(By Sheri Trusty, Seneca County Sheriff’s Office Public Relations Coordinator)

Seneca County Sheriff Fredrick Stevens, Evidence and Billing Clerk Kacie Parrish, and other Sheriff’s Office staff spent much of Tuesday, July 22, at the Seneca County Fair connecting with local residents, patrolling the grounds, and passing out stickers and small toys to kids. Those connections help the public see the Sheriff’s Office staff for who they are – caring, compassionate law enforcement personnel who want nothing more than to keep the public safe.

Some people get frustrated by traffic tickets because they feel they are being punished for what they perceive as a small offence. But road deputies with the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office frequently respond to tragic automobile accidents and have seen firsthand how high speeds, distracted driving, and failing to wear seatbelts can mean the difference between minor injury and death.

For them, a ticket isn’t a punishment. It’s a reminder to motorists to do the little things that help them get home safely to their families each night.

On Tuesday, Deputy Christopher Potter visited the Seneca County Fair to remind fairgoers about traffic safety. He set up a stand outside the Sheriff’s building and talked to adults and kids about being safe in the car.

Deputy Potter’s project was made possible by an Ohio Traffic Safety Office grant which funded 24 hours of traffic safety education.

“It’s to promote traffic safety, and what better place than the Seneca County Fair?” he said.

Deputy Potter was focusing on the importance of wearing seatbelts. He gave bottles of bubbles and posters to kids who stopped by to hear his safety talk.

“It’s hard to get an adult to put a seatbelt on, but when a kid tells their parent to put it on, they will,” Deputy Potter said. “If we can get to the kids, they’ll pass it along to the parents.”

His talks helped kids understand the importance of wearing a seatbelt.

“It keeps you safe in a car crash,” said eight-year-old Riley King.

Eight-year-old Chelsea Glick thought of another reason she wants to always wear a seatbelt.

“You could fall out,” she said.

The kids that stopped by the booth had fun listening to Deputy Potter’s speech on traffic safety, especially nine-year-old Vaness Glick.

“He’s funny,” Vanessa said.

Findlay and Hancock County are included in a Heat Advisory issued by the National Weather Service.

The Heat Advisory goes from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday.

Heat index values of above 100 degrees are expected.

Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses.

Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.

Take extra precautions when outside. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing.

Try to limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening.

Take action when you see symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Get the latest forecast and weather alerts by clicking here.

(From Liberty-Benton Local Schools)

Our Alumni Spotlight series shines a light on the incredible paths of Liberty-Benton graduates!

From chasing dreams to giving back, our Eagles are soaring beyond the nest. We’re proud to highlight their accomplishments with the LB community.

Have a story to share?

Let us know! https://www.liberty-benton.org/alumni

(From the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library)

The Findlay-Hancock County Public Library will host its 10th annual local author fair (“Author Fest“) on Friday, November 7, 2025 from 5:30pm-8pm in conjunction with Findlay’s Fall ArtWalk. The purpose of this fair is to give Northwest Ohio area authors (and/or illustrators) a chance to share their work with the community. Each author will be provided with one table (approximately 4ft x 2ft) for the presentation and sale of their books. Authors wishing to sell their books to the public must handle all aspects of sales as the library will not be able to provide change.

Application deadline: October 1st, 2025

Please note that application does not ensure acceptance. Books and authors will be accepted at the discretion of FHCPL staff. Authors will be notified of acceptance via email. If accepted, you will be asked to submit an author headshot for marketing purposes. Paper applications are also available at the FHCPL information desk. If you have further questions, you may contact Melody at mflick@findlaylibrary.org or 419-422-0576.

(From the University of Findlay)

University of Findlay Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs, Darin Fields, PhD, has announced plans to step down from his position effective August 1. Fields will remain at the University, joining the English, philosophy, and religious studies department as a professor of English and working in the Institutional Research Office on university-wide initiatives, including academic program review.  

Fields began at University of Findlay as vice president of academic affairs in July 2013. In 2022, he was named executive vice president of academic affairs. Under Fields’ leadership, the university expanded its academic portfolio, adding doctoral programs in occupational therapy and school psychology, master’s degrees in applied security and analytics and professional communication as well as a Bachelor of Science in nursing and an online PharmD pathway.  

During Fields’ tenure, Findlay completed two successful Higher Learning Commission (HLC) reaffirmation reviews and achieved Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) accreditation for the College of Business. Fields helped guide University of Findlay through a comprehensive general education revision and provided key leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic.  

