(By Sheri Trusty, Public Relations/Community Engagement Coordinator)

Members of Seneca County’s Countywide Drone Team participated in Drone Safety Day at Tiffin University’s Heminger Center on April 26 to showcase the vital role drones play in public safety. The Drone Team, which includes three deputies from the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office, three officers from the Tiffin Police Department, and two from Fostoria Police Department, utilizes drones to protect and rescue residents and provide an extra layer of safety for law enforcement.

“We’re talking to people about what we do and opening their eyes to the importance of having drones,” said Seneca County Sheriff’s Deputy Lane Sauber. “Our main goal is to bring your loved ones home.”

Drones are used by the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office for Project Lifesaver, a search and rescue program designed to protect individuals at risk of wandering from home, such as people with dementia or autism. An adult or child registered with Project Lifesaver wears a transmitter on their wrist or ankle, and if they wander from home, law enforcement can quickly track the individual through radio frequencies.

Drones help speed the rescue by being an eye in the sky. As law enforcement are tracking an individual through transmitter signals, the drone can pinpoint exactly where they are.

“I carry my drone with me all the time, when I’m on duty and off duty, in case there’s a call. Every minute is important,” Deputy Sauber said. “If I had a family member on Project Lifesaver and knew they had a drone, I’d be grateful.”

Drones are also used to locate suspects who have fled a scene.

“Our drone has a range of one to two miles,” said Tiffin PD Patrol Officer Andrew Stevens. “People bail out of cars and run into the woods, and we can find them with drones.”

Whether they are looking for a lost child with autism or a fleeing suspect, drones help law enforcement officers find people fast.

“It utilizes thermal imaging,” Deputy Sauber said. “It can sense heat signals as they move through the woods or if they are resting against a tree.”

Drones are a vital tool for officer safety. When deputies approach a home with a search warrant, a drone can be an extra set of eyes around the home, and it can be sent into the house to identify points of danger before the officers enter.

“In a hostage situation, we can use drones so officers don’t have to expose themselves to danger,” Officer Stevens said.

The Drone Team works in conjunction with Tiffin University’s Drone Academy, which is headed by Drone Academy Director, Owen Fritz. The collaboration has helped the Sheriff’s Office advance their drone skills.

“Tiffin University helped us get our license, and they provide training,” Deputy Sauber said. “Owen Fritz has been a big help.”

Fritz said Tiffin University has about ten drones that are available for the Drone Team to use, including a hazmat gas sniffer.

“It checks for the ten most common hazmat chemicals and gives a real-time readout,” Fritz said.

Tiffin University is happy to support local law enforcement efforts.

“It’s about lifesaving measures,” Fritz said. “It about finding missing kids and officer safety.”

The Findlay Police Department says the local medication collection event held last weekend was a big success.

“The total prescription drug take back this weekend was 141.75 lbs. at the Findlay Municipal Building!”

The drop-off events make it easy for people to participate as they don’t even have to get out of their car.

Medications are handed to a volunteer for disposal and later incinerated.

The collection events ensure old and unused medications are properly disposed of and that they don’t fall into the wrong hands and get abused.

A second drop-off will be on October 25 at the same location.

(From the Hancock County Veterans Service Office)

Flag City Community VetFest, a production of the Hancock County Veterans Service Office presented by Rate will be happening Saturday, June 14th on Broadway St. in downtown Findlay.

The date is significant not just because it is Flag Day, but it is also the Army’s 250th birthday. It will give us an opportunity to recognize local veterans as well as veteran owned businesses and veteran friendly employers right in Hancock County.

The event is a music festival that will celebrate our veterans. Join us for delicious food from area food trucks, thirst quenching beverages, fun souvenirs, music that will make you get up and dance and the chance to give back to our veterans and our community.

The doors open at 3pm and the event ends at 11pm with a closing and flag lowering ceremony. Music begins at 4pm and will feature 3 bands – Truck Stop Manners, 100 Proof and First to Eleven.

“Vet Fest is about bringing people together. It’s a chance for veterans to connect with each other, but also to say thank you to the community for all the support they’ve shown us over the years,” expressed Ed Newton, Hancock County Veterans Service Office Resiliency Operations Manager. “It goes both ways—we’re honoring those who served, and also recognizing how much it means to have a community that stands behind us. At the end of the day, it’s about connection, gratitude, and having a good time with good people.”

Money raised from the event will benefit Wreaths Across America, veteran housing initiatives and local food pantries. In addition, there will a collection of new toys, still in packaging for our community.

