(From the University of Findlay)

University of Findlay student Kaitlyn Froelich is the recipient of this year’s Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy Award (Ages 18-23) from the Association of Fundraising Professionals Northwest Ohio chapter.

Froelich earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from UF in 2025 and currently is pursuing her doctoral degree in occupational therapy at the University, while working as a cardiac ICU nurse at Blanchard Valley Hospital in Findlay.

“When Katie is not studying or working, she generously gives of her time through many campus offices and community organizations,” said Kenneth McIntyre Jr., vice president of University advancement. “Her positive attitude radiates a generous nature that extends to fellow UF students, prospective students and their families, and area residents in need.”

She is very involved in UF’s Campus Ministry program, gives tours to new students through the admissions office, serves as an orientation leader, and is a member of the Student Nursing Association and the Students of Occupational Therapy Association. Katie also is the student representative from the College of Health Professions to the Alumni Board of Governors.

Her volunteer work further includes being a member of STRIDE (Students Teaching Respect for Individuals with Disabilities Everyday), a club that volunteers and raises disability awareness on campus and in the community.

In addition, Froelich has volunteered with many organizations that help residents in Northwest Ohio and beyond. She has volunteered with Gliding Stars of Findlay for four years, helping teach individuals with disabilities how to ice skate, bolstering their confidence and social skills, and encouraging them.

She volunteers with Findlay’s City Mission, helping to prepare and serve food to people in need. Since her freshman year, she has been part of multiple Backyard Mission Trips that aid residents of Hancock County by helping them with yardwork and community cleanup.

During Spring Break for the past four years, she has volunteered at numerous camps, including Camp Otyokwah in Ohio, Camp Sonrise Mountain in Maryland, and Camp Yolijwa in Pennsylvania. She assists the camps with labor they cannot afford so they are ready to welcome campers each summer.

Furthermore, Froelich was one of 144 UF graduates in May who earned a Philanthropy Cord to wear at Commencement as a symbol of their commitment to the Oiler culture of philanthropy. The program requires a contribution to a class scholarship benefiting incoming freshman in the fall, volunteering for a minimum of six hours, and attendance at a philanthropic learning event.

“All of this clearly illustrates her mature understanding of philanthropy and her commitment to giving back on a local and national scale,” McIntyre noted. “We are so proud of Katie’s success in the classroom, in the community, and in giving of her time, talent, and treasure.”

Froelich was presented the award November 12 at the 38th annual National Philanthropy Day celebration in Toledo, attended by more than 500 area development professionals. The Greater Toledo Community Foundation also presented a grant to Gliding Stars of Findlay in recognition of her dedication to her community.

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Pictured from left are: UF President Katherine Fell, Ph.D.; Ken McIntyre Jr., vice president of University advancement; and award winner Kaitlyn Froelich.

(WTOL-11) – The Seneca County Coroner’s Office has concluded its investigation into a murder-suicide in Tiffin in November. 

Police said two children and a 29-year-old man were shot and killed by a man who then took his own life.

The autopsies on the deceased were conducted on November 21st, two days after the shooting that occurred in the 100 block of Huss Street in Tiffin.

The determinations made for the autopsies included gunshot wound-related deaths for 29-year-old Dustin Willey and the 7-year-old and 7-month-old.

Their deaths were ruled as homicides.

42-year-old Ryan Egan’s manner of death was ruled a suicide from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

(From the City of Fostoria)

We are excited to share that the City of Fostoria has been awarded $100,000 from the Ohio Urban Forestry Division to continue strengthening and revitalizing our city’s urban forest.

Many of you know we previously received a $1 million American Forestry grant at the federal level. While that funding supported critical early phases of our overall Urban Forestry Program, this new state-level grant will allow us to move into Phase 3: Tree Planting and Establishment.

-Where We Are in the Urban Forestry Program

Phase 1 – Public Tree Inventory & Risk Assessment

Completed by Davey Resource Group and funded through the American Forestry grant. This work provided a citywide evaluation of all public trees and identified hazardous or declining trees needing removal.

Phase 2 – Urban Forest Management & Master Planting Plan

Completed last week. This plan identifies all vacant planting sites throughout the city and recommends appropriate species for both replacement plantings and future canopy health.

Phase 3 – Tree Planting & Establishment (Now Funded!)

This new Urban Forestry grant will be focused on downtown Fostoria, specifically replacing all Callery pear trees, which are recognized as an invasive species. Many of our urban trees were planted at the same time decades ago, leading to many of them declining at the same time as well. Removing invasive or hazardous trees and replanting with healthy, diverse, and site-appropriate species will greatly improve the long-term health of our canopy.

-What to Expect Downtown

Our Tree & Beautification Commission has been working diligently to select the right species for the right locations while considering storefront visibility, safety, root behavior, sidewalk impacts, and long-term maintenance.

In the coming weeks, we will begin delivering informational materials to downtown business owners and tenants. For now, please note:

-All trees on Main Street from South Street to North Street will be removed and replaced as soon as possible.

-Behind the Scenes

We are actively using TreeKeeper, our new tree-management software, to log calls, track work orders, and ensure our crews are addressing needs efficiently.

A big thank you to Botimer Tree Service, Ernie Russell Stump Removal, and our own City of Fostoria crews for their hard work in improving our urban forest.

-Questions About a City Tree?

If you have a question about a tree in the boulevard in front of your home or if you notice a tree that may pose a hazard, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re committed to maintaining a safe, healthy, and sustainable urban canopy for generations to come.

Fostoria’s future is growing—literally!

(From Blanchard Valley Health System)

That’s a wrap on 2025!

