Wreaths Across America Day is Saturday, December 14, when people will honor the service and sacrifice of our Veterans by placing wreaths on their graves at local cemeteries including Maple Grove Cemetery in Findlay.

Sherri Garner Brumbaugh, President and CEO of Garner Trucking, was on with WFIN’s Chris Oaks to discuss how they got involved with the event and how the public can help.

Wreaths Across America came to Hancock County through Jon Brumbaugh’s Eagle Scout project in 2016.

In Hancock County this year the goal is to place 5,260 wreaths on Veterans’ graves at Maple Grove, St. Michael’s, Benton Ridge, North Baltimore, Arlington and Eagle Township cemeteries.

Maple Grove, St. Michael’s, Benton Ride and North Baltimore cemeteries ceremonies will all take place at 10:00 a.m. and the Eagle Township Cemetery and Arlington Cemetery will hold their ceremonies at 1:30 p.m..

More details can be found at www.hancockveterans.com.

The Humane Society and SPCA of Hancock County is reminding people to look out for their pets this winter especially during times of extreme wind chills.

The Humane Society’s Natalie Reffitt says her best advice to pet parents is to keep their pets inside during extremely cold weather and only let them out, with supervision, to go to the restroom and bring them in immediately when they finish.

Natalie also advises people with outside pets to bring them in as well, even if it’s only into a garage or spare room.

If you can’t bring in outdoor pets, make sure they have shelter and insulation, such as straw for bedding.

She says pets must always have access to fresh, clean water and people need to check it to make sure it’s not frozen.

Get the latest forecast and weather alerts by clicking here.

(ONN) – One piece of legislation currently in the Ohio Legislature would specifically impact LGBTQ youth in schools.

House Bill 8, also known as the Parents Bill of Rights is getting a lot of attention for one section in particular that requires schools to out LGBTQ students to their parents.

There is an exception if the disclosure would result in abuse or neglect.

The bill had its fourth hearing in the Senate Education Committee.

The bill has already passed the House.

(ONN) – The grocery mega-merger between Cincinnati-based Kroger and Albertsons is dead after two courts rejected the merger based on anti-trust and competition concerns.

One was a permanent injunction from a judge in Seattle.

In addition to the competition issue, the judge said the merger would violate the state of Washington’s consumer protection laws.

Albertsons is now suing Kroger claiming Kroger did not do the diligence necessary to secure regulatory approval for the merger valued at almost $25 billion dollars.

Findlay Mayor Christina Muryn was on with WFIN’s Chris Oaks to discuss the latest progress with the Downtown Recreation Area.

The park would be part of the Phase 2 benching project north of the Blanchard River and east of Main Street.

The Downtown Recreation Area will be from Main Street east to the railroad tracks, and from the river north to Clinton Court.

There will also be a triangle-shaped area west of Main Street over to North Cory Street.

Mayor Muryn said the cost estimate from their consultant for the recreation area is $10 to $40 million.

Muryn tells Chris in the audio above that currently they are going over what elements will be included in the park and the cost of those amenities.

The mayor believes the Phase 2 benching project will begin in mid to late 2025 and then work on the Downtown Recreation Area could begin in late 2026 or more likely in 2027.

Muryn said, in regard to the Downtown Recreation Area, the city wanted to ensure that the benching area east of North Main Street not only serves its primary purpose of flood mitigation but also provides a broader community benefit as a recreation and gathering area.

Get more from Mayor Muryn in her interview with Chris in the audio file above.

(From the Tiffin Police Department)

Tiffin PD School Resource Officer (SRO) Doug Skornicka and our beloved School Resource K-9, Scout, paid a visit to Mrs. Jill DeVore’s class at Tiffin Middle School. The students were thrilled to hang out with Scout, and it’s safe to say he was the star of the show! Sorry Doug!

From wagging tails to lots of pets and smiles, Scout soaked up all the attention like a pro. These interactions are about more than just fun—they help foster strong relationships between our department and the youth in our community. It’s amazing to see how a furry friend like Scout can open doors for meaningful conversations about safety, trust, and responsibility.

A huge thank-you to Mrs. DeVore and her class for their warm welcome. Scout is already looking forward to his next visit!

Chief Pauly

(From the Hancock County Probate and Juvenile Court)

On December 5, 2024, Judge Kristen K. Johnson was sworn in as President of the Ohio Association of Juvenile Court Judges. The swearing-in ceremony occurred during the Association’s Winter Conference.

The Ohio Association of Juvenile Court Judges consists of common pleas judges having juvenile court jurisdiction. The Association promotes the common business interests of Ohio Juvenile Court judges and provides leadership for a just and effective juvenile court system throughout the state of Ohio.

The Association addresses issues including, but not limited to: those affecting child abuse, neglect and dependency, unruly and delinquent juveniles as well as court administration of these issues. In addition, the Association works closely with the Ohio Judicial Conference on issues affecting juveniles and juvenile court. The Association meets monthly and as President, Judge Johnson will preside over those meetings as well as serve as a member of the Executive Committee of the Ohio Judicial Conference.

(From the Wood County Sheriff’s Office)

The Wood County Information Technology Department detected ransomware on the county government’s computer network.

As soon as this was learned, Wood County staff began working to investigate and determine the effects of the incident.

In response, the Commissioners’ Office contacted law enforcement as well as nationally recognized third-party cybersecurity and data forensics consultants with whom the County is now working.

The County’s Information Technology Department and this cybersecurity team are working together to test and analyze the systems.

Fire and emergency resources, including 9-1-1 service, continue to operate.

The Wood County Commissioners are grateful to have some of the industry’s top experts helping guide the County in its response and will keep the community informed as updates are available.

The Commissioners express their ongoing gratitude for the public’s continued patience as business continuity measures are implemented.

For additional information, please contact Jeff Klein, EMA Director/Public Information Officer at 419-354-9269.

(From Liberty-Benton Local Schools)

Liberty-Benton’s Amazing Shake was a huge success!

This program helps students develop essential skills like manners, discipline, respect, and professionalism.

Students practiced handshakes and communication, preparing them to shine at any opportunity.

Thank you to everyone who made this incredible event possible!

(ONN) – In east central Ohio, portions of three counties have been approved for fracking.

The Cincinnati Enquirer reports that an Ohio commission approved hundreds of acres in Salt Fork State Park, northeast of Cambridge in eastern Ohio, for fracking.

The record reflects that all but three public comments submitted before the decision was made opposed the fracking designation.

In addition, portions of Egypt Valley Wildlife Area in Belmont County further east and property in adjacent Monroe County were also approved for fracking.

Opponents say the state is actively industrializing pristine public land.