(From the Findlay Police Department)

Officers were dispatched to a report of a robbery that had taken place at Dick’s Sporting Goods (1960 Tiffin Ave) at 1757 hours on 10/1/2025.

It was found that four suspects had stolen approximately $6500 worth of merchandise from the store.

Store employees attempted to take pictures of the suspects and one suspect threatened to shoot the employee for doing so.

The suspects then fled the area in a black Jeep Compass with a temporary registration.

Officers located this vehicle on CR 99 approaching I-75 and initiated a traffic stop with it.

As a result, the four suspects were taken into custody and the stolen property was recovered.

Also recovered were criminal tools used to remove magnetic tags from items.

Suspects are as follows – Shanae R Grier (22yoa) Toledo, OH Antionna F Boone (19yoa) Sylvania, OH

Two juveniles

(From Blanchard Valley Health System)

Blanchard Valley Health System (BVHS) is pleased to announce that longstanding community cardiologists, Greg Gerschutz, MD, and David Meier, MD, will join Blanchard Valley Medical Practices (BVMP), effective November 1, 2025. Each physician brings over 20 years of dedicated service to BVHS—their integration into the medical group—alongside Mike Denike, MD, and Pamela Reed, MD—marks a significant milestone in the evolution of the cardiovascular program.

As part of this transition, we are also excited to welcome Jeremy Clark, APRN-CNP, and Amy Sloan, APRN-CNP to BVMP. Clark and Sloan are experienced advanced practice providers who have worked closely with Drs. Gerschutz and Meier, and their addition further strengthens our commitment to comprehensive, team-based cardiovascular care.

“At BVHS, our mission is rooted in ensuring access to high-quality, compassionate care close to home,” said Kelly Shroll, FACHE, Chief Operating Officer, Ambulatory Services.

“Through strategic partnerships, advanced technology, and the recruitment of experienced physicians and providers who embody the patient-first philosophy, we are building a cardiovascular program that delivers exceptional care while keeping the patient at the center of every decision.”

As part of the initiative to bring Dr. Gerschutz and Dr. Meier on board, BVMP is investing in a second Findlay clinic location – Heart & Vascular Specialists of Northwest Ohio – Lake Cascades. The new office, situated at 1721 Medical Blvd, Suite A, is conveniently located near Blanchard Valley Hospital, making integrated care easy to access. Dr. Gerschutz and Dr. Meier will continue to perform interventional procedures at BVH as they have in the past.

With this expansion and BVHS’s partnership with The Ohio State University (OSU) Wexner Medical Center’s Heart & Vascular Network, BVHS is strengthening its dedication to making high-quality cardiovascular care more accessible.

“Welcoming Dr. Gerschutz and Dr. Meier into BVMP represents a pivotal moment for the cardiovascular program,” said Lisa Lawrence, MBOE, Director of Heart & Vascular Services at BVHS. “By uniting all of the cardiologists under the BVHS umbrella and strengthening the partnership with The Ohio State University, we are creating a seamless, patient-centered approach that will expand access, improve outcomes, and reinforce the commitment to delivering exceptional cardiac care for the community.”

Unifying BVHS’s cardiovascular care will provide a smoother experience for patients. This will be accomplished through standardizing care protocols, consolidating outpatient testing, and streamlining documentation and communication. Additionally, improved transitions between BVHS and OSU will strengthen continuity of care, ensuring smoother and more efficient collaboration between the two organizations, ultimately leading to even better patient outcomes.

Access to high-quality cardiovascular services is now more attainable than ever, with BVHS expanding care through satellite offices in Bluffton, Carey, North Baltimore, and Ottawa. These convenient locations ensure that patients across the region can receive advanced, patient-centered cardiovascular care close to home, reducing barriers to treatment and strengthening BVHS’s commitment to keeping care local.

Dr. Gerschutz, Dr. Meier, Clark, and Sloan are now accepting new patients. To schedule an appointment at the new Heart & Vascular Specialists of Northwest Ohio – Lake Cascades location, please call 833-204-3278. To learn more about cardiovascular services at BVHS, please visit bvhealthsystem.org/hearts or call 1.833.20.HEART.

(From the City of Findlay)

Today, we were honored to host Andy Wilson, Director of the Ohio Department of Public Safety, for a tour of the STRICT Center at Findlay Fire Department Station 4.

