(ONN) – A crime that caused a young man to take his own life has been turned into a new law with strict penalties.

The crime of sextortion is now a felony in Ohio.

Braden’s Law recently went into effect.

It’s named after 15-year-old Braden Marcus.

He was a student at Olentangy High School when he became the victim of a financial sextortion scam that led to his death.

Anyone trying to sexually extort a minor, elderly, or disabled person will now be hit with a first degree felony.

3rd graders from across Putnam County are making the trip to the Gerding Farm in Glandorf this week for Farm Safety Days.

The visit starts with a mock ATV crash and full EMS response including a life-flight helicopter coming in for a landing.

The event also features a variety of presenters from Putnam County talking about everything from water/pond safety to lawnmower safety to gun safety.

“Thank you Ruth and Dale Gerding for doing this the last 26 years,” said the Putnam County Office of Public Safety.

(From the University of Findlay)

(From ODOT Northwest Ohio District 1)

We are all still reeling from this close call.

A car veered off course and took out a truck mirror on Interstate 75 near the Hancock/Allen County line near Bluffton.

A Hancock County crew was setting up a work zone for crack sealing operations. 

Miraculously, our friend and co-worker pressed themself against the vehicle just in time.

Think about it – if the mirrors collided, how much space was left for the person in between?

It’s a chilling reminder of the risks we take when we’re not paying attention on the road.

Drive like your life depends on it – because it does.

Pay attention, for yourself and everyone else.

(From the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation)

Gavin left an indelible mark on the world through his talent and love of humanity.

He was a beloved hometown boy, a talent for the world, and a genuinely kind human being.

The Gavin Creel Memorial Fund is a commitment to creating safe, inclusive, and enduring spaces where students can discover their voice, unleash their creativity, and build lifelong skills through the performing arts.

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

WFIN – Tony-winning actor Gavin Creel, a 1994 graduate of Findlay High School, passed away in September of cancer at the age of 48.  

(From Hancock Public Health)

The Harm Reduction Division at a health department focuses on reducing the negative effects of substance use, promoting public health, and preventing overdoses.

Here are some interesting facts about what they do:

They distribute free naloxone (Narcan) to save lives!

They focus on meeting people where they are.

They help people access addiction treatment—when they’re ready.

They fight the stigma around addiction.

(From the City of Findlay)

The City of Findlay will offer a bulk trash drop off for Findlay residents from Saturday, April 19, 2025, to Saturday, April 26, 2025 sponsored by The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation. Hours are 8am-1pm or until dumpsters are full on Saturdays and 2pm-7pm or until dumpsters are full on weekdays.

Dumpsters will be placed at the Public Works Department, 330 N. Cory St., where city residents will be able to dispose of unwanted debris. The drop off will be held in conjunction with Backyard Mission Trip taking place Saturday, April 26, 2025 and Earth Day on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. 

 No hazardous materials, commercial tires, concrete, appliances, or electronics will be accepted. Proof of residency or ID may be required.

 The City will be accepting noncommercial vehicle tires. Tires must be off the rim. Proof of residency in the city of Findlay and/or ID will be required. Please note, in the State of Ohio it is illegal to transport more than 10 scrap tires at anytime without obtaining a registration certificate from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency per ORC 3734.83.

(WTOL-11) – A new Ohio law that cracks down harder on repeat drunk drivers is now in effect. 

It’s called Liv’s law, named after Olivia Wright who was killed by a repeat OVI offender in 2020.

The new law calls for more time behind bars for OVI offenders convicted of aggravated vehicular homicide. 

Fines are also going up and license suspensions will last longer, possibly for life.

The law also lets police use oral swabs to check for drugs or alcohol on the spot.

And if you refuse the test you could lose your license.

(From the Office of Governor Mike DeWine)

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine hosted a press conference in support of legislation that would ban the use of cell phones in public schools in Ohio.

Sponsored by Sen. Jane Timken (R-Jackson Township), Senate Bill 158 incorporates language first introduced by Governor DeWine in his executive budget – prohibiting student use of cell phones during the school day.

“It’s clear that we need to get cell phones out of our classrooms,” said Governor DeWine. “The constant distraction of cell phones makes it nearly impossible for students to focus and learn. Not only do they negatively impact student performance, but they can also be harmful to kids’ mental and emotional health.”

