The City of Findlay is considering an ordinance prohibiting loitering.

Law Director Rob Feighner says it has come to his attention, and that of the Mayor, of increased complaints regarding loitering in and around parts of downtown.

The loitering often includes signs of drug use and other criminal acts, Feighner said.  

The city says the intention of the ordinance is to have some control and enforcement of such conduct which currently does not exist in city code.

You can read the ordinance below.

The next Findlay City Council meeting is on Wednesday, November 5, beginning at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers in the Findlay Municipal Building.

(From the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office)

Our office has received reports regarding scam phone calls circulating in the area. In these calls, the scammer claims to be a deputy from the Sheriff’s Office and states that the person being called has missed a court date and that the warrant has been issued for their arrest. The caller then demands payment to resolve the matter.

This is a scam.

Please remember – the Sheriff’s Office will never call and demand personal information or payment over the phone. Do not provide personal details such as your social security number, bank account information, or credit/debit card information over the phone. If you receive a scam call, hang up immediately.

(From the Hancock County Veterans Service Office)

In advance of the upcoming Veterans Day Holiday, The Hancock County Veterans Service Office invites you to illuminate office buildings, government buildings, retail establishments and more green from November 4 – 11 as part of Operation Green Light for Veterans, a nationwide effort uniting communities to support military veterans and their families.

The initiative, led by the National Association of Counties and National Association of County Veterans Service Officers, raises awareness around the unique challenges faced by many veterans and the resources available at the county, state and federal levels to assist veterans and their families.

According to Nicole Jenkins with the Hancock County Veterans’s Service Office, “Operation Green Light reminds us that our community’s strength comes from those who have served and sacrificed for our freedom. Lighting Hancock County in green is a small gesture with a big message, we stand united in support of our veterans and their families.”

Nicole was on with WFIN’s Chris Oaks to discuss Operation Green Light.

In addition to lighting buildings, bridges and other meaningful landmarks, residents, businesses and other organizations are encouraged to participate by simply changing one light bulb inside or outside their home to a green bulb. By shining a green light, we let our veterans know they are seen, appreciated and supported and we open up the conversation about the needs of veterans in our community.

We encourage everyone to show your support on social media by using the hashtag #operationgreenlight #hancockveterans

The City of Findlay will be holding a public forum on a proposed Farm Animal Ordinance.

The forum will be held on Monday, November 10 in City Council Chambers at the Findlay Municipal Building.

The city says the proposed Farm Animal Ordinance would establish clear, consistent, and fair regulations for keeping farm animals within city limits, protect animal welfare and public health, address growing interest in backyard livestock, and provide clear standards to reduce neighborhood conflicts and enforcement ambiguity.

People attending the forum will have a chance to share their input with the city about the proposed ordinance, which you can learn more about by clicking here.

(ONN) – Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced some help for Ohioans whose food assistance benefits are expected to run out as the federal government shutdown continues.

The governor announced a plan to provide up to $25 million amid the anticipated suspension of Federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP benefits.

DeWine signed an executive order directing the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services to give $7 million to various Ohio food banks and up to $18 million in emergency relief benefits to more than 63,000 Ohioans, including more than 57,000 children, who are at or below 50 percent of the federal poverty level.

(From the Ohio State Highway Patrol)

A memorial sign dedication ceremony took place at the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Swanton Post to honor Patrolman Jon D. Birchem, who died in the line of duty on February 27, 1967 when he lost control of his vehicle on an icy roadway while pursuing two speeding vehicles.

“This dedication serves as a powerful reminder of the risks our personnel – and every law enforcement officer across the country – face every day,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent. “It honors Patrolman Birchem’s service and the sacrifice he made while protecting others.”

A sign was installed on the eastbound side of the Ohio Turnpike, near milepost 65, close to where the fatal crash occurred more than 58 years ago. The sign is meant to memorialize the sacrifice Patrolman Birchem made in service to others. He was the first Patrol officer to give his life in the line of duty on the Ohio Turnpike.

“Across the Ohio Turnpike, there are memorial signs erected to honor those who perished or were injured while performing duties to help keep turnpike travelers safe,” said Chief Engineer/Deputy Executive Director Chris Matta, P.E., Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission. “Their names should serve as a reminder that it’s everyone’s responsibility to prevent tragedies like this one from occurring ever again.”

Family members of Patrolman Birchem attended the ceremony, along with state Representatives Haraz Ghanbari, James Hoops and Erika White. Ghanbari, who also serves on the Turnpike Commission, played a key role in making the dedication possible.

The sign dedication ceremony was part of the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission’s Move Over Sign Program, which began in 2017 to honor those who lost their lives or suffered life-long consequences while serving the motoring public.

(From the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts)

Calling all Ohio high school teachers and arts organization leaders!

Ready to inspire the next generation of performers, poets and public speakers? Registration is NOW OPEN for the 2025–2026 season of Poetry Out Loud — the National Recitation Contest that gives high school students a stage to shine!

