouts.

• Traffic Signal: Traffic signals can reduce some types of crashes but can also increase other types of crashes. Traffic signals are most appropriate for intersections where high traffic volume can cause gridlock. Roundabouts are a better solution to keep traffic flowing and reduce serious crashes at these rural intersections.

• Navigation Applications: The use of navigation applications which recommend the fastest route can contribute to safety concerns. ODOT will continue to advocate for application routing that mitigates the negative impacts to communities.

• Cost: Ohio has money set aside for addressing rural high crash locations. Crash data is used to determine where a project can provide the most safety benefit.

• Confusing to Navigate: Single-lane roundabouts are effective safety interventions due to their simple navigation rules such as yield to those already in the roundabout. For more information visit: https://www.transportation.ohio.gov/about-us/basics/roundabouts

(From the Bluffton Craft Show)

The 52nd Annual Bluffton Craft Show will be held Saturday, Sept. 27, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Bluffton, Ohio.

The event will feature more than 100 crafters, vendors, and food trucks. Items for sale will include handmade pottery, jewelry, textiles, woodwork, home décor, and specialty foods. Vendors are selected through a juried process to ensure a variety of products, with only one vendor per craft category.

The first 100 guests will receive a swag bag containing coupons and promotional items from local businesses. Admission is free and open to the public.

The Bluffton Craft Show will take place at the Bluffton Middle School and High School gyms, as well as the high school cafeteria.

For more information, visit the Bluffton Craft Show event page on Facebook or email craftshow@eventproconnections.net

(From The Fostoria Area Chamber of Commerce)

The Fostoria Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the appointment of Crystal Laird as its new Director. Laird was selected by the Chamber Board of Directors and officially began her role on September 2. Laird brings a strong background in community engagement, marketing, and organizational leadership to the Chamber. Most recently, she served as the Marketing and Events Coordinator for the Chamber of Commerce of Sandusky County. Her career also includes roles as Visitor Services Manager at the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center and Director of Operations at AVI Food Systems.

“I’m a people person through and through,” Laird shared. “Whether I’m planning a community event, designing a marketing campaign, or just chatting over coffee—I’m all about connection, impact, and making others feel seen and valued. At the core, my passion is creating meaningful experiences that bring people together and move them forward.”

Beyond her professional expertise, Laird is passionate about women’s leadership, mindset work, and the power of story and strategy to inspire growth. Her vision aligns closely with the Chamber’s mission to strengthen local businesses, foster collaboration, and support community development.

“We are thrilled to welcome Crystal as the new Director of the Fostoria Area Chamber of Commerce,” said Lisa Saltzman, Chamber Board Chair. “Her energy, creativity, and proven leadership will help drive our mission forward and create new opportunities for our members and community.”

The Chamber invites the community and business leaders to connect with Laird as she begins her new role. She can be reached at Director@FostoriaChamber.com.

(From the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office)

It’s getting to be that time of year, fall harvest! We just want to take a moment to remind drivers to be extra vigilant and patient as our great farmers travel with their machinery to and from their fields, farms, and grain elevators.

A couple things to remember:

Farmers may be pulling in and out of fields and lanes, not just other roads.

Machinery may be on the roads at night with their hazard lights on finishing up or trying to beat some rain.

They are doing their best to give everyone room on the road, a little patience will go a long way! Please keep slow and give them as much space as you can.

We’d like to wish all our great farmers a safe and successful harvest!

(From CreativeOhio)

CreativeOhio is proud to announce the finalists for the 2025 CreativeOhio Champion Advocacy Awards, which will be held on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. in the Great Gallery of the Toledo Museum of Art.

This year’s luncheon highlights the Northwest Ohio region, celebrating community leaders, educators, businesses, and artists whose advocacy has strengthened the state’s creative sector.

2025 Honorees

Individual Advocate Champion

• Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz, City of Toledo

Arts Educator Champion Finalists

• Roy Young, Music Director, Anthony Wayne Schools
• Beth Sheets, BGSU, Toledo Museum of Art, Founding Board Member of Scrap4Art
• Sally Windle, Executive Director, ArtSpace/Lima
•  

Business Champion Finalists

• Ohio Logistics – Chuck & Dee Dee Bills Family
• KeyBank
• Reineke Family Dealerships

Artist Champion Finalists

• Jonie McIntire, Lucas County Poet Laureate
• Dan Hernandez, Associate Professor of Art, University of Toledo
• Philip Sugden, Assistant Professor of Fine Arts, Bluffton University

Lifetime Achievement Award

• Susan Palmer, Chair Elect, Toledo Museum of Art Board of Directors

About the Awards

The CreativeOhio Champion Advocacy Awards honor Ohioans who enrich their communities through leadership and advocacy in support of the arts, culture, and creative sector. Each year, the awards spotlight a different region of the state, bringing together civic, business, and creative leaders to celebrate the power of advocacy.

Launched in 2023, the Awards build on the legacy of the William R. Joseph Advocacy Medal, honoring the lifelong advocacy work of Ohio Citizens for the Arts co-founder, William R. Joseph.

“Our finalists exemplify the many ways advocacy can shape stronger, more vibrant communities,” said Sarah Sisser, Executive Director & CEO of CreativeOhio. “From classrooms to city halls, from small businesses to cultural institutions, these leaders demonstrate the essential role creativity plays in Ohio’s economy and the overall wellbeing of its residents.. We are proud to celebrate their impact.”

