(WTOL-11) – A new Ohio law that cracks down harder on repeat drunk drivers is now in effect. 

It’s called Liv’s law, named after Olivia Wright who was killed by a repeat OVI offender in 2020.

The new law calls for more time behind bars for OVI offenders convicted of aggravated vehicular homicide. 

Fines are also going up and license suspensions will last longer, possibly for life.

The law also lets police use oral swabs to check for drugs or alcohol on the spot.

And if you refuse the test you could lose your license.

(From the Office of Governor Mike DeWine)

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine hosted a press conference in support of legislation that would ban the use of cell phones in public schools in Ohio.

Sponsored by Sen. Jane Timken (R-Jackson Township), Senate Bill 158 incorporates language first introduced by Governor DeWine in his executive budget – prohibiting student use of cell phones during the school day.

“It’s clear that we need to get cell phones out of our classrooms,” said Governor DeWine. “The constant distraction of cell phones makes it nearly impossible for students to focus and learn. Not only do they negatively impact student performance, but they can also be harmful to kids’ mental and emotional health.”

“In schools that have already banned phones, we’ve heard from teachers, administrators, and parents who say the results have been remarkable. Student engagement has improved. Grades are better. Socialization is improving,” added Governor DeWine. “It’s rare that one change can have such a positive difference. That’s why it’s time to make Ohio schools phone free.”

SB 158 will expedite the implementation process – allowing schools time over the summer to update their policies to prohibit student use of cell phones in time for the start of the 2025-2026 school year this fall.

The bill includes exceptions for students using a cell phone for a documented purpose as part of an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or for monitoring a health concern.

“When phones are within reach, our children are constantly wondering, ‘What am I missing? What notification did I miss?’ This does not provide for a conducive learning environment, and also has damaging social effects,” said Sen. Timken. “This legislation is a common sense approach to unplug our children from the constant distractions that they have in the classroom. It will reduce those distractions and will facilitate the building of the interpersonal relationships that are so vital to human development.”

“This is something where Ohio is taking the lead,” said Senator Andrew Brenner (R-Delaware), who worked on legislation last year requiring schools to implement policies regarding the use of cell phones.  “We started the work last year with House Bill 250 to get cell phones out of our classrooms. I believe this is all a step in the right direction.”

The Governor was also joined for the press conference by Dublin City Schools Superintendent Dr. John Marschhausen, whose district has been a leader in the push to remove cell phones from classrooms.

“We’ve had near-unanimous support from our parents for banning cell phones from our schools,” said Dr.  Marschhausen. “As we’ve had meetings recently, our Business Advisory Council has talked about the importance of graduating students who can work and be successful without having a device in their hands.”

“This legislation also opens up conversations with moms and dads, with grandmas and grandpas, because what we do in school from 7:30 to 2:30 isn’t enough,” Dr.  Marschhausen added. “Making sure our students are safe on their phones takes all of us working together.”

The Governor was also joined by Tina Husted, former Second Lady of Ohio and a champion for protecting children online. As Second Lady, Husted was a key supporter of Braden’s Law, which makes sexual extortion a felony offense in Ohio. Signed by Governor DeWine earlier this year, Braden’s Law, which was named after a 15-year-old boy from central Ohio who took his life after being victimized in a financial “sextortion” scam, officially takes effect Wednesday, April 9, 2025.

In addition to highlighting the work done to make Braden’s Law a reality, Husted discussed strategies parents can use to be more aware of what their children are doing on their phones.

“Online safety for our children is one of the most critical issues of our time. There have been accounts of ‘sextortion’ and online bullying which, at times, have resulted in a loss of life,” Husted said. “Over 90% of people, including our children, are using smartphones. As a parent and an athletic coach, I have witnessed firsthand the dangers that online apps and social media can have to young children, as well to as to developing teens.”

Husted suggested serval steps parents can take to protect their child’s online health, including setting up parental restrictions, limiting a child’s activity on their device to less than three hours per day, and not letting a child sleep with their phone, among other suggestions.

“There are also new apps being developed that parents can download that monitor a child’s phone usage for threats and send alerts when there is harmful or risky activity,” Husted added. “Most importantly, talk to your children. Make sure they know that they can come to you if they feel uncertain or threatened by anyone.”

(From the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library)

What draws people to the library? Everything! From books and digital resources to job assistance and creative programming, libraries are essential to thriving communities.

National Library Week, April 6–12, 2025, is a time to celebrate the many ways libraries bring people together, spark imagination, and support lifelong learning.

Director Sarah Clevidence says everyone belongs at the library and they are grateful to be able to be a part of so many people’s lives.

