(From the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office)
Please join us in welcoming our newest Corrections Officer, Taylor!
Today, she was officially sworn in by Sheriff Cortez, surrounded by her proud family.
It was a special moment as she took this important step in her career of service and dedication.
We’re excited to have her on our team and look forward to the great work she’ll do.
Congratulations, Taylor!
(From the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts)
Free concert from the US Army Jazz Ambassadors!
The Jazz Ambassadors have wowed audiences worldwide, from all 50 US states to Canada, Mexico, Japan, India, and Europe!
They’ve played with top symphonies, rocked Carnegie Hall, and lit up major jazz festivals in Montreux, Newport, Toronto, and beyond.
This event is free but tickets are required!
(ONN) – A recent study from the Reason Foundation found Ohio highways are among some of the most efficient and cost-effective in the nation.
“They ranked 10th overall,” said Baruch Feigenbaum of the Reason Foundation.
“The reason for that ranking is basically it doesn’t do anything poorly and it does a number of things well.”
The study evaluated the condition, safety and cost of roads and bridges in all 50 states.
According to the Reason Foundation’s Annual Highway Report, Ohio highways have improved over the past few years from a previous ranking of 17.
(From the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office)
Another opportunity to work with our public safety partners and watch and learn on some life saving measures should we ever have a grain bin emergency. It is important for our deputies to get this type of training as they will most likely be one of the first responders on scene and understanding the dangers of grain bins. thank you very much to Green Springs FD and for Commissioner Frankart and his wife for hosting this important training at their farm!
-Sheriff Stevens
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Seneca County Sheriff’s Deputies attend Grain Bin Rescue Training
By Sheri Trusty, Public Relations/Community Engagement Coordinator
Green Springs Fire Department Lieutenant Jack King said there isn’t enough time for First Responders to train for every emergency they will face. That makes every training opportunity priceless.
The importance of training is why four Seneca County Sheriff’s Deputies took the time to attend the Grain Bin Rescue Training provided by the Ohio Fire Academy on March 22. The training was hosted by the Green Springs Fire Department at Ridgeview Farms, a rural Clyde farm owned by Seneca County Commissioner Bill and Janet Frankart.
The training was organized by King and Green Springs Fire Department Chief Greg Lowe.
Over 50 First Responders from ten departments in Seneca and Sandusky counties attended the training, where they received hands-on experience on the Ohio Fire Academy’s Grain C.A.R.T. (Comprehensive Agricultural Rescue Trailer). The Grain C.A.R.T. provided a simulated rescue operation, allowing First Responders to practice rescuing a mock victim engulfed in real corn.
They practiced every step of the rescue, including utilizing grain tubes that are built around a victim to remove the grain pressing around them, as well as the auger that quickly removes the grain from the tube.
“It was interesting to learn how they actually get the grain out,” said Seneca County Sheriff’s Deputy Larry Messer.
Messer, Sergeant Kevin Reinbolt, Deputy Luke Cantu, and Deputy Chris Potter attended the training to prepare them for possible grain bin emergencies in the county because it is likely a deputy will be the first person on scene.
“It was nice to know the procedure so we know what to do if they need assistance during a rescue,” Sergeant Reinbolt said.
The Sheriff’s Office often works collaboratively with First Responders across the county.
“We work alongside them all the time,” Deputy Cantu said.
That collaboration can save lives during a grain bin rescue. There are many reasons a farmer will enter a grain bin. They may need to check the condition or level of the grain, repair bin machinery, or control infestations, among other reasons. When a farmer is trapped, the rescue requires trained First Responders and specialized equipment.
The grain tubes can be used for other situations as well, including emergencies at quarries and during major waterline installation projects, like a current project that, when finished, will connect water from the Sandusky River in Old Fort to Beaver Creek Reservoir.
“We don’t have enough time to train for everything,” King said. “Every call is different. Nothing is the same, so you have to be prepared.”
(From the Ohio State Highway Patrol)
The Ohio State Highway Patrol Norwalk Post is investigating a one vehicle traffic crash that occurred on March 23, 2025, at approximately 11:08 AM, on County Road 36 near Township Road 159 in Seneca County.
