Category Archives: Local News

Sheriff’s Office Asking Drivers To Be Patient During Fall Harvest

(From the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office)

It’s getting to be that time of year, fall harvest! We just want to take a moment to remind drivers to be extra vigilant and patient as our great farmers travel with their machinery to and from their fields, farms, and grain elevators.

A couple things to remember:

Farmers may be pulling in and out of fields and lanes, not just other roads.

Machinery may be on the roads at night with their hazard lights on finishing up or trying to beat some rain.

They are doing their best to give everyone room on the road, a little patience will go a long way! Please keep slow and give them as much space as you can.

We’d like to wish all our great farmers a safe and successful harvest!

CreativeOhio Announces Finalists For Champion Advocacy Awards

(From CreativeOhio)

CreativeOhio is proud to announce the finalists for the 2025 CreativeOhio Champion Advocacy Awards, which will be held on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. in the Great Gallery of the Toledo Museum of Art.

This year’s luncheon highlights the Northwest Ohio region, celebrating community leaders, educators, businesses, and artists whose advocacy has strengthened the state’s creative sector.

2025 Honorees

Individual Advocate Champion

  • Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz, City of Toledo

Arts Educator Champion Finalists

  • Roy Young, Music Director, Anthony Wayne Schools
  • Beth Sheets, BGSU, Toledo Museum of Art, Founding Board Member of Scrap4Art
  • Sally Windle, Executive Director, ArtSpace/Lima
  •  

Business Champion Finalists

  • Ohio Logistics – Chuck & Dee Dee Bills Family
  • KeyBank
  • Reineke Family Dealerships

 

Artist Champion Finalists

  • Jonie McIntire, Lucas County Poet Laureate
  • Dan Hernandez, Associate Professor of Art, University of Toledo
  • Philip Sugden, Assistant Professor of Fine Arts, Bluffton University

 

Lifetime Achievement Award

  • Susan Palmer, Chair Elect, Toledo Museum of Art Board of Directors

 

About the Awards

The CreativeOhio Champion Advocacy Awards honor Ohioans who enrich their communities through leadership and advocacy in support of the arts, culture, and creative sector. Each year, the awards spotlight a different region of the state, bringing together civic, business, and creative leaders to celebrate the power of advocacy.

Launched in 2023, the Awards build on the legacy of the William R. Joseph Advocacy Medal, honoring the lifelong advocacy work of Ohio Citizens for the Arts co-founder, William R. Joseph.

“Our finalists exemplify the many ways advocacy can shape stronger, more vibrant communities,” said Sarah Sisser, Executive Director & CEO of CreativeOhio. “From classrooms to city halls, from small businesses to cultural institutions, these leaders demonstrate the essential role creativity plays in Ohio’s economy and the overall wellbeing of its residents.. We are proud to celebrate their impact.”

Honorees Announced Live

While finalists have been announced, the winners in three categories will not be revealed until the luncheon itself. Guests will be the first to hear who is named the 2025 Champion Advocacy Award recipients during the program.

Join Us

Join CreativeOhio and leaders from across Ohio in celebrating the 2025 Champion Advocacy Awards at the Toledo Museum of Art. Guests will enjoy a plated lunch beginning at 11:30 a.m., followed by the awards program at 12:00 p.m.

For tickets and more information, visit creativeoh.org.

About CreativeOhio

CreativeOhio is the statewide voice for Ohio’s creative sector. With over 130 member organizations, we provide leadership, advocacy, and support to strengthen and enhance Ohio through arts, culture, and creativity.

Forced Landing Results In Minor Injuries, Heavy Damage To Plane

(From the Ohio State Highway Patrol)

The Bowling Green Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a minor-injury twin-engine plane crash that occurred just after 12:30 p.m. on September 3 near the Wood County Airport.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a Piper Seminole attempted to land to the west, on Runway 28, where the left-seat pilot, Ulrich Marlon Tchiedje Ngaleumo, 23, Pickerington, aborted the landing and attempted to do a go-around procedure.

The right-seat pilot, Joel Borton, 34, Perrysburg, then took control of the twin-engine plane and made a forced landing in a bean field approximately one-quarter mile northwest of the departure end of the runway.

Mr. Ngaleumo sustained minor injuries and was transported to the Wood County Hospital by ground ambulance. Mr. Borton was not injured. The Piper sustained heavy damage.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted at the scene by the Bowling State University Police Department, Bowling Green Fire Division, Wood County Regional Airport and the Federal Aviation Administration.

The incident remains under investigation.

(pictures courtesy of WTOL-11)

(From Bowling Green State University)

Bowling Green State University issued the following statement regarding a forced landing of an aircraft north of Wood County Airport:

“Today, on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at approximately 12:30 p.m., a Bowling Green State University student and designated pilot examiner with the Federal Aviation Administration were flying in a multi-engine aircraft near Bowling Green and made a forced landing north of the Wood County Airport.

