(From the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office)

Deputy Mark Ellis was recognized as Deputy Of the Year and Dispatcher James McCormick was named Telecommunicator Of the Year during the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office annual Awards and Appreciation Dinner, conducted Thursday evening (10/9/25). Both gentlemen were cited for their professionalism and expertise in performance of their assigned roles. They were also cited for their willingness to accept and complete additional special assignments.

Other awards presented include –

CERTIFICATES OF MERIT to:

– Dispatcher Brooke LaRue and Detective Aric LaRue who while off-duty, rendered aid to a seriously injured victim of an automobile crash.

– Sgt. Austin Carey for actions taken at an active fire scene to determine the safety of the residents and to rescue a family pet.

– Detective Aric LaRue, for his outstanding performance in an investigation which led to charges and conviction in a complicated financial crime involving theft of public funds. The resolution of the case included the recovery of funds.

– Dog Warden Cody Blair, for his efforts in transitioning Dog Warden and Dog Shelter operations into a division of the Sheriff’s Office.

– Assistant Dog Warden Brandy Phipps, for her efforts in support of transitioning operations; and aid in streamlining office and administrative functions of the Dog Warden’s Office and Dog Shelter.

OFFICE CITATIONS WERE PRESENTED to:

– Deputy Micah Davis and Deputy Ryan Starner, for their investigation leading to recovery of evidence and resolution of a violent incident.

– Deputy Brayden Flowers, for his tenacious efforts to investigate and actively pursue leads in an interstate financial fraud case which lead to interception and return of stolen funds to the rightful owner.

– Deputy Travis Hackworth, for his efforts as a school resource officer to provide for students’ food and clothing needs, and in lending academic support.

Sheriff Keith Everhart cited several other individuals and special circumstances that demonstrated unselfish performance of duty and expressed his appreciation to the entire staff for their daily dedication and exemplary service to the Sheriff’s Office for the benefit of Hardin County residents.

(From the Hancock Historical Museum)

The Hancock Historical Museum invites families and community members of all ages to celebrate the spirit of Halloween at its annual Spooktacular event, presented by Hancock Federal Credit Union, taking place on Saturday, October 18th, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at the museum campus in Findlay.

This spooky tradition transforms the museum into a festive Halloween grounds, offering an evening packed with fun, community, and just the right amount of spookiness. Guests can look forward to spooky tours of the historic Hull House, where Halloween legends and ghostly tales come to life. Throughout the museum’s multiple buildings, children will enjoy face painting, pumpkin decorating, crafts, and games, plus children will receive a complimentary Halloween-themed book while supplies last, courtesy of the Richard P. Barchent Jr. Educational Fund.

Seasonal treats will be available for all to sample, and everyone is encouraged to come in costume to add to the festive atmosphere. The event is designed to be family-friendly and accessible, with no admission cost, thanks to the generous support of Hancock Federal Credit Union and area dentists.

As the only nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and sharing Hancock County’s rich heritage, the museum is proud to offer events like Spooktacular that connect the past with the present and inspire future generations of history-lovers. All proceeds of the event go directly toward the museum’s annual operations, allowing the organization to preserve our local history, curate exhibits and provide educational programs for all ages.

The Hancock Historical Museum is located at 422 W. Sandusky St. in Findlay, Ohio. For more information about Spooktacular, visit HancockHistoricalMuseum.org or call the Hancock Historical Museum at 419-423-4433.

(From the American Red Cross of North Central Ohio)

The American Red Cross of North Central Ohio will recognize members of the community who showed extraordinary courage by helping save or improve the lives of others at the 2025 Hero Awards of North Central Ohio. The event will be held on Wednesday, October 22, 12:00pm at the Hilton Garden Inn Findlay, 1050 Interstate Drive in Findlay.

In addition to this year’s hero awards, the Red Cross will present the 2025 Clara Ayres award for Extraordinary Service to Pam Oglesbee. Pam is the inaugural recipient of the award, which is given to a healthcare worker or Red Cross volunteer who exemplifies the spirit of Clara Ayres. Ayers was originally from near Attica in Seneca County and in 1917 while volunteering as a Red Cross nurse in World War I, she was killed in an explosion on the ship carrying her overseas, the first woman killed while serving in the military.

Hero Award Winners: 

Cassie Cisar, Marissa Smith and Susan Miller

While transporting five developmentally disabled adults to Rising Sun Centers, caregiver Cassie Cisar was involved in a road rage shooting. Despite being shot and losing feeling in her legs, she was able to maneuver the bus to safety and call for help. Meanwhile, Susan Miller provided refuge for the passengers in the store she managed while Marissa Smith, Cassie’s boss and best friend rushed to the scene and transported the residents safely home.

Officer Christofer Perry

While performing a welfare check in March, Tiffin Police Officer Christofer Perry found a man standing on a chair, appearing prepared to take his own life. Officer Perry engaged the man in conversation, eventually convincing him to come down and get help. Officer Perry walked the man to a neighbor’s home and stayed with him until emergency services arrived.

