(From the American Red Cross of North Central Ohio)

The American Red Cross of North Central Ohio will recognize members of the community who showed extraordinary courage by helping save or improve the lives of others at the 2025 Hero Awards of North Central Ohio. The event will be held on Wednesday, October 22, 12:00pm at the Hilton Garden Inn Findlay, 1050 Interstate Drive in Findlay.

In addition to this year’s hero awards, the Red Cross will present the 2025 Clara Ayres award for Extraordinary Service to Pam Oglesbee. Pam is the inaugural recipient of the award, which is given to a healthcare worker or Red Cross volunteer who exemplifies the spirit of Clara Ayres. Ayers was originally from near Attica in Seneca County and in 1917 while volunteering as a Red Cross nurse in World War I, she was killed in an explosion on the ship carrying her overseas, the first woman killed while serving in the military.

Hero Award Winners: 

Cassie Cisar, Marissa Smith and Susan Miller

While transporting five developmentally disabled adults to Rising Sun Centers, caregiver Cassie Cisar was involved in a road rage shooting. Despite being shot and losing feeling in her legs, she was able to maneuver the bus to safety and call for help. Meanwhile, Susan Miller provided refuge for the passengers in the store she managed while Marissa Smith, Cassie’s boss and best friend rushed to the scene and transported the residents safely home.

Officer Christofer Perry

While performing a welfare check in March, Tiffin Police Officer Christofer Perry found a man standing on a chair, appearing prepared to take his own life. Officer Perry engaged the man in conversation, eventually convincing him to come down and get help. Officer Perry walked the man to a neighbor’s home and stayed with him until emergency services arrived.

Mike Woodruff and Officer Nicholas Price

Mike Woodruff was at the Findlay Art Walk, visiting his friend’s studio, when he heard a thud in the hallway. Rushing to the scene, Mike witnessed someone having a cardiac emergency. He immediately began CPR while someone in the crowd found a police officer. Arriving on scene, Findlay Police Officer Nicholas Price stepped in for Mike and continued the lifesaving efforts until emergency services arrived.

Melissa Roszman

While working as a caregiver in a local elderly community, Melissa Roszman saw smoke pouring out of a neighboring apartment. Melissa immediately went inside, evacuated the resident, called 911, and then re-entered the smoke-filled home with a fire extinguisher to contain the blaze before it spread. She stayed with the resident until firefighters arrived and put the fire out.

Chief Ray Anthony, Blood Program Leader

Columbia Township Fire Chief Ray Anothony has been a longtime advocate for blood donation. He first hosted blood drives with the Red Cross at Medina County Career Center, where he encouraged students to give. As Fire Chief, he coordinates regular blood drives at the fire department that have become regular community events. Through his leadership and advocacy, hundreds of lifesaving pints of blood have been collected for patients in need across Northern Ohio.

The inaugural Clara Ayres Award winner:

Pam Oglesbee

Shortly after retiring as a nurse, Pam Oglesbee, and the rest of the world, faced the COVID-19 pandemic. Seeing the need for nursing help, Pam decided to put her skills to good use and volunteered with the Putnam County Board of Health. She worked tirelessly to schedule and administer COVID-19 vaccines at vaccine clinics across the rural community. Today, she continues her service, helping at the health department’s yearly flu vaccine clinics, instructing CPR classes and donating blood.

(From the Hancock Park District)

Join in a celebration of Northwest Ohio history on Saturday, October 18 with Autumnfest at Litzenberg Memorial Woods!

The 1847 McKinnis House and workshop will be open with costumed interpreters and horse-drawn hayrides will be taking place around the prairie.

Ongoing demonstrations by a tinsmith and blacksmith and don’t forget to stop by the paddock area to check out the live farm animals.

Music by The Dulcimer Gathering and refreshments will be in the Activity Barn.

A children’s craft area and other on the spot demonstrations will take place. 

Plein Air Paint-out artists will be drawing, sketching, and painting the scenes of Litzenberg during the event. Art to be shown in the Activity Barn.

(From the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce)

The Findlay-Hancock County area is proud of its Small Businesses and those that lead them.

In recognition of these courageous and inspiring individuals and their companies, the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce was honored to present the 2025 Small Business Awards at the 62nd Annual Small Business Awards ceremony on October 9, 2025 at the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts.

The following is a list of small business and community awards that were distributed:

Small Business of the Year

Presented to: Garner Trucking Inc.

