Category Archives: Local News

Local Community Leaders Recognized By ’20 Under 40 Toledo’

Three people from Findlay have received recognition from 20 Under 40 Toledo.

Each year, the organization recognizes young community leaders with the 20 Under 40 Award.

“Showcasing twenty leaders—all under the age of 40—the program recognizes individuals who have distinguished themselves in our community. In turn, 20 Under 40 intends to motivate other young leaders throughout Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan.”

The three Findlay individuals recognized are: Kaleb Jai Harrison Brown -United Way of Hancock County/ University of Findlay, Emily Wolfe – CosmoProf Beauty/Cookies for the Cure, and Catherine Kisserberth – Hancock Federal Credit Union.

Jessica Hinks, a senior wealth advisor at Hixon Zuercher Capital Management in Findlay, was also nominated.  

The full list of recipients is below.

Chris Aldrich-Toledo Aerial Media

Shayla Bell Moriarty-Toledo Zoo

Kaleb Jai Harrison Brown-United Way of Hancock County/ University of Findlay

Lucas Camuso-Stall- Toledo Lucas County Public Library

Scott Cooper-CelSian Glass USA

Jeffrey Dennis- City of Bowling Green

Kenny Farrar- Yellow Beet

Andrea Gwyn- Mercy Health St. Anne Hospital/Sylvania Medical Center

Catherine Kisserberth- Hancock Federal Credit Union

Jennifer Kurtovic- Eastern Maumee Bay Chamber of Commerce

Adam Motycka- University of Toledo

Robert C. Pasker III- Pasker Real Estate

Lance Self- Taylor Automotive Family

Stephanie Shackelford- Lucas County Land Bank

Laura Simmons-Wark- Humane Ohio

Jennifer Strauss- Nationwide Children’s Hospital Toledo

Anna Toney- Leadership Toledo

Peter Winovich- Wilcox Financial

Emily Wolfe- CosmoProf Beauty/Cookies for the Cure

Will Yenrick- ProMedica

Findlay Hiring New Human Resources Director

(From the City of Findlay)

Mayor Christina Muryn is sad to announce that Don Essex, Human Resources Director will be leaving the City of Findlay team effective November 13, 2024.

Don has been serving the City of Findlay since 2014. Don has accepted a new position in Upper Arlington, Ohio.

“I am very sad to lose Don but know that this is the right decision for him. Don has been an immeasurable asset to myself and the entire community. He has been extremely engaged on boards, committees, a sounding board for challenges, and a steady voice for the City of Findlay Administration. On behalf of the City of Findlay team, I thank him for his service and wish him nothing but the best in this new adventure,” said Mayor Christina Muryn.

Prior to joining the City of Findlay team Don served as a HR Generalist in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Don is an Air Force Veteran and is passionate about personal health, building strong communities, and treating others with dignity and respect.

“Working for the City of Findlay, and being a part of the Findlay community, has been a great experience. I feel that we have the best public servants and a community that keeps getting better and better. I am truly thankful for the opportunity I’ve had to be a part of both” said Essex.

The search for Mr. Essex’s replacement is already underway with a job posting already available.

Mayor Muryn hopes to have a replacement hired by early 2025.

Man Sentenced To Life In Prison For Baby’s Death

(WTOL-11) – A man convicted of kidnapping and murdering a baby last year will go to prison for life without parole.

Jonathan Baker was convicted of murder of a 7-month-old from North Baltimore.

Baker kidnapped the baby in June 2023 after a fight with her mother whom he was dating.

Baker took off and led police on a chase through Tiffin where he was caught after crashing into a home.

An autopsy showed the baby had been shot twice.

‘Dark Money’ Groups Pouring Money Into Ohio U.S. Senate Race

(ONN) – The U.S. Senate race in Ohio between Democratic incumbent Sherrod Brown and Republican challenger Bernie Moreno is the most expensive race in the country and could determine the Senate balance of power.

According to Columbus based Ad Tracker media buying, Republican spending for Moreno in October has far outpaced Democratic spending for Brown’s campaign.

Finance analyst Sarah Bryner from the nonprofit Open Secrets says much of the outside money in the race is coming from dark money groups where we don’t know where the money is coming from.

“The candidates might know, the political groups involved certainly know. We don’t know then who the politician who is elected is ultimately accountable to.”

Veterans Invited To Annual Program Put On In Their Honor

The students at Findlay’s Chamberlin Hill Elementary will honor local Veterans during their 27th Annual Veterans Day Program on Friday, November 8.

The school reminds the public that, due to space limitations, the program is for Veterans and their guests only.

The doors will open at 9:30 a.m. and the student program featuring patriotic songs and performances will begin at 10:15 a.m.

Lunch will be served at 11:30.

Information to RSVP can be found on the flyer below a video from last year that you can see below.

Chamberlin Hill Elementary is located at 600 West Yates Avenue.

Veteran’s Day is on Monday, November 11. 

