Category Archives: Local News

Youth Hockey Day Fundraiser Being Held

(From the Findlay Amateur Hockey Association)

We are looking for local businesses and people that have a passion for supporting our local youth athletes.

Hockey Day is the biggest fundraising event for our organization with all money raised being put towards keeping ice fees low, purchasing new gear for our rental program, and scholarships, so all kids have the ability to play regardless of financial situations.

If you would like more information or are interested in donating an auction basket or becoming a sponsor please feel free to reach out.

Sponsors can also use the link below to register, donate, and upload your logo.

Link to Register as a Sponsor:

https://www.findlayhockey.com/hockeyday

Extreme Cold Forces Findlay City Schools To Close

(From Findlay City Schools)

Due to the forecasted extreme temperatures, Findlay City Schools will be closed on Tuesday, January 21, 2025.

We recognize this is an early notification, but wish to give everyone as much time as possible to make plans for this change in schedule.

We will continue to monitor the expected extreme temperatures for Wednesday.

WFIN – Get the latest forecast, weather alerts, and road alerts here, and the latest school closings and delays here.

Jules A Calming Presence For FCS Students

(From Whittier Primary)

Meet Jules, our beloved school therapy dog!

Jules is more than just a furry friend—she’s a calming presence, a source of comfort, and a big supporter of our young learners and staff too.

Whether it’s a wagging tail during reading time, a gentle nuzzle to ease worries, or simply her joyful energy brightening our halls, Jules helps create a warm and welcoming environment for everyone.

We’re so lucky to have Jules as part of our school family, spreading love and making a difference every day!

Keep A Close Eye On Your Pets In This Frigid Weather

The Humane Society & SPCA of Hancock County is reminding people to look out for their pets during this extremely cold weather.

Hancock County Dog Warden Dana Berger says outside pets need to have food, water, and shelter that they can access.

And he says, with as cold as it’ll be the next several days, you should bring in outdoor pets even if just into a spare room or a garage. 

People who have a dog staying in a dog house should consider moving the dog house into a garage or barn.

Horses should be given blankets and have a spot out of the wind.

Fundraiser For Arlington Family Whose Home Was Destroyed In A Fire

(From GoFundMe)

Betty Sharrer and her son Robert experienced a devastating house fire, leaving their home a complete loss.

Tragically, they did not have insurance, so they face the overwhelming challenge of starting from scratch.

Betty dedicated 36 years of her life as a beloved school teacher in Arlington, making a positive impact on countless students and their families.

Now, Betty and Robert need our help to rebuild their lives and find hope after this heartbreaking loss.

Any donation, no matter how small, will make a meaningful difference in helping them recover and rebuild.

Thank you for your kindness and support during this difficult time.

(above pic courtesy of Stacy Sharrer via GoFundMe)

Corrections Officer Presented With Life-Saving Award

(From the Wyandot County Sheriff’s Office)

Gage Ebert, a corrections officer with Wyandot County Sheriff’s Office, was nominated by his shift supervisor, Sgt. Mullholand for the “Life Saving Award” stemming from an incident that happened on January 1, 2025.

Ebert was able to stop an inmate that was in the process of inflicting self harm upon themselves. Ebert quickly intervened and was able to save a human life.

We would like to congratulate Gage and present him with the Life Saving Award Certificate and Ribbon.

Sheriff Todd D Frey

Warming Centers In Findlay

The City of Findlay has released information about warming centers for people needing a place to get out of this dangerously cold weather for the next few days. 

The city says The City Mission is open as a warming center for overnight stays.

And, on January 20 and January 21, the annex at St. Andrew’s Church on West Crawford Street will be open from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. as a warming center.

Findlay and Hancock County are included in a Cold Weather Advisory issued by the National Weather Service through Wednesday morning as wind chills could reach -25. Wind chills that extreme can cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes. 

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

FPD: Driver Leaves Scene Of Injury Crash

The Findlay Police Department says a driver was injured in a hit-skip crash.

Police say John Wright Jr., 63, of Findlay, was stopped for traffic southbound in the 2800 block of South Main Street on Friday afternoon when his Kia Soul was rear-ended by a Cadillac SRX being driven by Joy Risner, 34, of Carey.

Police say Risner left the scene of the collision but was later located by Hancock County Sheriff’s deputies and returned to the scene.

Wright Jr. was taken to Blanchard Valley Hospital for possible back and neck injuries.

Risner was cited for OVI, leaving the scene, and assured cleared distance.

Highway Patrol Investigating Fatal Crash

(From the Ohio State Highway Patrol)

On January 18, 2025, at approximately 12:40 A.M. troopers with the Lima Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol responded to a call on Slabtown Rd. just north of Searfoss Rd, Allen County, for a report of a crash where a vehicle rolled over and the driver was ejected.

Keith A. Lackey, age 56, of Lima, was operating a 1998 Ford Explorer northbound on Slabtown Rd. and drove partially off the right side of the roadway. The vehicle re-entered the roadway and began sliding sideways and drove partially off the left side of the roadway. The vehicle then re-entered the roadway and rolled over several times, ejecting the driver before coming to final rest on the right side of the roadway in a ditch.

Mr. Lackey was transported to St. Rita’s Mercy Health Hospital by Columbus Grove EMS where he was pronounced deceased. Mr. Lackey was not wearing a seatbelt, and alcohol is suspected as a possible factor in the crash.

Assisting troopers on scene were deputies with the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, Columbus Grove EMS, Cairo and Monroe Township Fire and EMS and Miller Performance. The crash remains under investigation.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol would like to remind motorists to never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and always wear a properly adjusted seatbelt.

Extreme Cold Watch Issued

Findlay and Hancock County are included in an Extreme Cold Watch issued by the National Weather Service.

The Extreme Cold Watch goes from late Sunday night through Wednesday morning.

Forecasters say an extended period of very cold temperatures is expected with dangerously cold wind chills as low as -25 possible.

Wind chills that low can cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.

The long duration of this cold will lead to greater impacts to infrastructure, including increased risk of frozen pipes, dead car batteries, and structure fires.

There is also an increased risk of carbon monoxide poisoning from improper use of secondary heat indoors.

If you must go outside, dress in layers and wear a hat, face mask, and gloves.

To prevent water pipes from freezing, wrap or drain them or allow them to drip slowly and keep cabinets open.

Keep pets indoors as much as possible.

Make sure outdoor animals have a warm, dry shelter, food, and unfrozen water.

Make frequent checks on older family, friends, and neighbors.

Ensure portable heaters are used correctly.

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