Category Archives: WFIN Top Story

Road Construction Update From City Of Findlay

CONSTRUCTION 5/27-5/30:

-Broad Ave. will be reduced to one lane in each direction from W. Trenton Ave. to W. Melrose Ave. for resurfacing.

-W. Melrose Ave. will be closed to through traffic from N. Main St. to Broad Ave. for resurfacing.

-East St. will be closed to through traffic from Tiffin Ave. to the Railroad for curb replacement.

-Carnahan Ave. will be closed to through traffic from Tiffin Ave. to the Railroad for curb replacement.

-Scott Ct. will be closed to through traffic from Milton St. to the dead end for curb replacement.

-Allen Ave. will be closed to through traffic from Main St. to Railroad for curb replacement.

-Midland Ave. will be closed to through traffic from Main St. to Railroad for curb replacement.

-Garfield Ave. will be closed to through traffic from Main St. to Railroad for curb replacement.

-Twp. Road 80 (Baseline Rd.) will be closed to all traffic from Springlake Dr. (E.) to Springlake Dr. (W.) for a sanitary sewer project.

-Morrical Blvd. will be closed to through traffic from Logan Ave. to the North Dead End for waterline installation.

Please contact the Engineering Department with questions 419-424-7121.

Findlay Police Department’s Bicycle Rodeo Coming Up

(From the Findlay Police Department)

The Findlay Police Department invites local families to join them for the annual Bicycle Rodeo, a free community event designed to promote bicycle safety and healthy lifestyles. The event will take place on Saturday, June 7 from 9-11am at the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts. (The rain date will be Saturday, June 14th from 9-11am in case of inclement weather.)

This family-friendly event is tailored for children ages 4–12, but all are welcome to attend. Youth participants will enjoy a variety of fun and educational activities including:

  • A light breakfast and live entertainment
  • Interactive children’s games and activities
  • Exciting prize giveaways
  • Bicycle safety stations where children can learn and practice safe riding skills on road and obstacle courses

In addition, the Findlay Police Department will provide free bicycle helmets and licenses, and emergency vehicles will be on display for kids to explore. Local organizations will also be on-site with valuable resources and demonstrations.

“We are proud to host this event each year to help our community’s youth learn the importance of bicycle safety in a fun, engaging environment,” said event coordinator, Ofc. Brian White. “It’s a great way for families to connect with local law enforcement and build lasting safety habits.”

Registration is required and will be available at the event. To avoid lines, families are encouraged to pre-register online at:
https://forms.gle/hVgkquWyH2B2dKFe7

For more information, please visit the Findlay Police Department’s Facebook page or contact the department directly.

Retiring Police Officer Signs Off For The Final Time

(From Tiffin Police Chief David Pauly)

Today, we listened with full hearts as Officer Doug Skornicka signed off for the final time.

After more than 25 years of dedicated service to the Tiffin Police Department—and with his loyal partner Scout by his side—Doug completed his final radio call, closing a chapter marked by compassion, quiet strength, and unwavering commitment to this community.

Doug joined our department in February of 2000, and from day one, brought a calm confidence and deep integrity to every situation. Among his many contributions, Doug leaves behind a legacy that will endure: becoming the Tiffin Police Department’s very first School Resource Officer. In that role, he was more than a uniform in the hallway—he was a lifeline for students, a source of support, and a trusted adult who always had time to listen. His impact reached far beyond the classroom or school grounds. Doug made a difference in the lives of young people who needed to know someone cared—and he showed up for them, every single day.

And then, of course, there’s Scout. More than just a partner, Scout became a beloved presence in our community. Together, Doug and Scout brought comfort, connection, and the kind of joy only a four-legged officer can deliver. Their bond was unmistakable, and their teamwork, unforgettable.

Today’s final radio transmission was more than a farewell. It was a tribute to a career rooted in service, a celebration of a life lived for others, and a moment that reminded us what true dedication looks like.

Doug, thank you—for your years of service, for the heart you poured into every day, and for the legacy you leave behind. You’ve earned your retirement, and while your watch may have ended, your impact will never be forgotten.

From all of us at the Tiffin Police Department: We salute you and Scout both.

Chief David Pauly

Many Attend Findlay’s Memorial Day Parade

Findlay’s Memorial Day Parade was held on Monday.