At the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library, we invite the community to join the celebration. Whether you’re a longtime patron or haven’t visited in a while, now is the perfect time to explore all the library has to offer. Come in and see our new look with fresh new colors and redesign to make your visit more enjoyable and convenient. Your library provides unique programs and services, such as free Wi-Fi, digital collections, career help, and more ensuring that everyone has access to resources that educate, inspire, and connect.

Whatever draws you in, the library has something for everyone. Whether you’re launching a business, raising a family, or embracing retirement, we’re here to support your journey. Libraries serve as hubs for learning, creativity, and connection, helping people of all ages explore new ideas and opportunities.

To celebrate the theme of “Drawn to the Library”, thanks to generous sponsorship from the Friends of the Library, we are raffling off a gorgeous art set, one for children and one for adults. Visit us this week to enter to win this amazing set and celebrate libraries with us.

(From the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services)

The Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) today announced that it has awarded more than $820,000 in mini-grants aimed at strengthening Ohio’s behavioral health workforce. This new investment will support 10 projects focused on increasing career awareness, supporting recruitment and retention, and enhancing contemporary practice for Ohio mental health and addiction professionals. 

Selected projects address the following priorities:

• Building new and/or expanding existing partnerships between community and regional entities, such as regional Workforce Development Boards; county Alcohol, Drug, and Mental Health Boards; and local Community Behavioral Health Centers (CBHCs) to elevate the awareness of behavioral health workforce needs.
• Providing connections to competitive career opportunities, such as establishing local job boards, creating hiring events, or job fairs for behavioral health career opportunities.

“The health and success of Ohio’s families and communities depend on a robust and knowledgeable behavioral healthcare workforce,” said OhioMHAS Director LeeAnne Cornyn. “These grants are just another example of our commitment to supporting our community partners to strengthen and grow their workforce, amid increased demand for services.”

Funded projects include:

• Hancock County ADAMHS Board – $50,000
  • Expand the relationship with Raise the Bar, a local community-driven workforce development initiative, to pilot a Work Advance Program targeting entry level positions and formalize a plan to recognize students who obtain a Mental Health Technician Certification to engage them in the field.

• 5 Star Salon Academy – $150,000 (Montgomery County)
  • Host targeted workshops, training programs, career fairs, and job boards to raise awareness and promote entry into the behavioral health workforce, focusing on career pathways in wellness and behavioral health.
• Catalyst Life Services – $55,000 (Richland County)
  • Provide CEU-approved trainings that support the ongoing education and professional growth of the behavioral health workforce.
• Hamilton County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board – $108,920
  • Convene strategic planning sessions that focus on the needs of workforce development in the areas of treatment, prevention, outreach, and recovery supports; determine the focus of a pilot program and future workforce strategies.
• Mental Health and Addiction Advocacy Coalition – $98,625 (Cuyahoga County and SW Ohio)
  • Expand the online Behavioral Health Career Pathways Interactive Tool and Southwest Ohio Regional Behavioral Health Workforce Coalition Toolkit.
• Mental Health and Recovery Services Board of Lucas County – $19,458
  • Develop a job hosting board, managed by the Thomas M. Wernet Center, dedicated to peer support positions.
• MHRS Board of Allen, Auglaize, and Hardin Counties – $125,425
  • Educate those with job opportunities on how to recruit and serve people interested in the behavioral health field and offer one-time scholarships to those employed by Community Behavioral Health Centers to enhance their skillsets.
• Paint Valley ADAMH Board – $65,000 (Fayette, Highland, Pickaway, Pike, and Ross Counties)
  • Offer educational and training opportunities that will lead to behavioral health certifications or maintaining certifications and licensures.
• Project Lift – $79,950 (Cuyahoga County)
  • Implement a workforce development initiative that focuses on recruiting, retaining, and upskilling behavioral health professionals.
• Shawnee Mental Health Center – $68,412 (Scioto County)
  • Partner with local agencies to create an online job board and organize job fairs to promote behavioral health career opportunities and expand partnerships with schools and community organizations to provide career path activities for high school and post-secondary students.

The selected projects demonstrate the department’s dedication to improving the recruitment and retention of the “wellness workforce” and efforts to pursue partnerships with Ohio’s community behavioral health care providers, local community leaders, and educational institutions to create more pathways for Ohioans to pursue these careers.

Click HERE to learn more about other OhioMHAS-led efforts to create more pathways for Ohioans to pursue careers in behavioral health care.

(From the City of Findlay)

Mayor Christina Muryn swore in Hunter Copus as a Firefighter for the Findlay Fire Department and Skyler Newfer as an Officer for the Findlay Police Department in City Council chambers on Monday, April 7.

