(From the Tiffin Police Department)

Today, we are honored to celebrate an incredible milestone within the Tiffin Police Department. 25 years ago on THIS DAY, Officer Shawn D. Vallery raised his hand, took his oath, and committed himself to serving the people of the City of Tiffin. This moment was not the beginning of his law enforcement career, but rather the continuation of a calling he had already answered with the Bloomville Police Department and the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office.

It’s important to note – THIS IS NOT A RETIREMENT ANNOUNCEMENT, but a celebration of an outstanding officer who continues to serve with dedication and pride.

Throughout his 25 years with TPD, Officer Vallery has built a legacy of professionalism, integrity, and dedication. He has proudly served in a variety of roles, including as a member of the Special Response Team, the Detective Bureau, and the Drug Task Force. In each assignment, he brought not only his skill and knowledge, but also his unwavering commitment to justice and the safety of our community.

His service has not gone unnoticed. Over the years, Officer Vallery has been recognized with numerous community and departmental awards, a testament to both his strong work ethic and the respect he has earned from colleagues and citizens alike. Most recently, he was honored as Officer of the Year for 2024, a reflection of his continued excellence and leadership.

What truly sets Officer Vallery apart is not only the work he has done, but the way he has done it. He is known as a mentor to younger officers, a leader in times of challenge, and a trusted friend and brother to those who serve alongside him. His love for policing and for the Tiffin community is evident in every call he answers and every relationship he builds.

On behalf of the men and women of the Tiffin Police Department, and the community we proudly serve: Congratulations, Officer Vallery, on 25 years of dedicated service. We are proud to celebrate this milestone with you, and we thank you for your unwavering commitment to the badge, to our department, and most importantly, to the people of Tiffin.

Please join us in congratulating Officer Vallery on this remarkable achievement! We all hope you continue your great work with the Tiffin Police Department for many years to come.

Chief David Pauly

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Roseanna Thornton with Open Arms was on with WFIN’s Chris Oaks to discuss all the programs and services they offer the community.

She says Open Arms Domestic Violence & Rape Crisis Services is available 24/7 to support survivors, educate the community, and help break the cycle of violence in Hancock County.

“No one should have to face abuse alone.”

She says if you, or someone you know, needs help, call or text the 24-Hour Crisis Hotline at 419-422-4766.

Get more information on their website https://openarmsfindlay.com/domestic-violence-awareness…/

(From the University of Findlay)

University of Findlay announced plans to combine its College of Business with its College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. This bold step reflects the University’s mission of preparing students for meaningful lives and productive careers while positioning the institution at the forefront of innovative, entrepreneurial and human-centered education. The new college is tentatively named the College of Business and Humanities.

“This venture allows us to bring together the strengths of both colleges to meet the needs of a rapidly changing world,” said President Katherine Fell, PhD. “Employers and organizations are looking for graduates who are not only skilled in their fields, but also creative, adaptable, ethical, and visionary. Our new structure will equip students to thrive in this market.”

The new college will be established January 1, 2026, with full integration in place by August 1, 2026. Kirby Overton, Ed.D., current dean of the College of Business, will lead the combined colleges. Ron Tulley, Ph.D., who has served as dean of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences for 12 years, will assume the role of senior advisor for college transition and culture as the colleges are combined.

Students, employees, alumni, and community partners will play a central role in helping to define the new college’s vision and identity through a strategic planning process that positions the college as a model of creative, responsible collaboration.

“This is not just an administrative change; it is an exciting opportunity to create a new standard for the future of higher education,” said Dr. Tulley.

Dr. Overton added, “This combination honors the rich traditions of both colleges while allowing us to prepare future graduates who are career and life-ready.”

(From the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office)

Today we gathered to honor and celebrate the career of someone who has been the backbone of our office for nearly three decades. After 28 years of dedicated service, our Fiscal Officer is retiring, leaving behind a legacy of commitment, integrity, and excellence.

In law enforcement, much of the work that ensures our success happens behind the scenes. Budgets balanced, contracts reviewed, and every dollar accounted for—all so deputies, corrections officers, and staff can focus on serving our community with confidence. For 28 years, Becky Smith has carried this responsibility with professionalism and care, making sure the Sheriff’s Office could operate smoothly and effectively.

It is no exaggeration to say that Becky Smith’s work touched every member of this agency. From making sure we had the resources we needed to planning responsibly for the future, she has been a steady hand and a trusted advisor.

As Becky begins this next chapter of life, we want to say thank you—not only for the years of service, but for the friendship, dedication, and loyalty shown to this office and to the citizens of Hancock County.

On behalf of the entire Sheriff’s Office, congratulations on your retirement. You have more than earned it, and we wish you many years of happiness and good health ahead.

(From Blanchard Valley Health System)

Blanchard Valley Health System (BVHS) and PMBA Architects proudly announce that the Wellness Park campus in Findlay has been awarded First Place People’s Choice in the AIA Ohio Design Awards competition.