People lined both sides of West Main Cross Street as the parade made its way from downtown to Maple Grove Cemetery.

At the cemetery, a service was held at the War Memorial to honor those who gave their lives for our freedom.

You can see video of the parade below.

Family Resource Center Earns National Recognition

(From Family Resource Center)

Family Resource Center (FRC), a Findlay-based nonprofit behavioral health clinic, has been named the 2025 Star Organization by the National Training and Technical Assistance Center for Child, Youth, and Family Mental Health (NTTAC). This national recognition honors organizations that model excellence in engaging youth and families, delivering mental health services, and leading collaborative, community-based systems of care.

FRC, a System of Care (SOC) sub-awardee of the Hancock County Board of Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS), was selected for its innovative approach to mental health care, deep engagement with families and youth, and measurable impact across Hancock, Hardin, Allen, and Auglaize counties.

“Family Resource Center consistently goes above and beyond to meet the needs of children and families,” Precia Stuby, Director of the Hancock County Board of Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services, said. “This award recognizes their hard work and dedication to families.”

The award committee highlighted FRC’s:

  • Innovative Thinking: Expanding trauma-informed, youth-led services in schools and rural communities. • Cultural Responsiveness: Prioritizing access and support for families from diverse backgrounds.
  • Authentic Engagement: Incorporating youth and family voices through peer roles, advisory councils, and program co-design.
  • Community Impact: Improving access to care, engagement, and outcomes across the region.

As the 2025 Star Organization, FRC will share its insights and strategies with other providers nationwide through NTTAC’s technical assistance network.

Sheriff’s Office Personnel Recognized For Outstanding Service

(From the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office)

Sheriff Cortez held a special award ceremony to recognize several of our employees for their outstanding dedication, professionalism, and service. These awards highlight the incredible commitment our team members bring to their roles—often under high-pressure and emotionally charged situations.

-Stork Award – Communications Officer Jenna Huffman

For guiding a caller through an at-home childbirth, providing calm, professional support until help arrived.

-Life Saving Award – Communications Officer Jenna Huffman

For assisting parents with life-saving CPR instructions during a medical emergency involving their 19-month-old child.

-Commendation Awards –

  • Communications Officers Myndi Lasley & Heather McGrain
  • Detective Aaron Smith

Myndi and Heather ensured emergency services were dispatched quickly and the dispatch center ran smoothly, allowing Jenna to focus fully on critical calls.

Detective Smith was honored for leading a multi-county investigation that resulted in the recovery of stolen equipment.

-Appreciation Awards –

  • Sergeant Fred Smith
  • Detectives Roger Brown, Robin May & Brad Sealey

These individuals were vital in assisting Detective Aaron Smith with the complex investigation and the successful execution of multiple search warrants. Their teamwork and dedication were essential to bringing the case to resolution.

-OPOTA Certification Recognition –

We also had the pleasure of celebrating six of our Corrections Officers who recently completed the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy (OPOTA) for corrections. Please join us in congratulating:

  • Donna Armstrong • John Luna • Mikaela Ricksecker
  • Austin Lambert • Derek Presley • Miranda Phillips

We’re proud of our team’s continued commitment to excellence, service, and public safety. Congratulations to all!

NAMI To Close Out Mental Health Awareness Month With Community Barbecue

(From NAMI Hancock County)

As the end of May nears, NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Hancock County plans to close out Mental Health Awareness Month with a community barbecue.

Organizations including NAMI commemorate May each year as Mental Health Awareness Month nationwide. This year’s theme is “In Every Story, There’s Strength”.

NAMI reports that 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year, with 1 in 20 experiencing serious mental illness each year. Among U.S. youth aged 6-17, 1 in 6 experience a mental health disorder each year. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among people aged 10-14 and the third leading cause of death among those aged 15-24 in the U.S.

In Hancock County, as many as 14,860 residents may be diagnosed with a mental health condition such as bipolar disorder, major depression, schizophrenia or post-traumatic stress disorder.

NAMI Hancock County supports community members living with mental health conditions as well as their families and loved ones. The organization provides support, education and advocacy. While NAMI Hancock County does not provide clinical services, people who need help finding mental health services use the organization as a resource to find more information.