Hunter Copus, 27, is a graduate of Findlay High School and attends the University of Findlay, working toward his Business Administration degree. Copus brings with him a strong connection to the department, following in the footsteps of his father, who retired from the Findlay Fire Department in 2010. Recently married, Hunter and his wife reside in Findlay, where he is looking forward to carrying on that legacy of service and commitment to the city. He will be attending the Ohio Fire Academy to obtain his Firefighter II certification in May.

Skyler Newfer, 36, is a graduate of Kenton High School. Newfer attended Owens Community College in Findlay, graduating with an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice. Newfer later attended Tiffin University and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. Newfer previously served with the Kenton Police Department for 8 years as a patrolman and 4 years as a Sergeant. Newfer resides in Findlay, Ohio, with his family, and he will be assigned to the department’s Patrol Division.

(From the Hancock Historical Museum)

Families with children of all ages will transport back to the 90s at the Hancock Historical Museum’s Growing Up 90s Family Night from 5 – 8 p.m. Saturday, April 12. This event is free to attend, no registration necessary, thanks to The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation Fun for All series of free community events.

Showcasing a variety of crafts, games, refreshments, fashion and entertainment, attendees will be immersed in 90s nostalgia throughout the museum campus.

“We’re excited to provide an opportunity for our youth to experience the fun many of us had in the 1990s, before technology was as prominent as it is today,” said Sarah Foltz, Hancock Historical Museum Executive Director. “When we launched our Growing Up 90s: Hancock County Edition exhibit in early 2024, the museum staff immediately envisioned a program like this as an interactive, educational and fun complement to the new exhibit.”

During the Family Night, visitors will enjoy:

– Exploring the museum, including the Growing Up 90s: Hancock County Edition exhibit;

– Tie-Dying exclusive Growing Up 90s t-shirts while supplies last;

– Snacking on 90s-themed refreshments;

– Getting crafty with sand art, lizard key chains, friendship bracelets and much more;

– Shopping 90s vintage clothing hosted by local boutique, Sparrows to Lilies;

– Admiring original art from popular 90s children’s books provided by the University of Findlay Mazza Museum;

– Listening to live music featuring Ryan Parker from 5 – 7 p.m.;

– Learning beginner line dances to 90s tunes led by Jesse Line Dance (lessons will begin every half hour starting at 5:30 p.m.);

– Getting a snapshot with friends and family in the photo booth led by Pahl Photography;

– Playing popular games of the 90s including Twister, Four square, Operation, trivia and more;

– and taking home a complimentary children’s book!

Growing Up 90s Family Night is funded by The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation Fun for All series of free community events. Educational and hands-on activities are made possible by community partners including the University of Findlay Mazza Museum, Children’s Museum of Findlay,

Hancock Public Health, Blanchard River Watershed Partnership, Findlay YMCA, Findlay-Hancock County Public Library, Findlay Morning Rotary, Sparrows to Lilies and Pahl Photography.

The event will take place at the Hancock Historical Museum located at 422 W. Sandusky St. near downtown Findlay. Parking will be available at the museum and the surrounding streets.

For more information, please contact the museum at 419-423-4433 or visit Hancockhistoricalmuseum.org.

(From the United Way of Hancock County)

There are 81 pinwheels surrounding the Hancock County Courthouse, each representing a child adjudicated as abused, neglected or dependent in our community in 2024.

Thanks to Hancock County Job and Family Services and CASA of Hancock County Ohio — along with the wonderful youth from the Kindness Klub — for joining us in raising awareness this Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Randall Galbraith, Director of Hancock County Job and Family Services, says child abuse is everyone’s problem and everyone’s responsibility to help out and alleviate it.

The pinwheels will remain on display through April, which is observed as National Child Abuse Prevention Month. 

(From the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office)

When Amy Turner graduated from the University of Toledo with a criminal justice degree, she wasn’t sure what area of law enforcement she wanted to specialize in, so she applied for a corrections officer position at the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office to get her foot in the door and see her options. By the time she left the interview with Chief Deputy Charles Boyer, she had found her life’s calling as a dispatcher.

“It was Chief who got me this job,” Turner said. “When he sat down to interview me, he said a dispatch position just opened. I interviewed for just that. He said I thought you’d be a perfect fit.”

Chief Deputy Boyer was right. In the little over a year that Turner has worked at the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office, she has developed into an extraordinary dispatcher. On March 24, Seneca County Sheriff Fredrick Stevens presented her with the 2024 Dispatcher of the Year Award.

“I was surprised to receive the award because I’m so new,” she said.