The visit highlighted the critical role the STRICT Center plays in preparing our emergency responders for real-life situations and ensuring they have the training and resources necessary to keep our community safe. We are proud to be a state leader in providing this type of innovative facility, setting an example for how communities can invest in preparedness and collaboration.

Director Wilson, City, and County leadership also discussed the importance of working across agencies and Ohio’s continued commitment to the safety and well-being of all residents. We are grateful for the opportunity to showcase this facility and proud of the dedicated professionals who serve and protect our community each day.

Pictured (Left to Right): OSP Lt. Slates, Mayor Christina Muryn, Sheriff Mike Cortez, ODPS Director Andy Wilson, OSP Staff Lt. Crow, Service-Safety Director Rob Martin, Police Chief Jim Mathias, Fire Chief Josh Eberle

(From the Ohio State Highway Patrol)

The Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) is reminding all drivers and passengers of the importance of wearing a safety belt. This is the single most effective way to save lives and reduce injuries in the event of a crash.

“Wearing a safety belt is not just a law – it’s a lifesaver,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “It’s a simple step everyone can take to protect themselves and their families every time they get in a vehicle.”

Ohio law requires all front-seat occupants of a passenger vehicle to be buckled up, as well as all passengers under 15 years old, regardless of where they are seated in the vehicle. Although the safety belt law remains a secondary violation in Ohio, troopers will have zero tolerance when motorists are stopped for other violations and are found to not be wearing their safety belt.

According to Patrol statistics, 2,808 people who were not wearing an available safety belt were killed in crashes since 2020. A total of 73% of occupants age 21-40 killed in crashes were not wearing an available safety belt. During that same timeframe, troopers issued more than 340,000 safety belt and child safety seat citations.

“We urge all Ohioans to make a commitment to safety and to always wear their safety belt,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent. “Our troopers see firsthand the devastating consequences of not being buckled up. A safety belt can be the difference between a minor injury and a fatal outcome.”

To further stress the importance of this life-saving habit, the OSHP offers these essential safety tips for all motorists:

• Buckle Up. Every Trip. Every Time.: Make it a habit to buckle up before you start your vehicle, and ensure all passengers are properly restrained.
• Check for proper fit: The shoulder belt should lie across the middle of your chest and the lap belt should rest low across your hips, not your stomach.
• Secure children correctly: Always use the appropriate child safety seat or booster seat for children based on their age, height and weight.
• Be a role model for others: As a driver, you are responsible for the safety of everyone in your vehicle. Set a good example by always wearing your safety belt.

By following these guidelines, we can all contribute to making our roads safer for ourselves and for others traveling on Ohio’s roadways.

The Patrol remains committed to ensuring the safety of all who travel on Ohio’s roads. Troopers will continue to enforce safety belt laws as part of their daily patrol duties, with the goal of reducing fatalities and serious injuries. By taking just a few seconds to buckle up, you can protect yourself and your loved ones.

The public is encouraged to safely call #677 to report impaired drivers, drug activity or stranded motorists.

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

The sheriff’s office says a call came in to the 911 dispatch center at 12:03 a.m. on Wednesday regarding a stabbing incident in Mount Victory.

Responding deputies arrived to find James Collins, 48, of Mount Victory, in the street suffering from stab wounds.

He was treated at the scene and taken to Hardin Memorial Hospital where he died a short time later.

The sheriff’s office said a suspect, Andrew McCafferty, 46, of Mount Victory, was taken into custody and charges are pending.

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.

(ONN) – A group of Republican lawmakers in Ohio has introduced a bill called the Baby Olivia Act.

As stated in House Bill 485, schools in Ohio would be required to teach human growth and development in its curriculum.

The school would then have to do check-ins showing they’ve shown at least three minutes of a high-definition ultrasound video, showing the brain, heart and sex organs.

Students would also watch the Meet Baby Olivia video, which shows an animated fetus developing.

Other Republican-led states are making the same push, like Kentucky, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Arkansas.

(ONN) – Ohio’s fall burning restrictions went into effect on Wednesday in an effort to reduce the risk of wildfires in the Buckeye State.

Drought-like conditions combined with windy weather make the state susceptible to wildfires.

The Ohio Emergency Management Agency says Ohio has an average of 800 wildfires each year that burn thousands of acres and potentially puts homes and businesses at risk.

Burning trash and debris adds to the problem.

Some items can never be burned.

Open burning is banned from 6 am to 6 pm through November 30th.

(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…/