Authorities in Wyandot County say they are investigating the suspicious death of a male individual.
The Wyandot County Sheriff’s Office said the body of a deceased male was located on County Highway 9, in Sycamore Township, in the early morning hours of Wednesday, April 23.
A driver had called 911 stating they had hit someone who was lying in the middle of the road.
The body was transported to the Lucas County Coroner’s Office for an autopsy.
Authorities are investigating the incident and ask anyone with information about it to contact the Wyandot County Sheriff’s Office.
We will be closing County Road 37 in Eagle Township between US 68 and County Road 75 for 1 week beginning Monday, April 28th through Friday, May 2nd for bridge repair work.
This will be a full closure and traffic is advised to find an alternate route.
We appreciate your patience while these needed repairs are being constructed.
FOSTORIA, OH – April 22, 2025 – The Fostoria Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce that applications are now officially open for LAUNCH Fostoria, the community’s small business competition aimed at supporting entrepreneurs and encouraging local economic growth. Applications will be accepted now through May 2, 2025. Please submit your completed application to director@fostoriachamber.com or to the Fostoria Learning Center, 342 Perry Street Fostoria, by May 2nd.
Who’s Eligible?
LAUNCH Fostoria is open to anyone interested in opening or growing a business in Fostoria.
Businesses must be for-profit, independent business.
May not have earned more than $250,000 in the past year revenue.
LAUNCH Fostoria gives aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners the opportunity to win startup or expansion funding, connect with mentors, and gain visibility within the community. Finalists will participate in pitch preparation sessions, receive valuable feedback, and compete in front of a live audience and panel of judges.
Competition Timeline:
April 4 – May 2: Application period open
May 12-14: Application Review and Selection
May 16: Contest Decision Notice
May 22: Pitch Clinic: a best practice of how to pitch
June 26: Semi Finals: First round of pitches to judges only including Q&A
August 15: 5:30 p.m. Required dress rehearsal and tech check for Finals
6:30 p.m. Finals: Public Event where finalists will pitch, and the public will vote on winner
Past winners of LAUNCH Fostoria include thriving local businesses such as, Beyond Laser Creations, Calico Charlie’s Candy & More, and In the Axe, who have gone on to grow their presence and impact in the Fostoria community.
“This is a chance for anyone with a business dream or growth idea to bring it to life, right here in Fostoria.” said Jocelyn Reinhart, Director of the Fostoria Area Chamber of Commerce. “We’re thrilled to support innovation in our own backyard and provide a platform for local entrepreneurs to shine.”
Past winner Jena Stearns from Beyond Laser Creations stated, “Winning the inaugural LAUNCH Fostoria competition was the spark that ignited everything. It gave me the confidence, support, and visibility to take a dream and build it into something real. Today, Beyond Laser Creations stands not just as a business on Main Street, but as a creative hub for our community—proof that with passion, hard work, and the right support, incredible growth is possible.”
This evening, I had the privilege of recognizing two of our own for their exceptional service to the Tiffin community.
Officer Christofer Perry was awarded the Tiffin Police Department’s Life Saving Award for his courageous and compassionate actions on March 20, 2025. While conducting a welfare check, Officer Perry discovered a man in a shed who was moments away from taking his own life. Thanks to Officer Perry’s calm demeanor, CIT training, and heartfelt response, the man chose to live—and received the medical and mental health support he desperately needed. Officer Perry’s actions quite literally saved a life.
Officer Cade Garrett received the Distinguished Service Award for his exceptional work during a complex theft investigation. Officer Garrett’s persistence, attention to detail, and well-documented reporting led to the recovery of over $11,000 in stolen tools and criminal charges of the individual responsible. His dedication and follow-through reflect the high standards we hold ourselves to as a department.
I’m proud to serve alongside these men and grateful for their commitment to protecting and serving with integrity, compassion, and determination. Please join me in congratulating Officer Perry and Officer Garrett on these well-deserved honors!
A public health collaboration that has helped Hancock County residents “clean out their medicine cabinets” is still going strong.
Since 2012, the partnership between the University of Findlay College of Pharmacy, Findlay Police Department, and Hancock ADAMHS has collected and destroyed over six tons of unwanted, outdated or unused prescriptions and other drugs during curbside drop-off events and through drop boxes.
U of F’s Tim Burkart says residents help keep medicines out of the wrong hands and from contaminating the environment by turning them back in when they are no longer needed.
“It’s remarkable what’s been accomplished over the years,” he said. “I think through the take-back events people have become better informed about items that they don’t need to keep around their homes.”
