(ONN) – A new law in Ohio is being hailed by gun advocates as a victory for the Second Amendment.
Senate Bill 58 has two provisions.
One provision prohibits requiring firearm liability insurance for gun owners in the state.
The other provision enacts the Second Amendment Financial Privacy Act which prohibits financial institutions from tracking transactions related to firearms and ammunition.
The Wood County Sheriff’s Office will be conducting increased patrols throughout the remainder of April to get distracted drivers off the roadways.
April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month.
The sheriff’s office says deputies will be paying particular attention to distracted driving along with other violations such as driving under the influence, failure to yield, and speeding, all of which are leading factors in fatal crashes.
The sheriff’s office says there will also be zero tolerance for driving under the influence and seat belt violations.
(From Awakening Minds Art)
Awakening Minds Art presented the inaugural Sarah Crisp-Ricker Award to Tamera Rooney during its annual meeting held Thursday evening. The award recognizes a volunteer or staff member who demonstrates exceptional commitment to the organization’s mission to provide therapeutic and educational visual art programs to individuals of all ages and abilities.
Rooney was recognized for her long-standing involvement with the organization, including her role as a board member and early supporter. Her board term concluded the same evening, and she was invited to serve as a lifetime board member.
During the meeting, the organization also announced its new slate of officers for the 2025–2026 term:
Outgoing officers include Allison Trutt, former vice president, and Rachel Fix, former secretary. Other board members include Shelby Cole. New Board members inducted were Jake Warrington, Mellisa Johnston, Kristen Kachur.
The annual meeting included board members, staff, instructors, and community supporters. Attendees received an update on the organization’s activities over the past year and were briefed on plans for the upcoming year.
(From the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts)
Save the date for our 2025/2025 MCPA Mainstage Season Reveal Party!
Find out what great shows are coming to MCPA and have a chance to win two season tickets!
Join us as we unveil the 2025/2026 Mainstage Series in celebration of our 10th Anniversary Season, and attend for a chance to win two season tickets!
(From the Findlay Police Department)
On 04/11/2025 at 0603 hours, the Findlay Police Department was sent to the CSX railroad tracks between the 300 block of Clinton Ct. and the 300 block of E. Main Cross St. on a report of a train versus pedestrian accident.
It was discovered that a southbound CSX freight train had struck and killed a person who was walking on the railroad tracks.
The deceased was transported to the Lucas County Coroner’s Office at the direction of the Hancock County Coroner, Dr. Mark Fox.
The deceased was identified as Chad M. Valentine, 52, of Arcadia.
Several railroad crossings were closed due to the incident but all reopened around 1 p.m. Friday.
Assisting at the scene was: Findlay Fire Department, Hanco Ambulance, City of Findlay Public Works Department, and personnel from CSX Railroad.
(From the Hancock METRICH Enforcement Unit)
On 04/10/25 at approx. 1600hrs the Hancock County METRICH Drug Task Force assisted by the Findlay Police Department Emergency Response Team (ERT) executed a narcotic search warrant at 312 Lester Ave Findlay OH.
The search of the residence yielded suspected methamphetamine, suspected Crack Cocaine, and drug paraphernalia. Multiple items indicative of drug trafficking were located.
As a result of the search the following people were arrested and incarcerated at the Hancock County Justice Center:
Brianne Settlemire (age 37)
312 Lester Ave
Findlay, Ohio
Charge: Permitting Drug Abuse F5.
Jeremiah Meeks (age (44)
312 Lester Ave
Findlay, Ohio
Charge: Possession of Methamphetamine F3, Possession of Crack Cocaine F5
Shela Long (age 35)
501 W. Tiffin St
Fostoria, Ohio
Charge: Possession of Drug Paraphernalia M4
Additional charges of drug trafficking, and possession of drugs are expected at the conclusion of this investigation.
(From Findlay City Schools Alumni Association)
It’s time to nominate an FHS graduate for the Findlay City Schools Alumni Association’s Distinguished Alumni Award!
This award recognizes and honors graduates of FHS who have made significant and noteworthy contributions in their time since graduating.
Consider nominating someone incredible today: https://forms.gle/u3vA85BxLTbYfhdT9
HANCOCK COUNTY TRAFFIC ADVISORY
The U.S. 68 and State Route 15 roundabout on the south side of Findlay will close Monday, April 14, for approximately two weeks for concrete repairs.
View the location on OHGO:
UPDATE – The railroad crossings that were closed have since been reopened. Police say an individual walking on the tracks was hit and killed by the train. Get more by clicking here.
Some railroad crossings in Findlay are closed due to an accident involving a pedestrian being hit and killed by a train on Friday morning, the police department said.
The police department said there is a CSX train stopped in the city due to the accident and all railroad crossings from East Lincoln Street north to George Street are closed.
Drivers will need to find alternate routes.
The accident occurred a little after 6 a.m. between East Main Cross and Clinton Court, police said.
An estimated length of time for when the train will be moving again was not given.
(From the United Way of Hancock County)
There are 81 pinwheels surrounding the Hancock County Courthouse, each representing a child adjudicated as abused, neglected or dependent in our community in 2024.
Thanks to Hancock County Job and Family Services and CASA of Hancock County Ohio — along with the wonderful youth from the Kindness Klub — for joining us in raising awareness this Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Randall Galbraith, Director of Hancock County Job and Family Services, says child abuse is everyone’s problem and everyone’s responsibility to help out and alleviate it.
The pinwheels will remain on display through April, which is observed as National Child Abuse Prevention Month.