(From Findlay Service League)

Findlay Service League announces the launch of their service year and are accepting requests for volunteers and funding. Nonprofit organizations are eligible to request volunteers or funds for projects and events happening between September 2024 and April 2025. A sum of just over $31,000 in community funding is available.

We had another record year of service and fundraising last year and we are excited to put the $31,000 back into other community non-profits in need. We at Findlay Service League are looking forward to new and continuing service requests.

Community Impact

Last year, Findlay Service League Members contributed 842 hours of volunteer hours and granted $16,000 in funding requests, which helped 18 community organizations. Findlay Service League also awarded $3,000 in the Spirit of Volunteerism Scholarships to two graduating high school seniors who exemplified a life dedicated to service.

Each year Findlay Service League identifies a need in the local community for Make a Difference Day (MADD). The 2024 MADD project will once again be “We make a difference. Period.” Findlay Service League Members will be collecting period products to distribute to schools in Findlay and throughout Hancock County. Last year we gathered and packed enough product that we not only supplied period products to Findlay schools, but also to Hancock County Schools with a total of 14 schools benefiting from this project. 

The provisional (new members) class hosts Done in a Day projects throughout the service year. Done in a Day projects identifies local organizations and attempts to fulfill their supply list needs.

We would love to have more ladies join our mission of Findlay Service League which is: “The purpose of FSL shall be to: Initiate and implement service projects to meet community needs.  Support local 501(c)3 charities and financial contributions. Offer opportunities to members to develop effective volunteer and leadership skills. 

The suspect in a shooting outside a Findlay bar has been indicted by a Hancock County Grand Jury.

Court records show Marcuss Martinez (pictured below) is facing charges of attempted murder, felonious assault, having a weapon against a court order, and tampering with evidence.

The 39-year-old from Findlay is being held at the Hancock County Jail.

On Friday, September 13 police responded to investigate a report of a man with a gun outside of Old Stoney Ledge at 752 Howard Street.

While en route to the location, officers were advised a man had been shot once and the suspect had fled the scene.

Officers arrived in the area and said the suspect, Martinez, was located near the area of College Street and Fox Street.

Police say Martinez ran through some yards before being taken into custody.

The victim was transported to the Blanchard Valley Hospital by private vehicle.

Police said the victim sustained a gunshot wound to the lower left portion of his face.

The victim was later transported by Life Flight to OSU Hospital for further treatment.

Joshua Shaferly has withdrawn from the race for Hancock County Commissioner.

The Democrat would have faced Republican Jeffrey Hunker in the fall election.

The Hancock County Board of Elections says Shaferly’s name will still appear on the ballot as he notified the BOE after the deadline to remove his name from the ballot.

The BOE say there will be a notice on each voting machine letting voters know that he has withdrawn and any votes cast for him will not be counted. The notice will also be included in each absentee ballot the BOE sends out.

WFIN and The Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce had three candidate forums scheduled but with Shaferly’s withdrawal two forums will now be held on WFIN. 

The first forum will be held on Monday, September 23 and include the candidates for Hancock County Common Pleas Court Judge; Phil Riegle and Alex Treece.  The winner will replace retiring Judge Reginald Routson.  

The second forum will be held on Monday, September 30 and include the candidates for the Ohio House of Representatives 83^rd District; Republican Ty Mathews and Democrat Sheila Coressel.

The forums will be held at 50 North from 5 to 6 p.m.

The deadline to register to vote is October 7 and absentee voting by mail and early in-person voting begins the following day.

Click here for more election information from the Hancock County Board of Elections and click here for the Ohio Secretary of State’s website.

(ONN) – A new bill at the Ohio Statehouse aims to get the lead out of Ohio’s water.

Lawmakers are highlighting House Bill 534.

The main goal of the legislation is to eliminate lead water service lines within 15 years.

Ohio currently ranks second in the nation for the most lead pipes serving families with an estimated 745,000 still in use.

Exposure to lead can cause serious health effects, especially in children.

(From Hancock County Engineer Doug Cade) 

The Hancock County Engineer Maintenance crews will be doing work on the Bright Road Bridge at the Blanchard River just north of the intersection with SR 568 beginning Monday, September 23.

The project will involve shifting traffic to adjoining lanes and lane closures during the repairs.

The bridge will remain open to traffic, however, it is recommended that motorists find alternative routes to avoid possible traffic delays. 

The project is expected to last two weeks, weather permitting.

 We understand the inconvenience that this lane closure will cause, however it is necessary to maintain a safe and efficient transportation system for Hancock County. We appreciate your patience in advance.

