Category Archives: Local News

Fallen Officers Honored During National Police Week

(From Tiffin Police Chief David Pauly)

Each May, communities across the United States come together to honor the courage, service, and ultimate sacrifice of the men and women in law enforcement who gave their lives in the line of duty. National Police Week is a time to reflect, to grieve, and to stand with the families, friends, and fellow officers who carry the weight of their loss every day.

This year, 345 names of fallen U.S. law enforcement officers will be engraved on the walls of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. These include officers lost in 2024 as well as others from past years whose stories have only recently come to light. With these additions, the Memorial will now bear the names of 24,412 heroes from across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, and federal, campus, and military agencies.

The Tiffin Police Department is honored to send Officer Shawn Vallery and Detective Eric England to represent our department during this solemn week of remembrance in our nation’s capital. They will stand in support of those who have fallen and those who continue to serve with bravery and dedication.

The names of all 345 fallen officers will be formally dedicated during the 37th Annual Candlelight Vigil on the National Mall at 8:00 p.m. on May 13, 2025. If you’d like to watch, and I would encourage you to do so if you’ve never taken part in this moving tribute visit:

https://nleomf.org/…/national-police…/candlelight-vigil/

As we pause to remember our fallen brothers and sisters, let us also recommit ourselves to the values they upheld—service, courage, and selfless devotion to others. Their memory guides us every day.

Chief David Pauly

Driver Arrested After Short Pursuit

(From the Findlay Police Department)

On 5-11-2025 at approximately 0809 hrs, an officer with the Findlay Police Department observed a silver Chrysler 300 traveling N/B on Grand Avenue, and the operator clearly disobey a posted stop sign on Grand Avenue at E. Lincoln Street, and continue N/B accelerating rapidly.

The suspect turned westbound onto E. Hardin Street. The officer initiated a traffic stop and subsequent vehicle pursuit, as the suspect disobeyed the 4-way regulated stop sign at E. Hardin Street and East Street, turning southbound.

The suspect drove into the YMCA drop off lane on the west side of the building, before driving back into the intersection, westbound on E. Lincoln Street.

The suspect turned south on Beech Avenue, made a loop around the State Bank in the parking lot, back south onto Beech Avenue.

The suspect then pulled into an alley and stopped in a parking lot behind 714 Beech Avenue, where he gave up without resistance.

The pursuit lasted approximately 1 minute and was about 0.47 miles in length.

The suspect was identified as Samuel Hilkert.

He was arrested for Fleeing and Eluding (felony of the 4th degree) and Operating a Vehicle while under the Influence.

Samuel has been incarcerated at the Hancock County Justice Center on these charges.

State Route 37 Reopens After Completion Of Safety Project

Some drivers will no longer have to take a detour now that a road has reopened.

The Ohio Department of Transportation reopened State Route 37 between County Road 180 and State Route 15 on Friday.

The roadway closed on March 31 for a safety project to widen the road, add rumble strips, and install new guardrails.

The reopening of the roadway comes ahead of the May 15th closure of a stretch of State Route 568 for bridge repairs. Get more details on that by clicking here.

Community Open House Held For BVHS’s Wellness Park Campus

(From Blanchard Valley Health System)

Blanchard Valley Health System (BVHS) recently held a Community Open House for Wellness Park, a modern healthcare campus designed to meet the region’s growing health needs and support the local economy through enhanced access to essential care services. While the new facility opened at the beginning of the year, this special event served as its official launch.

Located on Wellness Way in Findlay, just off County Road 99 and adjacent to I-75, Wellness Park represents a significant investment in the health and vitality of Northwest Ohio. Developed in response to direct community feedback, the facility addresses a critical need for improved access to primary care and orthopedic services. These areas of care are often the first point of contact for patients, and the ability to offer timely, comprehensive treatment is key to supporting both individual wellness and the broader business community.

“Wellness Park is the region’s gateway for primary and orthopedic care,” said Myron D. Lewis, MSW, MBA, FACHE, President and Chief Executive Officer of BVHS. “Our philosophy on this campus is a focus on wellness and healing. This patient-centered campus is committed to the highest level of care, supported by a connected care network of medical experts.”

Wellness Park combines a wide range of services, including primary care, pediatrics, endocrinology, diabetes management, rheumatology, orthopedics, podiatry, sports medicine, pediatric rehabilitation, and physical, occupational, and speech therapy. The campus also offers diagnostic tools such as X-ray, EKG, and laboratory testing on-site for added convenience and continuity of care.

The Julie A. Cole Rehab & Sports Medicine Center has expanded within Wellness Park to include a fully equipped gym and a specially designed pediatric rehab space supporting physical, occupational, speech, and behavioral health services. These additions reflect BVHS’s commitment to supporting patients of all ages and abilities in their health journeys.

Attendees also heard inspiring remarks from Mayor Christina Muryn, generous donors, and representatives from local businesses, all of whom spoke to the value this facility brings to the health and economic future of the region.

“Wellness Park ensures that our employers and their teams have access to exceptional healthcare close to home,” said John Quaid, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer of Marathon Petroleum Corporation. “By eliminating the need for long-distance travel, it supports a healthier workforce and reinforces our commitment to employee well-being and local investment.”

With practitioners from several specialties collaborating in one centralized location, Wellness Park makes it easier for patients to receive coordinated, high-quality care. The facility enhances the BVHS mission of “Caring for a lifetime.”

Wellness Park is now scheduling appointments for both primary and specialty care services. This innovative campus offers convenient access with same-day appointments available for orthopedics and same-week appointments for primary care. To book your visit, call 1.833.509.9355.

For more information about the services available at Wellness Park, visit bvhealthsystem.org/wellness.

