(From the Ohio Division of Wildlife)

Hunters across Ohio checked 26,667 white-tailed deer on Monday, Dec. 2 during the opening day of the weeklong gun hunting season, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. This is the highest harvest for opening day since 2012 (29,297). Ohio’s seven-day gun season is open until Sunday, Dec. 8, with an additional gun hunting weekend on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 21-22.

This year’s opening day harvest total includes 9,602 antlered deer and 17,065 antlerless deer (antlerless deer are does and button bucks). In 2023, hunters took 19,363 deer on opening day of the gun season, which traditionally falls on the Monday after Thanksgiving. From 2021 to 2023, hunters checked an average of 19,439 deer during the gun season opener. 
 
The top 10 counties for deer checked on opening day were:

1. Coshocton (1,053)
2. Tuscarawas (954)
3. Knox (881)
4. Muskingum (852)
5. Carroll (804)
6. Guernsey (750)
7. Ashtabula (686)
8. Harrison (671)
9. Ashland (653)
10. Columbiana (592)

So far this deer season, archery and firearms hunters have taken a total of 128,408 deer through Monday, Dec. 2. Hunters ages 17 and younger checked 10,449 deer in the two-day youth season. 

(From Bowling Green State University)

A recent project commissioned by UNESCO sought out the expertise of Bowling Green State University researchers to better understand the complicated, but influential, world of digital content creators on a global scale in a first-of-its-kind study.

UNESCO chose the Global Social Media Influencer Research Lab (GSMI) at BGSU – founded by Professor of Research Excellence Dr. Louisa Ha – to study the motivations and ethical standards of content creators, marking the first time the University received funding from the United Nations organization for a research project.

Ha and her team anonymously surveyed more than 500 content creators across 45 countries and eight languages who post public content and meet the “nano-influencer” threshold with more than 1,000 followers, then conducted in-depth follow-up interviews with 20 of the surveyed creators.

The findings, which were released Nov. 26, revealed that content creators typically have a clear mission and good intentions, but researchers found significant gaps in fact-checking and determining source credibility.

Nearly two-thirds of respondents said they did not check for accuracy before sharing content with others.

Further, creators often incorrectly correlated popularity with credibility, a significant issue with online misinformation.

“One of the major discoveries is that many of these creators equate popularity – the number of views and likes – as credible sources,” Ha said. “If a post has a lot of likes and views, they view it as credible, even if it may be wrong information.”

Ironically, researchers found many content creators started with pure intentions to share information or expertise with others, though most aren’t treating the role as a full-time career.

Just more than half of surveyed content creators said they accept any sort of sponsored content agreements, and less than one-third of those sampled said content creation was their main source of income.

Researchers discovered information verification proved to be the major gap for content creators as they evaluated what to share with their audiences.

“When they share content with other people, 62% said they did not check the accuracy,” Ha said. “That is a major issue because it presents the possibility of disseminating misinformation.”

UNESCO asked for and accepted a proposal from GSMI, which was established in the BGSU School of Media and Communication. The research venture has become a leader in academia and beyond for understanding digital content creation, which includes but is not limited to social media influencers.
  
Ha said GSMI plans to further expand its research on a global scale, while UNESCO is exploring ways to help content creators become stronger fact-checkers.

With social media continuing to serve as a key connection between consumers and information, Ha said additional resources for creators could make a difference in fighting online misinformation.

“We want content creators. They are real people who have a lot of passion, but we know they have some constraints and they’re not doing too well in terms of fact-checking and verification,” Ha said. “But in general, they are usually well-intentioned. They just need guidance.”

(From the Ohio Department of Transportation)

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) District 1, in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Executive Order 11988, is seeking public comments regarding the following proposed projects:

HANCOCK COUNTY

State Route 37 resurfacing (PID: 107677)

ODOT is proposing to resurface 13.52 miles of pavement along State Route 37 using the full-width resurfacing method known as echelon paving. Work will begin at the intersection of State Route 37 and County Road 172, just south of the State Route 37/State Route 15 interchange, and will continue south to the Hardin County line.

