(From the Findlay Fire Department)

This week FFD’s Beth Baker, Hancock County’s EMA Director Lee Swisher, along with Jennifer Shindler and Tony Roth introduced the Kiwanis Club of Findlay to the Roth ID Tags.

Roth ID Tags are designed for children’s car seats.

In the event of an accident, first responders find the tag, attach the tag to the child’s wrists and have instant information on emergency contacts for that child.

For more information, please visit their website: https://rothidtag.com or their Facebook page.

(From Findlay-Hancock County Economic Development)

A committed friendship with Japan begun 40 years ago by Findlay trailblazers has immeasurably enriched and influenced the community we know today.

We are honored to play a role in maintaining and growing this crucial relationship between business, education and government, shared with The University of Findlay and local city and county government.

Please read this historical piece, celebrating 40 years!

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. Saturday until 1 a.m. Sunday.

Mixed precipitation is expected.

Total snow 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.

(From Findlay Trojan Sports)

Congrats to Jacob Ragland and Addison Kokensparger on signing their National Letters of Intent!

Jacob is heading to the University of Findlay to play football, and Addison is off to Capital University for tennis.

We’re so proud of you both!

Once a Trojan, always a Trojan!

A man arrested in connection with a stabbing in January has been indicted by a Hancock County grand jury.

According to the indictment, David Spiegel is accused of stabbing Gary Spiegel in the head multiple times at a home on Lester Avenue in Findlay on January, 22nd. 

Spiegel is facing a charge of felonious assault, a second-degree felony.  

Gary was transported to Blanchard Valley Hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening, according to police. 

Police also found Kathleen Spiegel deceased on the porch of the home on the same day as the stabbing.

Her cause of death has not been released but police previously said foul play is not suspected.

(From Garner Trucking)

Garner Trucking, a family-owned leader in the trucking industry, is proud to celebrate its 65th anniversary in 2025! Since its founding in 1960 by Vern & Jean Garner with a single truck, Garner Trucking has been dedicated to delivering reliable, innovative, and customer-focused transportation services across the nation.

Starting with a small operation, Garner has evolved into a highly respected company celebrated for its strong values, outstanding team, and dedication to excellence. Now fully woman-owned, the business is proudly led by the second generation. Sherri Garner Brumbaugh, middle daughter of Vern and Jean Garner, took over as President & CEO in 2008. She states, “I’m a teacher by trade but a Trucker by heritage. The trucking industry has always been in my life but my career for 34 years! I’m blessed to be part of a legacy.”

Over the last 65 years, Garner Trucking has earned a reputation for safety, reliability, and sustainability. By investing in cutting-edge technology, supporting driver education programs, and maintaining a strong focus on customer satisfaction, the company has positioned itself as an industry leader while remaining true to its roots as a family-operated business. Looking ahead, the third generation, Sherri’s middle son, Ben Brumbaugh, is ready to carry on the family tradition and legacy.

“Findlay & Hancock County has been a wonderful place to establish our family business,” said Sherri Garner Brumbaugh. “From humble beginnings with one truck, started by my parents, Vern and Jean Garner, we’ve grown into what some would call an award-winning trucking company. Garner began when my father contracted with Landmark to spread lime on local farms, and my mother managed all the office work at the kitchen table from their home in Findlay, Ohio.”

As part of the anniversary celebration, Garner Trucking will honor the contributions of both past and present employees whose dedication has been key to the company’s success. Special initiatives will spotlight the stories of drivers, staff, and customers who have played an integral role in the company’s continued growth and success.

Garner Trucking is a family-owned and operated business started in 1960 by Vernon E. Garner and Regina R. Garner, headquartered in Findlay, Ohio. Daughter Sherri Garner Brumbaugh currently owns and operates the business. Garner is 100% woman-owned business. Since 2017, Garner Trucking has been named a Best Fleet to Drive For from trucking companies in North America. In 2022 Garner was recognized as The Best Fleet to Drive For Overall Small Carrier and in 2023, inducted into the Best Fleets To Drive For Hall of Fame. In 2024, Garner was recognized as the winner of the Inaugural Best Fleets To Drive For Hall of Fame Stratosphere Award.