Honorees Announced Live

While finalists have been announced, the winners in three categories will not be revealed until the luncheon itself. Guests will be the first to hear who is named the 2025 Champion Advocacy Award recipients during the program.

Join Us

Join CreativeOhio and leaders from across Ohio in celebrating the 2025 Champion Advocacy Awards at the Toledo Museum of Art. Guests will enjoy a plated lunch beginning at 11:30 a.m., followed by the awards program at 12:00 p.m.

For tickets and more information, visit creativeoh.org.

About CreativeOhio

CreativeOhio is the statewide voice for Ohio’s creative sector. With over 130 member organizations, we provide leadership, advocacy, and support to strengthen and enhance Ohio through arts, culture, and creativity.

(From the Ohio State Highway Patrol)

The Bowling Green Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a minor-injury twin-engine plane crash that occurred just after 12:30 p.m. on September 3 near the Wood County Airport.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a Piper Seminole attempted to land to the west, on Runway 28, where the left-seat pilot, Ulrich Marlon Tchiedje Ngaleumo, 23, Pickerington, aborted the landing and attempted to do a go-around procedure.

The right-seat pilot, Joel Borton, 34, Perrysburg, then took control of the twin-engine plane and made a forced landing in a bean field approximately one-quarter mile northwest of the departure end of the runway.

Mr. Ngaleumo sustained minor injuries and was transported to the Wood County Hospital by ground ambulance. Mr. Borton was not injured. The Piper sustained heavy damage.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted at the scene by the Bowling State University Police Department, Bowling Green Fire Division, Wood County Regional Airport and the Federal Aviation Administration.

The incident remains under investigation.

(pictures courtesy of WTOL-11)

(From Bowling Green State University)

Bowling Green State University issued the following statement regarding a forced landing of an aircraft north of Wood County Airport:

“Today, on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at approximately 12:30 p.m., a Bowling Green State University student and designated pilot examiner with the Federal Aviation Administration were flying in a multi-engine aircraft near Bowling Green and made a forced landing north of the Wood County Airport.

The student, who was nearing graduation, was being evaluated by the examiner for a commercial pilot license, which requires landing an aircraft during a simulation of an engine failure. During this simulation, the FAA examiner took over the aircraft, landing the plane in a field adjacent to the airport.

Both the student and examiner experienced minor injuries and are reported to be doing well. The student was taken to Wood County Hospital as a precaution. Bowling Green State University is grateful for the quick actions and response and will continue to work with the Ohio State Highway Patrol and FAA.”

(pictures courtesy of WTOL-11)

(From the Ohio State Highway Patrol)

The Findlay Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a serious injury crash which occurred on September 3, 2025 at approximately 3:48 p.m. The crash took place on Tiffin Street near Lakeview Drive in the city of Fostoria.

Brogan Victor Misner, age 20 of Fostoria, OH, was driving a 2025 CFMOTO 675SS motorcycle westbound on Tiffin Street. Kevin Esturado Williams, age 22, of Fostoria, OH was a passenger on the motorcycle. Mr. Misner attempted to negotiate a curve, went off the right side of the roadway, and struck the curb. Mr. Misner was wearing his helmet while Mr. Williams was not.

Mr. Williams was transported to ProMedica Fostoria Community Hospital and then life flighted to Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center with life threatening injuries. Mr. Misner sustained minor injuries and was treated at ProMedica Fostoria Community Hospital.

The Patrol was assisted on scene by Fostoria PD, Fostoria Fire and EMS, and Dicks Towing.

The crash remains under investigation and impairment is not a factor in the crash.

UPDATE – The issue has been resolved. 

(From the Findlay Police Department and Hancock County Sheriff’s Office)

Today, 09\03\2025 the County 911 Coordinator was notified of an issue with Verizon wireless calls. Verizon is advising that customers may or may not be able to call 911. This outage for Verizon seems to be affecting counties in Ohio. Should you have an emergency and cannot contact 911 please try our non-emergency numbers.

Hancock County Sheriff (419) 422-2424 and the Findlay Police Department (419) 424-7150. The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office and Findlay Police Dept. also has text to 911 that is available and is working for Verizon users. At this time Verizon is advising no time frame for when services will be back and running.

Joint Release by : Lt. David P. Hill # 880 of the Findlay Police Dept. and 911 Coordinator Brian Stozich of the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office

(From the Ohio State Highway Patrol)

The Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) reports a 7% reduction in fatal crashes during the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer. This time period, which runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day, sees an increase in traffic on the roads and an increased number of both serious-injury and fatal crashes.

According to preliminary Patrol statistics, there were 339 fatal crashes, which resulted in 370 deaths, during this year’s 100 Deadliest Days of Summer timeframe. This year saw 25 fewer fatal crashes and 23 fewer fatalities compared to last year. Additionally, the OSHP recorded 1,703 serious-injury crashes, a 17% decrease from 2024’s statistics.

“While we are encouraged by the decrease in crashes and fatalities, we know one life lost is still one too many,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent. “These numbers reflect the hard work of our troopers, and we urge everyone to never drive impaired, eliminate distractions and always buckle up.”

Additional information regarding Ohio crash statistics is available on the Ohio Statistics and Analytics for Traffic Safety (OSTATS) dashboard. That dashboard can be located here.

The public is encouraged to safely call #677 to report reckless or impaired drivers and drug activity.