All posts by Matt Demczyk

Police Investigating Bicycle/Vehicle Accident

(From the Tiffin Police Department)

On February 4, 2025, at approximately 8:00 p.m., the Tiffin Police Department responded to a report of a traffic accident at the intersection of S. Sandusky Street and Euclid Avenue involving a vehicle and a bicycle. Officers, along with Tiffin Fire and Rescue personnel, arrived on the scene to render aid and conduct an investigation.

The investigation determined that Bruce G. Gibson, 60, was riding his bicycle northbound on the sidewalk when he entered the intersection. Paul Newland, 81, was traveling west on Ella Street and proceeded through the intersection with a green light when his vehicle struck Mr. Gibson.

Video footage obtained from a nearby residence confirmed that Mr. Newland had the right of way.

Mr. Gibson, who was required to stop and yield before crossing, entered the crosswalk on his bicycle against the signal.

Additionally, Mr. Gibson was wearing a dark-colored jacket, and his bicycle was not equipped with lights, which are required by law for nighttime riding.

Mr. Gibson sustained injuries and was transported by Tiffin Fire and Rescue to the Tiffin Middle School, where a Life Flight helicopter was waiting.

He was then airlifted to St. Vincent Medical Center in Toledo.

His condition remains unknown at this time.

The accident remains under investigation, and no citations have been issued at this stage.

Based on preliminary findings, it appears that Mr. Newland was lawfully traveling through the intersection with a green light when the collision occurred.

The Tiffin Police Department reminds all cyclists to follow traffic laws, use proper lighting when riding at night, and remain aware of their surroundings to ensure safety on the road.

Chief David Pauly

DAISY Award Honors Nurses Who Make A Special Difference In Patients’ Lives

(From Blanchard Valley Health System)

Cale Spieles, a registered nurse in the post-anesthesia care unit and same-day surgery (PACU/SDS), was recently honored with the January DAISY Award for providing exceptional care to a patient undergoing back surgery.

From the start, Cale made the patient feel at ease by explaining each step of the process, answering all questions thoroughly, and addressing her personal needs.

Knowing she had a 3-month-old child at home, he ensured she had the privacy and time to express breastmilk before the procedure.

Post-surgery, Cale continued to provide thoughtful support by clearly explaining at-home care instructions to both the patient and her spouse, ensuring they felt confident and prepared.

Cale’s empathy, attention to detail, and commitment to his patients exemplify the highest standards of nursing excellence, making him a deserving recipient of the DAISY Award.

Congratulations, Cale, for going above and beyond to make a lasting impact!

Pictured are Kristie Jolliff, surgery manager, Patti Cartwright, PACU/SDS supervisor, Cale Spieles, RN, DAISY recipient, BJ Pasztor, chief operating officer of acute care services and chief nursing officer, and Trevor Schmiedebusch, director of surgical services.

Fair Offering New Program For Those With Developmental Disabilities

(From Blanchard Valley Center)

For those interested, here’s a new program for all the fair lovers!

Hancock County Fair is offering a new program for children and adults with developmental disabilities, ‘Shining in the Show Ring’.

“The First Annual Hancock County Shining in the Show Ring will be held Saturday August 30, 2025 at 1pm in the Recker Arena at the Hancock County Fairgrounds. This unique opportunity provides individuals with special needs an experience to know what it’s like to exhibit an animal at the fair. Participants will work with Jr. Fair Exhibitors and their animals to participate in an alternative livestock show to share what they have learned. The animal options include: calves, rabbits, and Chickens.

The Junior Fair exhibitors, or mentors, you will be working with will be in at least the 5th grade and have had at least two years of experience with their animal project. As a showman you will work alongside your mentor and learn how to care for the animal as well as how to safely and properly show the animal at the fair.”

If you would like an application for this program please send us a message with your email address and we will forward it to you.

Or contact Britta Fenestermaker directly with any questions.

BRITTA

FENSTERMAKER

Junior Fair Coordinator

419-429-7344 ext.203

britta.fenstermaker@hancockfairgrounds.org

1017 2. Sandusky St. Findlay, OH 45840

Winter Weather Advisory Issued For Freezing Rain

Findlay and Hancock County are included in a Winter Weather Advisory issued by the National Weather Service.

The Winter Weather Advisory goes from 10 p.m. Wednesday until 10 a.m. Thursday.

Freezing rain is expected. Total ice accumulations between one tenth to two tenths of an inch.

Difficult travel conditions will result and could impact the Thursday morning commute.

Freezing rain will begin transitioning to light rain early Thursday morning.

However, slick spots may linger through mid-morning as surface temperatures remain chilly in the mid-30s. Temperatures will warm into the 40s by early Thursday afternoon.

Get the latest forecast and weather alerts here, and school delays/closings here.

City Mission Meals Served Milestone

(From the City Mission of Findlay)

Over 200,000 Meals Served in 2024!

Thanks to the incredible support of our Food Services Team and the dedication of our amazing volunteers, City Mission served over 200,000 meals in 2024!

Every plate was a symbol of hope, care, and community.

This milestone wouldn’t have been possible without the countless hours, hard work, and love poured in by our volunteers.