New Exhibit Celebrates Legacy Of Miller’s Luncheonette

The Hancock Historical Museum has unveiled a new exhibit celebrating the legacy of Miller’s Luncheonette.

Museum-goers are likely aware that the iconic Miller’s Eat neon sign has been on display in the museum for years, and now a new exhibit features a replica of the diner’s bar, information about the diner’s history, and artifacts from the popular local eatery.

The museum thanks Jeff and Diana Salisbury who funded the exhibit and Millstream Career Center students who helped with the design and build of the exhibit.

Take a walk down memory lane by stopping by the Hancock Historical Museum at 422 West Sandusky Street in Findlay to check out the exhibit or watch the video below.

OSHP: Drivers And Motorcyclists Need To Share the Road

(From the Ohio State Highway Patrol)

As temperatures rise and an increased number of motorcycles are traveling on our roadways, the Ohio State Highway Patrol is reminding drivers and motorcyclists to share the road, be alert and driver sober.

While riding a motorcycle may be considered one of the more enjoyable modes of transportation, it is also one of the riskier ways to travel if not done properly. Not only does operating a motorcycle require more physical strength than a standard passenger vehicle, but they also lack a protective structure, offering the rider little to no protection in a crash. That is why it’s important for both motorcycle riders and other drivers to do their part in promoting safety on roadways across Ohio.

“Motorcycle safety is the responsibility of everyone traveling in and through Ohio,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “All motorists should always be aware of their surroundings, practice safe driving behaviors, and share the roadway.”

For the motorcycle rider, taking a training class, wearing safety equipment and riding with the proper endorsements will help protect yourself and others. Remember, Ohio law requires helmets for riders under the age of 18 and for those with less than one year of motorcycle experience. Motorcycle passengers must also wear helmets when the driver is required to do so.

Safe driving practices and cooperation from all drivers on the road is essential to assisting in the reduction of fatal crashes involving motorcycles. According to Patrol statistics, there were 20,015 motorcycle-involved crashes on Ohio roadways over the last five years. A total of 1,074 of those crashes were fatal, resulting in the deaths of 1,099 motorcyclists and 12 others.

“Every crash we prevent is a life potentially saved,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent. “With warmer weather bringing more motorcycles to Ohio’s roads, every driver and rider must slow down, stay alert and commit to safe decisions.”  

It’s important for drivers to be aware of the safety challenges faced by motorcyclists, such as size and visibility. The Patrol is asking drivers to do their part by sharing the roadway and being on the lookout for motorcycles.

For more information on how to operate a motorcycle safely, as well as rider courses for new, intermediate and advanced riders, visit https://motorcycle.ohio.gov/.

As always, the public is encouraged to safely call #677 to report reckless or impaired drivers and drug activity.

ADAMHS Board Seeking Community Members Interested In Serving

(From Hancock County ADAMHS)

The Hancock County Board of Alcohol, Drug Addiction & Mental Health Services currently has two openings on the Board.

The Board is seeking Hancock County residents who are interested in serving on the Board, particularly an individual in recovery from substance use as well as an individual who is a family member of a person who has received substance use services.

Anyone interested or has recommendations is asked to contact Precia Stuby, Executive Director

pstuby@yourpathtohealth.org

Highway Patrol Investigating Fatal Crash

(From the Ohio State Highway Patrol)

The Norwalk Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a single vehicle, fatal traffic crash that occurred on May 9th, 2025, at approximately 5:54 in the morning. The crash occurred on State Route 635, just south of County Road 38 in Hopewell Township, Seneca County.

Unit #1, a white 2016 Chevrolet Malibu, operated by Glynn D. Evans II, age 29, of Bettsville, OH, was south bound on State Route 635, failed to negotiate a curve in the roadway, traveled off the right side of the road, struck a ditch and a concrete culvert. Mr. Evans sustained fatal injuries as a result of the crash and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Mr. Evans was not wearing his safety belt at the time of the crash.

At this time, the crash remains under further investigation.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted at the scene by the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office, Bascom Joint Fire and EMS, John’s Welding and Towing, and the Seneca County Coroner’s Office.

Police Department Receives Hand-Crafted Sleeping Mats

(From the Tiffin Police Department)

The Tiffin Police Department was honored to receive several hand-crafted sleeping mats from the wonderful ladies at Faith United Methodist Church. These mats are made from “plarn”—a clever and eco-friendly yarn made by repurposing plastic grocery bags from places like Kroger and Walmart!

Since last September, Terri Simons-Everhart, Linda Cantley, Micki Tusing, Beth Weber, and others have dedicated time each week weaving these mats by hand. The looms they use were built by Beth’s husband! Each mat takes about 20 hours to complete and is designed to provide a clean, dry barrier for those who are homeless or simply in need of temporary sleeping arrangements.

We’re proud to help get these mats into the hands of those who need them most. In addition to TPD, the Salvation Army and Sharing Kitchen at St. Paul’s UMC have also received donations to distribute.

I even got a chance to try my hand at weaving a few rows—thank you, ladies, for the tutorial and for your amazing generosity.

Thank you to Faith United Methodist Church for your compassion, creativity, and commitment to our community. The Tiffin Police Department is grateful and will ensure these mats make a difference.

Chief Pauly

Health Department Offering Postpartum Support Class

(From Hancock Public Health)

We’re launching a Postpartum Support Class: “The Nest” for all new families! This free program offers guidance on **safe sleep, car seat safety checks, lactation support, postpartum depression awareness, blood pressure monitoring, baby weight checks, and a welcoming space for new parents to connect.

Every other second Monday of the month
March 10, May 12, July 14, September 8, and November 10
Hancock Public Health
2225 Keith Pkw Findlay OH 45840
10:00 am to Noon

Join us for expert support, helpful resources, and a community that cares. 

Tag a new parent who could benefit!