“It has been an extraordinary privilege to serve as VPAA for these past 12 years,” said Fields. “I have cherished the opportunity to lead this amazing faculty and to work with many exceptional executive colleagues. I look forward to returning to the classroom while continuing to utilize my academic leadership experience to serve the University as needed.” 

Prior to coming to Findlay, Fields served as the vice president for academic affairs, dean of the faculty, and Sarah B. Cochran Professor of English at Bethany College in West Virginia.  

Christine Denecker, PhD will step into the role of interim vice president of academic affairs, beginning August 1. Denecker currently serves as associate vice president for learning and innovation and director of University of Findlay’s Center for Teaching Excellence. Denecker also oversees Findlay’s College Credit Plus program (CCP), which, under her leadership, has grown into the largest private concurrent enrollment program in Ohio with more than 2,500 students from across the state.  

A life-long native of northwest Ohio, Denecker joined University of Findlay in 2003 as an English instructor. In her twenty-two years at UF, she earned the rank of professor, taught undergraduate and graduate courses in English and education, served as department chair, guided campus assessment efforts, helped foster the culture of teaching and learning by crafting and facilitating in-house professional development, and contributed to general education reform. Most recently, she was the project lead for the proposed merger between University of Findlay and Bluffton University.  

“University of Findlay has been blessed with exceptional leaders. I am grateful for Fields’ many accomplishments and look forward to working with Denecker as she enters this new role,” said Katherine Fell,  PhD, president of University of Findlay. “UF is beginning a new era but remains committed to our historical mission to prepare students for meaningful lives and productive careers.” 

(From the U.S. Navy Blue Angels)

The Blue Angels selected seven new officers to join the team for the 2026 air show season.

The squadron selected three F/A-18E/F Super Hornet pilots, a C-130J Super Hercules pilot, an Assistant Maintenance Officer, a Supply Officer and a Public Affairs Officer.

The selected 2026 officers include:

F/A-18E/F Demonstration Pilots:

– Lt. Ronny Hafeza, from Redondo Beach, Calif., is currently assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 122. He graduated from the University of Colorado, Boulder, in 2015.

– Lt. Christopher Houben, from Geneva, Ill., is currently assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, in 2017.

– Lt. Cam Schneider, from Thousand Oaks, Calif., is currently assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 122. He graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara, in 2014.

C-130J Demonstration Pilot:

– Capt. Olivia Bair, from Findlay, Ohio, is currently assigned to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 352. She graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2018.

Assistant Maintenance Officer:

– Chief Warrant Officer 3 Jhulem Edejer, from Olongapo City, Philippines, is currently assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 139. He joined the Navy in 2004.

Supply Officer:

– Lt. Garrett Wiedle, from Fredericksburg, Va., is currently assigned to Electronic Attack Wing Pacific. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2019.

Public Affairs Officer:

-1st Lt. Danielle Cribb, from Beaufort, S.C., is currently assigned to Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort. She graduated from The Citadel in 2021.

The Ohio Department of Transportation says the completion of two bridge projects on State Route 568 on the east side of Findlay has been pushed back and the reopening of the roadway delayed.

On May 15^th, State Route 568 closed for approximately 75 days to rehabilitate two bridges:

• Over the Blanchard River between TT 234 and CR 236
• Over Glauner Ditch between CR 236 and CR 237

ODOT originally said the roadway was tentatively scheduled to reopen on or around August 1.

Now, ODOT is eyeing an August 8^th reopening date for State Route 568 and the two bridges.

 ODOT said it planned on overlaying the approach slabs on the bridge over the ditch, but hydro-demolition revealed that they were in worse shape and need a complete replacement.

(From Findlay Firefighters Local 381)

30 Years of Service complete for Badge 1! Yesterday, Saturday July 19, Firefighter Dustin Ruehle completed his final tour with the Findlay Fire Department.

Dustin, Local 381 cannot thank you enough for all you’ve done in your 30 years. From being a great senior man, an outstanding operator, and a great friend, to your everlasting legacy of cancer prevention making Findlay a cancer prevention leader in Ohio and the Midwest!

Your tenacity for health and safety, dedication to your community, and your willingness to go above and beyond will be remembered forever. Coffee is always on and you know where to find us, don’t be a stranger.

Enjoy your well deserved retirement, Brother!

(From Sheetz)

On Friday, July 25, Sheetz, a major Mid-Atlantic restaurant and convenience chain, will officially open its first-ever Findlay store located at 1880 Tiffin Avenue, Findlay, OH 45840.