Scroll to see the stats on how Blanchard Valley Health System has made an impact this year.

Thank you to everyone who has made BVHS’s mission possible — from associates, to volunteers, to community members. We are excited to continue caring for you in the new year.

Want to be part of these numbers next year?

Visit bvhealthsystem.org/schedule to view primary care openings and schedule your next appointment online.

(From the Ohio Department of Commerce)

Ohio’s minimum wage is scheduled to increase Jan. 1, 2026, to $11 per hour for non-tipped employees and $5.50 per hour for tipped employees.

This adjustment represents a 2.8% increase from the current 2025 rates of $10.70 for non-tipped employees and $5.35 for tipped employees. The change reflects the mandate of the Constitutional Amendment (II-34a), passed by Ohio voters in November 2006, which states Ohio’s minimum wage shall increase on Jan. 1 each year by the rate of inflation.

The minimum wage standard is tied to the Consumer Price Index for urban wage earners and clerical workers (CPI-W) for the 12-month period ending in August. The 2.8% increase corresponds to the CPI-W change from Sept. 1, 2024, to Aug. 31, 2025.

In addition to the wage rate adjustment, the threshold for business applicability will also change. Effective Jan. 1, 2026, the Ohio minimum wage will apply to businesses with annual gross receipts of more than $405,000, which is an increase from the current $394,000 threshold. For employees at businesses with annual gross receipts of $405,000 or less per year after Jan. 1, 2026, and for 14- and 15-year-old workers, the state minimum wage remains tied to the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. Any changes to this rate would require an act of the U.S. Congress and the President’s signature.

“We encourage all employers to stay informed and compliant with the updated wage rates and posting requirements,” said Stephen Clegg, Wage & Hour Administration Bureau Chief. “The Department of Commerce offers resources to support employers in meeting those obligations.”

To ensure compliance, employers are required to display the official 2026 Minimum Wage poster. This poster is available for download from the Ohio Department of Commerce’s Division of Industrial Compliance website.

(From the Division of State Fire Marshal)

The holidays may be winding down, but the risk of fire involving live Christmas trees is getting greater by the day. The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal (SFM) reminds Ohioans to keep fire safety in mind by removing dried-out trees from their homes before they become a potentially dangerous fire hazard.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), more than a third of Christmas tree fires happen in the month of January. What makes dried out trees so dangerous is that once ignited, the fire spreads quickly, burns intensely, and can destroy a home within minutes. This video from the NFPA shows how quickly a Christmas tree fire can spread.

“The longer a real tree stays indoors, the dryer it gets and the more dangerous it becomes,” said State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon. “Dry trees burn hot and fast, and if they catch fire, everything around them is at risk – both property and lives. We strongly urge Ohioans to start the new year safely by getting those real trees out of their homes, garages, or porches, and dispose of them in a safe and responsible manner.”

While your real tree is still up, it’s important to keep it well-watered since a well-hydrated tree is far less likely to ignite than a dry one. As long as a real tree is in your home, you should check the water level daily and never let the stand run try.

When it comes time to dispose of your real Christmas tree, Ohioans should check with their local communities to learn how they can dispose of trees properly, such as by utilizing a tree recycling program or available pickup/drop-off programs.

(From the Humane Society & SPCA of Hancock County)

Santa came to visit yesterday, and one of our special pups got her Christmas Wish!

River, who had been with us one year to date yesterday. Won the heart one of our AMAZING volunteers.

Jason and his Wife, knew they could not fight it any longer. They had to make her a permanent member of the family!

We are so grateful and beyond overjoyed, to share with you all…River and her new Dad!

She did it! She FINALLY found where she belonged!

We wish you all a Very Merry Christmas!!!

(From the Office of the Ohio State Fire Marshal)

Nearly 200 fire departments will soon have access to additional funds to upgrade their emergency radio communication equipment. The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal has announced the recipients of the 2026 MARCS (Multi-Agency Radio Communications Systems) Grant. During this grant cycle, 198 fire departments representing 63 counties across Ohio have been awarded a combined total of nearly $4 million.

A complete list of MARCS Grant recipients is available here. Upon signing agreement letters, the selected fire departments will receive the funds in early 2026.

The MARCS radio system provides statewide, secure, reliable public service wireless communication for first responders. The system allows first responders to seamlessly communicate with each other, as well as with other agencies that may be responding to an incident. Costs to acquire and operate the advanced MARCS radio system technology can be significant, which highlights the importance of these grants in helping to ensure fire departments of all sizes are able to access these valuable tools.

“This grant funding is a major resource for fire departments across Ohio, especially since it helps give them access to MARCS radios that they might not otherwise be able to purchase,” said Ohio State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon. “These radios help first responders better serve Ohio communities and protect those who call them home.”

The MARCS Grant is available annually to fire departments with service areas of 25,000 residents or less. Up to $50,000 per department is available through the grant. Priority funding goes to departments applying as part of a regional or countywide effort, as well as departments that show they are prepared to immediately begin using the MARCS radios upon receiving the funds.

Since 2020, the Division has awarded more than $24 million to fire departments across the state specifically through the MARCS Grant program, and an additional $13 million through its other grant programs to support equipment and training needs at departments.

For additional details on grant funding, visit the Division’s interactive Grants Dashboard at com.ohio.gov/SFMDashboard.

(ONN) – There will no longer be a grace period for mail-in ballots in Ohio.

Governor Mike DeWine signed a law that will require all ballots to arrive by the time the polls close on Election Day.

Exceptions can be made for certain voters like overseas residents and U.S. service members.

Previously, Ohio law allowed ballots that were postmarked by Election Day to still count if they arrived within four days after Election Day.