(ONN) – The State of Ohio may have violated the separation of church and state by using public money to build or fix religious schools.

The First Amendment established the separation of church and state in the United States.

Now, Americans United for Separation of Church and State are investigating the state of Ohio.

The group alleges that the state misused public funds from its capital budget to build or remodel parochial and private schools.

In Richland County, Mansfield Christian received the largest grant of $1.5 million.

Nine other schools received a total of over 4 million dollars.

The group says that public funds belong in public schools and cites many projects in need of funding.

Two popular events that people both young and old look forward to each year are coming up later in October; the Cops and Kids Findlay Halloween Parade and Findlay’s Trick-or-Treat.

Trick-or-Treat will be held on Saturday, October 26, 2024, from 6 to 8 p.m.

The Cops and Kids Findlay Halloween Parade is scheduled for Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at 7 p.m.

The parade is organized through the Fort Findlay Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 20.

See some video from last year’s parade below.

(From Hancock County 4-H)

Hancock County 4-H’s impressive 2024 year comes to a close, marked by the Celebration of 4-H on October 15.

 The 2024 year saw 609 4-H youth participating in 1081 projects, as well as 101 Cloverbuds.  Still projects, or non-livestock projects, were displayed during the Hancock County Fair in the Youth Pavilion.  This year saw 774 livestock projects shown by 4-H youth at this year’s fair.

Highlights of the year included 79 youth representing Hancock County at the state fair, with four taking home the Clock Trophy, receiving first place in their project in the state, and 12 Outstanding of the Day designations.  Clock Trophy recipients included Bristol Brunswick (Basic Archery, Jr.), Olivia Coutinho (First Aid in Action, Sr.), Hannah Deiter (Seeing Through Graphic Design), and Grayson Karhoff (Sports Nutrition Read Set Go, Jr.).

4-H youth enroll in projects in the spring and work on still projects through judging in July, while livestock projects culminate at the fair over Labor Day.  However, 4-H is more than just projects.  Youth complete service projects both individually and with their clubs, as well as have the option to take part in a county-wide bottle cap and plastic lid collection project to supply the fairgrounds with recycled plastic benches.  4-H Youth also have the option to attend 4-H Camp Ohio in late June.  This 5-day sleepaway camp saw 131 campers and 31 teen counselors.  Campers highlighted daily sessions and opportunities to take part in outposting, a high ropes course, shooting sports, crafts and nightly campfire.

Accomplishments from this year will be commemorated at this year’s Celebration of 4-H, held at the Old Millstream Building at the Hancock County Fairgrounds on October 15 beginning at 7 p.m.  This year’s Judge’s Choice winners will be recognized, Outstanding 4-Her and Danforth “I Dare You” award winners, Scholarships, county awards, 4-H graduates, Individual Honor Awards, and a variety of Club awards. 

Registration for the 2025 4-H year will begin in November.  Those interested in joining 4-H may contact the OSU Extension Office at 419-422-3851 for questions or interest, and learn more at hancock.osu.edu.

4-H is a community of young people across America who are learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills as they work in partnership with adult advisors.  Youth learn by doing projects that are designed to fit their needs at different ages.  With a variety of projects ranging from STEAM-focused projects, clothing and sewing, nutrition and fitness, forestry and archery, and more, 4-H gives children and teens opportunities to learn life skills, to practice them, and become confident in their ability to use them in the future.

(From the Hancock County Veterans Service Office)

The Hancock County Veterans Service Office and 50 North would like to invite the community to attend an informative session about services offered to veterans, veteran spouses, adult children of veterans, caregivers and surviving spouses. We will also have a representative from the new VA Medical Center open in Findlay.

What benefits are available for you and how do you take advantage of those benefits will be just one of the topics discussed. You will have an opportunity to ask questions and get answers from our local Veterans Service Office. All of our employees have served and understand the unique needs of veterans and their families and caregivers.

We hope you will join us for this informative event on Friday, October 11th beginning at 10am at 50 North, located at 339 East Melrose Avenue in Findlay. This is a free event. Pre-registration is required by contacting 50 North at 419.423.8496

Project HOPE’s annual Trick-or-Treat on Horseback fundraiser is coming up.

It will be held on two weekends; October 19 and 20, and on the 26th and 27th at 6645 Township Road 215, east of Findlay.

