Category Archives: Local News

‘Open Arms’ Recognized With Award At State Conference

(From Open Arms Domestic Violence & Rape Crisis Services)

Open Arms Domestic Violence & Rape Crisis Services is proud to announce that its Mobile Advocacy Services program has been recognized with the Promising Practices Award at the Ohio Attorney General’s Two Days in May Conference on Victim Assistance, held in Columbus, Ohio.

Now in its 33rd year, Two Days in May is an annual statewide conference that brings together nearly 1,000 victim advocates to share best practices, learn about emerging trends, and strengthen the network of support for Ohio’s crime victims. This year’s theme, “Every Step a Victory,” highlighted the importance of progress in the lives of survivors and the critical role advocates play in that journey.

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost addressed the conference, celebrating the ongoing work of victim service providers and recognizing outstanding achievements in the field. Among those honored was Open Arms for its innovative Mobile Advocacy Services—a program designed to meet survivors where they are, offering support, resources, and safety directly in the community.

Since its launch, Mobile Advocacy has already reached 41 individuals in just 17 months, demonstrating immediate and meaningful impact. This flexible and accessible approach allows advocates to remove barriers to support, making it easier for survivors to begin their path to healing.

For more information about Open Arms and its services, visit openarmsfindlay.com.

Newly-Installed Outdoor Warning Sirens To Be Tested

(From the Findlay Police Department)

The City maintains 16 outdoor warning sirens strategically located throughout the community. These sirens are intended to provide an audio alert for individuals who are outdoors and may not have immediate access to other forms of notification such as television, radio, or cell phones.

Recently, the City completed Phase 1 of a two-phase siren replacement project, replacing 8 of the 16 sirens with new upgraded systems. The remaining 8 sirens are fully operational and scheduled for replacement in the future.

Following the installation, 5 of the 8 newly installed sirens inadvertently activated without cause last month. In response, the City’s internal team, along with the contractors responsible for the installation, conducted a thorough evaluation of the equipment and repairs are now completed.

We will be testing the 8 newly installed sirens on Wednesday, May 28th at 10:00 AM to make sure the sirens are running properly.

Please see the below list of sirens to be tested:

Siren 1 Blanchard \ Brookside Dr.

Siren 2 Tiffin Ave \ FFD # 3

Siren 3 N. Main St. \ FFD 2

Siren 4 CR 99 \ Forest Trail

Siren 6 Western Ave \ Joy Ave

Siren 8 CR 140 \ SR 12

Siren 9 Bright Rd \ Bio Life

Siren 16 Longmeadow Ln

Bill Would Make Superman Official Superhero Of Ohio

(ONN) – He’s faster than a speeding bullet and now Ohio lawmakers want to make him a permanent fixture of the Buckeye State.

A bill making its way through the Ohio Statehouse would make Superman the official superhero of Ohio.

Sponsors of the bill say it will help recognize a key centerpiece of Ohio’s cultural history.

Comic book fans will remember that Clark Kent’s roots started right here in our state.

His creators, two high school classmates in Cleveland – Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster introduced Superman to the world in the 1930s.

The new Superman movie was also shot in Cleveland and Cincinnati and comes out this summer.

‘Grief Trails’ Camp Supports Children Who Have Lost A Loved One

(From Blanchard Valley Health System)

“Grief Trails” is happening this July at Challenged Champions Equestrian Center in Ottawa, Ohio.

 Registration for the program is required by Monday, June 2.

This special day camp is designed to support children and teens who have experienced the loss of a loved one.

“Grief Trails” is sponsored by Bridge Home Health & Hospice, a division of Blanchard Valley Health System.

This year’s program will offer two age-specific sessions, one on Monday, July 21, and the other on Monday, July 28.

To learn more about “Grief Trails,” please visit https://bvhs.info/4l74Mtm today.

Police Chief Congratulates Citizen Academy Graduates

(From Tiffin Police Chief David Pauly)

Congratulations to the 2025 Tiffin Citizen Academy Graduates!

On behalf of the entire Tiffin Police Department, I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the latest graduates of the Tiffin Citizen Academy!

Over the past ten weeks, these dedicated community members took time out of their busy lives to step into our world — learning firsthand about the work, challenges, and heart behind the badge.

They experienced everything from patrol procedures and criminal investigations to traffic stops, K-9 demonstrations, dispatch operations, and even use-of-force decision-making.

But more than the hands-on training and behind-the-scenes tours, they built relationships — with our officers, with each other, and with the community we all serve.