Whether you’re a teacher looking to energize your classroom or an arts leader ready to elevate your programming, this is your chance to bring the power of poetry to life.

Learn how to get your school or arts center involved: oac.ohio.gov/programs-and-services/poetry-out-loud

MCPA is thrilled to serve as the Ohio Arts Council’s regional partner for Northwest Ohio, with generous support from the National Endowment for the Arts. Let’s make this season unforgettable!

(above pictures courtesy of Terry Gilliam)

(From the Hancock METRICH Enforcement Unit)

On 10/28/25 at approx. 1600 hrs. the Hancock County METRICH Drug Task Force assisted by the FBI Northwest Ohio Safe Streets Task Force and other Government Agencies, the Hancock County Special Response Team (SRT), and the Hancock County’s Strategic Mobile Enforcement Team (SMET) executed three controlled reverse drug deliveries.

The US Attorney’s office as wells as the Hancock County Prosecutor were consulted before the deliveries. These operations stemmed from an FBI investigation where multiple kilograms (kilos) of cocaine were seized in the area. During this investigation multiple buyers for the seized cocaine were discovered in Findlay, Ohio. The FBI set up the transactions using a controlled location where the buyers would come to get their suspected narcotics and be apprehended with the product.

As a result of these operations 3.5 kilos of cocaine were seized, approximately fifteen thousand dollars cash, three vehicles seized, one hand gun, and five individuals were taken into custody.

The following persons were arrested and incarcerated at the Hancock County Justice Center.

Larry R. Pahl (57 year old)

1032 W. Main Cross St.

Findlay, Ohio

Fresh Charge: Possession of Drugs F

Vincent R. Turner (34 year old)

16113 CR 8

Arlington, Ohio

Fresh Charge: Possession of Drug F

Jeffery R. England (34 year old)

212 Prentiss Ave

Findlay Ohio

Fresh Charge: Possession of Drugs F1

Trent J. Deal ( 34 year old)

205 Buffalo St

Vanlue Ohio

Fresh Charge: Possession of Drugs F1

Kodak J. Lawrence ( 30 year old)

15145 SR 568

Findlay Ohio

Fresh Charge: Possession of Drugs F

Additional charges are expected at the conclusion of this investigation.

The Hancock METRICH Drug Enforcement Unit is supported by METRICH in Mansfield, OH and funded in part by the Office of Criminal Justice Services.

METRICH Crime Tip Hotline: 419-52-CRIME (419-522-7463) or download the METRICH enforcement unit mobile app to “Submit a Tip.”

The Ohio Department of Agriculture has an investigation underway into the Hancock County Fair.

A representative from the Ohio Department of Agriculture confirmed the investigation to WFIN News, but said details about the nature of the investigation could not be released at this time as it is an active investigation. 

We sent an email to the Hancock County Agricultural Society seeking comment. 

A woman who did a lot of good for Findlay and Hancock County has passed away.

Virginia “Ginny” Clymer was 93 years old.

Virginia graduated from Findlay High School in 1951 and was very dedicated to her community.

Among her many accomplishments, Ginny was the first woman to be elected as a Hancock County Commissioner, according to her obituary from Coldren-Crates Funeral Home that you can read below.

Virginia “Ginny” Clymer, 93, of Findlay, Ohio, passed away at 1:17 p.m. on Monday, October 27, 2025, at the Meadows of Ottawa. She was born on July 18, 1932, in Hancock County to the late Harold W. and Bessie (Shafer) Charles. She married Richard D. Clymer on May 25, 1952, and he preceded her in death on March 19, 2011.

Ginny is survived by her son, Joe (Michelle) Clymer of Gilboa, OH; daughters, Linda (Peter) Simons of Mims, FL, and Debra (David) Londeck of Clarkston, MI; grandchildren, Christopher, Crystal, Larry, Steven, Jonathan, Alexandra, Maxwell, Charles, and Trisha; and several great-grandchildren.

She was also preceded in death by her son, Charles Clymer; her sister, Elsie Preston; and a step-grandchild, Jeremy Shaul.

A 1951 graduate of Findlay High School, Ginny was an accomplished professional. She worked for six years at Marathon Oil Company, 16 years at RCA, and 16 years with National Lime & Stone as the Assistant Director of Purchasing. Ginny served her community as a member of Findlay City Council for 5½ years, including a term as President. She went on to serve as Hancock County Commissioner for 12 years, becoming the first woman ever elected to this position. Ginny played a vital role in raising funds in 1962 for the rebuilding of the YMCA after a devastating fire.

Ginny was dedicated to her community, serving on numerous boards, committees, and associations over the years. She received many awards for her service and was admired for her selflessness. In her spare time, she enjoyed sewing, gardening, working with stained glass, and, most of all, spending time with her beloved grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, October 31, 2025, at COLDREN-CRATES FUNERAL HOME in Findlay. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. prior to the service. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in Findlay.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Legion Post 3, Findlay.