Mike Woodruff and Officer Nicholas Price

Mike Woodruff was at the Findlay Art Walk, visiting his friend’s studio, when he heard a thud in the hallway. Rushing to the scene, Mike witnessed someone having a cardiac emergency. He immediately began CPR while someone in the crowd found a police officer. Arriving on scene, Findlay Police Officer Nicholas Price stepped in for Mike and continued the lifesaving efforts until emergency services arrived.

Melissa Roszman

While working as a caregiver in a local elderly community, Melissa Roszman saw smoke pouring out of a neighboring apartment. Melissa immediately went inside, evacuated the resident, called 911, and then re-entered the smoke-filled home with a fire extinguisher to contain the blaze before it spread. She stayed with the resident until firefighters arrived and put the fire out.

Chief Ray Anthony, Blood Program Leader

Columbia Township Fire Chief Ray Anothony has been a longtime advocate for blood donation. He first hosted blood drives with the Red Cross at Medina County Career Center, where he encouraged students to give. As Fire Chief, he coordinates regular blood drives at the fire department that have become regular community events. Through his leadership and advocacy, hundreds of lifesaving pints of blood have been collected for patients in need across Northern Ohio.

The inaugural Clara Ayres Award winner:

Pam Oglesbee

Shortly after retiring as a nurse, Pam Oglesbee, and the rest of the world, faced the COVID-19 pandemic. Seeing the need for nursing help, Pam decided to put her skills to good use and volunteered with the Putnam County Board of Health. She worked tirelessly to schedule and administer COVID-19 vaccines at vaccine clinics across the rural community. Today, she continues her service, helping at the health department’s yearly flu vaccine clinics, instructing CPR classes and donating blood.

(From the Hancock Park District)

Join in a celebration of Northwest Ohio history on Saturday, October 18 with Autumnfest at Litzenberg Memorial Woods!

The 1847 McKinnis House and workshop will be open with costumed interpreters and horse-drawn hayrides will be taking place around the prairie.

Ongoing demonstrations by a tinsmith and blacksmith and don’t forget to stop by the paddock area to check out the live farm animals.

Music by The Dulcimer Gathering and refreshments will be in the Activity Barn.

A children’s craft area and other on the spot demonstrations will take place. 

Plein Air Paint-out artists will be drawing, sketching, and painting the scenes of Litzenberg during the event. Art to be shown in the Activity Barn.

(From the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce)

The Findlay-Hancock County area is proud of its Small Businesses and those that lead them.

In recognition of these courageous and inspiring individuals and their companies, the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce was honored to present the 2025 Small Business Awards at the 62nd Annual Small Business Awards ceremony on October 9, 2025 at the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts.

The following is a list of small business and community awards that were distributed:

Small Business of the Year

Presented to: Garner Trucking Inc.

Sponsored by: WesBanco

Small Business Person of the Year

Presented to: Dr. Katie Frederick

Sponsored by: University of Findlay

Emerging Business of the Year

Presented to: A Queen’s Eye Cleaning

Sponsored by: State Bank

Nonprofit Leader of the Year

Presented to: Brooke Nissen – FOCUS Recovery & Wellness

Sponsored by: The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation

Professional of the Year

Presented to: Brett Giess – RCM Architects

Sponsored by: RCR Technology Group

“Our Spirit Shows” Hospitality Award

Presented to: WFIN-WKXA-106.3 The Fox

Sponsored by: Hancock County Convention & Visitors Bureau

Test of Time Award

Presented to: Coldren-Crates Funeral Home

Sponsored by: Lowenoak Landscape Development

Learning in Action Award

Presented to: Reineke Ford & Reineke Honda of Findlay

Sponsored by: Raise the Bar Hancock County

Do Good! Award

Presented to: The Lavender Hour

Sponsored by: City Apparel+Merch

Go Local Small Business Champion of the Year

Presented to: Hysteria Co.

Sponsored by: First National Bank

Small Business Manufacturing Excellence

Presented to: Superior Trim

Sponsored by: The Companies of Tall Timbers Industrial Park

ATHENA Award

Presented to: Kirby Overton

Sponsored by: Huntington Bank

Future Icon Award

Presented to: Brayden Thomas

Sponsored by: Midwest Financial Planning Group

Downtown Champion of the Year

Presented to: Hand + Home

Sponsored by: Fifth Third Bank

Family Owned Small Business Champion of the Year

Presented to: Harold E. Shuck Co.

Sponsored by: Hancock Federal Credit Union

Customer Service Champion of the Year

Presented to: The Wailing Onion

Sponsored by: Trust Company Family Offices

Women in Business Champion of the Year

Presented to: Abby Martinez – Circle P Reception Hall

Sponsored by: WFIN-WKXA-106.3 The Fox Radio

Special thanks to Aaron Osborne Video Services, Marathon Center for the Performing Arts, Kan Du Studios, Sink’s Flower Shop, Van Buren High School, UF TV, and Dave Crosser-Family Resource Center for their support of the event. For more information about this, or any other Chamber of Commerce programs, call 419-422-3313 or visit FindlayHancockChamber.com.