William John Sheeley, 78, of Tiffin, OH was driving a 2022 Ford Edge north on County Road 159 when he ran off road left, traveled through a field, struck a ditch, crossed County Road 36 and came to final rest. Mr. Sheeley was transported from the scene by Seneca County EMS to Tiffin Mercy Hospital where he was later pronounced deceased and the crash remains under investigation
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted by Seneca County EMS, Clinton Township Fire Department, Seneca County Sheriff’s Office, D and D Towing.
The City of Findlay has released the list of roads it will be resurfacing this year.
The list includes Broad Avenue from Trenton Avenue to Melrose Avenue, South Blanchard Street from Sixth Street to Bank Street, and East Street from East Lincoln Street to East Lima Street.
See the full list below.
The city is asking drivers to slow down in and around work areas and watch for workers.
The city invites people to learn more about its 2025-2034 Capital Improvement Plan by clicking here.
(From the United Way of Hancock County)
United Way of Hancock County’s Secor Scholarship committee is pleased to name Findlay High School senior Daniel Jung as this year’s United Way Foundation Secor Scholar.
The son of SeaHwa and Su Jung, Daniel plans to pursue a career in medicine. He was chosen from a field of over 40 applicants based on his academic accomplishments, his volunteerism, and his leadership in various school and extracurricular activities.
Daniel started playing the violin at age 5 and has been part of the Findlay City Schools Orchestra program since sixth grade. He has been the concertmaster of the top string ensemble at Findlay High School for the past two years and plays in the Findlay String Factor, a string quartet that performs throughout the community. He is also co-president of the orchestra with additional leadership responsibilities including planning activities, community outreach, recruiting younger students, teambuilding and social media.
Outside of orchestra, Daniel has co-founded two student organizations at the high school: the American Red Cross Club and the PAW (Pets and Animals are Worthwhile) Club. He is a member of Hancock Youth Leadership, co-president and activities chair of Science National Honors Society, vice president of Tri-M Honors Society and a member of National Honors Society. He is active at College First Church of God, where he is a Sunday school teacher and part of the Bible Quiz Team.
The Secor Scholarship is a $2,000 award, renewable for four years for a total of $8,000, and a memorial to the Steven and Doris Secor bequest. The scholarship is awarded annually to a high school senior living in Hancock County and highlights the United Way’s belief that education, financial stability and health are the foundations for building a good quality of life.
The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office says two people were arrested after a pursuit that reached speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour.
On March 19 at approximately 4:30 a.m., deputies responded to Township Road 122 in Mount Cory on the report of people walking in a field and arguing.
As deputies responded to the area, the individuals drove off in an SUV.
Deputies attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle but it failed to stop, leading deputies on a 5-mile pursuit that reached speeds of 107 miles per hour.
The vehicle eventually came to a stop at a residence near County Road 139 and Township Road 19 and the driver fled on foot.
Two others remained in the vehicle and were detained.
Deputies located the driver in a field and he was apprehended with the help of a Findlay Police Department K-9.
The sheriff’s office said the following individuals were arrested:
Brandon Johns, 37, of Belle Center, on charges of failure to comply with a police officer and an outstanding arrest warrant from Logan County.
Timothy Werling, 35, of Lima, for an outstanding arrest warrant from Allen County.
The sheriff’s office said suspected cocaine, methamphetamine, and copper wire believed to be stolen were located during the investigation and additional charges are expected at the conclusion of the investigation.
(From Blanchard Valley Health System)
Community members caring for loved ones with dementia, Parkinson’s disease, or other chronic illnesses can learn tools and strategies to help them during an upcoming class at Blanchard Valley Hospital (BVH).
The class “Empowering Caregivers with Best Practice Tools & Strategies” will be held from 2 to 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 23 in the Aller & Davis meeting rooms at BVH. There is no charge, but pre-registration is required. The class is limited to 20 participants.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), caregiving has become a critical health issue in the United States. Over 53 million unpaid caregivers help support loved ones battling chronic conditions or disabilities. This workshop will discuss both the emotional and physical sides of caregiving. In addition, best practice tools, strategies, and resources will be provided to support the role of caregivers and their loved ones.
Lindsey Buddelmeyer, OTD, MOT, OTR/L, leadership education & training specialist for Blanchard Valley Health System, has presented on the topic to both healthcare professionals and community members in the past. A recent community presentation led to a request for further community education of this kind.