Findlay Police Chief Issues Statement On Fatal Officer-Involved Shooting

(From Findlay Police Chief James Mathias)

On October 28, 2024 at 1828 hrs. Officers were dispatched to Bernard Park (1105 Bernard Ave.) for a report of three juveniles consuming alcoholic beverages. Officers arrived and located the three juveniles at the park. During the investigation, a male suspect fled on foot and an officer pursued.  During the foot pursuit, a male juvenile suspect discharged a firearm at the pursing officer. The pursuing officer returned fire, striking the juvenile suspect. Officers on scene immediately rendered first aid. The juvenile suspect was transported to Blanchard Valley Hospital and later to a Toledo area hospital. The juvenile suspect has been pronounced deceased on October 29, 2024.  The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation was contacted and is leading the investigation. 

This was a dangerous and tragic situation.  Our officers are trained to respond to threats of violence, especially when a gun was involved.  A handgun was recovered on scene.  My thoughts and prayers go out to all that were part of this critical incident as a department and also the loss of a life 

We are aware of the comments, assumptions and misinformation on social media and we will be releasing information as it becomes available.  We are working closely with the Hancock County Prosecutor’s Office and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation on releasing redacted information in the near future regarding Axon Body Worn Camera footage.        

James Mathias 

Chief of Police 

Findlay Police Department 

Author Fest Being Held At Findlay-Hancock County Public Library

(From the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library)

Celebrate Local Authors at the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library.

Join us for our 9th annual local Author Fest for a chance to meet, mingle with, and celebrate authors in your community! This year, we’re a stop on the ArtWalk, with books available for sale and signing.

The event takes place Friday, November 1, 2024 from 5:30 p.m. -8:00 p.m. at the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library. This year, 20 local authors/illustrators are joining us, representing a wide range of genres.

There will also be a book sale in the lower level of the library sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

The Author Fest provides an opportunity for the reading community to discuss new titles and support local authors. For a complete list of authors, please go to www.findlaylibrary.org/events and click on the event for more information.

Highway Patrol Holding Regional Testing For Prospective Applicants

(From the Ohio State Highway Patrol)

On November 7, the Ohio State Highway Patrol will host regional testing for prospective applicants on the campus of Ohio Northern University at the King-Horn Convocation Physical Education Center, located at 609 W. Lincoln Ave. in Ada.

Those interested in employment with the Patrol can come to the King-Horn Convocation Physical Education Center at 9 a.m., where they will have the ability to talk with troopers about a career of service in our communities and on Ohio roadways. Those who meet the basic requirements to be a trooper – age 20 to 39, U.S. citizen, high school diploma or GED, and a valid driver license – will have the opportunity to complete an application and a written test during the event. If the written test is passed, applicants can proceed and take the physical fitness assessment on the spot. Prospective applicants should arrive in appropriate business attire with identification and bring physical fitness clothing with them. This regional testing opportunity gives prospective applicants a chance to quickly complete the first few steps of the application process, bringing them closer to their goal of being a trooper.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol employs highly motivated and well-trained professionals who are committed to providing quality service to those who live, visit and do business in Ohio. If you are looking to make a difference in your community, becoming a trooper is the right career for you!

The Patrol is accepting applications for our next Academy Class. If you can’t make it on November 7, or want more details on the requirements or application process, call 1-866-TROOPER, scan the QR code below, or click here to start your journey with the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

Veterans Empowerment Fall Fair

The upcoming Veterans Empowerment Fall Fair provides an opportunity for area Veterans and their families and friends to learn about local resources, helpful organizations, and employment opportunities.

The event will be held on Saturday, November 2 on the campus of Owens Community College from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Community Education & Wellness Center.

A range of resource organizations will have information booths with representatives available to tell visitors about their programs in areas ranging from wellness and finances to home/environment, growth, and life resources.

The Veterans Empowerment Fall Fair is open to the public. Free lunch will be provided.

For more information, visit hancockveterans.com or call 419-424-7036.

Opening Of New Findlay Roundabout Pushed Back A Few Days

The new roundabout near U.S. 68 and S.R. 15 on the south side of Findlay is almost finished.

The Ohio Department of Transportation says the roundabout is expected to open on Monday, November 4. (see pics and video below)

ODOT originally expected it to open on Friday, November 1. 

Construction began on August 19. 

ODOT’s Cheri Newton explains how the project came about.

ODOT says the project was needed because Township Roads 49 and 77, which provide access to U.S. 68, will be removed as part of the Eagle Creek Dry Storage Basin project, one of the projects included in the Flood-Risk Reduction Program currently underway by Hancock County and the Maumee Watershed Conservancy District. 

The project will:

-Remove the current U.S. 68 exit ramp from State Route 15 eastbound.

-Connect Township Road 80 to the ramp to provide access to U.S. 68.

-Construct a new U.S. 68 exit ramp from State Route 15 eastbound.

-Construct a roundabout at the intersection of U.S. 68, the new U.S. 68 exit ramp, and the eastbound State Route 15 entrance ramp.