(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.

(From the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation)

Today we’re remembering Bill Frack on his birthday!

Bill left his legacy as the largest estate gift in the Foundation’s history.

But more importantly, he was an ardent supporter of those experiencing homelessness and domestic violence, and enthusiastic fan of BGSU basketball.

Read more about Bill’s funds:

https://www.community-foundation.com/…/william-d-frack…

https://www.community-foundation.com/…/william-d-frack…

(From Sprague for Ohio)

Today, Ohio Treasurer of State Robert C. Sprague declared his candidacy for Ohio Secretary of State in the 2026 Primary Election.

In announcing his candidacy, Treasurer Sprague released the following statement:

“Governments are judged by how it treats two things—your dollar and your vote.  For the past six years, the people of Ohio have entrusted me to be a responsible steward of their tax dollars, and today I am asking them to put their trust in me to protect their sacred vote. I look forward to continuing to serve Ohio in an office so fundamental to good government and our democratic process.

“In Ohio, we are fortunate to have an election process that is secure, accurate, and accessible, but that is the direct result of the vigilance and leadership of Secretary LaRose and a Republican legislature that takes election security seriously. As Secretary, I will continue to ensure that our elections are fair, the results are trusted, and our right to vote is protected. I look forward to working with President Trump, the Administration, and the Ohio General Assembly to these ends.”

Since January of 2019, Robert Sprague has served as Ohio’s 49th Treasurer of State. Under his direction, the office manages the state’s $39 billion investment and $11 billion debt portfolios, collects and deposits all state revenues, and oversees custodial assets.  Prior to his work as Treasurer, Sprague served from 2011 through 2018 as State Representative and began his public service as City Treasurer and Auditor of his hometown of Findlay.

Treasurer Sprague’s full biography is available here:  Treasurer’s Biography.

(From Findlay City Schools)

The Findlay City Schools Superintendent, Treasurer, and Board of Education invite all community members to attend the district’s Town Hall, held on Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at Glenwood Middle School at 6:00 p.m. 

Community members in attendance will be able to submit questions throughout the event to be answered by the panel of school officials.

Findlay City Schools plans to continue holding these gatherings, each with a topic of focus, as a way to keep communication flowing with residents.

The topic for February’s Town Hall is District Finances.

WFIN – In January, The Findlay City Schools Board of Education announced $6 million in budget cuts, following the failed levy attempt in November 2024.

(From the Ohio Department of Transportation)

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) District 1 is inviting area schools and vocational groups to take part in its annual Paint-the-Plow contest. Applications will be accepted until March 14.

The program is open to area schools and vocational school groups within the eight-county region of Allen, Defiance, Hancock, Hardin, Paulding, Putnam, Van Wert, and Wyandot counties. Applications have been distributed to all eligible schools.

Plow blades will be delivered to participating schools during the week of March 24 and picked up by May 2. Winners will be announced via the media and on ODOT District 1 social media prior to Memorial Day (May 26).

The Paint-the-Plow program allows students to paint an ODOT snowplow blade with a message of community or school spirit, Ohio pride, patriotism, or safety. The decorated blades are displayed at local community events before being used in regular winter operations, usually within the same school district that painted the plow.

Last year, 26 schools participated in the program. Riverdale, located in Hancock County, won the people’s choice award, which was determined based on Facebook votes. Paulding FFA Chapter earned the coveted ODOT Choice Award, selected by ODOT District 1 employees. The same award

(From the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts)

Attention all artists and art organizations in Hancock County!

The Marianna Hofer Grant application process for 2025 is now open.

Applications must be submitted by March 15.

The purpose of the fund is to fulfill the mission of providing Hancock County artists, the arts community, and arts educators the funds to pursue their crafts and vision of creating and teaching the arts while transforming themselves and their community.

You can find the application and more information about this grant at https://www.mcpa.org/…/marianna-hofer-endowment-grant….