The student, who was nearing graduation, was being evaluated by the examiner for a commercial pilot license, which requires landing an aircraft during a simulation of an engine failure. During this simulation, the FAA examiner took over the aircraft, landing the plane in a field adjacent to the airport.

Both the student and examiner experienced minor injuries and are reported to be doing well. The student was taken to Wood County Hospital as a precaution. Bowling Green State University is grateful for the quick actions and response and will continue to work with the Ohio State Highway Patrol and FAA.”

(pictures courtesy of WTOL-11)

Man Suffers Life-Threatening Injuries In Motorcycle Crash

(From the Ohio State Highway Patrol)

The Findlay Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a serious injury crash which occurred on September 3, 2025 at approximately 3:48 p.m. The crash took place on Tiffin Street near Lakeview Drive in the city of Fostoria.

Brogan Victor Misner, age 20 of Fostoria, OH, was driving a 2025 CFMOTO 675SS motorcycle westbound on Tiffin Street. Kevin Esturado Williams, age 22, of Fostoria, OH was a passenger on the motorcycle. Mr. Misner attempted to negotiate a curve, went off the right side of the roadway, and struck the curb. Mr. Misner was wearing his helmet while Mr. Williams was not.

Mr. Williams was transported to ProMedica Fostoria Community Hospital and then life flighted to Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center with life threatening injuries. Mr. Misner sustained minor injuries and was treated at ProMedica Fostoria Community Hospital.

The Patrol was assisted on scene by Fostoria PD, Fostoria Fire and EMS, and Dicks Towing.

The crash remains under investigation and impairment is not a factor in the crash.

UPDATE – Issues Contacting 911 Services

UPDATE – The issue has been resolved. 

(From the Findlay Police Department and Hancock County Sheriff’s Office)

Today, 09\03\2025 the County 911 Coordinator was notified of an issue with Verizon wireless calls. Verizon is advising that customers may or may not be able to call 911. This outage for Verizon seems to be affecting counties in Ohio. Should you have an emergency and cannot contact 911 please try our non-emergency numbers.

Hancock County Sheriff (419) 422-2424 and the Findlay Police Department (419) 424-7150. The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office and Findlay Police Dept. also has text to 911 that is available and is working for Verizon users. At this time Verizon is advising no time frame for when services will be back and running.

Joint Release by : Lt. David P. Hill # 880 of the Findlay Police Dept. and 911 Coordinator Brian Stozich of the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office

Drop In Fatal Crashes During ‘100 Deadliest Days Of Summer’

(From the Ohio State Highway Patrol)

The Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) reports a 7% reduction in fatal crashes during the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer. This time period, which runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day, sees an increase in traffic on the roads and an increased number of both serious-injury and fatal crashes.

According to preliminary Patrol statistics, there were 339 fatal crashes, which resulted in 370 deaths, during this year’s 100 Deadliest Days of Summer timeframe. This year saw 25 fewer fatal crashes and 23 fewer fatalities compared to last year. Additionally, the OSHP recorded 1,703 serious-injury crashes, a 17% decrease from 2024’s statistics.

“While we are encouraged by the decrease in crashes and fatalities, we know one life lost is still one too many,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent. “These numbers reflect the hard work of our troopers, and we urge everyone to never drive impaired, eliminate distractions and always buckle up.”

Additional information regarding Ohio crash statistics is available on the Ohio Statistics and Analytics for Traffic Safety (OSTATS) dashboard. That dashboard can be located here.

The public is encouraged to safely call #677 to report reckless or impaired drivers and drug activity.

‘Flock Walk’ Coming Up In Support Of Cancer Patients And Survivors

(From Cancer Patient Services)

Join us for the 4th Annual Flock Walk on Saturday, September 13th at the University of Findlay’s Koehler Center — a morning full of inspiration, remembrance, and community support for local cancer patients and survivors.

What to Expect:

    • Doors open at 8:00 AM
    • Survivor Breakfast at 8:30 AM
    • Free for survivors
    • $15 for guests
    • Welcome & Awards at 9:00 AM, followed by the
    • Survivor Picture & Lap
    • Walk & 5K begin at 9:30 AM

 

NEW! Can’t join in person? Register for our Virtual Walk Option and participate from anywhere!

Honor a Loved One:

Purchase a flamingo for $15 to honor a survivor or remember someone lost. These will be displayed during the event.

Visa Raffle Tickets:

Enter to win — just $10 per ticket!

Event Highlights:

    • Raffle Baskets
    • Photo Booth Fun
    • Kids Zone Activities

Registration Details:

    • Adults: $30
    • Children (ages 6–12): $15
    • Kids 5 & under: FREE
    • Register as an individual or gather your flock and form a team!