NAMI offers classes and support groups for people living with mental health conditions as well as their family members. All are led by trained facilitators with lived experience with mental health. NAMI Hancock County also acts as a resource for the community as a whole, working to raise awareness around mental health through community presentations and educational sessions at workplaces.

A new support group is designed for survivors of narcissistic abuse or those dealing with any type of toxic or manipulative relationship. This group, which NAMI Hancock County began offering following requests from the community, meets from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on the second and fourth Thursday of each month at 305 W. Hardin St., Findlay.

NAMI Hancock County also provides a space for social activities, such as a craft night held two Fridays each month. Peer-led self-care activities take place from 1:30 to 3 p.m. each weekday, with a different theme each day of the week, such as cards and board games, or walking.

“Human connection is something that we have found to be invaluable,” said Liana Gott, executive director of NAMI Hancock County. “Too many people are isolated, and the programs we offer help them build those social connections. Connection to others is a huge protective factor in suicide prevention as well.”

All NAMI programs are free of charge to participants. The nonprofit organization is supported through grants, donations, and support from the Hancock County Board of Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services.

The organization held its largest annual fundraiser, the annual Color Me Happy Walk, on May 10.

“The Color Me Happy Walk and 5K is more than just a vibrant celebration, it’s a powerful reminder that mental health matters,” said Abbey Will, Board of Directors. “Every step we take together brings hope, raises awareness, and strengthens our community’s commitment to supporting mental wellness for all. This year the walk brought together nearly 700 individuals all in the name of mental health.”

NAMI Hancock County will close out Mental Health Month with its annual “You Belong at NAMI Hancock County” barbecue at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, May 28 at the NAMI Hancock County office, 305 W. Hardin St., Findlay. The event will feature free food, yard games, and activities for children. All ages are welcome.

“While the food is great, this barbecue also serves as an informal, laid-back event to get people into the building to learn about NAMI Hancock County and what free programs we offer to the community,” said Board President Brian White. “It’s also a chance for community members to bond with one another and facilitate connections in our community.”

For more information on programs and activities offered by NAMI Hancock County, as well as opportunities to support the organization’s mission by donating or volunteering, please call 567-301-2101 or visit https://www.namihancockcounty.org/

Rotary Club Awards Grants To Local Charities

(From the Findlay Rotary Club)

At the club’s Wednesday, May 21 meeting, The Findlay Rotary Club presented $50,000 to five local non-profit organizations. This year’s recipients include:

  • Findlay Digital Academy: $2,000 for a graduation celebration
  • Habitat for Humanity of Findlay/Hancock County: $3,000 for critical home repairs
  • City Mission of Findlay: $15,000 for a renovation project at Martha’s Home
  • Findlay Hope House for the Homeless: $15,000 for technology upgrades
  • FOCUS: $15,000 for a renovation project benefitting local youth

The Findlay Rotary Club’s Forward Fund was established in 1991 to build over the years through donations and bequests. The objective was to build a permanent fund which could make a substantial and lasting contribution to the local community. The Forward Fund is also supported through outright gifts, matching funds, contributions through wills, life insurance gifts, shares of stock and memorials. All contributions to the Forward Fund are tax deductible. To date, The Forward Fund has supported a number of local organizations including Hancock Public Health Foundation Mobile Health Clinic, Hancock County Center for Safe and Healthy Children, Findlay Digital Academy, Blanchard Valley Health Foundation, Miracle League of Findlay, Adopt-A-Door Boot Security System, Children’s Museum of Findlay, University of Findlay, Raise the Bar Hancock County, Findlay Family YMCA and among many others.

The Findlay Rotary Club was founded in 1920 and is a member of Rotary International, an association of Rotary clubs around the world, which today numbers almost 32,000 clubs in over 200 countries. The Rotary Club of Findlay was founded by the city’s leaders in 1920, and continues with the leaders of today.

PHOTO CAPTION: Pictured at the May 21 Findlay Rotary Club meeting are Front row (l-r): Rosemary Rooker, Findlay Digital Academy, Brooke Nissin, FOCUS, Heidi Barilla, FOCUS , Erin Dirksen, City Mission, Sue Lehman, Hope House, Laurie Poland, Hope House, Leah Brant, Findlay Rotary Club President; Second row (l-r): Wendy McCormick, Habitat for Humanity of Findlay/Hancock County, David Alvarado, Findlay Digital Academy, Michael Brand, Findlay Digital Academy