The award was presented alongside the recipients of the Design Awards at the AIA Ohio Awards Celebration, which took place during the AIA Ohio Conference in Columbus.

Located on Wellness Way in Findlay, just off County Road 99 and I-75, Wellness Park represents a significant investment in the health and vitality of Northwest Ohio. Designed to meet the region’s growing healthcare needs while enhancing the local economy, the facility brings essential medical services closer to home. This recognition highlights its role as an innovative healthcare destination and a symbol of community partnership.

“Wellness Park was developed in direct response to what our community told us they needed most – better access to primary care and specialty services,” said Tracie Carpener, BVHS Construction Manager. “It took a dedicated team of internal and external experts whose shared goal was to provide a place of quality healthcare access on an innovative campus that can serve our community for generations to come.”

The campus unites multiple specialties, including primary care, pediatrics, endocrinology, neurosurgery, diabetes management, rheumatology, orthopedics, podiatry, and sports medicine. It also expands the Julie A. Cole Rehab & Sports Medicine Center with a fully equipped gym and a specially designed pediatric rehabilitation space supporting physical, occupational, and speech therapy. Patients can access comprehensive care in one convenient location with on-site diagnostic tools such as X-ray, EKG, and laboratory testing.

“Working with the BVHS team on this project was a privilege,” said Craig Pickerel, Principal Architect at PMBA Architects. “They truly exemplified their mission by helping us design a campus that is convenient for patients, provides comprehensive services in one setting so care can remain local, and is also a modern, aesthetically pleasing facility that welcomes the community it serves.”

Wellness Park advances the organization’s mission by making coordinated, high-quality care more accessible. Same-day orthopedic appointments are available, while primary care visits can be scheduled within the same week, ensuring timely care for patients across the region.

To schedule an appointment, call 1.833.509.9355. For more information about services offered at Wellness Park, visit bvhealthsystem.org/wellness

(From the Hancock Historical Museum)

In the late 1880s, Findlay became famous for its “great fire in the ground.” The discovery of natural gas transformed the city into a booming industrial hub, drawing national attention and reshaping Hancock County’s future. But gas wasn’t the only resource that fueled dreams of fortune in northwest Ohio. Just to the south and west, oil fields were springing up that rivaled some of the largest in the nation.

On Thursday, October 2nd at noon, the Hancock Historical Museum will welcome longtime Toledo news broadcaster and historian Lou Hebert for a Brown Bag Lecture titled “When Oil Was King in Northwest Ohio.” Lou will explore the era when Wood, Hancock, and Allen Counties stood at the center of the nation’s oil and gas industry. For decades, nearly every farmer and landowner in the region seemed to have a derrick on their property and a dream of striking it rich. These were heady, hardy times that brought new money, new people, and big hopes for the future—leaving a lasting imprint on our communities.

Lou Hebert has been a news broadcaster for over 50 years, spending most of his career in the Toledo area with additional work in Denver, Detroit, and Chicago. Since retiring, he has followed his passion for what he calls “the news of yesterday.” Lou writes a weekly history column for The Press newspaper and is the author of several books, including Day by Day in Toledo and Hidden History of Toledo. He actively works with regional museums and history groups and continues to research new projects. Lou lives in Bowling Green with his wife, Kay-Lynne.

The Brown Bag Lecture will take place at the Hancock Historical Museum, 422 W. Sandusky Street, Findlay. The program begins at noon and will last 45–60 minutes. Admission is free for museum members and $3 for non-members. For more information, visit HancockHistoricalMuseum.org or call 419-423-4433.

(From the Findlay Police Department)

The Findlay Police Department is pleased to announce the hiring of Officer Jesse Evilsizer. He was officially sworn in this morning by Mayor Muryn.

Evilsizer, 37, is a graduate of Bluffton High School and earned his Ohio Peace Officer Certification through Rhodes State College.

He brings 15 years of law enforcement experience to the department, including eight years with the Upper Sandusky Police Department, where he served as a patrolman for five years and as the night shift lieutenant for the last three years.

Officer Evilsizer will be assigned to the department’s Patrol Division.

(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 Ohio Department of Transportation)

Hancock County: I-75 at CR 99

The new diverging diamond interchange is taking shape!

In these aerial photos taken about a month ago, you can see crews just beginning preparations for the new bridge deck — which was poured on Friday.

Almost there, folks — it won’t be much longer!

The Wood County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal stabbing.

The sheriff’s office said deputies responded to an address on Devils Hole Road in Pemberville on Monday night on the report of a stabbing.

Responding deputies located Raymond Dannenberger, 66, outside the residence. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The sheriff’s office said Richard Dannenberger, 36, the victim’s son, was located at a nearby residence and taken into custody.

He was booked at the Wood County Jail and is being charged with murder.

The incident remains under investigation.