(From the United Way of Hancock County)

Did you earn $69,000 or less in 2025?

Do you live, work or attend school in Hancock County?

You may qualify for our free tax service!

The phone lines are OPEN. Call 567-245-5599 to schedule your free tax preparation appointment today!

(From the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office)

On Thursday, January 22, 2026 at 07:55 AM, the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a two-vehicle injury crash on SR 235 south of TR 27 in Orange Township.

It was learned that Gabriel Gratz, 30 yoa, of Ada, Ohio was traveling north on SR 235 in a 1998 Honda Civic. Gabriel entered the southbound lane of SR 235 and struck a southbound vehicle head-on. The southbound vehicle was being operated by Nicole Neely, 32 yoa of Waterville, Ohio.

Gabriel was pronounced dead at the scene by Ada-Liberty EMS.

Nicole was transported by Ada-Liberty EMS to St. Rita’s Medical Center with serious injuries.

Ada-Liberty Township Fire Department, Ada-Liberty Township EMS, Hanco EMS, Bluffton

EMS, Southwestern Hancock Joint Fire District, Ada Police Department, Hancock County EMA,

Ed’s Towing and R&A Towing assisted at the scene.

(From the Findlay Fire Department)

Thanks to City of Findlay- Mayor’s Office and our city council for making this purchase a priority.

This truck was ordered almost 24 months ago and we can’t wait to get it in service.

You’ll see it protecting the city starting in March!

Take a look at the new fire truck in the video below.

(From the City Mission of Findlay)

Due to impending severe weather, City Mission is ready with a plan to keep our neighbors safe.

-Thursday and Friday, January 22nd and 23rd, 2026

City Mission’s Low Barrier Shelter will be extending its normal hours: 3p.m. to 9a.m.

-Starting Saturday, January 24, 2026 at 3:00 p.m.

City Mission’s Low Barrier Shelter will be open to our unhoused neighbors until further notice.

-Our walk-up food window will remain open during normal serving hours.

To put this cold in perspective:

• January 24 marks the 48th year anniversary of The Great Blizzard of ’78
• The last time Findlay saw wind chill temperatures near -20° was January 19, 1994. 32 years ago!

Extreme cold can be life-threatening. Please help us spread the word and check on anyone who may need warmth and shelter.

No one should face this weather alone.

(From Findlay City Schools)

A true win isn’t always reflected on a scoreboard.

And for the Findlay Trojans, hockey isn’t just about the goals scored or the games played. It’s about connection, community, and heart.

During a special visit to Birchaven, our players spent time sharing stories from the season, talking about all things hockey, and creating moments that truly mattered. From joyful laughs to meaningful conversations, it was clear: the impact of this team stretches far beyond the ice.

We’re incredibly grateful for opportunities like this—to give back, to listen, and to learn from those who have cheered long before we ever laced up our skates.

This is what it means to be #TrojanTrue.

(From Hancock County Sheriff Michael Cortez)

On behalf of the men and women of the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office, I’m proud to share our 2025 Annual Activity Report with the community.

This report highlights the work your Sheriff’s Office accomplished throughout 2025—across patrol services, corrections, dispatch/communications, investigations, training, and agency initiatives—and reflects our commitment to professionalism, integrity, accountability and excellence.

Thank you for your continued trust and support. We are honored to serve Hancock County—every day, every shift, every call.

— Sheriff Michael Cortez

To the Hancock County Community,

As we close out my first year as your Sheriff, I want to provide a transparent

update on what your Sheriff’s Office has accomplished, what the data tells us, and

where we’re focused next.

Public safety work and service delivery

Your Sheriff’s Office remained consistently active across the county. During 2025,

we closed 32,149 total incidents, conducted 4,214 traffic stops, investigated

1,421 criminal cases, and worked 277 OVI/reckless operation investigations.

We also investigated 1,033 traffic crashes and executed 534 arrest warrants.

In addition to enforcement efforts, our office continues to provide essential court

and civil services, including 2,024 court documents served and 819 civil

protection orders processed, along with other civil actions.

We also continued proactive investigations, including drug enforcement activity in

partnership with our Detectives/METRICH operations.

Emergency communications

Our emergency communications team handled 10,072 calls received through 9-1-

1 services in 2025. That call volume reflects the critical role dispatch plays every

day-often at the very start of a crisis-and I’m grateful for their professionalism

and calm under pressure.

Jail operations and corrections

Our Corrections Division managed an average daily inmate population of 77,

completed 1,471 total book-ins, handled 1,479 internal incidents, and provided

77,518 meals in 2025.

Those numbers reflect a demanding operating environment that requires

consistency, safety, and strong staffing.

Records and clerical services

Behind the scenes, our Records/Clerical team continued to deliver high-volume

public services, including 503 background checks, 531 records requests, 787

reports processed, and 289 expungements.

(From the Tiffin Police Department)

Advocates from the Seneca County Board of DD, Amy Miller, Joe Coleman, and Ruben Villarreal, visited the Tiffin Police Department to share information about Keith’s Law and the new Blue Envelope Program. Thank you to all three for taking the time to meet with Sgt. Watson and I and for helping educate our agency on these important initiatives.

Ohio recently passed HB 144 (Keith’s Law), which allows individuals with a medically diagnosed communication disability or those who regularly transport someone with communication challenges to voluntarily enroll in the program. During traffic stops or emergencies, first responders will be notified through a database that the individual may have difficulty communicating, allowing responders to adjust their approach and reduce misunderstandings.

The Blue Envelope Program supports the same goal.

The envelope serves as a discreet tool for drivers or passengers to alert officers that they may need additional patience or alternative communication methods. Drivers can store their license, registration, insurance, and helpful information inside. The packet also includes a decal and wallet card.

These packets are provided at no cost and can be obtained through your Service and Support Administrator or directly from the Tiffin Police Department.

This is also a good opportunity to remind everyone about the Tiffin Police Department’s Special Needs Advanced Notification Form, which has been available for several years. This form is designed for individuals who may require special assistance during emergencies or during interactions with Police or Fire/EMS. Information provided is confidential and entered into our dispatch system so that responders are better prepared to assist community members when situations arise.

The form is available on the Tiffin Police Department webpage at the link below. Scroll to the final Frequently Asked Question and select the form. Completed forms can be emailed to our Records Division or delivered in person to the dispatch center. This is another way the Tiffin Police Department strives to provide the level of service our community deserves.

If you have questions about the form or need to provide additional information beyond the space provided, please contact the Tiffin Police Department.

Thank you,

Chief Pauly

https://www.tiffinohio.gov/departments/police/faq

(From the Ohio State Highway Patrol)

On January 21, 2026, at approximately 2:47 P.M., the Lima Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol responded to a report of a commercial semi-truck striking a home in Richland Township in Allen County.

Gerry Bright, age 55, from Frankfort, Indiana was operating a 2022 Volvo Semi westbound on US 30. The vehicle went off the right side of the roadway, struck a guardrail, and a fence. The semi then struck a house, causing it to partially collapse, before damaging three parked vehicles. Mr. Bright suffered non-life threatening injuries and was transported from the scene by Beaverdam Richland EMS to Lima Memorial Hospital.

Lawrence Myers, age 51, and Blake Vires, age 21, both from Lima, Ohio were inside the house when it was struck. They both suffered non-life threatening injuries and were transported to Mercy Health St. Rita’s Hospital by Beaverdam Richland EMS.

The semi sustained severe damage and was towed from the scene by Minich Towing. The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted at the scene by Beaverdam Richland Fire, Beaverdam Richland EMS, Minich Towing, and American Electric Power. The crash remains under investigation.