(WTOL-11) – The City of Findlay has passed an ordinance to deal with a homelessness crisis in the city and get people the help they need.

Officials in Findlay say homelessness is on the rise across the city, and Hancock County, saying it’s at some of the highest levels in history.

In response, the city has passed an ordinance that restricts camping on public property, a move that they argue will help connect people to shelter and services.

“We want to make sure that we are taking care of folks that are unhoused in our community,” said Mayor Christina Muryn.

“Our goal is not to put people in jail, our goal is to connect them to resources to get them into a better spot.”

(From the Seneca County Drug Task Force)

On Monday, January 06, 2025, Seneca County Drug Task Force-METRICH Enforcement Unit, along with additional Officers from the Fostoria Police Department and the Hancock County Drug Task Force, executed a search warrant on a residence located at 1240 N. Countyline St. (upstairs apartment), in the City of Fostoria, Seneca County, Ohio, that being the residence of Tristin Conley and Christopher Pryor.

The search warrant signed by Judge Damon Alt, Seneca County Common Pleas Court, led to the confiscation of suspected Crack Cocaine, suspected LSD, Criminal Tools, a “sawed-off” shotgun, Drug Paraphernalia & US Currency.

Arrested were Tristin Conley, 23 YOA, Fostoria, Ohio, for Tampering with Evidence and Having Weapons Under Disability and Christopher Pryor, 32 YOA, for Permitting Drug Abuse and possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Additional charges of Trafficking Crack Cocaine, Possession of Crack Cocaine, and Possession of LSD are pending at the conclusion of the entire drug investigation. Conley and Pryor are being held at the Seneca County Jail pending further court proceedings.

“Crack Cocaine abuse is associated with both violent and income-generating crimes. And over the years, it has certainly negatively impacted our community. The residence has been under investigation for quite some time, and I’m pleased to see the conclusion of the investigation by shutting the place down. And, of course, removing another firearm from the criminal’s hands!”……Chief Gabriel Wedge, Fostoria Police Department, said.

I would encourage citizens to continue reporting suspicious activity to their local agencies or the Seneca County Drug Task Force – METRICH Enforcement Unit Crime Hotline at Local 419-443-0463, ext: 1140

(From the Office of State Representative Ty Mathews)

State Representative Ty Mathews (R-Findlay) took the oath of office Monday for his first term as a member of the Ohio House of Representatives. He represents the 83rd House District, which includes portions of Hancock, Hardin and Logan counties.

“It is a real honor to be in the People’s House,” said Mathews. “I look forward to helping the people of the Hancock, Hardin and Logan counties and working with my fellow legislator to make Ohio a better place to live, work and raise a family.”

Mathews is a captain in the Ohio National Guard and a life-long resident of the district.

Mathews was sworn in during Monday’s session, which marked the beginning of the 136^th General Assembly.

(From Findlay High School)

It’s that time again….get ready to purchase your sports balls for the upcoming Trojan Club Ball Drop! This will be our 3rd year holding this fundraiser and we couldn’t do it without amazing Trojan fans like you. We appreciate your support, once again, in making this event a success and can’t wait to see who walks away winners!

We are less than 2 weeks away from the 2025 Ball Drop – happening after the Boys Varsity Basketball game vs The Fremont Little Giants on January 17th, 2025! You DO NOT need to be present to win.

We hope to make this year bigger and better with more sports balls sold and great prizes in addition to the $2,500 Grand Cash Prize!

This is one of several Trojan Club Fundraisers which support Findlay Trojan Athletic programs and we need your help to spread the word. All of Trojan Country can participate and help make this event a great success in support of our student-athletes and coaches!

Go Trojans! Here is the link below to purchase!

https://docs.google.com/…/1HUgaPg…/viewform…

(From the City of Findlay)

The City of Findlay officially announces the retirement of Donald J. Rasmussen, J.D., the City Law Director, effective January 12, 2025. Rasmussen, a native of Cleveland, Ohio, has had a distinguished career in law and public service, contributing significantly to the legal framework of the City of Findlay for over four decades.

Rasmussen earned both his undergraduate and Juris Doctor degrees from Ohio Northern University. His career began in 1984 when he served as Assistant Prosecuting Attorney and Assistant Law Director for the City of Findlay under Law Director David A. Hackenberg. During this time, he was also a partner in the law firm Hackenberg, Beutler, Rasmussen & Feighner LLC. His legal expertise and dedication to his community led to his election as the City Law Director in 2012, a role he has held since.

In addition to his work for the City of Findlay, Rasmussen has served as the Village Solicitor for several surrounding communities including Arlington, Mount Blanchard, Mount Cory, and Vanlue, Ohio. He has been an active member of the American Bar Association, Ohio State Bar Association, and the Findlay-Hancock County Bar Association, demonstrating his deep commitment to the legal profession.

“Don has been a dedicated public servant to our community,” said Mayor Christina Muryn. “His legal acumen, leadership, and commitment to our City have made a lasting impact. We are grateful for his many years of service and wish him all the best in his retirement.”

“I want to sincerely thank the dedicated City employees, the community, and my family for their support and trust throughout my tenure,” says Law Director Rasmussen. “It has been an honor to serve and work alongside all of you.”

The Law Director acts as the primary legal advisor to the City government. They represent elected officials, administrative officials, and City employees in matters related to City business. The Law Director drafts and reviews legislation, governmental policies and procedures, and a variety of other City documents. Additionally, they oversee approximately four City Prosecutors/Assistant Law Directors who report directly to them.

