(ONN) – Buried within the Ohio proposed budget are changes to Ohio’s records law and related public access.

There are significant changes to Ohio’s public records law bundled in with the budget.

The changes could prevent people from getting access to detailed police reports and files in criminal cases.

“I do a lot of international work and you see stuff like this in third-world countries where they don’t have transparency laws and sunshine laws,” said Mark Godsey with the Ohio Innocence Project.

He says the changes could also slow or stop work to help people who have been wrongfully convicted.

(From Findlay Trojan Sports)

Huge congrats to these amazing Trojans for committing to compete at the next level: Darnya Yurchenko, Nathan Marchal, Cole Kirian, Shay Moneer, Dante Coffman, Israel Moore + Kate Simmons!

We’re so proud!

“We’ve been fortunate for their talents both academically and athletically,” Findlay Athletic Director Nate Weihrauch told WFIN.

“And we wish them the very best as they transition to the next chapter of their life.”

The students represent multiple sports including lacrosse, track, soccer, and wrestling.

Get more details from Nate about each student-athlete and where they are headed in the audio below.

(From Habitat for Humanity of Findlay/Hancock County)

Habitat for Humanity of Findlay/Hancock County announces that Dustin Fuller, Financial Opportunity Center (FOC) Manager, has successfully completed the Obama Foundation Leaders USA program. Fuller was among more than 200 leaders selected globally to join.

The program trained participants around the world in leadership development and civic engagement to help build their skills and scale their work across public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Fuller (pictured below) was one of just 100 leaders completing the U.S. program.

Serving as the Habitat FOC Manager since March 2021, Fuller developed and is rapidly growing this much-needed free financial literacy service in Hancock County. Prior to joining Habitat, he served as the Financial Opportunity Center Manager for the Northwestern Ohio Community Action Commission for nearly five years and in several capacities for a variety of not-for-profit organizations.

“The opportunity to complete the Leaders USA program has strengthened my resolve to bridge political or philosophical gaps through the cultivation of shared values to co-create solutions to the complex problems that face our community and our country,” said Fuller. “This program exposed me to new perspectives, new ideas, and expanded my network to include so many changemakers doing incredible work.”

As part of the six-month Obama Foundation Leaders program, Fuller was among other dedicated changemakers who convened virtually each week for interactive sessions designed to help them drive change by honing their leadership skills, building deep relationships with their peers, and engaging with thought leaders and members of the Obama Foundation community.

(From the Tiffin Police Department)

National D.A.R.E. Day!!

Today, on National D.A.R.E. Day, we proudly recognize the importance of drug abuse resistance education and the continued commitment to empowering our youth to make healthy, informed decisions.

Here in Tiffin, we’re honored to have Officer Chris Perry and Officer Alec Traxler representing the Tiffin Police Department as our D.A.R.E. instructors. Their dedication to mentoring students, building trust, and guiding them through important conversations about choices, responsibility, and respect is a true example of community policing in action.

National D.A.R.E. Day is more than just an observance—it’s a nationwide commitment to safer, stronger, and drug-free communities. It unites educators, law enforcement, families, and community leaders in a shared mission: to give our children the tools they need to lead safe and successful lives.

To Officer Perry and Officer Traxler—thank you for leading the way, for making a difference, and for showing our youth that they are never alone in their journey.

Chief Pauly

Findlay City Council passed a resolution supporting the Findlay City Schools 1 percent earned income tax levy voters will see on the May 6 ballot.

Eight council members voted for the resolution, with council member Holly Frische the only one voting against it and Jim Niemeyer abstaining.

Learn more about the levy by clicking here and see a video of the city council vote and discussion below.

Findlay City Schools has held two town hall meetings on the district’s finances and financial challenges following the failed levy last November which resulted in a $6.1 million budget reduction. 

The Findlay City Schools Board of Education recently shared a second phase of potential budget reductions should the district’s 1 percent earned income tax levy on the May 6 ballot not pass.

See what other issues and candidates are on the ballot by clicking here for the Hancock County Board of Elections.

(From the United Way of Hancock County)

Tickets are on sale now for United Way of Hancock County’s annual Downtown Chocolate Tour.

For this sweet spring fundraiser, patrons visit participating shops and restaurants to collect chocolatey treats while taking advantage of special sales and promotions. Running from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 10, this makes a great Mother’s Day outing or a fun day on the town with friends.

A total of 31 businesses are participating, and some establishments located outside the downtown area have been paired with shops downtown to allow their participation. Participating businesses include: 3 Oaks, Call of the Canyon, Circle of Friends, Coffee Amici, Dietsch Brothers Fine Chocolates and Ice Cream, Elida Candle Co., Findlay Brewing Co., Gem’s Fairy Cakes with The Buckeye Co., Guitar Ranch, Hancock Hotel, hand + home co., Journey Salon & Day Spa, Logan’s Irish Pub, Main Street Deli, Painters’ Pottery Studio, Red Wing Shoes, river + road with The Baking Co., Romans Hair Designers, Ryse Fitness Studio, Smarty Pants Toys and Gifts with Shirley’s Gourmet Popcorn Co., Sparrows to Lilies, Swan House Tea Room, The Baker’s Café, The Lavender Hour, Trends! on Main with Fort Findlay Coffee & Doughnuts, We Serve. Coffee, and Wine Merchant.

Tickets are $25 each, and all sales directly support United Way’s Vulnerable Children Initiative, dedicated to protecting and advocating for local youth. Ticket sales are capped at 300 and the event is expected to sell out. Visit www.uwhancock.org and click the ‘Downtown Chocolate Tour’ button at the top right to buy tickets.