According to Andy Sterling, VetFest Committee Member “Celebrating our local veterans is the best way to show our support. The passion and planning that has gone into this event is sure to highlight the pride Flag City and Hancock County has in our veteran residents”

Sponsorship opportunities are still available at many different levels.

For more information about the event or event sponsorship, please email Nichole Coleman at nrcoleman@co.hancock.oh.us

(From the Ohio State Highway Patrol)

The Fremont Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is currently investigating a fatal crash that occurred on State Route 53, near milepost 12 in the city of Fremont.

On April 26, 2025 at approximately 8:36 P.M., A 2000 Jeep Cherokee, driven by Mark Franks, age 66 of Fremont, was traveling southwest on State Route 53. The vehicle traveled off the west side of the roadway. After driving down the embankment he struck the ditch, a culvert, a utility pole, and overturned, coming to final rest at Sean Drive.

At the time of the crash, Mr. Franks was wearing his seatbelt. Mr. Franks was extracted from his vehicle by Sandusky County Sheriff’s Deputies and life saving measures were performed. Mr. Franks later succumbed to injuries at the scene.

The Highway Patrol was assisted on scene by the Sandusky County Sheriff’s Office, Fremont Police Department, Sandusky County EMS, Fremont Fire Department and Triple J Towing. Alcohol and/or drugs are believed to be a factor in the crash. The crash remains under investigation at this time.

(From the Hancock County Board of Elections)

The Hancock County Board of Elections has announced that the Secretary of State has initiated an investigation of a voter check-in tablet purchased by a board of elections for a county east of Columbus.

Local election officials found that a single, newly purchased tablet-style device may violate Ohio’s Election security standards. The device, often called an electronic poll book, would have been used to check voters into a polling location but had not been deployed in an election.

“I’ve directed our Election Integrity Unit and cybersecurity team to work with the County Board of Elections to analyze the equipment purchased by the board,” said the Secretary of State in a release to the County Boards. “While this investigation is limited right now to a single device in one county, I’m taking the precautionary step of ordering my team to review all voter check-in systems for compliance with our security directives ahead of the May election. As an added precaution, I’m directing the boards of elections who use this specific style of poll book to use paper poll books for the May election. This action will have little to no impact on voters, as we anticipate turnout to be relatively low and I’ve always required boards of elections to have paper poll book backups ready to go as a contingency.”

Electronic poll books are never connected to voting or tabulating equipment, so those devices are not impacted. Additionally, all voting equipment, including electronic poll books, undergo rigorous, routine compliance testing before every election. The Secretary of State’s Office and the 88 county boards of elections initiated that process this week ahead of in-person early voting for the May 6 primary election.

The Hancock County Board of Elections, its Director, Deputy Director, Board Members, Poll Workers, and as well as its employees have worked diligently to achieve a process that is believed to be as smooth as possible and meets the requirements of the Secretary of State. In addition to being a paper-oriented check-in process, voters in voting locations will have to check-in at the location designated for their specific precinct. Greeters will be assigned to assist voters to identify the voter’s precinct.

Please be aware it will take you a longer time to cast your ballot because of the process. To prepare for the election, voters can check their precinct by going to www.hancockcountyohioelections.gov. then under the menu click on “Check your information,” then click on “Where do I vote” Under “Precinct Information” you will find your Precinct. The Hancock County Board of Elections apologizes to the voters for this inconvenience.

(From the Fostoria Police Department)

On Tuesday, Mayor Don Mennel swore in Moira White as the newest police officer at the Fostoria Police Department.

Officer White, a former Fostoria Dispatcher, graduated from the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy on Monday.

Congratulations Officer White on your new position!

(From Dr. Bill Kose with Blanchard Valley Health System)

Vaccination remains one of the most effective tools in modern medicine to protect newborns and children from serious infectious diseases. Through widespread immunization programs, the global health community has made tremendous strides in reducing and, in some cases, eradicating life-threatening illnesses that once claimed the lives of millions. Immunizing newborns and children safeguards individual health and supports broader public health goals.

At the heart of vaccination is the concept of prevention. Vaccines prepare a child’s immune system to recognize and fight specific pathogens before exposure to the disease occurs. By receiving vaccines early in life, children are protected during their most vulnerable stages of immune development. This early defense is critical because infants and young children are particularly susceptible to infection complications due to their immature immune systems.

