(From Owens Community College)

The Owens CDL Training Program has received $149,100 from the Commercial Truck Driver Student Aid Program for 2025.

The financial aid program is funded through the Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE). It provides financial aid to in-state students who complete a CDL program and agree to reside and be employed in Ohio for a minimum of one year upon completion.

ODHE received 30 applications, with the total funds requested being nearly twice the amount of funding available. Allocations were made based upon demonstrated success.

“This financial aid funding from the Ohio Department of Higher Education will allow us to continue the work that already takes place in our CDL Training Program – making sure the next generation of truck drivers are safety focused and well-equipped to handle the demands of their jobs,” said Charlene Page, executive director of Owens Workforce and Economic Development. “It’s rewarding to know that in as little as four weeks, someone can complete our program and find themselves in a secure profession making more than $50,000 per year.”

According to information from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were more than 2.1 heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers in 2023 with a median income of $26.12 per hour. Ohio had the fifth most drivers in 2023 with 89,560. An additional 102,000 drivers are expected to be hired by 2033.

The Owens CDL Training Program offers small classes and personal attention from instructors. Licensed by the State of Ohio and taught by licensed CDL class instructors, the Owens trucking school and CDL classes provide 160 course hours – 40 hours in the classroom and 120 of hands-on training on the road in our big rigs.

Class A CDL Training classes on the Toledo-area Campus are four weeks long and run from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Classes on the Findlay-area Campus are 10 weeks long and run on the weekend.

HazMat Entry-Level CDL Endorsement training is also available.

For more information on the CDL Training Program at Owens, please visit owens.edu/cdl.

(From the Tiffin Police Department)

At approximately 3pm on Tuesday, November 12 , the Tiffin Police Department responded to a call regarding potentially live military ordnance found in a residence on the 400 block of West Perry Street. The call, placed by the grandson of the deceased resident, reported the discovery of several hand grenades, mortar rounds and suspected land mine. While most items were determined to be inert or inactive, any potentially dangerous items were carefully collected by the Toledo Police Bomb Squad to inspect further and safely dispose of them.

The grandson, a former member of the armed forces, discovered the ordnance while sorting through his late grandfather’s belongings and recognized the risk posed by some of the items. The Tiffin Police Department commends him for his immediate action in contacting authorities.

Upon arrival, Tiffin officers evacuated the residence and confirmed the presence of the items. Recognizing the potential danger, the Tiffin Police Department requested assistance from the Toledo Police Bomb Squad, a specialized team with expertise in handling hazardous materials. The bomb squad quickly mobilized, assessed the situation, and determined that most of the items were inert and posed no danger. However, a few potentially dangerous items were collected by the bomb squad for identification and safe destruction.

I’d like to express my appreciation for the prompt, professional response from all involved. This incident highlights the importance of community members working with law enforcement to keep our neighborhoods safe. The quick thinking of the complainant, combined with the rapid response of the Tiffin Police and the expertise of the Toledo Bomb Squad, averted any potential danger. We’re grateful for everyone’s commitment to ensuring the safety of our community.

The Tiffin Police Department urges anyone who discovers potentially hazardous military equipment or explosive materials to contact the department immediately. Proper handling and disposal of such items are essential to maintaining public safety.

Thank you to the Toledo Police Bomb Squad for their efficient response, and to the grandson for his vigilance and swift action.

Chief David Pauly

(From Findlay City Schools)

Glenwood Middle School Student Leadership dreamed of a way to recognize their classmates for respectful, responsible, and safe actions.

Their dream became a reality with the help of Findlay Service League, who has generously made the Glenwood School Store possible.

The store is now up and running, and students can use their positive marks to “purchase” items.

Thank you to Findlay Service League and to our Glenwood Student Leaders for supporting the positive behaviors of our students!

(From the Ohio State Highway Patrol)

On November 12, 2024, at approximately 4:40 P.M, troopers with the Lima Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol were notified of a multi-vehicle crash on state Route 81 at the intersection of Hardin Rd. in Allen County.

Nancy E. Weese, age 84, of Columbus, OH was operating a 2014 Honda CR-V southbound on Hardin Rd, approaching the intersection of state Route 81. Mrs. Weese failed to stop at the stop sign at state Route 81 and was struck by a westbound 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, operated by Samantha E. Hilton, age 32, of Dunkirk, OH. Immediately after the collision, the Honda CR-V was struck again by an eastbound 2021 Chevrolet Silverado, operated by Jeffrey R. Barnes, age 43, of Ada, OH. The Honda CR-V went off the roadway and came to rest on the southwest side of the intersection. The other two vehicles came to final rest on the roadway. All three vehicles sustained disabling damage.