The Mayor will appoint an interim Law Director to fill the position upon vacancy of the office for the remainder of the unexpired term until the Hancock County Republican Central Committee (Central Committee) members who reside in the City meet and make their formal appointment to the position. The Central Committee members who reside in the City of Findlay must meet for their appointment purpose no earlier than five (5) days nor more than forty-five (45) days after the vacancy. The Central Committee appointment lasts through the results of the next general election where the winner of that election will finish the term. These regulations are set forth in Ohio Revised Code 733.31(D)(1), (2) and (G).

(From Hancock Public Health)

Looking for a way to give back in 2025?

Join the Medical Reserve Corps of Hancock County! It’s simple—just complete the survey linked below to get started.

Make a difference in your community today!

https://forms.office.com/r/AxyBCzQzJj

(From the University of Findlay)

Area residents of all ages are invited January 12 to join in hands-on fun and exploration at the next “Funday Sunday” program at University of Findlay’s Mazza Museum. This month’s program, which is free and open to the public, features a Lego theme.

Guests will enjoy more than 20 Lego-themed crafts, builds, and STEAM activities with the colorful plastic construction toys.

“No matter your skill level, this is the perfect event to spark creativity and teamwork. Come for a day of fun, surprises, and unforgettable moments,” said Amanda Davidson-Johnston, education manager at the Mazza Museum.

The family-friendly learning extravaganza encourages artistic expression, enhances literacy, and develops critical thinking skills, she noted.

Registration is required and can be completed on the Mazza Museum’s website.

Funday Sundays take place monthly at the Mazza Museum, from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., through April. The event is sponsored by Hancock Federal Credit Union.

The remaining themes for Funday Sundays in 2025 are:

February 2: Game on!

March 2: Accelerate!

April 6: Farmyard Fables

For more information on upcoming events, visit the Mazza Museum’s Events page online at www.mazzamuseum.org/events/. For specific questions regarding Funday Sunday, please contact Amanda Davidson-Johnston, Mazza Museum education manager, at 419-434-4777 or amanda.davidson-johnston@findlay.edu.

(From the Hancock County Naturalists)

The Hancock County Naturalists will host speaker Katie Ware, a fourth-year doctoral candidate in biology at Bowling Green State University, at their January 9 meeting. The meeting is at 7 p.m. at Oak Woods Nature Preserve, 1400 Oakwood Avenue, and is open to the public.

Ware studies bird communities and conservation. She is in Dr. Karen Root’s lab, from whom she also received her master’s degree. She is an instructor for Anatomy and Physiology labs at BGSU and is the Graduate Trustee for the Board of Trustees. She is the current secretary for the Hancock County Naturalists and lives in Findlay.

In March 2024, Ware traveled to the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador with her family on a six-day cruise. They visited several islands and saw a lot of wildlife. Ware will talk about her trip, conservation, and the natural history of the Galapagos, including Galapagos Tortoises, Marine Iguanas, Flightless Cormorants, and the evolution of the Galapagos Finches.

The Hancock County Naturalists, a membership organization, was established to further the study of the fauna and flora of Hancock County and the surrounding area and to participate in selected conservation and educational projects. Membership and events are open to those aged 15 and older. Annual membership fees are $15 per adult, $20 per couple, and $10 for youth.

For more information, contact Jane Riker at 419-306-3697 or emaggin117@aol.com. The group’s website is hancockcountynaturalists.org.

(From Hancock County Sheriff Michael Cortez)

Greetings, Hancock County!

On my first day serving as your Sheriff, I want to express how deeply honored and humbled I am to represent and serve our community in this role. The Office of Sheriff belongs to all of us, and my team and I will uphold this responsibility with the highest regard as we carry out our duties.

Together, we begin this journey with a focus on professionalism, integrity, excellence, and accountability—values that will guide our service to Hancock County.

As your Sheriff, my priorities are clear:

-Building stronger partnerships with local organizations and residents.

-Strengthening relationships within the community through transparency in all aspects of service.

-Addressing today’s challenges through collaboration with community-based resources to ensure a safer environment for everyone to live, work, and raise their families.

I would also like to take some time to identify our administrative staff to you.

-Chief Deputy, Thomas Walker

-Fiscal Officer, Rebecca Smith

-Human Resource Specialist, Kimberly Schwertner

-Jail Administrator, Captain Jesse Sterrett

-Jail Operations, Lieutenant Joe Hartman

I look forward to introducing each of these members along with other staff members on this platform, so you may get to know them a little better.

Again, thank you for your trust and support. I look forward to working alongside each of you to make our community the best it can be.

Stay safe and stay connected!

Sheriff Michael A. Cortez

(From the Ohio State Highway Patrol)

On January 6, 2025, at approximately 9:28 P.M., troopers with the Lima Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol were dispatched to a crash involving a single vehicle into a utility pole on Ridge Road in Marion Township, Allen County.

Investigation revealed that Irma Kill, age 81, of Delphos, was traveling west on Ridge Road in a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu.

Kill drove off the north side of the roadway and struck a utility pole.

She was treated on scene prior to being transported by Delphos Fire to Mercy Health-St. Rita’s in Lima, where she was later pronounced deceased.

Kill was reportedly not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.

Troopers were assisted on scene by; Delphos Police Department, Delphos Fire Department and Big Daddy’s Towing.

The crash remains under investigation.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol reminds drivers to always wear a properly adjusted seatbelt.