(From the Bluffton Lions Foundation)

About 35 supporters joined to dedicate the Bluffton Lions Way State Route 103 Path dedication Tuesday afternoon. Special music was given by a Bluffton High School Ensemble; Bluffton Administrator, Jesse Blackburn introduced Chris Hughes, ODOT District Deputy Director who congratulated the many pathway partners. Mayor Richard Johnson and Council President Jerry Cupples added their kudos and thanks. The MC for the event was Jackie Bourassa, the Bluffton Lions Foundation President.

Many donors, individuals, corporations, state agencies, and board members celebrated by cutting a ribbon and unveiling a recognition sign.

The State Route 103 Path connects numerous food vendors near the I-75/SR 103 interchange with the Village of Bluffton. Its construction represents a major improvement to the corridor entering the Village.

The State Route 103 Path is part of a master-plan to create 9.3 miles of class I pathway that completely encircles the Village of Bluffton and connects the 6 major recreation areas. The Bluffton Lions Foundation and the Bluffton Pathway Board have been consistently working on the master-plan for over 15 years. Completed pathways include Lions Way County Line Path; Augsburger Path; Bently Road Path; Bently Road North Path; Parkview Path and the Original Lions Way – on the Norfolk Southern Railway bed.

Community support is the reason these pathways exist; there have been extraordinary efforts and giving in Bluffton along with several major gifts and grants to make these paths a reality. ODOT and several other government agencies were instrumental in the SR 103 Path development.

(From the University of Findlay)

The University of Findlay will host its annual Health and Wellness Fair, scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 19, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will take place in the Koehler Fitness and Recreation Complex and is free and open to the public. This year’s fair will offer an expanded range of activities and services, including a focus on flu and COVID-19 vaccinations.

The fair will also host numerous health screenings and services, including hearing, vision, dental, blood sugar, blood pressure, chiropractic care, skin, and bone density. Glucose and cholesterol testing will be available for $7 each or $10 for both, with a 12-hour fast required for accurate results.

Various campus offices, including safety and security, disability services, academic services, counseling, and campus ministry, will be represented. Student organizations, including the occupational therapy program and the College of Pharmacy, will also participate. Representatives from the UF Cardio Center and Oiler Well will be present to offer valuable health information.

The event is sponsored by the UF Cosiano Health Center and the UF Office of Intercultural Student Services. For more details, please contact the Cosiano Health Center at 419-434-4550. Join us for a day filled with valuable health information and engaging activities designed to promote your well-being!

(From the City of Findlay)

The City of Findlay Police Department is committed to transparency and community safety. Today, we are releasing the latest crime statistics for the city, providing an overview of trends and our ongoing efforts to enhance public safety. Crime statistics are tracked in accordance with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) categories and standards.

We want to assure residents that data does not support the assertions that crime in Findlay is on the rise and clarify our commitment to factual information and public safety. Our latest statistics indicate that overall crime rates in the city have remained stable. The City Administration and Police Department will continue to analyze crime trends, adjust strategies, and work closely with the community to provide accurate information. We remain dedicated to fostering a safe and secure environment for all residents.

“While we are encouraged by the overall trends in crime rates, we recognize the importance of continuing our efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of our community,” said Chief of Police James Mathias. “Our commitment to reducing crime and enhancing public safety remains unwavering. We thank our community for their continued support and cooperation.”

Please remember the importance of involving law enforcement when facing any issues or emergencies. If you find yourself in a situation where you need assistance or witness an incident contact the Police first by calling 9-1-1 for emergencies or 419-424-7150 for non-emergencies.  

For more information please visit our website at www.FindlayOhio.gov or contact us at 419-424-7194.

(From the Fostoria Police Department)

A special congratulations goes out to Fostoria Police Officer/ National Guard Member Brayden Moon, who over the weekend competed in the Adjuant General’s Match (National Guard Shooting Competition) at Camp Perry.

Officer Moon placed 1st in pistol novice class and 2nd overall in competition out of 153 participants.

Officer Moon also received the Governors Twenty Tab which represents the top 10 pistol and rifle shooters in the State of Ohio.

Officer Moon placed 1st out of those top 10, again from a field of 153 competitors!

Again, congratulations Officer Moon, we are super proud of you!

Thank you for your service to our Country and our Community!

On Saturday, September 21, the Wings & Wheels Car Show and 5K will be held at the Findlay Airport.

“Get ready for a day filled with excitement, featuring rides on the iconic Ford Tri-Motor, a craft fair, food trucks, a kids’ zone, and of course, the main attraction, the car show!”

“This is a family-friendly event with something for everyone to enjoy.”

“Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to witness the beauty of classic cars and airplanes, enjoy delicious food, and participate in fun activities!”