“If you’ve got a sweet tooth, this is a can’t-miss event,” said Kelley McClurkin, CEO of United Way of Hancock County. “Not only will you leave with your fill of chocolate, but you’ll be supporting the vital work of our local partners that specialize in serving youth.”

Since its founding in 1955, United Way of Hancock County has funded local efforts to support children. Multiple local agencies receive United Way funding to mentor, feed, advocate for and protect kids. United Way is also actively involved in other community collaborations that are working to strengthen families while championing children’s needs.

Ticketholders can pick up their tickets, bags and maps from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 8-9 at the United Way office, 318 W. Main Cross St. (above Kan Du Studio); and beginning at 10:30 a.m. the day of the event at Hancock Hotel (a stop on the tour).

Call 419-423-1432 for more information or to schedule a pickup time outside of these hours.

(From the Hancock County Commissioners)

Findlay, Ohio – April 16, 2025 – The Hancock County Commissioners are proud to announce that the historic Hancock County Courthouse will be illuminated on Friday, April 18, 2025, as part of the nationwide “Two Lights for Tomorrow” initiative. This event commemorates the 250th anniversary of Paul Revere’s midnight ride and marks the beginning of America’s semiquincentennial celebrations.

The “Two Lights for Tomorrow” initiative, organized by the Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission, invites communities across the nation to light two symbolic lanterns as a symbol reflecting the famous signal in the Old North Church—“One if by land, two if by sea”—which set in motion Paul Revere’s ride to warn colonial leaders that British troops were advancing on the eve of the Revolutionary War.

On the night of April 18, 1775, Revere rode to alert Samuel Adams and John Hancock that they were in danger of arrest. Hancock, then president of the Second Continental Congress, was staying in Lexington, Massachusetts, where Revere successfully warned him of the threat. This act of courage helped preserve the leadership that would go on to shape the future of our nation.

“Participating in ‘Two Lights for Tomorrow’ is a way for Hancock County to connect with our nation’s founding story,” said the Hancock County Commissioners. “We are proud to light the courthouse not only in memory of the midnight ride, but also in celebration of our namesake’s enduring legacy.”

The courthouse will be illuminated beginning at dusk on April 18 and will remain lit throughout the night. Residents and visitors are invited to take a moment to reflect on the significance of this anniversary and the continued importance of preserving our shared history. To learn more about “Two Lights for Tomorrow”, please visit va250.org/two-lights.

This marks the first of many initiatives in Hancock County throughout the coming years in celebration of America’s semiquincentennial which culminates on July 4, 2026. Hancock County and the City of Findlay are official communities with the Ohio Commission for the U.S. Semiquincentennial (America 250-Ohio). A coalition has been established to discuss how the community can celebrate Hancock County’s unique role in our nation’s history. To learn more about America 250-Ohio and opportunities to celebrate, visit america250-ohio.org.

Coming up, more information about local celebrations and educational initiatives will be available through The Findlay-Hancock County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

(From Cory-Rawson Local Schools)

The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (ODEW) has selected both Cory-Rawson Elementary School and Cory-Rawson High School as Purple Star Schools for its 2025 class.  

Purple Star Schools show a strong commitment to students and families connected to our nation’s military.  

ODEW shared that the state’s Purple Star Advisory Board established strict criteria in order for schools to be considered for the designation and both of the Cory-Rawson schools met those standards.  

Cory-Rawson superintendent Jay Clark said, “We are proud to support military families who are currently part of the Cory-Rawson community or making a transition to our schools.”

Families of current or potential Cory-Rawson students who are military-involved can visit the district’s military resource webpage and are encouraged to discuss needs with our military family liaisons, Mrs. Roberts at Cory-Rawson Elementary School and Mrs. Barnhart at Cory-Rawson High School.

State superintendent Stephen Dackin states that, “The Purple Star award signifies your school’s demonstrated commitment to serving these students and families.”

(From the Fostoria Police Department)

Scam Alert: The Fostoria Police Department has received numerous complaints regarding phone calls from a subject claiming to be an officer or a detective from our department.

The subject is reportedly calling from a cloned phone number matching our department number. The subject is said to be telling people that they have missed court and now have to pay a fine or be arrested.

Again this is a scam! The Fostoria Police Department will never call anyone and try to arrange payment by phone, for any reason.

Please share this to get word out. Also, if you have elderly family members, please speak with them and relay this message, as they tend to be targeted more frequently during scams like these.

If you have any questions, please contact our department.

(From the City of Findlay)

The City of Findlay will offer a bulk trash drop off for Findlay residents from Saturday, April 19, 2025, to Saturday, April 26, 2025 sponsored by The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation. Hours are 8am-12pm or until dumpsters are full on Saturdays and 8am-3pm or until dumpsters are full on weekdays.

Dumpsters will be placed at the Public Works Department, 330 N. Cory St., where city residents will be able to dispose of unwanted debris. The drop off will be held in conjunction with Backyard Mission Trip taking place Saturday, April 26, 2025 and Earth Day on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. 

No hazardous materials, commercial tires, concrete, appliances, or electronics will be accepted. Proof of residency or ID may be required.

The City will be accepting noncommercial vehicle tires. Tires must be off the rim. Proof of residency in the city of Findlay and/or ID will be required. Please note, in the State of Ohio it is illegal to transport more than 10 scrap tires at anytime without obtaining a registration certificate from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency per ORC 3734.83.