Category Archives: Local News

Police Chief Officiates Marriage Ceremony

(From Tiffin Police Chief David Pauly)

I had the honor of officiating the marriage ceremony of Heather Briner and Jodie Henderson this morning at City Hall.

It was a joyous occasion, filled with love, laughter, and heartfelt celebration as Heather and Jodie exchanged vows, pledging to support and cherish one another for a lifetime.

It was a privilege to witness such a meaningful moment in their lives and to stand with them as they began this new chapter together.

Congratulations and good luck!

Chief David Pauly

Both Of Findlay’s Kroger Stores To Remain Open

Good news for people who enjoy shopping at Findlay’s two Kroger stores.

Kroger has confirmed to WFIN News that the company’s recent announcement that it will be closing about 60 stores over the next 18 months will not impact its two stores in Findlay.

“The closure announcement does not impact our Findlay stores, or any stores in the Columbus Division,” a Kroger spokesperson told WFIN News.

Kroger’s Findlay stores are located at 1996 Tiffin Avenue and 101 6th Street.  

Kroger revealed the information about the upcoming store closures when it released its first quarter results.

Kroger said it expects to see a modest financial benefit from the store closures.

“Kroger is committed to reinvesting these savings back into the customer experience,” the company said.

Kroger said it will offer jobs in other stores to anyone working at a store that ends up closing.

OHSAA Announces Divisional Breakdowns For Winter Sports

(From the Ohio High School Athletic Association)

The Ohio High School Athletic Association has announced the divisional breakdowns for the upcoming 2025-26 winter sports seasons. Girls and boys basketball divisions are the only new assignments compared to last season, as those two sports are subject to the OHSAA’s competitive balance process and recalculate divisions every season.

Divisional breakdowns remain the same next season for swimming, bowling and boys wrestling, which do not utilize competitive balance and will be in the second year of the two-year base enrollment cycle. Gymnastics, ice hockey and girls wrestling have one division.

Divisional breakdowns for the fall sports were announced on April 27 and May 1.

More about the OHSAA’s competitive balance process is available at: https://www.ohsaa.org/School-Resources/Competitive-Balance-Resource-Center

 

Girls Basketball

   2025-26 Divisional Breakdowns: https://www.ohsaa.org/Sports-Tournaments/Basketball-Girls/Girls-Basketball-2025-26

   Girls Basketball Home: https://www.ohsaa.org/sports/girlsbasketball

Boys Basketball

   2025-26 Divisional Breakdowns: https://www.ohsaa.org/Sports-Tournaments/Basketball-Boys/Boys-Basketball-2025-26

   Boys Basketball Home: https://www.ohsaa.org/sports/boysbasketball

Boys Wrestling 2025-26 Divisional Breakdowns: https://www.ohsaa.org/sports/wrestling

Swimming and Diving 2025-26 Divisional Breakdowns (same as 2024-25): https://www.ohsaa.org/sports/swimming

Bowling 2025-26 Divisional Breakdowns (same as 2024-25): https://www.ohsaa.org/sports/bowling

Sheriff’s Office Seeking Volunteers For Suicide Awareness Run

(From the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office)

Join us for the 5K Foot Pursuit – In Pursuit of Suicide Awareness on Sunday, September 7th at 9:00 AM at Liberty-Benton High School!

Co-Hosted by the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office Peer Support Team and the Crime Prevention Association of Findlay/Hancock County. This event raises awareness for suicide prevention and supports mental wellness in our community.

Want to help? We’re looking for volunteers to assist with setup, water stations, and other various areas!

Click below to sign up!

Special Olympics Athletes Recognized At BVC Board Meeting

(From Blanchard Valley Center)

At tonight’s board meeting, the Board recognized the Special Olympics athletes for their achievements at the State Summer Games.

They also extended their appreciation to the volunteers and coaches who dedicate their time throughout the year.

Congratulations to all athletes!

Bocce

Kyle Fruth & Dakota Bower – Gold

Kay Green & Jeannette Smith – Silver

Cypress Moneer – Silver

Bocce Coaches: Loren Charles, Lexi Charles, & Dave Charles

 

Powerlifting

Brandon Heldman – Bronze

Xander Whitaker – Gold

Brandon Koch – 6th place

Powerlifting Coaches: Emma Kristofferson, Kristofer Kristofferson, & Timothy Lemire

 

Track & Field

Andrew Austin – 100m Run – Silver; Softball Toss – Bronze

Hope Babb – 100m Run – 5th place; Long Jump – Bronze

Sara Bower – 50m Run – Silver; Softball Toss – Silver

Michael Brooks – 100m Run – 7th place; Mini Jav – 6th place; 4×100 Relay – Bronze

Ethan Cooper – Pentathlon – Gold; High Jump – 1st; 400m Run – 1st; Shot Put – 2nd; Running Long Jump – 1st; 100m Run – 1st; 4×100 Relay – Bronze