Sponsored by: WesBanco

Small Business Person of the Year

Presented to: Dr. Katie Frederick

Sponsored by: University of Findlay

Emerging Business of the Year

Presented to: A Queen’s Eye Cleaning

Sponsored by: State Bank

Nonprofit Leader of the Year

Presented to: Brooke Nissen – FOCUS Recovery & Wellness

Sponsored by: The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation

Professional of the Year

Presented to: Brett Giess – RCM Architects

Sponsored by: RCR Technology Group

“Our Spirit Shows” Hospitality Award

Presented to: WFIN-WKXA-106.3 The Fox

Sponsored by: Hancock County Convention & Visitors Bureau

Test of Time Award

Presented to: Coldren-Crates Funeral Home

Sponsored by: Lowenoak Landscape Development

Learning in Action Award

Presented to: Reineke Ford & Reineke Honda of Findlay

Sponsored by: Raise the Bar Hancock County

Do Good! Award

Presented to: The Lavender Hour

Sponsored by: City Apparel+Merch

Go Local Small Business Champion of the Year

Presented to: Hysteria Co.

Sponsored by: First National Bank

Small Business Manufacturing Excellence

Presented to: Superior Trim

Sponsored by: The Companies of Tall Timbers Industrial Park

ATHENA Award

Presented to: Kirby Overton

Sponsored by: Huntington Bank

Future Icon Award

Presented to: Brayden Thomas

Sponsored by: Midwest Financial Planning Group

Downtown Champion of the Year

Presented to: Hand + Home

Sponsored by: Fifth Third Bank

Family Owned Small Business Champion of the Year

Presented to: Harold E. Shuck Co.

Sponsored by: Hancock Federal Credit Union

Customer Service Champion of the Year

Presented to: The Wailing Onion

Sponsored by: Trust Company Family Offices

Women in Business Champion of the Year

Presented to: Abby Martinez – Circle P Reception Hall

Sponsored by: WFIN-WKXA-106.3 The Fox Radio

Special thanks to Aaron Osborne Video Services, Marathon Center for the Performing Arts, Kan Du Studios, Sink’s Flower Shop, Van Buren High School, UF TV, and Dave Crosser-Family Resource Center for their support of the event. For more information about this, or any other Chamber of Commerce programs, call 419-422-3313 or visit FindlayHancockChamber.com.

Findlay Municipal Court is providing people with driver’s license restrictions an opportunity to resolve their issues.

The 7th annual Findlay Municipal Court DUS Day Clinic will be held on Thursday, October 16.

The DUS workshop is for individuals with a suspended driver’s license to help resolve their licensing issues and get them back on the road legally.

Appointments are preferred but walk-ins are welcome

For more information click here, or to schedule an appointment contact the Clerk’s office at 419-424-7141.

(From the Hancock METRICH Drug Task Force)

Over the past year, the Hancock METRICH Drug Task Force has received multiple complaints regarding suspected illegal activity at Major Vapor, 1749 Tiffin Ave. The complaints alleged that marijuana was being sold illegally to adults and juveniles. As part of an ongoing investigation, task force members conducted multiple controlled purchases of marijuana from the business, including one confirmed purchase involving a juvenile.

On 10/07/25 at approx. 1500hrs. the Hancock County METRICH Drug Task Force, assisted by the Findlay Police Department, executed a narcotic search warrant at Major Vapor 1749 Tiffin Ave., Findlay, Ohio.

The search of the business yielded suspected marijuana, marijuana vapes, THC edibles, Psilocybin edibles, a handgun, and a large sum of cash.

Charges of drug trafficking and possession of drugs are expected at the conclusion of this investigation.

The Hancock METRICH Drug Enforcement Unit is supported by METRICH in Mansfield, OH and funded in part by the Office of Criminal Justice Services.

METRICH Crime Tip Hotline: 419-52-CRIME (419-522-7463) or download the METRICH enforcement unit mobile app to “Submit a Tip.”

The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation will be holding a panel presentation and Q&A session about local housing needs.

–Housing in Hancock County Panel

-Wednesday, Oct. 22 • 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm

-At 50 North.

Join us for a panel presentation and Q&A on local needs. Featuring representatives from the City of Findlay, City Mission, Economic Development, Habitat for Humanity, Hope House, a local developer and landlord.

The Community Foundation’s Commitment to Housing

As a Community Foundation, we believe that a thriving community is built on strong roots. Our new initiative, Rooted to Rise, is a response to years of data showing what Hancock County needs. By investing in both work and play, we are planting seeds for lasting change and building a balanced ecosystem where people and possibilities can flourish. Housing is a key part of this initiative.