Construction activities will result in temporary roadway closures. Vehicular through traffic will be detoured temporarily. Access for local traffic to all properties will be maintained throughout construction.

Construction is anticipated to occur in the summer of 2026.

Additional information about the project can be found on the project website:

https://www.transportation.ohio.gov/projects/projects/107677

PAULDING COUNTY

State Route 111 shoulder reconstruction (PID: 117046)

ODOT is proposing to reconstruct 5.59 miles of shoulder on State Route 111. Work will begin at the U.S. Route 127 and State Route 111 intersection southeast of the village of Cecil and extend to the State Route 111 and County Road 143 intersection just west of the unincorporated community of Junction.

Construction activities will result in temporary roadway closures. Vehicular through traffic will be detoured temporarily. Access for local traffic to all properties will be maintained throughout construction.

Construction is anticipated to occur in the fall of 2026.

Additional information about the project can be found on the project website:

https://www.transportation.ohio.gov/projects/projects/117046

PUTNAM COUNTY

State Route 634 roadway reconstruction (PID: 119865)

ODOT is proposing to reconstruct and raise the profile of State Route 634 from mile marker 9.53 to 9.80 situated between Township Road J to the south and Township Road I-22 to the north.  This section of roadway is approximately one mile south of the village of Dupont.  The project will also relocate a portion of a small stream along the east side of the road in this location further away from the roadway to prevent erosion.

Construction activities will result in temporary roadway closures. Vehicular through traffic will be detoured temporarily. Access for local traffic to all properties will be maintained throughout construction.

Construction is anticipated to occur in the summer or fall of 2026.

Work along this route may occur in the regulated floodplain of the Auglaize River. Impacts to this floodplain are anticipated to be minor and result in no rise in localized flood levels. A statement of findings detailing the results of the final floodplain analysis will be made available on the project website:

https://www.transportation.ohio.gov/projects/projects/119865

VAN WERT COUNTY

State Route 116/117/697 resurfacing (PID: 107701) 

ODOT is proposing to resurface 6.57 miles of pavement along State Route 697 and 3.11 miles of pavement along State Routes 116 and 117 using the full-width resurfacing method known as echelon paving. Work will take place along:

• State Route 697 from the intersection of State Route 697 and State Route 116 to the western edge of the city of Delphos.
• State Route 116 and State Route 117 from the Mercer County Line to the Allen County Line.

Construction activities will result in temporary roadway closures. Vehicular through traffic will be detoured temporarily. Access for local traffic to all properties will be maintained throughout construction.

Construction is anticipated to occur in the summer and fall of 2026.

Additional information about the project can be found on the project website:

https://www.transportation.ohio.gov/projects/projects/107701

WYANDOT COUNTY

State Route 53 resurfacing (PID: 113044) 

ODOT is proposing to resurface 9.22 miles of pavement along State Route 53 using the full-width resurfacing method known as echelon paving. Work will begin at the Wyandot/Seneca County Line and end at the intersection of State Route 53 and State Route 67 just north of the city of Upper Sandusky.

Construction activities will result in temporary roadway closures. Vehicular through traffic will be detoured temporarily. Access for local traffic to all properties will be maintained throughout construction.

Construction is anticipated to occur in the summer of 2026.

Additional information about the project can be found on the project website:

https://www.transportation.ohio.gov/projects/projects/113044

DISTRICT-WIDE

Bridge painting on various routes (PID: 119050) 

ODOT is proposing to paint various bridges in Allen, Defiance, Hancock, and Wyandot counties.