Graduates, your curiosity, enthusiasm, respect, and commitment to understanding what we do has not gone unnoticed. You leave this program not just as graduates, but as ambassadors for the Tiffin Police Department — ready to share what you’ve learned, help bridge gaps, and strengthen the bonds between law enforcement and our community.

Thank you for walking beside us. We are proud of each and every one of you!

Chief David Pauly

FCS Students Finalists In National Merit Program

(From Findlay City Schools)

We are thrilled to share that Findlay High School students Daniel Jung and Trista Paige were named Finalists in the National Merit Program!

Only 1% of the nation’s graduating seniors were named Semifinalists, and then Semifinalists must fulfill several further requirements and present a record of the highest academic performance in order to be named a Finalist.

Additionally, Daniel has been announced as a National Merit Scholarship winner, one of 2500 chosen from more than 15,000 outstanding Finalists in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program.

We are so proud that Daniel and Trista belong to Trojan Country. Congratulations!

Findlay’s Memorial Day Parade Coming Up

Findlay’s annual Memorial Day Parade will be held on Monday, May 26.

Bill Johns, President of the Hancock County Veterans Council, hopes to see everyone there.

Bill says the Bridge Ceremony on the Main Street Bridge will happen at 9 a.m. as wreaths will be placed in the Blanchard River in memory of the area’s fallen Veterans.

And then the parade will start at 10 in front of the American Legion on West Front Street.

The parade will make its way to Maple Grove Cemetery where a service will be held at the War Memorial.

Bill says anyone else who wants to participate in the parade is welcome to show up Monday morning and he’ll find a spot for them.

People can also contact Bill at 419-721-7275 with any questions.

Findlay Police Department Participating In ‘Click It Or Ticket’ Campaign

(From the Findlay Police Department)

The Findlay Police Department is participating in the Click It or Ticket campaign from May 19 through June 1, 2025.

Click It or Ticket is a national high-visibility enforcement campaign focusing specifically on the consequences of not wearing a seat belt while urging riders to always buckle up.

Material created for this campaign highlights law enforcement’s goal of encouraging drivers and passengers to wear seat belts and to spread awareness about the increased police presence on our nation’s roads during this period.

No matter what type of vehicle you drive, one of the safest choices drivers and passengers can make is to buckle up.

This is a reminder to all drivers and their passengers of the importance of buckling up and the legal consequences – including fines – for not wearing a seat belt.

Vet Fest Music Festival Seeking Corporate Sponsors, Donors & Volunteers

(From the Hancock County Veterans Service Office)

The Hancock County Veterans Service Office is seeking corporate sponsors, individual donors, and volunteers for the 2025 Flag City Community Vet Fest. 

Those interested should contact Ed Newton at the Hancock County Veterans Service Office by calling 419-424-7036 or at hancockveterans.com. There are more details in the flyer below.

Flag City Community Vet Fest, a production of the Hancock County Veterans Service Office presented by Rate will be happening Saturday, June 14th on Broadway St. in downtown Findlay.

The date is significant not just because it is Flag Day, but it is also the Army’s 250th birthday. It will give us an opportunity to recognize local veterans as well as veteran owned businesses and veteran friendly employers right in Hancock County.

The event is a music festival that will celebrate our veterans. Join us for delicious food from area food trucks, thirst quenching beverages, fun souvenirs, music that will make you get up and dance and the chance to give back to our veterans and our community.

The doors open at 3pm and the event ends at 11pm with a closing and flag lowering ceremony. Music begins at 4pm and will feature 3 bands – Truck Stop Manners, 100 Proof and First to Eleven.

“Vet Fest is about bringing people together. It’s a chance for veterans to connect with each other, but also to say thank you to the community for all the support they’ve shown us over the years,” expressed Ed Newton, Hancock County Veterans Service Office Resiliency Operations Manager. “It goes both ways—we’re honoring those who served, and also recognizing how much it means to have a community that stands behind us. At the end of the day, it’s about connection, gratitude, and having a good time with good people.”

Money raised from the event will benefit Wreaths Across America, veteran housing initiatives and local food pantries. In addition, there will a collection of new toys, still in packaging for our community.

According to Andy Sterling, VetFest Committee Member “Celebrating our local veterans is the best way to show our support. The passion and planning that has gone into this event is sure to highlight the pride Flag City and Hancock County has in our veteran residents”

Sponsorship opportunities are still available at many different levels.

Those interested should contact Ed Newton at the Hancock County Veterans Service Office by calling 419-424-7036 or at hancockveterans.com.