Amanda Gillen – 50m Dash – Bronze; Softball Toss – Bronze

Wally Kintner – 100m Dash – Bronze; Shot Put – 4th place; 4×100 Relay – Bronze

Jude Kiser – 100m Dash – 4th place; Mini Jav – Silver

Alex LeVeck – 100m Run – Gold; Softball Toss – 5th place

Trevor Mahler – 50m Run – 7th place; Softball Toss – Bronze

Samantha Milum – Long Jump – Bronze; Softball Toss – Gold

Ryley Sherick – 100m Dash – 7th place; Mini Jav – 4th place

Cody Stahl – 100m Run – Gold; Mini Jav – 4th place

Caleb Tong – 100m Run – Bronze; Shot Put – 4th place; 4×100 Relay – Bronze

Aleiah Warnement – 100m Run – Bronze; Long Jump – Silver

Track & Field Coaches: Ray & Mandy Henley, Austin Cornette, Destiny Kirkland, and Lauren Warnement

Findlay Civic Concert Band Putting On Patriotic Show

(From the Findlay Civic Concert Band)

We love this country and can’t wait for you to join us as we offer “A Salute to America” from the Dudley Bandshell on Wednesday, June 25 at 7pm!

This is the perfect way to get in the patriotic spirit, to thank our veterans, and to wear your RED, WHITE, and BLUE! This FREE concert is family-friendly and sure to be a fun time for all ages.

Thanks to our season sponsors, Coldwell Banker Flag City, Flag City Mobile Veterinary Clinic, St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, Marathon Center for the Performing Arts, University of Findlay, and the one who has been with us since day one in 1951… 1330 WFIN!

Learn more about the band, including how you can support us at findlaycivicband.com

WFIN – (Each week’s concert of the Riverside Civic Concert Series will be aired Sunday morning at 11 on 1330, WFIN, 95-five FM and WFIN.com. presented by Coldwell Banker/Flag City)

You can also visit the WFIN Music Audio Archive, presented by Coldwell Banker/Flag City and listen to a podcast of each concert, plus past years concerts as well. (click on the “Community” link and search “Riverside Concerts”)

Camp 911 Interactive Safety Camp Being Held in Findlay

Camp 911 is being held this week in Findlay.

The fun and interactive safety camp is for Hancock County kids entering kindergarten and is led by local first responders.

At the camp, kids learn essential safety skills, meet real-life heroes, and enjoy hands-on activities.

Beth Baker with the Findlay Fire Department explains the wide range of activities the kids will take part in. 

When we stopped by on Monday some folks from the Family Resource Center were reading a book called ‘Kind Ninja’ and talking with the kids about ways to show kindness.

In the picture below, each time they hit the balloon back up into the air they had to say something kind.

Camp 911 is a joint effort led by local emergency response agencies, including Hanco, Findlay Fire and Police Departments, the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office, and Hancock Public Health.

 

Liberty-Benton ‘Passing The Torch’ Ceremony

(From Liberty-Benton Local Schools)

Looking back on a special moment from May 23rd…

For the first time, Liberty-Benton held a “Passing the Torch” ceremony, bringing together our graduating seniors and kindergarten students on the football field. Each senior gifted a small graduation bear to a kindergartner as they met at the center of the field—a symbolic and heartwarming exchange between the oldest and youngest members of our school community.

After a group photo, the seniors walked hand in hand with their kindergarten buddy for a memorable “clap out” through the PreK–8 building.

Don’t miss the drone footage of this unforgettable day: https://youtu.be/AZrNd78us1I

Opportunity To Speak With Commissioners One-On-One

The Hancock County Commissioners are providing a community outreach program this summer called “Town & Country Tuesdays” where each commissioner will be spending time each Tuesday at various local eateries and village parks throughout Findlay and Hancock County.

“Think of it as an informal town hall one-on-one casual meeting with individual commissioners,” said Commissioner Tim Bechtol. 

The schedule for each month will be posted on the commissioners’ website and the remainder of the June schedule and the full July schedule can be seen below.

  • June 24th
    • Commissioner Bechtol @ Dietsch Brothers (W. Main Cross St.) – 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • July 1st 

    • Commissioner Hunker@ Jac & Dos (Arlington) – 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
  • July 8th
    • Commissioner Bechtol @ Village of Arcadia Community Center – 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
  • July 15th
    • Commissioner Bechtol @ Mt. Blanchard Gazebo in Hurricane Park – 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
    • Commissioner Hunker @ Culvers – 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
  • July 22nd 
    • Commissioner Bateson @ Wildcat Cafe (Vanlue) – 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
    • Commissioner Bechtol @ HATS Ridealong – 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
    • Commissioner Hunker @ City BBQ – 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
  • July 29th 
    • Commissioner Hunker @ Tim Hortons (Tiffin Avenue) – 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
    • Commissioner Bateson @ Scramblers – 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
    • Commissioner Bechtol @ Lee’s Chicken – 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.