(From the Ohio High School Athletic Association)

Member schools of the Ohio High School Athletic Association have voted in favor of an emergency bylaw referendum on Name, Image and Likeness (NIL), making Ohio the 45^th state to allow NIL at the high school level. The voting period ended last Friday afternoon, November 21, with the final voting results being 447 schools in favor of the referendum and 121 schools voting against, while 247 schools abstained from voting. 

The new bylaw goes into effect immediately, meaning that OHSAA student-athletes can now enter into agreements and be compensated for their name, image and likeness through appearances, licensing, social media, endorsements and/or the use of branding based on their public recognition or notoriety. The bylaw also establishes reporting procedures and limitations so that students do not jeopardize their eligibility as it relates to the OHSAA’s recruiting and amateur bylaws. 

The emergency referendum vote was in response to a Franklin County judge’s temporary restraining order due to a lawsuit filed by a student-athlete on October 15. With the passage of this emergency referendum issue, the OHSAA Office will continue to keep the membership informed on the pending legal case.

The OHSAA believes that the adoption of this new bylaw will help ensure a stable and secure framework for NIL and Personal Branding Rights at the high school level in Ohio moving forward.

“We would like to thank our member schools for taking ownership of this NIL bylaw proposal,” said Doug Ute, OHSAA Executive Director. “Whether our schools or individuals agree with NIL at the high school level or not, the courts have spoken on this issue across the country that the NCAA and high school athletic associations cannot prevent a student-athlete from making money on their NIL.” 

Over the last year and a half, the OHSAA developed the NIL bylaw proposal in consultation with an NIL committee comprised of school administrators, the OHSAA board of directors, which is elected by the member schools, and from member school feedback at regional update meetings.

OHSAA member schools were updated on the potential for an NIL emergency vote during the regional update meetings around Ohio in August and September, and the final version of the language was approved by the Board of Directors on September 26. Since the lawsuit expedited the vote, the OHSAA sent information to schools on the referendum proposal and conducted two information webinars in coordination with Influential Athlete.

“Our member schools helped develop this language,” said Ute. “Now the real work begins, because this will be a continually evolving piece of high school athletics. The OHSAA will track NIL deals and make sure that our recruiting bylaws and transfer bylaws are still enforced, which is something our member schools have asked for throughout this process.”

Any changes to the bylaw that the membership passed would need to go through the regular voting period for referendum items in early May. During the referendum process, the high school principal casts the vote on behalf of the school.

OHSAA NIL Resource Center: https://www.ohsaa.org/Eligibility/NIL-Resource-Center

Full Text of Emergency NIL Bylaw

Section 11. Personal Branding Rights/Name, Image and Likeness

Pursuant to Bylaw 4-10-1, a student may not participate in an interscholastic sport unless the student is an amateur. Pay-for-play (receiving payments simply for being a student-athlete), entering an agreement/contract with a professional sports team and improper recruiting inducements remain prohibited.

4-11-1    For purposes of this bylaw, Name, Image and Likeness (NIL)/Personal Branding Rights shall mean the use of self-publicity due to public recognition (athletic fame) and/or the notoriety a student may attain to receive a benefit through appearances, licensing, social media, endorsements and/or the use of branding.

Note 1: This bylaw has no connection to Bylaw 5, which permits a student to accept awards, gifts and prizes resulting from their participation/finish in athletic competitions. The requirements outlined within Bylaw 4-11 are solely related to a student-athlete’s promotional and marketing efforts based on their public recognition (athletic fame) or notoriety.

Note 2: A collective is a third-party group, typically formed by alumni and supporters, that pools donations and fundraising to create and manage NIL/Personal Branding Rights opportunities for student-athletes. The collectives provide student-athletes with sponsorships, endorsement deals and other ways to monetize their NIL/Personal Branding Rights, bridging the gap between athletes and the brands or businesses looking to leverage their popularity and control their earnings from their public persona. Collectives are strictly prohibited.

4-11-2    A student may enter into an agreement/arrangement whereby the student capitalizes on their Name, Image and Likeness/Personal Branding Rights provided the following criteria are met:

1. a) The student does not utilize the name, logos, mascots, trademarks or other proprietary properties of the OHSAA or any OHSAA member school or school team while receiving the compensation and/or during any promotions or imply that the OHSAA or the OHSAA member school or school team approves the NIL/personal branding activity, and
2. b) The student does not engage in an NIL/Personal Branding Rights agreement that is provided by an OHSAA member school or an agent of the school (e.g. collectives, booster clubs, foundations, administrators, coaches or other individuals), and
3. c) The student does not engage in any name and image/personal branding activities during school hours, while traveling to or from any OHSAA event or during school or team events including any practice, meeting, contest, tournament or any similar event or facility the OHSAA deems inappropriate or distracting (defined henceforth as “official team activities”), and
4. d) The student does not engage in an NIL/Personal Branding Rights agreement that provides compensation based on specific athletic performance or achievement (e.g. points scored, etc.), and
5. e) The student does not engage in an NIL/Personal Branding Rights agreement that is provided as an inducement to attend a particular school, and           
6. f) The student does not display the sponsor’s product or otherwise advertise for a sponsor during official team activities, and             
7. g) The student is the only person impacted by the NIL/Personal Branding Rights agreement and this agreement shall never provide any money, merchandise, services of value or any other benefits directly to the student’s school and/or team, and
8. h) The student does not engage in an NIL/Personal Branding Rights agreement associated with gaming/gambling, alcoholic beverages, tobacco, cannabis, banned or illegal substances, adult entertainment products or services, firearms or other weapons or any other product or service the OHSAA deems inappropriate or distracting, and
9. i) The student is responsible for determining what, if any, effect the NIL/Personal Branding Rights agreement may have on eligibility with the NCAA, NJCAA and/or the NAIA.

4-11-3    A student engaged in an NIL/Personal Branding Rights agreement shall disclose each agreement to the OHSAA within 14 days after entering into said agreement. Students who fail to disclose their agreement(s) or fail to disclose their agreement(s) in a timely fashion shall be subject to a period of ineligibility up to 20 percent of the sport season in which they participate and/or any other penalties as outlined in Bylaw 11.

Note: Details on how to disclose said agreement(s) shall be posted on the OHSAA website.

4-11-4    A student engaged in an NIL/Personal Branding Rights agreement shall also comply with any other applicable OHSAA bylaws and regulations and any applicable policies of his or her school.

4-11-5    If a student transfers to a school and the transfer can be shown to be reasonably linked to a student’s NIL/Personal Branding Rights agreement, a rebuttable presumption shall exist that the student has been recruited, which is in violation of Bylaw 4-9. The Executive Director’s Office may suspend the privilege of participation in interscholastic athletics during the pendency of any alleged violation of this bylaw.

4-11-6    Member school administrators and coaches shall have an obligation to educate the school community that any attempt to facilitate an NIL/Personal Branding Rights agreement to help secure the enrollment of a prospective student shall result in penalties as prescribed in Bylaw 11, including a review of the school’s membership status.

4-11-7    Student-athletes with NIL/Personal Branding Rights deals, along their parents or guardians, are encouraged to seek professional advice, understand contracts thoroughly and prioritize academic and athletic commitments to protect the student-athlete’s eligibility and long-term success. These activities should be regarded as a business, and participants should stay compliant with school and state regulations and focus on building a strong support system to avoid mismanagement of funds and protect future opportunities. 

4-11-8    Any violation of Bylaw 4-11 shall be subject to penalties outlined in Bylaw 11.

Note: The Executive Director’s Office may suspend the privilege of participation in interscholastic athletics during the pendency of any alleged violation of this bylaw.     

On 11-24-2025, at approximately 0008 hours, an officer with the Findlay Police Department initiated a traffic stop with a vehicle at the intersection of N. Cory St. and Defiance Ave. for multiple violations.

The officer made contact with the driver, identified as Ashley M. Hicks (age 35) and she verbalized to the officer she was going to flee.

Ashley then fled from the officer westbound on Defiance Ave. She made a left turn onto N. West St. and traveled southbound to W. High St., east on W. High St. to N. Cory St., south on N. Cory St. to Washington St., westbound on Washington St. to S. West St., south on S. West St. to W. Front St., and then westbound on W. Front St. to the 500 block where she finally pulled over.

Once stopped, Ashley refused to exit the vehicle and was removed by officers. The total distance of the pursuit was 0.9 miles with speeds only reaching 30 mph. No injuries were sustained as a result of this pursuit which lasted approximately 3 minutes.

Ashley was later incarcerated at the Hancock County Justice Center on charges of Fleeing and Eluding (F4) and Obstructing Official Business (M2).

(From the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office)

The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office is proud to announce that Sheriff Michael A. Cortez has been awarded the Certified Law Enforcement Manager (CLEM) designation by the Buckeye State Sheriffs’ Association (BSSA) on November 12, 2025.

This distinguished credential is one of the highest professional recognitions available to Ohio sheriffs and senior law enforcement leaders.

The Certified Law Enforcement Manager Award is presented by the BSSA to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, advanced professional competence, and a strong commitment to public service. The award reflects mastery in the areas of administration, operations, strategic planning, ethics, personnel management, community engagement, and contemporary law enforcement best practices.

To receive this credential, recipients must meet strict professional standards, which include:

-Completion of the BSSA’s advanced leadership curriculum, covering organizational development, executive decision-making, risk management, and legal compliance.

-Demonstrated experience in executive-level law enforcement leadership, including oversight of personnel, programs, budgets, and operational effectiveness.

-Documented contributions to public safety and community advancement, such as the implementation of innovative programs, policies, or partnerships that strengthen law enforcement services.

-Commitment to continued professional development, ethics, accountability, and excellence within their agency and community.