Her peers in the Sheriff’s Office were not surprised because they were the ones who voted to name her Dispatcher of the Year. They praised her skill and her personality in their nomination forms, saying things like she is “always polite,” “always has a smile on her face,” and is “eager to help in any way that she can.”

One peer recognized her commitment to her work when they wrote, “Her attitude reflects her passion for her job,” and another said she “always goes above and beyond.” One person summed up her impact on the office when they wrote, “Everyone loves working with Amy.”

And Turner loves working with them.

“Everyone is like a family here,” she said.

Turner had a strong foundation for the work even before she entered college.

“I grew up in law enforcement. My dad was a deputy in Hancock County,” she said.

Although she grew up in the world of law enforcement, Turner was still surprised by the work inside the dispatch department. Dispatchers juggle many duties at once during very stressful situations when people’s welfare – and sometimes their lives – are endangered.

“I was surprised by how much really goes on in there that people don’t see,” she said. “You are often multitasking – answering the phones, talking to the caller, listening to fire, EMS, and deputies on the radio. You are sometimes doing three or four things.”

Dispatchers are often the forgotten helpers in an emergency. They are the foundation of assistance that connects a caller to the First Responders who will help them, but once the dispatcher hangs up the phone, it is natural for the caller, in the midst of their fear, to forget that someone calmed them and guided them through the first moments of trauma.

“It’s a very rewarding job because I know I’m someone’s first point of contact. I’m helping them in one of their worst moments of life,” Turner said. “People don’t see you, but knowing you are helping them is reward enough.”

By Sheri Trusty, Public Relations/Community Engagement Coordinator

(From the University of Findlay)

University of Findlay alumni, friends, faculty, staff, students, and the local community came together on Day of Giving 2025 to support “the full Findlay experience” for a new generation of Oilers – and they also set several new records in campus philanthropy.

“We are very pleased to announce that a record number of 580 generous donors have collectively raised $220,766 to make a difference for all UF students,” said Kenneth McIntyre Jr., vice president for University advancement. “These gifts to the Findlay Fund transform students’ lives, make higher education more affordable, and enrich the student experience.”

UF had set a goal of reaching 500 donors to participate this year, according to Madelynn Greenslade, ’21, director of annual giving.

As a special incentive, a group of UF Board of Trustees members collectively provided $56,500 in matching gifts. Trustee Dr. William Kose offered $15,000 to match $1 for each $1 donated to the Findlay Fund.

Trustee Chuck Bills and his wife Dee Dee contributed $5,000 to match gifts to the Findlay Fund. In addition, their company, Ohio Logistics, gave $20,000 to challenge the first 100 donors and 100 alumni to make gifts.

Trustee Marian Lowe ’97 contributed $10,000 for a Dean’s Challenge to reward the three colleges that raised the most money on Day of Giving. Those funds were awarded to the College of Business, College of Pharmacy, and College of Education.

Trustee Angela Brown ’92 gave $5,000 in matching funds for the Findlay Forward Scholarship. Trustee Pastor Lance Finley made a $500 matching gift for Campus Ministries and $500 matching gift for Oilers Club. Trustee Chuck Daniels ’97, ’01 and his wife Darla Lammers gave a $500 matching gift for Oilers Club, as well.

“We appreciate the trustees’ advocacy in encouraging more alumni and friends to donate,” Greenslade said. She noted that many deans, staff members, retirees, and other loyal University friends made matching gifts for specific programs.

Gifts to the Findlay Fund provide Merit scholarships, student health services, facility maintenance, student technology and transportation, Oiler athletics, Campus Ministries, and more.

“Our donors understand that when they give on this day, they keep the Findlay experience vibrant and enrich the lives of UF students,” Greenslade said. “Their generosity brings talented, hard-working Oilers to campus and sees them all the way through the Arch out into the world for an exciting future.”

For more information on results and a full list of challenge and match gifts, visit dayofgiving.findlay.edu.

The five Republicans running for an At-Large seat on Findlay City Council participated in a candidate forum on WFIN ahead of the May 6 Primary Election.

They are Antonia Faisant, Heather Kensinger, L. Reed Needles, Randy Otermat, and Bradley Wagner.

Listen to their closing statements in the audio file below and at the bottom of the story is video of the forum.

Jenny Fall, a Democrat, is also running for an At-Large seat on City Council. She is running unopposed in the Democrat primary.

Current At-Large city councilmembers Grant Russel, Randy Greeno, and Jeff Wobser are not running for reelection.

The forum was held at 50 North and moderated by WFIN’s Chris Oaks.

You can watch it below.

See what other candidates and issues are on the May 6 ballot by clicking here for the Hancock County Board of Elections.