“Everyone can kind of relate to caregiving,” Buddelmeyer said.
She cited a quote from former first lady Rosalynn Carter, who founded the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers: “There are only four kinds of people in the world – those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers.”
People often find themselves being thrust into the role unexpectedly and receive no training, Buddelmeyer said.
“They want to take good care of their loved ones, but they aren’t sure what doing it ‘right’ looks like,” she said. “Sometimes just knowing some of the resources available can make a real difference.”
For example, she said, there are types of adaptive equipment that Medicare does not cover, but area nonprofit and community groups may be able to help.
“Caregiving can be financially taxing as well as emotionally stressful, so in the class we will cover resources that can help lessen that stress,” Buddelmeyer said.
She added that she hopes caregivers who attend the class will recognize that they are not alone.
“Caregivers are often encouraged to go to support groups, and these groups can have a big impact on their lives,” Buddelmeyer said. “However, some individuals have trouble finding a group that’s a good fit for them, and, because of the very nature of caregiving, often it’s a challenge to leave the house since their loved one would be alone. This program is designed as another way to help caregivers connect with one another.”
Class participants will break out into small groups and support one another as caregivers.
“Caregivers put so much hard work, and so much love, into what they do. I encourage them to give themselves grace,” Buddelmeyer said. “These community members do so much to keep other individuals safe and improve their quality of life. We’re excited at BVHS to offer this opportunity to support the caregivers who support so many others.”
For more information, or to register for the class, please visit bvhealthsystem.org/caregiverclass
(From the Ohio Department of Health)
Ohio Department of Health (ODH) Director Bruce Vanderhoff, MD, MBA, has reported the state’s first measles case of 2025. The infected adult is from Ashtabula County. The individual was unvaccinated and had contact with someone who had recently traveled internationally.
ODH is working with the Ashtabula County Health Department to follow up on potential exposures and to promote opportunities for vaccination.
“The fact that we now have a measles case in Ohio adds emphasis to the importance of being fully vaccinated,” Dr. Vanderhoff said. “This disease can be very serious, but it is preventable. I strongly encourage you to protect yourselves and your children by getting vaccinated.”
Ohio had 90 cases of measles in 2022, when an outbreak centered in Central Ohio totaled 85 cases. The state had one measles case in 2023 and seven in 2024.
Measles prevalence has been increasing recently internationally and there are ongoing outbreaks in Texas and New Mexico.
Measles is extremely contagious and can spread to others through coughing and sneezing. It can be brought back to the United States, and Ohio, by individuals who travel. If people are not protected against the disease, 9 out of 10 people who are exposed will become ill.
The measles vaccine (called MMR as it protects against measles, mumps and rubella) is very safe and effective at preventing measles. Two doses of MMR is 97% effective against measles. If you are up to date on measles vaccine, the risk of getting sick is very low.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends all children get two doses of MMR vaccine, starting with the first dose at 12 through 15 months of age, and the second dose at 4 through 6 years of age.
MMR vaccine can also be given to adults born after 1957 who are not vaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown.
Dr. Vanderhoff on Tuesday held a news conference to discuss Ohio’s childhood immunization rates and to urge parents to get their children up to date on all recommended vaccines, including the MMR vaccine, in light of the measles outbreaks in some states.
You can find the video of that news conference on the ODH YouTube channel.
The measles virus can live for up to two hours in air where an infected person coughed or sneezed. If other people breathe the contaminated air or touch an infected surface and then touch their eyes, noses, or mouths, they can become infected. People infected with measles can spread it to others from four days before, through four days after, a rash appears.
Measles symptoms include a rash, high fever, runny nose, cough, loss of appetite and red, watery eyes. The rash usually lasts 5-6 days and begins at the hairline, moves to the face and upper neck, and proceeds down the body. Diarrhea and ear infections are common complications of measles. More severe complications may also occur.
Complications from measles are more common among children younger than 5 years of age, adults older than 20 years of age, pregnant women, and people with compromised immune systems. As many as one out of every 20 children with measles gets pneumonia, the most common cause of death from measles in young children.
More information about measles is available on the CDC website, including general information and the recommended immunization schedule. ODH also has a measles FAQ page.