The benefits of childhood vaccination extend beyond personal protection. Vaccinated individuals contribute to community immunity, also known as herd immunity. When a significant portion of the population is immunized, diseases become difficult to spread, thereby protecting those who cannot be vaccinated, such as newborns too young for certain vaccines or individuals with compromised immune systems. This collective protection is vital for the health of society as a whole, especially for those most at risk.

Vaccinations have also dramatically reduced the burden of healthcare costs associated with treating preventable diseases. Diseases such as measles, mumps, and whooping cough, if left unchecked, can lead to serious complications requiring hospitalization, long-term medical care, or even death. Preventing these diseases through immunization helps avoid the significant financial and emotional toll of serious illnesses on families and healthcare systems. The economic benefits of vaccination programs, including reduced medical costs and increased productivity by preventing illness-related absences, are well-documented and contribute to stronger, healthier communities.

Another important aspect of vaccination is its role in disease eradication. Smallpox, a devastating disease that killed millions over centuries, was declared eradicated in 1980 thanks to a coordinated global vaccination effort. Similarly, the world is on the verge of eradicating polio, a crippling disease that once affected thousands of children each year. These historic achievements demonstrate the extraordinary power of vaccines to eliminate diseases and improve quality of life globally.

Vaccination also fosters trust in public health systems. By following established immunization schedules, healthcare providers demonstrate their commitment to evidence-based practices, prioritizing patient safety and well-being. Parents who vaccinate their children reinforce the

importance of scientific progress and community responsibility. As misinformation about vaccines has unfortunately grown in recent years, it is even more crucial for healthcare professionals and public health organizations to continue advocating for vaccines based on extensive scientific research and decades of successful disease prevention.

In conclusion, vaccinating newborns and children offers profound benefits that ripple across individual lives, families, and entire communities. By providing early protection against serious diseases, promoting herd immunity, reducing healthcare costs, and contributing to the eradication of deadly illnesses, vaccines play an indispensable role in safeguarding public health. Continued commitment to childhood vaccination ensures a healthier, safer future for generations to come.

William H. Kose, MD

Vice President of Special Projects,

Blanchard Valley Health System

The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office says a man with two active arrest warrants ran from deputies when they came into contact with him.

It happened in the area of 10456 US 224 in Liberty Township at around 11:10 Thursday morning.

Deputies say they were conducting a criminal investigation in the area when they came into contact with Walter R. Hartley, 44, of Findlay and learned he had two arrest warrants out of Findlay Municipal Court.

Deputies said Hartley took off running and was eventually found hiding in a trash dumpster.

He was taken into custody and transported to Blanchard Valley Hospital for possible heat exhaustion.

The sheriff’s office said Hartley fled from deputies to avoid 19 days in jail and will now be charged with obstructing official business.

(From the Findlay Fire Department)

Why is it important to have working smoke detectors? To practice an escape plan?

To sleep with the bedroom doors closed?

Because the amount of time we have to escape a house fire has been greatly reduced.

Fire Inspector Eric Wilkins on the importance of working smoke detectors.

If you need smoke detectors we can install them for you, just call the fire prevention bureau at 419-424-7814!

(From the University of Findlay)

The University of Findlay’s Mazza Museum invites area residents on Saturday, May 10 to an evening of storytelling, art, and fun with Emmy Award-winning illustrator and author Marc Brown.

The creator of the beloved “Arthur” books and PBS children’s series will speak at 7 p.m., in the TLB auditorium of the Winebrenner Building on the UF campus.

The event is free and open to the public.

“Marc will share insights into his creative journey, storytelling, and illustration process in an engaging presentation that families won’t want to miss.”

Brown recently donated the majority of his original artwork – more than 1,000 pieces – to the Mazza Museum.

He said the Arthur books began with a bedtime story he told his son about an aardvark that was worried about the size of its nose.

“My son thought it was funny and it took on a life of its own,” he explained. “Later I thought, that was fun, maybe I should write it down.”

Today, Brown has more than 150 books published selling over 65 million copies.

He is a six-time Emmy award winner for the “Arthur” TV series, which is the longest-running animated children’s show in TV history.

He believes that picture books should “educate and entertain,” and his tales of Arthur always focused on fun stories featuring “a way to deal with a problem and how to solve it.” “I would get ideas from real life – every day there’s a story waiting to be told,” Brown said.

At the presentation, the author/illustrator will share details of his creative journey, explain his creative process of illustration, and reveal his latest projects. Following the presentation, there will be book sales and autographing, and Brown’s books will be on sale at 15% off retail.

Registration to attend the event is required.

Register at oilers.findlay.edu/marc-brown by Thursday, May 8.