Project HOPE (Horses Opening People’s Eyes) is a nonprofit organization offering equine-assisted therapy.

The organization uses horses to help people dealing with emotional and behavioral challenges.

Learn more about the organization by clicking here, and sign up for the Trick-or-Treat on Horseback by clicking here.  

Early voting for the November 5^th election began on Tuesday, October 8^th.

In-person absentee early voting hours at the Hancock County Board of Elections in Findlay are as follows:

October 8 thru 11 – 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

October 15 thru 18 – 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

October 21 thru 25 – 8:00 am to 6:00 pm

October 26 – 8:00 am to 4:00 pm

October 27 – 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm

October 28 – 7:30 am to 7:30 pm

October 29 – 7:30 am to 8:30 pm (absentee ballot application deadline – last day to mail absentee ballot)

October 30 thru November 1 – 7:30 am to 7:30 pm

November 2 – 8:00 am to 4:00 pm

November 3 – 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm

A few of the races and issues voters will decide on include the race for the Ohio House of Representatives 83^rd District seat between Republican Ty Mathews and Democrat Sheila Coressel, the race for Hancock County Common Pleas Court Judge between Phil Riegle and Alex Treece, and Issue 1 which would ban gerrymandering and create a commission of citizens to create the state’s political maps instead of politicians.

Findlay City Schools is putting a 1 percent earned income tax levy on the ballot.

Click here for a full list of issues and races in Hancock County, here for Putnam County, and click here for the Ohio Secretary of State’s website.

(From the Tiffin Police Department)

The Tiffin Police Recruitment Team has been working hard to connect with potential candidates for the position of police officer.

Recently, Detective Justin Nowak and other members of the team visited Terra State Community College to meet with students from their law enforcement program.

They spoke about the exciting opportunities, the positive culture, and the specialized assignments available at the Tiffin Police Department.

If you’re interested in a rewarding career in law enforcement, reach out to us for more information at 419-447-2323 or apply at tiffinohio.gov.

We’re accepting applications from both lateral transfers and new recruits.

Thanks. Chief Pauly

(From Hancock Public Health)

Hancock County Online Community Member Survey!

We are excited to present this survey to you.

This survey will help us collect data for developing the 2026-2028 Hancock County Community Health Assessment, a process conducted every 3 years.

Below is the survey link and QR code {available in English and Spanish (Espanol), all in one link and QR code} and information as well as posters that can be circulated to the community.

SurveyMonkey Link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HancockCounty

(From the City of Findlay)

This family-friendly event on Saturday, October 19 put on by the Findlay Fire Department offers an opportunity to:

• Tour the newly opened STRICT Center, a state-of-the-art training facility designed to enhance the preparedness and collaboration of all first responders in the Findlay and Hancock County area.
• Meet and talk with local firefighters, who will share insights about their work and discuss fire safety practices.
• Learn valuable fire safety tips to help keep your family and home safe.

We encourage everyone to come out and explore the STRICT Training Center and Fire Station 4!

(From Bluffton University)

Bluffton University and University of Findlay announced today that following the completion of the proposed merger of the two institutions, Bluffton University will return to its previous name, Bluffton College. 

Approved unanimously by Bluffton University and University of Findlay Board of Trustees, and pending approvals from the Higher Learning Commission, U.S. Department of Education and Ohio Department of Education, the Bluffton campus will be renamed Bluffton College, continuing its peace-church heritage.

Under the umbrella of University of Findlay’s mission to equip students for meaningful lives and productive careers, Bluffton’s current mission will be maintained, and its legacy will continue.  

“No matter if our beloved campus is a ‘college’ or ‘university,’ it will always be distinctively Bluffton,” said Dr. Jane Wood, president of Bluffton University. “Returning to our previous name is another example of the commitment from Findlay to honor our history and heritage.” 

In May 2025, the application for the initial stage of the merger process will be sent to the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), which accredits both universities. Pending a positive review, the first phase of combining Bluffton and Findlay would occur in December 2025 and would be followed by an application for federal approval. At that point, the universities would move into the second phase of the merger process, this timeline is to be determined at a later date.

“For 125 years, Bluffton has nurtured and educated students with care and commitment,  discovery and community, respect and service,” Dr. Wood said. “Bluffton will continue to honor the legacy that’s been built while moving forward into a future of collaboration with University of Findlay.”

Get more details in the video below and by clicking here.