Sign up now at: cancerpatientservices.org

Let’s flock together to celebrate survivors, support local cancer patients, and honor loved ones. Your participation helps make a difference.

We can’t wait to see you there!

Lead Service Line Replacement Effort

(From the City of Fostoria)

In the upcoming weeks, crews will begin exploratory digging, or potholing, to locate and identify underground drinking water service lines as part of our lead service line replacement efforts.

If your water service line is accessible, you can help us identify your water service line material before potholing begins! It only takes 5 minutes and helps keep our community drinking water safe.

Fill out the online survey here:
https://www.jotform.com/form/242314439060045

Minimal disruption is expected. Learn more at GLO or call (419) 435-2643.

Thank you for helping us keep your water safe!

Sheriff’s Office Holding 5K For Suicide Awareness

(From the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office)

Read Anna Ulinski’s story on why she is joining us this Saturday, September 7th:

“My name is Anna Ulinski, I am coming forward not just as a wife, but as someone who has felt the deep, life-changing impact of losing my husband to suicide. He was a police officer. He was brave, dedicated, and selfless in his service. But behind the uniform, he carried burdens that were often unseen.

His passing has left a space in our family that can never be filled. Our children lost a loving father, and I lost my partner in life. Every holiday, every milestone, carries both love for his memory and the pain of his absence.

What I’ve come to understand is that the toll on first responders goes far beyond what most people see. Their battles don’t always end when their shifts do. My husband’s struggle reminds us why mental health awareness for first responders is so critical. They need safe spaces to share their pain, and they need to know that reaching out is a sign of immense strength, not weakness.

My family’s grief has become my voice. By sharing our story, I hope to honor my husband’s memory and help protect other families from this same heartbreak.”

We are four days away from our 5K Foot Pursuit – In Pursuit of Suicide Awareness!

September is National Suicide Prevention Month and we would love for you to join us!

You can still sign up at: https://runsignup.com/…/5KFootPursuitInPursuitOfSuicide…

OR

You can sign up at the event!

Flag City Honor Flight Preparing For Third Flight Of The Year

(From Flag City Honor Flight)

Flag City Honor Flight (FCHF) is preparing for its 32nd mission on September 9th to take 82 Veterans, primarily from the Vietnam War era, to Washington, D.C. to visit memorials built in their honor.

Flag City Honor Flight’s 2025 flight schedule includes four flights: April 1, June 3, September 9, and October 14.

Sponsor: This flight is primarily sponsored by the families of Yoder Machinery and Yoder Brothers Machinery. Tammy Leinbach shares, “Our families and businesses appreciate the opportunity to recognize and thank our Veterans. It’s a small way we can give back in comparison to the great sacrifices and contributions our Veterans have made to our country.”

The organization relies on community donations and flight sponsorships to continue the mission. As a 100% volunteer-led organization, every dollar received goes directly toward honoring and thanking Veterans for their service.

Schedule: Departing from Toledo Express Airport in the morning, Veterans will embark on a one-day trip of a lifetime. The itinerary includes visits to the Air Force Memorial, Navy Memorial, Iwo Jima Memorial, Korean Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, WWII Memorial, and Arlington National Cemetery for the Changing of the Guard. Veterans do not pay to fly.

General Flight Details:
5:30 a.m. – Veterans & Guardians arrive at Eugene F Kranz Toledo Express Airport
6:30 a.m. – Depart for Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport

9:00 – 11:30 a.m. – Tour Air Force and Navy Memorials
11:30 a.m. – Tour WWII, Korean and Vietnam Memorials

2:30 p.m. – Tour Marine Memorial
3:30 p.m. – Attend Changing of the Guard Ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery

5:00 p.m. – Dinner and tour Military Women’s Memorial

8:00 p.m. – Depart Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport
9:00 p.m. – Arrive at Grand Aire Hanger & Welcome Home celebration

Welcome Home Celebration:
The public is invited to a Welcome Home celebration to honor returning Veterans.
Doors Open: 7:00 p.m.
Approximate time Flight Expected: 9:00 p.m.
Location: 11777 W. Airport Service Rd, Swanton, OH 43558

Attendees are encouraged to wave flags, cheer loudly, and shake hands with returning Veterans.

Mission: Flag City Honor Flight ensures that all Veterans, from World War II through Vietnam, have the opportunity to visit the memorials in Washington, D.C., honoring their service and sacrifices for America’s freedom.

ABOUT FLAG CITY HONOR FLIGHT: Flag City Honor Flight Inc. is a 100% volunteer-run 501c3 organization dedicated to providing Veterans in Northwest Ohio and surrounding areas with the opportunity to visit their war memorials in Washington, D.C., at no cost. Annual flights are supported by charitable donations and an enduring commitment to honoring America’s heroes.