The grand opening festivities will begin outside the store at 9 a.m. with multiple prizes awarded, including a grand prize giveaway of free Sheetz for a Year.* The store’s official ribbon-cutting ceremony is set for 10:45 a.m. This new location, which opens to the public at 8 a.m., will also welcome customers by offering free self-serve coffee and soda for the entire grand opening day.

This store opening is part of Sheetz’s continued expansion into Findlay as construction also began late last year on Sheetz’s future $169 million distribution and food manufacturing facility in the city. Last month, Sheetz representatives were joined by local, regional and state leaders at the site of this facility to highlight significant construction progress and share key updates on this transformational project. The facility will open next year and is anticipated to create more than 700 jobs over the next 4-5 years.

Led by a mission to take care of people, Sheetz is deeply committed to the communities it serves. In honor of this grand opening, Sheetz will donate $2,500 to West Ohio Food Bank, which provides food to more than 60,000 people annually facing food insecurity across the region. Customers attending the grand opening celebration are encouraged to donate a non-perishable food item to the nonprofit. Those who donate will receive a Sheetz branded thermal bag, limit one per customer while supplies last from 9-11 a.m.

Sheetz will also make a donation of $2,500 to the Special Olympics of Ohio. A proud supporter of the Special Olympics for over 30 years, Sheetz extends its support to the organization through product donations and event volunteers.

Ranking second in the latest Best Workplaces in Retail list by Fortune, this location will employ approximately 30 individuals. In April, Sheetz was also named to Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For®, marking the 10th straight year Sheetz has been named to this prestigious workplace list. Sheetz was the only convenience chain included on this year’s list.

Named a Best Regional Fast Food Chain by USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice travel awards, Sheetz will offer its award-winning Made-to-Order (MTO®) menu at this location where customers can order any of Sheetz’s customized specialty drinks or food items around the clock, including breakfast all day, subs, sandwiches, pizza, chicken, salads, cold brew, milkshakes, smoothies and more.

Sheetz operates 790+ store locations across Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Michigan, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio and Maryland, with all locations open 24/7, 365 days a year.

Discover the Sheetz difference first-hand with a virtual tour inside a Sheetz store, and find out why the Sheetz experience is unmatched. Visit the link to explore.

*Value of $2,500 in a Sheetz gift card; No purchase is necessary to win, must be present to win and over the age of 18 to enter.

(From Blanchard Valley Health System)

With summer in full swing, it’s important to remember the value of using sunscreen, especially on our children. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70. Having five or more sunburns doubles your risk for melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer. By emphasizing the importance of using sunscreen from a young age, we can actively reduce the chance of our children developing skin cancer later in life.

By following a few simple guidelines, you can protect your family from sunburns. Babies under the age of 6 months should avoid direct sunlight. They should be kept in the shade whenever possible. Using an umbrella or a covered stroller is recommended for this purpose. Keeping your children’s skin covered is an easy way to prevent sunburns. Dress them in cool, comfortable, lightweight long sleeves and pants to protect their arms and legs. Use a hat with a wide brim all the way around to protect their face, ears, and neck from burns. Try to limit time outside and sun exposure from the hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. During this time, the sun’s rays are the strongest, and the risk for burns is the highest.

Always use sunscreen when skin is exposed. Select a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays and has a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 to 30. Additionally, you should check that the sunscreen is free of para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA). PABA is a common skin irritant that is sometimes used in sunscreens. For sensitive areas such as the nose, cheeks, tops of the ears and shoulders, using a sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium can be helpful. Sunscreen should be applied 15-30 minutes before sun exposure and should be reapplied every 2 hours and after swimming.

If a sunburn does occur, there are steps you can take to help relieve the discomfort. Giving your child extra fluids, such as water or an electrolyte drink, can help replenish the lost fluids. Applying cool water to the sunburn and using pain relief medication can also help ease the pain. It is essential to keep your child out of the sun until the sunburn has healed. If your child is under the age of 1 and gets a sunburn, or if your child gets a sunburn and experiences blistering, pain, or fever, you should call your child’s medical provider.

While sunburns are common occurrences, especially in sunny climates during the summer months, these painful skin reactions are not without significant risks. Sunburn can lead to various short and long-term health issues, including skin damage and an increased likelihood of developing skin cancer in the future. Therefore, it is absolutely essential for parents and caregivers to protect their child’s delicate skin from the harsh rays of the sun whenever possible.

April Lieb, PA-C

Physician Assistant

Caughman Health Center