Thank You for Helping Us Make a Difference!

Your commitment fuels our mission to fight hunger and bring hope to those in need.

Cory-Rawson Green & Gold Foundation Fund Reaches Milestone

(From Cory-Rawson Local Schools)

In partnership with The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation, Cory-Rawson Local Schools is excited to announce the school’s Green & Gold Foundation Fund has reached its grant funding milestone. The fund will begin granting to school staff, coaches, and administrators beginning in January 2026 to support enrichment opportunities for students across grade levels and programs. The fund will announce a capital campaign in the near future.

Founding donors, including alumni, community members and retired school staff, made reaching this milestone possible. Investments of all types are accepted for the Green & Gold Foundation Fund, including grain in storage, cash, securities traded on a national exchange, real property, artwork, life insurance policies and more.  

Cory-Rawson Local Schools has a rich history of pride. A partnership with The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation was formed to help provide outstanding educational experiences for generations of Hornets to come. State, federal, and local school funding is used for personnel, routine classroom supplies and equipment, and regular facilities maintenance. Proceeds from the fund will provide our students with experiences and opportunities above and beyond our regular funding. The Cory-Rawson Green & Gold Fund is administered by The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation with oversight from a committee made up of retired school staff and community members.

Additional information and details on the Green & Gold Foundation Fund can be found online at https://www.community-foundation.com/funds/green-and-gold-foundation or by calling 419-425-1100.

Hancock Leadership Members Discuss 2025 Class Project

Some of the members of the Hancock Leadership Class of 2025 were on with WFIN’s Chris Oaks to discuss their class project.

This year’s class will beautify the area surrounding the new Allan H. Davis Judicial Center on West Main Cross Street in downtown Findlay, working alongside the Hancock County Commissioners, Master Gardeners, and RCM Architects.

Listen to Chris’ full interview with Alex Parker and Wade Hiatt below and learn more about Hancock Leadership and their community service project by clicking here.

Hancock County Naturalists Hosting Speaker

(From the Hancock County Naturalists)

The Hancock County Naturalists will host speaker Dave McPheron, horticulturist and retired owner of Star Farms Native Plants, at their February 13th meeting. His program, “It’s for the Birds, Gardening with Native Plants to Attract Birds”, will explore what a native plant is and how the landscape that includes these plants can bring more birds to the local environment. The meeting is at 7 p.m. at Oak Woods Nature Preserve, 1400 Oakwood Avenue, and is open to the public. This meeting will also feature a seed swap; attendees are encouraged to bring seeds to trade.

A graduate of The Ohio State University with a degree in horticulture, McPheron has been active in the horticulture industry for over 47 years. His experience includes owning a design/install landscape company and garden center specializing in perennials, herbs, and water gardens, and he has spent the last few years growing Ohio native plants as the owner of Star Farms Native Plants in Kenton, Ohio. After recently retiring and closing his business, he has turned his focus to cultivating Ohio native plants and promoting these vital species. He is an Emeritus Ohio State Master Gardener Volunteer in Hardin County and served as the Volunteer Coordinator.

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.

Marathon Petroleum Reports Fourth-Quarter 2024 Numbers

(From Marathon Petroleum Corporation)

Marathon Petroleum Corp. (NYSE: MPC) today reported net income attributable to MPC of $371 million, or $1.15 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter of 2024, compared with net income attributable to MPC of $1.5 billion, or $3.84 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter of 2023.

Adjusted net income was $249 million, or $0.77 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter of 2024. This compares to adjusted net income of $1.5 billion, or $3.98 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter of 2023. Adjustments are shown in the accompanying release tables.

The fourth quarter of 2024 adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (adjusted EBITDA) was $2.1 billion, compared with $3.6 billion for the fourth quarter of 2023. Adjustments are shown in the accompanying release tables.

For the full year 2024, net income attributable to MPC was $3.4 billion, or $10.08 per diluted share, compared with net income attributable to MPC of $9.7 billion, or $23.63 per diluted share for the full year 2023. Adjusted net income was $3.3 billion, or $9.51 per diluted share for the full year 2024. This compares to adjusted net income of $9.7 billion, or $23.63 per diluted share for the full year 2023. Adjustments are shown in the accompanying release tables.

“In 2024, we generated net cash from operations of $8.7 billion, which enabled peer-leading capital return to shareholders of $10.2 billion,” said President and Chief Executive Officer Maryann Mannen. “Our strong cash flow generation was driven by our commitments to peer-leading operational excellence, commercial performance, and profitability per barrel in each of the regions in which we operate. Execution of our Midstream strategy delivered segment adjusted EBITDA growth of 6%. We expect distributions from MPLX in 2025 will cover MPC’s dividends and standalone capital outlook, further supporting our commitment to peer-leading capital return.”

LB FFA Members Earn Prestigious American FFA Degree

(From Liberty-Benton Local Schools)

Congratulations to Liberty-Benton FFA members Mary Holley and Erica Patterson on earning the prestigious American FFA Degree—the highest honor in the National FFA Organization!

Only 529 Ohio FFA members achieved this award, recognizing their dedication, leadership, and commitment to agriculture.