Sheriff Cortez’s dedication to elevating operational standards, promoting transparency, strengthening community partnerships, and advancing mental-health and wellness initiatives for both staff and citizens were key factors in his selection.

“This recognition reflects not only my personal commitment to professional growth, but also the incredible work of the deputies, corrections staff, dispatchers, and administrative personnel who represent the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office every day,” Sheriff Cortez said.

“I am honored to receive this award and will continue working to uphold the highest standards of service, integrity, and leadership for the people of Hancock County.”

The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office congratulates Sheriff Cortez on this significant achievement and extends its appreciation to the Buckeye State Sheriffs’ Association for recognizing his commitment to excellence in law enforcement leadership.

(From the Ohio Department of Transportation District 1)

UPDATE: This work is delayed until Tuesday, Dec. 2.

The Interstate 75 northbound entrance ramp from State Route 103 at the village of Bluffton will close on Tuesday, Nov. 25, for approximately one day for bridge deck repair.

TRAFFIC IMPACT

Detour: SR 103 to SR 235, back to I-75.

Thanksgiving Break is coming up for area schools.

Liberty-Benton Local Schools is reminding students and parents that their Thanksgiving Break will run from November 24-29. See their full district calendar by clicking here.

Thanksgiving Break for Findlay City Schools will go from November 26-28.

See their full district calendar by clicking here.

(ONN) – Former Ohio Democratic Congressman Tim Ryan announced he will not run for governor in 2026.

Ryan had been considering and exploring a run for months now.

With his announcement, this leaves former Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton as the lone Democrat candidate.

Republican Vivek Ramaswamy has the endorsement of the Ohio Republican Party and President Trump, and former Morgan County School Board President and entrepreneur Heather Hill is also running as a Republican.

(From Blanchard Valley Health System)

At Blanchard Valley Health System, we care about patient safety, both in the office and online. Please be aware of scam phone calls posing as BVHS associates.

These scams may:

-Mention denied insurance coverage

-Ask for sensitive information, like a social security number, over the phone

-Use filler words, like “um,” in the recording to sound more realistic

Please confirm that any phone numbers contacting you regarding your care at BVHS are from your provider’s office before giving any information to them. If you are unsure if a number is associated with BVHS, visit bvhealthsystem.org/find-a-doctor and search for your provider or practice to view their contact information.

The BVHS business office may contact patients or guarantors to follow up on insurance coverage, denials, or collections, which may include the need to validate your information. In these scenarios, the call will come from our business office phone numbers, 419.423.5310 or 800.867.4820.

Another overpass has opened across State Route 15 in Hancock County.

The County Road 193 overpass, a little west of Vanlue, opened on Thursday afternoon.

Previously, overpasses were constructed at County Road 180 over State Route 15 near Findlay, and at County Road 169 and State Route 15 in Vanlue.

Hancock County Engineer Doug Cade says the overpasses improve safety along the State Route 15 corridor by eliminating intersections and high-impact crashes.

Other intersections across State Route 15 have been closed over the past few years, and transportation officials have plans to close the County Road 190 intersection across State Route 15 in the near future.

Below is a picture of the County Road 180 overpass when it opened in November of 2023.

(From the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office)

Today we celebrate the incredible career of Captain Brad Nelson, who is retiring after 34 years of dedicated service with the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office.

From his early days as a young deputy to his years of leadership as Captain, he has devoted his career to protecting and serving our community with integrity, courage, and heart.

Please join us in congratulating Captain Nelson on his well-earned retirement and in thanking him for 34 years of outstanding service.

We wish him the very best in this next chapter of life!

(From Family Resource Center)

Family Resource Center is thrilled to announce the inaugural season of Twinkle Nights, Hancock County’s first drive-thru holiday light show. This brand-new community tradition launches at the Hancock County Fairgrounds beginning on Saturday, November 22, and will run every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night through December 21.

Before cars roll through the opening weekend, the community is invited to a special walk-thru preview night on Friday, November 21. This will be the only opportunity to experience Twinkle Nights on foot, which allows families, neighbors, and holiday light lovers a chance to take in the displays up close and at their own pace. There is no charge for admission to the one-time only walk-thru night, but donations to Family Resource Center are encouraged.

Twinkle Nights brings a new experience to the area, combining dozens of scenes, thousands of lights, festive family fun, and a mission-driven purpose. Proceeds from the event will support Family Resource Center’s work in providing mental health and addiction prevention, treatment, and recovery services in the area.

Several theme nights are planned, including two sensory-sensitive “Calm & Bright Nights” with a less intense sight and sound experience, a toy drive to support the local Toys for Tots program, a weekend recognizing Veterans, and a special visit from holiday characters including Santa Claus himself on the last weekend before Christmas.

Regular admission to Twinkle Nights is $15 per carload per visit, and a $25 Season Pass, which is good for unlimited visits, is also available. To learn more about Family Resource Center’s mission and our new Twinkle Nights Drive-Thru Holiday Light Show, visit www.twinklenightsfindlay.com