Statistics from collection events, including “Take it to the Box,” suggest awareness is growing.
The community has turned in over 13,000 pounds of prescriptions and other-the-counter products, including 2,100 pounds in 2016 alone.
“I think people are more aware of the importance of properly disposing of certain items since the effort began,” Burkart said. “They’re keeping up.”
Crime prevention officer Brian White of the Findlay Police Department agrees the public has responded well to the program.
“From my observations, the majority of those that come through the collection points are seniors. In many cases, they have acquired a large amount of medications that go unused and know they need to get rid of them. The collection drive gives them a convenient way to get rid of them.”
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.
After collecting them, the items are later incinerated.
The first drop-off event of 2025 will be held on Saturday, April 26, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. at the Findlay Municipal Building parking lot on Crawford Street.
A second drop-off will be on Oct. 25 at the same location.
For those unable to attend the events, residents also can dispose of unneeded medications in marked boxes located in the lobbies at the Findlay Municipal Building and the lobby at the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office.
Seven pharmacies in the county also have boxes for those looking to dispose of unneeded prescriptions and other meds.
Burkart believes the collection efforts are worth continuing each year and encourages community participation.
“It is still an important thing for the community to participate in,” Burkart said. “I think most people realize the benefits.”
White also applauds the public buy-in of the take-back efforts.
“I would reiterate that medication needs to be disposed of appropriately and remind citizens that collection boxes are always available for disposal.”
Join us on Friday, April 25 at 7pm for a special screening of the 1969 comedy-western Support Your Local Sheriff! starring James Garner, Joan Hackett, and Walter Brennan.
Set during a fictional gold rush, the film offers a satirical take on the classic Western, arriving at a time when the genre was beginning to decline in popularity. With its mix of humor and homage, Support Your Local Sheriff! reflects both Hollywood’s love for Western mythology and its shifting attitudes at the close of the 1960s.
Hancock Historical Museum
422 W. Sandusky St., Findlay, OH 45840
Free admission
Popcorn provided
BYOB
A brief historical introduction will be offered before the film, with an optional discussion to follow.
(Release provided by Blanchard Valley Health System)
Blanchard Valley Health System (BVHS) is pleased to announce Benjamin Sapp’s appointment as its new Chief Development Officer at the Blanchard Valley Health Foundation.
Sapp brings more than 18 years of progressive leadership experience in fundraising, education, and nonprofit management. A results-driven development professional, he has consistently excelled in creating and implementing impactful fundraising strategies, building high-performing teams, and fostering meaningful donor relationships.
“We welcome Ben to the organization,” said Myron Lewis, MSW, MBA, FACHE, President & CEO of BVHS. “He will be an extraordinary addition to the team whose focus is to support the health system and community through philanthropy. His experience and relationship-building skills are essential to this role and the overall success of our mission.”
Sapp most recently served as Director of the Mazza Museum at the University of Findlay, where he led with vision and collaboration, significantly advancing the museum’s outreach and philanthropic efforts. His deep ties to the University of Findlay include earning a Master of Arts degree with an emphasis in Children’s Literature in 1995 and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education in 1993, with a focus in Social Studies.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Sapp is an active and passionate community steward. He serves on the boards of the YMCA (2025–present), Hancock Federal Credit Union (2021–present), and Christian Clearing House (2022–present). He is also involved with the Arts and Heritage Council (2017–present) and Toledo Area Cultural Leaders (2014–present), and he previously served on the Macklin Intergenerational Institute Board (2017–2024).
“BVHS is an incredible community partner that provides seamless, high-quality healthcare throughout the region, “ said Ben. I look forward to supporting its mission and working with an outstanding team dedicated to making a difference daily.”
The Blanchard Valley Health Foundation plays a vital role in advancing the mission of BVHS by connecting generous donors to programs and initiatives that enhance patient care and community health. Sapp will be instrumental to these efforts, beginning with the “Our Future” capital campaign, which is already underway.
“I am looking forward to collaborating with current and future donors whose passion is healthcare,” added Sapp. “Together, we will build a foundation for quality care for generations of families.”
To learn more about Blanchard Valley Health System, visit bvhealthsystem.org. You can also support the Blanchard Valley Health Foundation by giving to the capital campaign at bvhealthsystem.org/ourfuture.
Findlay Police have identified the victims who were found deceased in Apartment 1, 708 N. Main Street at 4:31 am on April 20.
In a release by FPD, the victims have been identified as Richard Gutierrez Jr. (52 years old) and Ernesto Mendoza Jr.(61 years old), both of Findlay. Next of kin were notified.
Autopsies have been ordered and the investigation is on going.
