(From the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office)

The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office is proud to announce that Sheriff Michael A. Cortez has been awarded the Certified Law Enforcement Manager (CLEM) designation by the Buckeye State Sheriffs’ Association (BSSA) on November 12, 2025.

This distinguished credential is one of the highest professional recognitions available to Ohio sheriffs and senior law enforcement leaders.

The Certified Law Enforcement Manager Award is presented by the BSSA to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, advanced professional competence, and a strong commitment to public service. The award reflects mastery in the areas of administration, operations, strategic planning, ethics, personnel management, community engagement, and contemporary law enforcement best practices.

To receive this credential, recipients must meet strict professional standards, which include:

-Completion of the BSSA’s advanced leadership curriculum, covering organizational development, executive decision-making, risk management, and legal compliance.

-Demonstrated experience in executive-level law enforcement leadership, including oversight of personnel, programs, budgets, and operational effectiveness.

-Documented contributions to public safety and community advancement, such as the implementation of innovative programs, policies, or partnerships that strengthen law enforcement services.

-Commitment to continued professional development, ethics, accountability, and excellence within their agency and community.

Sheriff Cortez’s dedication to elevating operational standards, promoting transparency, strengthening community partnerships, and advancing mental-health and wellness initiatives for both staff and citizens were key factors in his selection.

“This recognition reflects not only my personal commitment to professional growth, but also the incredible work of the deputies, corrections staff, dispatchers, and administrative personnel who represent the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office every day,” Sheriff Cortez said.

“I am honored to receive this award and will continue working to uphold the highest standards of service, integrity, and leadership for the people of Hancock County.”

The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office congratulates Sheriff Cortez on this significant achievement and extends its appreciation to the Buckeye State Sheriffs’ Association for recognizing his commitment to excellence in law enforcement leadership.

(From the Ohio Department of Transportation District 1)

The Interstate 75 northbound entrance ramp from State Route 103 at the village of Bluffton will close on Tuesday, Nov. 25, for approximately one day for bridge deck repair.

TRAFFIC IMPACT

Detour: SR 103 to SR 235, back to I-75.

Thanksgiving Break is coming up for area schools.

Liberty-Benton Local Schools is reminding students and parents that their Thanksgiving Break will run from November 24-29. See their full district calendar by clicking here.

Thanksgiving Break for Findlay City Schools will go from November 26-28.

See their full district calendar by clicking here.

(ONN) – Former Ohio Democratic Congressman Tim Ryan announced he will not run for governor in 2026.

Ryan had been considering and exploring a run for months now.

With his announcement, this leaves former Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton as the lone Democrat candidate.

Republican Vivek Ramaswamy has the endorsement of the Ohio Republican Party and President Trump, and former Morgan County School Board President and entrepreneur Heather Hill is also running as a Republican.

(From Blanchard Valley Health System)

At Blanchard Valley Health System, we care about patient safety, both in the office and online. Please be aware of scam phone calls posing as BVHS associates.

These scams may:

-Mention denied insurance coverage

-Ask for sensitive information, like a social security number, over the phone

-Use filler words, like “um,” in the recording to sound more realistic

Please confirm that any phone numbers contacting you regarding your care at BVHS are from your provider’s office before giving any information to them. If you are unsure if a number is associated with BVHS, visit bvhealthsystem.org/find-a-doctor and search for your provider or practice to view their contact information.

The BVHS business office may contact patients or guarantors to follow up on insurance coverage, denials, or collections, which may include the need to validate your information. In these scenarios, the call will come from our business office phone numbers, 419.423.5310 or 800.867.4820.

Another overpass has opened across State Route 15 in Hancock County.

The County Road 193 overpass, a little west of Vanlue, opened on Thursday afternoon.

Previously, overpasses were constructed at County Road 180 over State Route 15 near Findlay, and at County Road 169 and State Route 15 in Vanlue.

Hancock County Engineer Doug Cade says the overpasses improve safety along the State Route 15 corridor by eliminating intersections and high-impact crashes.

Other intersections across State Route 15 have been closed over the past few years, and transportation officials have plans to close the County Road 190 intersection across State Route 15 in the near future.

Below is a picture of the County Road 180 overpass when it opened in November of 2023.

(From the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office)

Today we celebrate the incredible career of Captain Brad Nelson, who is retiring after 34 years of dedicated service with the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office.

From his early days as a young deputy to his years of leadership as Captain, he has devoted his career to protecting and serving our community with integrity, courage, and heart.

Please join us in congratulating Captain Nelson on his well-earned retirement and in thanking him for 34 years of outstanding service.

We wish him the very best in this next chapter of life!

(From Family Resource Center)

Family Resource Center is thrilled to announce the inaugural season of Twinkle Nights, Hancock County’s first drive-thru holiday light show. This brand-new community tradition launches at the Hancock County Fairgrounds beginning on Saturday, November 22, and will run every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night through December 21.

Before cars roll through the opening weekend, the community is invited to a special walk-thru preview night on Friday, November 21. This will be the only opportunity to experience Twinkle Nights on foot, which allows families, neighbors, and holiday light lovers a chance to take in the displays up close and at their own pace. There is no charge for admission to the one-time only walk-thru night, but donations to Family Resource Center are encouraged.

Twinkle Nights brings a new experience to the area, combining dozens of scenes, thousands of lights, festive family fun, and a mission-driven purpose. Proceeds from the event will support Family Resource Center’s work in providing mental health and addiction prevention, treatment, and recovery services in the area.

Several theme nights are planned, including two sensory-sensitive “Calm & Bright Nights” with a less intense sight and sound experience, a toy drive to support the local Toys for Tots program, a weekend recognizing Veterans, and a special visit from holiday characters including Santa Claus himself on the last weekend before Christmas.

Regular admission to Twinkle Nights is $15 per carload per visit, and a $25 Season Pass, which is good for unlimited visits, is also available. To learn more about Family Resource Center’s mission and our new Twinkle Nights Drive-Thru Holiday Light Show, visit www.twinklenightsfindlay.com

(From the Hancock County Veterans Service Office)

Join the Hancock County Veterans Service Office and the American Red Cross for a free Holiday Breakfast for Hancock County Veterans and their families, Saturday, December 6th from 8am to noon at the Findlay Elks Banquet Hall located at 900 W. Melrose Ave in Findlay.

Enjoy a delicious breakfast from Moore than Just BBQ, connect with fellow veterans, sign up for free fire alarm installation, and visit with our staff to learn more about local resources, benefits and support available to veterans and their families.

The first 110 veterans will receive a special gift.

The American Red Cross North Central Ohio Chapter will have information on programs and resources available to veterans, including:

• Sign up for free smoke alarm installation
• Information on our Resiliency Workshops and Mind-Body workshops for veterans, service members and military families
• Information on emergency preparedness
• Volunteer and blood donation opportunities
• Red Cross Animal Visitation Team will be on site with their therapy dogs

This special event is made possible through the generosity from the Findlay Hancock County Community Foundation. For questions or additional information, visit www.hancockveterans.com or call 419-424-7036.

(From the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation)

On November 20, we celebrate Madeleine Schneider’s birthday.

Madeleine was born in Findlay in 1914 and led an incredible life.

She left her entire estate, totaling $25 million, to The Community Foundation without restriction.

This gift to our Community’s Endowment is the largest unrestricted gift in our history and has resulted in more than $22.5 million in awarded grants.

Madeleine’s legacy continues to grow with each passing year.

Happy Birthday! 

https://www.community-foundation.com/…/madeleines-legacy