The Community Foundation is committed to being part of the solution with the housing system. We have committed $50,000 to the Community Housing Fund for long-term support, and an additional $100,000 to the Interim Housing Program Fund to help transition families into short-term, affordable rental housing while they work toward home ownership.

Read more about the housing crisis and other community priorities in the new State of Work and Play Report.

(The Ohio State Highway Patrol)

The Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) is urging all Ohioans to prioritize pedestrian safety, reminding both motorists and pedestrians that safety is a shared responsibility on our roadways. This comes as the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recognize October as National Pedestrian Safety Month.

“By working together and eliminating distractions, we can make our roads safer for everyone,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “Drivers should always be on the lookout for pedestrians, and pedestrians should always be careful to protect themselves.”

Everyone has a critical role to play in preventing pedestrian crashes. By taking a few simple precautions, both drivers and pedestrians can make Ohio’s roads safer for everyone.

Tips for Drivers:

• Never drive distracted: Your full attention is needed on the road. Avoid using your phone or other electronic devices.
• Yield to pedestrians: Always stop for pedestrians in crosswalks and at intersections.
• Watch for pedestrians: Be aware of individuals walking in residential areas, school zones and at night.
• Slow down: Reduce your speed in areas with heavy foot traffic to give yourself more time to react.
• Use headlights: Turn on your headlights at dawn, dusk and at night to increase visibility for yourself and others.

 Tips for Pedestrians:

• Be visible: Wear bright or reflective clothing, especially at night.
• Walk on sidewalks: Use a sidewalk whenever one is available. If there isn’t one, walk on the shoulder facing oncoming traffic.
• Cross safely: Cross the road at designated crosswalks or intersections. Look both ways before crossing, and make eye contact with drivers, if possible, to ensure they see you.
• Obey traffic signals: Follow all pedestrian traffic signals and signs.
• Avoid distractions: Similar to drivers, put away electronic devices that can take your eyes and ears off the road.

According to Patrol statistics, there have been 13,955 crashes involving pedestrians on Ohio roadways since 2020. Of those crashes, 862 were fatal, resulting in 869 pedestrian deaths. Within that same timeframe, Franklin, Cuyahoga and Hamilton counties have seen the highest number of pedestrian-related crashes.

“Preventing these tragedies is a responsibility we all share,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent. “A single moment of inattention by either the driver or pedestrian can have devastating consequences. Let’s commit to creating a culture of safety on Ohio’s roads.”

For more information on pedestrian safety, visit the NHTSA’s website here.

The public is encouraged to safely call #677 to report reckless or impaired drivers and drug activity.

(From Liberty-Benton Local Schools)

Congratulations to LBHS senior Jay Lincoln on being selected to serve on the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ 2025-26 Teen Advisory Board!

This elite group of conservation-minded students from across Ohio works to expand and improve the Department’s youth initiatives, making a difference through conservation projects, enhancing outdoor outreach, and promoting wise stewardship of Ohio’s natural resources.

Through this opportunity, Jay will also explore careers in natural resources and build valuable leadership and networking skills. We’re so proud to see an Eagle making an impact statewide!

(From the City of Findlay)

The City of Findlay will offer a bulk trash drop-off for Findlay residents from Saturday, October 25 to Saturday, November 1, 2025. Hours are 8am-7pm or until full on weekdays and 8am-4pm or until full on Saturdays.

Dumpsters will be at the Public Works Department, 330 N. Cory St. where city residents may dispose of unwanted debris.

Hazardous materials, commercial tires, concrete, appliances and electronics will not be accepted. Proof of residency or ID may be required.

The city will accept noncommercial vehicle tires. The tires must be off of the rim. Proof of residency in the City of Findlay and/or ID will be required.

Please note that it is illegal to transport more than ten scrap tires at any time without obtaining a registration certificate from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency per ORC 3734.83.

(From the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts)

As we close the curtain on Youtheatre Grades 6–12’s production of Annie, we extend our heartfelt thanks to the directors, cast, crew, staff, volunteers, families, audience members, and sponsors who made this production possible.

Watching our young performers grow in confidence, creativity, and collaboration is at the heart of Youtheatre, a place where imagination flourishes, skills are nurtured, and lifelong friendships are formed.

As we look ahead to new opportunities in arts education, we need your support to keep these experiences accessible to all. Your donation today can provide scholarships, enhance productions, and expand educational programming.

Please consider making a gift and help us invest in the creativity and potential of our youth. Together, we can continue to inspire, educate, and empower the next generation of performers.