• Allen County 
  • County Road 173 structure over Interstate Route 75 at mile marker 4.83, about two miles southwest of the village of Beaverdam.
  • Township Road 84 structure over Interstate Route 75 at mile marker 20.96, a little over a mile southwest of the village of Bluffton.
  • County Road 185 structure over Interstate Route 75 at mile marker 9.30, about 1.7 miles southwest of the village of Bluffton.
  • U.S. Route 30 twin structures over the Ottawa River at mile marker 7.00, about six miles east of the city of Delphos.
• Defiance County 
  • State Route 249 structure over the St. Joseph River at mile marker 0.09, just east of the Indiana state line.
• Hancock County 
  • State Route 103 structure over Interstate Route 75 at mile marker 0.67, just east of the village of Bluffton.
• Wyandot County
  • State Route 53 structure over U.S. Route 23 at mile marker 15.06, just north of the city of Upper Sandusky.

Construction activities will result in temporary roadway closures on the following roads:

• County Road 173, Township Road 84, and County Road 185 in Allen County
• State Route 249 in Defiance County
• State Route 103 in Hancock County
• State Route 53 in Wyandot County

Vehicular through traffic will be detoured temporarily. Access for local traffic to all properties will be maintained throughout construction.

Construction is scheduled to occur from the spring through the fall of 2026.

Additional information about the project can be found on the project website:

https://www.transportation.ohio.gov/projects/projects/119050

More information on ODOT projects can be found here.

Written comments regarding these projects may be sent to: Ohio Department of Transportation District 1, Attn: Nate Tessler, 1885 N. McCullough Street, Lima, Ohio 45801; to nate.tessler@dot.ohio.gov; or submitted on the project webpage.

Please provide comments by Friday, Dec. 20, 2024. To ensure a timely response, please provide the project name, PID number, and your contact details. Comments received without contact information will not receive a response.

Project-related issues the public may wish to comment on include but are not limited to, historic or cultural resources, ecological resources, and environmental justice issues.

(From the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office)

You’re Invited!

On behalf of Sheriff Michael E. Heldman, we warmly invite you to celebrate his retirement after an extraordinary 52 years of service to Hancock County, including 28 years as Sheriff. Sheriff Heldman holds the distinction of being the longest-serving Sheriff in Hancock County’s history.

Please join us in honoring Sheriff Heldman’s lifetime of dedication, leadership, and unmatched service. Together, let’s celebrate his remarkable career and the lasting legacy he leaves behind.

Please see the invitation below for more details.

We look forward to seeing you there!

(WFIN) – Hancock County’s new Sheriff will be Mike Cortez. Click here to learn more about Sheriff-Elect Cortez.

(From the Hancock Historical Museum)

December is a magical time to visit local museums decorated for the holidays, and the Hancock Historical Museum has prepared a variety of festive offerings to celebrate the Christmas season with the community.

The holiday season at the museum begins with its monthly Brown Bag Lecture at 12 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5 featuring “Holiday Magic: A Journey Through the History of Hallmark Christmas Movies,” presented by museum Curator and Archivist Joy Bennett.

Admission is free for museum members and included with regular museum admission for nonmembers.

From 5 – 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14 the museum will host its annual Christmas Open House.

Guests of all ages can explore the museum’s decorated campus, enjoy crafts for children and adults, visit with Father Christmas and Mrs. Claus, hear live music, and sample seasonal refreshments.

Admission is free for members of the museum and $1 per person (cash only) for nonmembers.

The year’s final program will be Classic Movie Night at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20, featuring the holiday favorite White Christmas (1954).

Admission is free to attend, and reservations are encouraged but not required.

Visitors are encouraged to stop by the museum gift shop to find meaningful, local gifts celebrating Hancock County.

Items include vintage German nutcrackers and smokers from the private collection of Waltraud Mullinger, local history books, apparel, children’s toys and unique pieces of Findlay Glass. All Findlay Glass is 20 percent off through Dec. 22.

New this year, the museum is offering gift wrapping services in exchange for a donation. Museum volunteer Mary Klein will provide wrapping services for gifts brought in by visitors while they explore the museum. Wrapping is available from 1 – 4 p.m. every Friday in December, as well as Sunday, Dec. 15 and 22. Gift wrapping is complimentary for items purchased in the museum gift shop.