Findlay Municipal Court is providing people with driver’s license restrictions an opportunity to resolve their issues.

The 7th annual Findlay Municipal Court DUS Day Clinic will be held on Thursday, October 16.

The DUS workshop is for individuals with a suspended driver’s license to help resolve their licensing issues and get them back on the road legally.

Appointments are preferred but walk-ins are welcome

For more information click here, or to schedule an appointment contact the Clerk’s office at 419-424-7141.

(From the Hancock METRICH Drug Task Force)

Over the past year, the Hancock METRICH Drug Task Force has received multiple complaints regarding suspected illegal activity at Major Vapor, 1749 Tiffin Ave. The complaints alleged that marijuana was being sold illegally to adults and juveniles. As part of an ongoing investigation, task force members conducted multiple controlled purchases of marijuana from the business, including one confirmed purchase involving a juvenile.

On 10/07/25 at approx. 1500hrs. the Hancock County METRICH Drug Task Force, assisted by the Findlay Police Department, executed a narcotic search warrant at Major Vapor 1749 Tiffin Ave., Findlay, Ohio.

The search of the business yielded suspected marijuana, marijuana vapes, THC edibles, Psilocybin edibles, a handgun, and a large sum of cash.

Charges of drug trafficking and possession of drugs 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 Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation will be holding a panel presentation and Q&A session about local housing needs.

–Housing in Hancock County Panel

-Wednesday, Oct. 22 • 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm

-At 50 North.

Join us for a panel presentation and Q&A on local needs. Featuring representatives from the City of Findlay, City Mission, Economic Development, Habitat for Humanity, Hope House, a local developer and landlord.

The Community Foundation’s Commitment to Housing

As a Community Foundation, we believe that a thriving community is built on strong roots. Our new initiative, Rooted to Rise, is a response to years of data showing what Hancock County needs. By investing in both work and play, we are planting seeds for lasting change and building a balanced ecosystem where people and possibilities can flourish. Housing is a key part of this initiative.

The Community Foundation is committed to being part of the solution with the housing system. We have committed $50,000 to the Community Housing Fund for long-term support, and an additional $100,000 to the Interim Housing Program Fund to help transition families into short-term, affordable rental housing while they work toward home ownership.

Read more about the housing crisis and other community priorities in the new State of Work and Play Report.

(The Ohio State Highway Patrol)

The Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) is urging all Ohioans to prioritize pedestrian safety, reminding both motorists and pedestrians that safety is a shared responsibility on our roadways. This comes as the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recognize October as National Pedestrian Safety Month.

“By working together and eliminating distractions, we can make our roads safer for everyone,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “Drivers should always be on the lookout for pedestrians, and pedestrians should always be careful to protect themselves.”

Everyone has a critical role to play in preventing pedestrian crashes. By taking a few simple precautions, both drivers and pedestrians can make Ohio’s roads safer for everyone.

Tips for Drivers:

• Never drive distracted: Your full attention is needed on the road. Avoid using your phone or other electronic devices.
• Yield to pedestrians: Always stop for pedestrians in crosswalks and at intersections.
• Watch for pedestrians: Be aware of individuals walking in residential areas, school zones and at night.
• Slow down: Reduce your speed in areas with heavy foot traffic to give yourself more time to react.
• Use headlights: Turn on your headlights at dawn, dusk and at night to increase visibility for yourself and others.

 Tips for Pedestrians:

• Be visible: Wear bright or reflective clothing, especially at night.
• Walk on sidewalks: Use a sidewalk whenever one is available. If there isn’t one, walk on the shoulder facing oncoming traffic.
• Cross safely: Cross the road at designated crosswalks or intersections. Look both ways before crossing, and make eye contact with drivers, if possible, to ensure they see you.
• Obey traffic signals: Follow all pedestrian traffic signals and signs.
• Avoid distractions: Similar to drivers, put away electronic devices that can take your eyes and ears off the road.

According to Patrol statistics, there have been 13,955 crashes involving pedestrians on Ohio roadways since 2020. Of those crashes, 862 were fatal, resulting in 869 pedestrian deaths. Within that same timeframe, Franklin, Cuyahoga and Hamilton counties have seen the highest number of pedestrian-related crashes.

“Preventing these tragedies is a responsibility we all share,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent. “A single moment of inattention by either the driver or pedestrian can have devastating consequences. Let’s commit to creating a culture of safety on Ohio’s roads.”

For more information on pedestrian safety, visit the NHTSA’s website here.

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

(From Liberty-Benton Local Schools)

Congratulations to LBHS senior Jay Lincoln on being selected to serve on the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ 2025-26 Teen Advisory Board!

This elite group of conservation-minded students from across Ohio works to expand and improve the Department’s youth initiatives, making a difference through conservation projects, enhancing outdoor outreach, and promoting wise stewardship of Ohio’s natural resources.

Through this opportunity, Jay will also explore careers in natural resources and build valuable leadership and networking skills. We’re so proud to see an Eagle making an impact statewide!