Nancy Weese was pronounced deceased on scene by the Allen County Coroner’s Office. Richard Weese was transported to Lima Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced deceased. Samantha Hilton was transported to Lima Memorial Hospital for suspected minor injuries. Jeffrey Barnes sustained suspected minor injuries, but was not transported. All occupants involved in the crash were reportedly wearing seatbelts. Alcohol or drugs is not suspected to be a factor.

Assisting troopers on scene were the Allen County Sheriff’s Office, Allen County Coroner’s Office, H&H Funeral Services, Lafayette-Jackson Township Fire and EMS, Ada Liberty EMS, A&D Towing, Miller Auto and Able Wrecker Service. The intersection was completely closed for approximately three hours, and has since been re-opened. The crash remains under investigation.

(From Liberty-Benton Local Schools)

Our Liberty-Benton FFA chapter had a busy October!

On October 12, four members represented us at the State Urban Soils Career Development Event (CDE), where they put their soil knowledge to the test! Participants examined soil pits, conducted ribbon tests, and assessed soil properties like drainage and compaction to recommend best management practices. The team placed 26th in the state, with individual scores as follows:

Elizabeth Nauert: 32nd

Isaiah Todd: 106th

Jakob Kern: 125th

Madison Junge: 144th

On October 19, our chapter showed appreciation for local farmers and drivers by distributing snack bags at the Legacy Grain Elevator on County Road 84. These bags were assembled in class with donations and included snacks, water, and thank-you cards signed by every member. Five members attended and enjoyed connecting with the community!

The excitement continued at the FFA National Convention from October 23-25, where six of our members attended workshops, sessions, and special events. Highlights included hearing from National Secretary Grant Norfleet and Temple Grandin and celebrating former Ohio FFA state president Luke Jennings’ installation as National FFA Secretary. On October 26th, we proudly cheered on Mary Holley and Erica Patterson as they received their American Degrees, the highest honor for FFA members!

We’re proud of our Liberty-Benton FFA members and all they achieved this month!

A car crashed into a parked work van before hitting the side of a building in Findlay.

The crash happened around 2 p.m. Tuesday in the 800 block of North Main Street.

Witnesses said a piece of a vehicle flew off a vehicle and the vehicle that crashed swerved to miss it and hit the parked van and then the side of 820 North Main Street, a little south of Howard Street. 

Police on the scene said no injuries were involved and they were still investigating.

(ONN) – An imprisoned former Ohio lawmaker is planning to ask for a Presidential pardon.

Former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder is preparing to ask President-elect Donald Trump for clemency.

That’s according to his campaign attorney.

The Republican is currently behind bars serving a 20-year prison sentence for his involvement in the largest bribery scandal in the state; a $60 million bribery scheme funded by FirstEnergy.

Cleveland.com is reporting that Householder plans to submit the official pardon application closer to Inauguration Day.

(ONN) – Republicans in the Ohio Legislature have introduced legislation to change Ohio election laws and processes.

State Senators Theresa Gavarone and Andrew Brenner have introduced legislation requiring proof of United States citizenship to be required as a part of the voter registration process.

While non-citizen voting has not been an issue to date, the move is seen as a preemptive strike.

The other change would be the elimination of ballot drop boxes.

Voters would hand deliver their ballots to officials at the board of elections or a drive-thru window.

(From the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation)

A new scholarship fund was recently established at the Foundation to support a Findlay High School graduate pursuing business at Bowling Green State University.

This fund was established by friends and family in memory of Richard Hoffman.

To learn more or donate to the newly established fund visit: https://www.community-foundation.com/…/richard-h…

(From the Tiffin Police Department)

We are asking for assistance in identifying the male and female individuals shown in these stills from store video footage.

Remember: “Finders-keepers” isn’t a free pass and can be considered theft.

If you find someone else’s property, please make sure it gets back to the rightful owner by either returning it directly or turning it in to the police department.

We’ll do our best to reunite it with its owner!

If you recognize either of these individuals, please reach out to Sgt. Keefe at 419-447-2323, ext. 1107, or via email at lmkeefe@tiffinohio.gov.

Thank you for helping us keep our community honest and safe!

Chief Pauly