(From Hancock County Educational Service Center)

The Hancock County Educational Service Center, Hancock County Sheriff’s Department, and Findlay Police Department are partnering to release The Blue Envelope Program.

This program is to help facilitate communication between drivers on the Autism Spectrum and Law Enforcement and other First Responders during traffic stops and car accidents.

We are pleased to become part of the growing list of departments that are using the Blue Envelope throughout Ohio. 

Positive Impact Drivers will use the envelope to hold the vehicle papers asked for during a traffic stop.

An emergency contact card is included, in case the driver becomes anxious or overwhelmed and is unable to communicate effectively.

The envelope is printed with tips for the Law Enforcement Officer as well as the driver to facilitate communication and help to prevent misunderstandings that could occur due to unique characteristics that are sometimes present in Autism Spectrum Disorder. 

Blue Envelopes will be available for drivers who have an Autism diagnosis by contacting Angie Toland at tolanda@hancockesc.org, 419-422-2575, ext. 212 or by contacting the Hancock Sheriff’s Department or the Findlay Police Department.

(From the Fort Findlay FOP Lodge 20)

Thank You for Honoring the Fallen

Today, we gathered as a community to remember the brave men who gave their lives in service to Hancock County. From Policeman William Holly in 1898 to Officer Dominic Francis in 2022, each story is a solemn reminder of the price of duty — and the strength of those who wear the badge.

At the Fort Findlay FOP Lodge #20 Foundation, our mission is to support the serving by honoring the fallen. Your presence, your prayers, and your continued support help us live that mission every day.

To every officer still standing watch — we see you, we thank you, and we stand with you.

They are not forgotten. And neither are you.

(From the Wood County Sheriff’s Office)

On May 12, 2025, at 22:11 PM, The Wood County Sheriff’s Office investigated a two-vehicle crash which resulted in one fatality. The crash occurred at the intersection of S Dixie Highway and Defiance Pike.

The crash involved a Ford F350 and a Lincoln Town Car.

The investigation showed that the Ford was southbound on S Dixie Highway. The Lincoln was westbound on Defiance Pike. The Lincoln entered the intersection after failing to stop and/or failing to yield and was struck on the passenger side by the Ford.

The operator of the Lincoln was pronounced deceased at the scene. A passenger in the Ford F350 was taken to Wood County Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The operator of the Lincoln was identified as 42-year-old Dane Knapp Sr. out of Auburn, Indiana. The operator of the Ford was 48-year-old James Wilhelm out of North Baltimore, Ohio. A passenger in the Ford, Lyndsi Wilhelm was transported to Wood County Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Assisting on scene were Mid-County 120 EMS, Weston EMS, and Cental Joint Fire.

The incident is still under investigation.

(From the Ohio Department of Transportation)

State Route 15 railroad repair in Putnam County.

State Route 15 between Road E-16 and State Route 613 at the unincorporated community of Kieferville will close on Wednesday, May 14, for approximately one day for railroad crossing repair.

TRAFFIC IMPACTS

Detours: SR 613 to SR 634, back to SR 15

(From the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office)

National Police Week | May 11–May 17

This week, we pause to recognize the courageous men and women in law enforcement who serve our communities with strength, dedication, and heart.

To the deputies of the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office — thank you for the sacrifices you make, the professionalism you uphold, and the integrity you bring to your roles each and every day. You are the foundation of our agency and the reason our community remains safe and supported.

We also extend our deepest gratitude to all law enforcement officers across the nation. Whether you’re on patrol, behind the scenes, or answering calls in dispatch, your service matters. Your dedication doesn’t go unnoticed.

Let this week serve as a reminder of the value of your commitment — not only to the badge but to the people you protect.

We appreciate you. We stand with you. We honor you.

Rally in the Alley returns at the end of May.

The popular series put on by the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce begins on May 30^th.

It is held at Latham Courtyard in the 500 block of South Main Street in downtown Findlay on Fridays from 5 to 8 p.m. from May 30 through July 25.

“Join us for live music, snacks, and libations in downtown Findlay!”

See the full schedule below.

(From the United Way of Hancock County)

SWEET SUCCESS!

Thank you to everyone who bought a ticket to Saturday’s Downtown Chocolate Tour!

We hope you had your fill of chocolatey goodness and that you enjoyed exploring Downtown Findlay!

Thanks to you and the generosity of our participating businesses, we raised over $5,500 for at-risk youth in our community.

What could be sweeter than that!?

(From Findlay City Schools)

We are so excited to host Hancock County’s Summer Lunch Program, offering FREE lunches to everyone in our county under 18 years old!

June 9-July 31

Mondays-Thursdays (with a meal to take home for Friday!)

11:30-12:30

Glenwood Middle School

1715 North Main Street

There will be activities provided each day, so this is more than just a meal…it’s fun, too!

Adult Meals are available for $4.25!

We have so much incredible help to make this amazing summer opportunity available.

Thank you to Findlay YMCA and VFW Post 5645 for your support, as well as the support of our entire community to take care of our kids when they’re away from school for the summer. 

(From the Fostoria Area Chamber of Commerce)

The Fostoria Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce an extension of the application deadline for the 2025 LAUNCH Fostoria small business competition, offering more time and opportunity for local entrepreneurs to apply. The new deadline to submit applications is May 16th.

LAUNCH Fostoria is a business pitch competition designed to support and invest in aspiring entrepreneurs looking to start or expand a business in Fostoria. By extending the deadline, the Chamber aims to build on growing interest and ensure that even more creative, driven individuals have the chance to bring their ideas to life.

Who’s Eligible?

LAUNCH Fostoria is open to anyone interested in opening or growing a business in Fostoria.

Businesses must be for-profit, independent business.

May not have earned more than $250,000 in the past year revenue.

Completed Applications may be dropped off at the Chamber office located in the Fostoria Learning Center, 342 Perry St. or emailed to director@FostoriaChamber.com

“This competition is all about celebrating innovation, supporting small business growth, and moving Fostoria forward.” said Jocelyn Reinhart, Chamber/Small Business Director at the Fostoria Area Chamber of Commerce.

The program offers business training, mentorship, and the opportunity to compete for funding that can help launch or grow a business. Applicants who have already submitted their materials are still in the running and do not need to reapply.

For more information and to submit your application, visit fostoriachamber.com/launch.

(From the City of Findlay)

CONSTRUCTION UPDATES 5/12-5/16:

Broad Ave. will be reduced to one lane in each direction from W. Trenton Ave. to W. Melrose Ave. for curb replacement.

W. Melrose Ave. will be closed to through traffic from N. Main St. to Broad Ave. for curb replacement.

East St. will be closed to through traffic from E. Lincoln St. to E. Lima St. for curb replacement.

Carnahan Ave. will be closed to through traffic from Tiffin Ave. to the Railroad for curb replacement.

Allen Ave. will be closed to through traffic from Main St. to the Railroad for curb replacement.

Midland Ave. will be closed to through traffic from Main St. to Railroad for curb replacement.

Garfield Ave. will be closed to through traffic from Main St. to the Railroad for curb replacement.

George St. will be closed to through traffic from Main St. to the Railroad for curb replacement.

Twp. Road 80 (Baseline Rd.) will be closed to all traffic from Springlake Dr. (E.) to Springlake Dr. (W.) for a sanitary sewer project.

Avoid these blocks if possible. Please contact the Engineering Department with any questions (419) 424-7121.