The Hancock Historical Museum is located at 422 W. Sandusky St. in Findlay, Ohio. Regular hours are 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 1 – 4 p.m. Sunday. The museum’s final day of operation for 2024 will be Sunday, Dec. 22. Admission into the museum is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors, $2 for students and free for members. For more information about visiting the museum and upcoming events, visit HancockHistoricalMuseum.org or call 419-423- 4433.

(From Hancock Public Health)

Exciting News from Be Healthy Now Hancock County!

Hancock Public Health and the Be Healthy Now Hancock County Health Coalition are thrilled to share the progress we’re making on our current Community Health Improvement Plan!

Together, we’re working toward a healthier, stronger community.

Stay tuned and follow along for updates as we continue to make strides toward our shared goals.

Click here for more information.

(From the Ohio State Highway Patrol)

The Bowling Green Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal crash that occurred on December 3, 2024 at approximately 6:57 P.M. The crash occurred on Interstate Route 75 in the northbound lane near milepost 174 in Portage Township, Wood County.

Leroy Newson, age 34, of Detroit, Michigan was operating a 2023 Toyota Camry on Interstate Route 75 in the middle lane. Daniel Soloman, age 69, of Findlay, Ohio was traveling across Interstate Route 75 on foot from the east to the west. Mr. Newson struck Mr. Soloman with his vehicle in the middle lane.

Mr. Soloman was pronounced deceased on scene by Central Joint Fire and Rescue. Mr. Newson was not injured.

Troopers were assisted on scene by Mid-County Emergency Medical Services, Central Joint Fire and Rescue, Ohio Department of Transportation and BG Towing Company.

The crash remains under investigation.

(From the University of Findlay)

Area residents of all ages are invited December 8 to join in hands-on fun and exploration at the next “Funday Sunday” program at University of Findlay’s Mazza Museum. The program, which is free and open to the public, features a theme of “Arctic Adventures.”

Guests will enjoy more than 20 activities, interactive games, face painting, planetarium shows, STEAM projects, and a visit from Santa Claus.

“If you’re captivated by all things arctic but prefer to stay warm, this Funday Sunday is perfect for you,” said Amanda Davidson-Johnston, education manager at the Mazza Museum.

The family-friendly learning extravaganza encourages artistic expression, enhances literacy, and develops critical thinking skills.

Registration is required and can be completed on the Mazza Museum’s website.

Funday Sundays take place monthly at the Mazza Museum, November through April, from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The themes for Funday Sundays in 2025 are:

January 5: Lego

February 2: Game on!

March 2: Accelerate!

April 6: Farmyard Fables

For more information on upcoming events, visit the Mazza Museum’s Events page online at www.mazzamuseum.org/events/. For specific questions regarding Funday Sunday, please contact Amanda Davidson-Johnston, Mazza Museum education manager, at 419-434-4777 or amanda.davidson-johnston@findlay.edu.

New Findlay-Hancock County Economic Development Director Chris Keller was on with WFIN’s Chris Oaks to discuss her new role.

The big topic they discussed, of course, is the big box retail store that will be taking over the center portion of the Findlay Mall location.

Keller says her office has already been contacted by mall stores that will be affected and is seeking other locations for them in town.

“We’ve also received calls from people who have space available so we’re connecting those dots,” Keller told Oaks in the interview below. 

As Keller said in the audio above, the city is still not at liberty to say who the big box retailer is and their identity will be released on their timeline and no sooner.

Affected mall tenants are urged to contact the Findlay-Hancock County Economic Development Office at 419-422-3313 for assistance.  

(WTOL-11) – An investigation is underway after authorities in northwest Ohio were involved in a shooting on Saturday that killed a man.

The Defiance County Sheriff’s office says it happened around 12:30 Saturday morning after a driver failed to stop for a traffic violation.

There was a short chase near U.S. Route 24 and State Route 15 in Defiance County and into Henry and Wood County.

Troopers say at some point the driver got out of the vehicle, ran, and began firing shots.

Troopers fired back, hitting the suspect, 26-year-old Donovan Joyner, who was pronounced dead at the scene.