“In schools that have already banned phones, we’ve heard from teachers, administrators, and parents who say the results have been remarkable. Student engagement has improved. Grades are better. Socialization is improving,” added Governor DeWine. “It’s rare that one change can have such a positive difference. That’s why it’s time to make Ohio schools phone free.”

SB 158 will expedite the implementation process – allowing schools time over the summer to update their policies to prohibit student use of cell phones in time for the start of the 2025-2026 school year this fall.

The bill includes exceptions for students using a cell phone for a documented purpose as part of an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or for monitoring a health concern.

“When phones are within reach, our children are constantly wondering, ‘What am I missing? What notification did I miss?’ This does not provide for a conducive learning environment, and also has damaging social effects,” said Sen. Timken. “This legislation is a common sense approach to unplug our children from the constant distractions that they have in the classroom. It will reduce those distractions and will facilitate the building of the interpersonal relationships that are so vital to human development.”

“This is something where Ohio is taking the lead,” said Senator Andrew Brenner (R-Delaware), who worked on legislation last year requiring schools to implement policies regarding the use of cell phones.  “We started the work last year with House Bill 250 to get cell phones out of our classrooms. I believe this is all a step in the right direction.”

The Governor was also joined for the press conference by Dublin City Schools Superintendent Dr. John Marschhausen, whose district has been a leader in the push to remove cell phones from classrooms.

“We’ve had near-unanimous support from our parents for banning cell phones from our schools,” said Dr.  Marschhausen. “As we’ve had meetings recently, our Business Advisory Council has talked about the importance of graduating students who can work and be successful without having a device in their hands.”

“This legislation also opens up conversations with moms and dads, with grandmas and grandpas, because what we do in school from 7:30 to 2:30 isn’t enough,” Dr.  Marschhausen added. “Making sure our students are safe on their phones takes all of us working together.”

The Governor was also joined by Tina Husted, former Second Lady of Ohio and a champion for protecting children online. As Second Lady, Husted was a key supporter of Braden’s Law, which makes sexual extortion a felony offense in Ohio. Signed by Governor DeWine earlier this year, Braden’s Law, which was named after a 15-year-old boy from central Ohio who took his life after being victimized in a financial “sextortion” scam, officially takes effect Wednesday, April 9, 2025.

In addition to highlighting the work done to make Braden’s Law a reality, Husted discussed strategies parents can use to be more aware of what their children are doing on their phones.

“Online safety for our children is one of the most critical issues of our time. There have been accounts of ‘sextortion’ and online bullying which, at times, have resulted in a loss of life,” Husted said. “Over 90% of people, including our children, are using smartphones. As a parent and an athletic coach, I have witnessed firsthand the dangers that online apps and social media can have to young children, as well to as to developing teens.”

Husted suggested serval steps parents can take to protect their child’s online health, including setting up parental restrictions, limiting a child’s activity on their device to less than three hours per day, and not letting a child sleep with their phone, among other suggestions.

“There are also new apps being developed that parents can download that monitor a child’s phone usage for threats and send alerts when there is harmful or risky activity,” Husted added. “Most importantly, talk to your children. Make sure they know that they can come to you if they feel uncertain or threatened by anyone.”

(From the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library)

What draws people to the library? Everything! From books and digital resources to job assistance and creative programming, libraries are essential to thriving communities.

National Library Week, April 6–12, 2025, is a time to celebrate the many ways libraries bring people together, spark imagination, and support lifelong learning.

Director Sarah Clevidence says everyone belongs at the library and they are grateful to be able to be a part of so many people’s lives.

At the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library, we invite the community to join the celebration. Whether you’re a longtime patron or haven’t visited in a while, now is the perfect time to explore all the library has to offer. Come in and see our new look with fresh new colors and redesign to make your visit more enjoyable and convenient. Your library provides unique programs and services, such as free Wi-Fi, digital collections, career help, and more ensuring that everyone has access to resources that educate, inspire, and connect.

Whatever draws you in, the library has something for everyone. Whether you’re launching a business, raising a family, or embracing retirement, we’re here to support your journey. Libraries serve as hubs for learning, creativity, and connection, helping people of all ages explore new ideas and opportunities.

To celebrate the theme of “Drawn to the Library”, thanks to generous sponsorship from the Friends of the Library, we are raffling off a gorgeous art set, one for children and one for adults. Visit us this week to enter to win this amazing set and celebrate libraries with us.