(From the Ohio Department of Transportation)

Hancock County traffic impacts for the week of February 10.

Interstate 75 ramp closure: The Interstate 75 ramp from Lima Avenue will close Tuesday, Feb. 11, between 7 a.m.- 2 p.m. to repair the guardrail.

TRAFFIC IMPACTS

Detour: U.S. 68 to U.S. 68/SR 15 interchange to U.S. 68 north, back to I-75..

Interstate 75 and County Road 99 interchange and corridor improvement:  The project will reconstruct the interchange with a diverging diamond design and upgrade the County Road 99 corridor between Technology Drive and North Main Street.

Visit the project webpage: PID 102375.

CURRENT IMPACTS

County Road 99

Traffic on CR 99 between Technology Dr. and Main St. is shifted to the south side of the roadway for drainage work.

CR 99 westbound between the railroad tracks and Distribution Dr. is restricted to one lane.

(From the University of Findlay)

The University of Findlay has a rich history of successful alumni making positive impacts on the University, Oiler students, the community, and society as a whole. The Wolfe Center for Alumni, Parents and Friends is now accepting applications for the 2025 Alumni Awards.

“We welcome nominations so that we may recognize and thank these outstanding individuals for their accomplishments,” said Samuel Yates ’16, president of the Alumni Board of Governors.

Nominations will be reviewed by the Recognition Committee of the Alumni Association Board of Governors.

Awards in four categories are presented annually during the University’s homecoming celebration:

• Distinguished Alumni Award – presented to UF alumni who have exhibited the highest standards of individual achievement in professional or personal endeavors, who have demonstrated loyalty and support to UF, and contributed to the advancement of all humanity. Nominees must have graduated more than 10 years ago.
• Old Main Award – presented to UF alumni who have demonstrated distinctive achievements in a career, civic involvement, or service to the University and are younger than 36.
• Gold Medallion Award – presented posthumously to alumni who had superb records of distinguished career accomplishments and made outstanding contributions to their profession, the University, or their community but were not recognized by UF prior to their death.
• Arch Award – presented to a member of the Findlay community who has demonstrated loyalty and support to the University with at least 15 years of service, but does not hold a degree from UF.

Nomination forms can be found here and must be submitted by April 1, 2025, or call the Wolfe Center for Alumni, Parents and Friends at 419-434-4008.

(From the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office)

On Wednesday, February 5, 2025, after placing a $200,000.00 cash/surety bond on a previous charge, William R. Stevens was released from the Seneca County Jail.

Later this date, the Warsaw Police Department, in State of Indiana, filed for an arrest warrant for Stevens. Their agency contacted the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office to request assistance to locate and apprehend Stevens. The Seneca County Sheriff’s office received a nationwide warrant out of the State of Indiana for Unlawful Sexual Misconduct with a Minor, a Felony of the Fourth Degree.

Seneca County Sheriff’s Office Deputies located Stevens at the Seneca County Probation Office and he was again placed into custody pursuant to the out of state arrest warrant. While being placed under arrest, the defendant, Stevens, physically attacked the Deputy knocking him to the ground and assaulting him. Stevens attempted to flee the scene but was apprehended.

Arrested was William R. Stevens, 46 YOA, for the out of state arrest warrant-Unlawful Sexual Conduct with a Minor, a Felony of the fourth degree. Also additional charges of Felonious Assault on a Peace Officer, a Felony of the First Degree and Obstructing Official Business, a Felony of the Fifth Degree. He is presently being held at the Seneca County Jail upon further prosecution.

“My Deputy was transported to Tiffin Mercy Hospital and he was treated for his injuries. I am pleased to hear that he was eventually able to go home to his family!”

Sheriff Fredrick W. Stevens.

(ONN) – Both the governor and lawmakers in Ohio are exploring ways to improve school bus safety in Ohio following crashes that have injured and killed students.

The Cincinnati Enquirer reports that new bills in both the Ohio House and Senate aim to require school bus cameras, increase penalties for passing a stopped school bus and create a grant for bus safety features.

Republican Representative Bernard Willis of Springfield and Democrat Representative Cecil Thomas of Cincinnati co-sponsored legislation that could fund school bus seat belts, increase fines and designate August as School Bus Safety Awareness Month.