The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation has announced the schedule for its ‘Fun for All’ series of free community events for December.

The events scheduled so far are listed below and more will be added as they become available.

3 – Santa Clause Movie
7:30 p.m.
Marathon Center for the Performing Arts
Free, NO ticket required. First come, first served seating.

7 – Lunch and Activities with Santa
12 – 2 p.m.
50 North
Registration required: Find Yourself at 50 North, Findlay, Ohio

“We’ve heard time and time again that finding affordable, family-friendly activities is a challenge in Hancock County. The Community Foundation is proud to provide Fun for All to help bridge the gap,” said Community Foundation President and CEO Brian Treece.

Brian says the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation is thankful to its community partners for making the events possible.

(From the Ohio State Highway Patrol)

The 13th annual “Lights for Lives” campaign proved to be another successful operation, demonstrating the positive impact of multi-agency and multi-jurisdictional collaboration. In the interest of public safety, the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Findlay District, along with law enforcement agencies from Williams, Fulton, Lucas, Defiance, Henry, Wood, Putnam, Paulding, Hancock, Van Wert, Allen, and Hardin counties, came together for this important initiative.

The “Lights for Lives” campaign is a cooperative enforcement effort where officers focus on stopping vehicles committing traffic violations, activating their overhead lights during each stop with the goal of saving lives. This year’s operation took place from 6 p.m. on November 25 to 6 a.m. on November 27, marking the start of the holiday driving season.

During the 36-hour traffic safety initiative, officers stopped 894 vehicles for traffic violations and issued 449 citations. Among these citations, 26 were for safety belt violations, underscoring the importance of safety belt usage. Additionally, officers removed eight impaired drivers from northwest Ohio roadways, potentially preventing impaired driving-related crashes from occurring.

Roadway safety remains a shared responsibility and a commitment to safe driving habits can help ensure safer roadways for everyone. On behalf of all participating law enforcement agencies, we remind motorists this holiday season to always:

· Buckle up – It’s the most effective way to save your life in the event of a crash.

· Move over – Motorists must move over when flashing lights are seen on the roadside. If unable to move over due to traffic or road conditions, motorists must slow down.

· Never drive impaired – Designate a sober driver or make other travel arrangements.

Motorists are encouraged to safely dial #677 or 911 to report impaired or reckless drivers.

What are the chances of us having a White Christmas this year in Findlay and northwest Ohio?

Well, WFIN’s Chris Oaks invited WTOL-11 Chief Meteorologist Chris Vickers on the show to discuss what goes into predicting whether we’ll get any snow for Christmas.

Vickers says, this year, he’s expecting warmer than average temperatures across northwest Ohio and below average snowfall.

Get Chris Oaks’ full interview with Chris Vickers in the audio below.

(From the Ohio Division of Wildlife)

Ohio’s weeklong deer gun hunting season begins Monday, Dec. 2, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. The gun season traditionally begins the Monday after Thanksgiving, is open to all hunters, and runs until Sunday, Dec. 8. An additional deer gun weekend follows on Dec. 21-22.

Ohio’s first deer gun season was in 1943, and excitement has remained high for white-tailed deer hunting ever since. Deer gun harvest totals are typically highest in eastern Ohio. Coshocton (2,440), Tuscarawas (2,260), Ashtabula (2,189), Muskingum (2,076), and Knox (1,878) counties led the state during the 2023 seven-day gun season. 

Hunters harvested 95,606 deer during all 2023 gun seasons (gun week, December gun weekend, and youth weekend). That total includes 70,103 deer taken during the seven-day gun season. Hunters ages 17 and younger checked 10,033 deer during the 2023 youth weekend, and another 15,470 deer in the December gun weekend. The three-year average (2021 to 2023) for these seasons is 93,207.

(From the Seneca County Drug Task Force)

On Monday, November 25, 2024, the Seneca County Drug Task Force-METRICH Enforcement Unit, along with additional Officers from the Fostoria Police Department, and Agents from the Federal Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms (ATF), Toledo Division apprehended a fleeing fugitive, in the City of Fostoria, Seneca, County, Ohio.

While preparing to execute a drug-related search warrant on a residence located at 739 Cherry Street, Fostoria, Ohio, that being the residence of Christopher Conley, Agents observed a subject by the name of Clarence David Smith Jr., who was a known fugitive, leaving the residence. A brief pursuit occurred, and Smith was discovered hiding in a garage in the 900 block of North Main Street, Fostoria, Ohio.

Upon placing Smith under arrest, Agents discovered additional Crack Cocaine, Heroin, and US Currency. Once Smith was in custody, agents and officers executed the search warrant at the residence of 739 Cherry Street, Fostoria, Ohio. The search warrant resulted in an additional small amount of Cocaine and instruments indicative of drug trafficking and abuse.

Arrested was Clarence David Smith Jr., 53 YOA for the outstanding drug trafficking warrant out of Seneca County and Aggravated Burglary, Failure to comply, tampering with evidence, and resisting arrest. And Christopher R. Conley, 46 YOA for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Additional charges of Possession of Crack Cocaine and Heroin are both pending on Smith upon further investigation.

“The Task Force has indicated that Mr. Smith is a person of interest in the drug trade that plagues our community. We have been receiving multiple complaints regarding him and the residence located at 739 Cherry Street being suspected in the illegal sales of drugs. We will continue to utilize all of the resources we have available to pursue these individuals who choose to poison our community. This is certainly not Mr. Smith’s first rodeo suspecting to be involved in drug trafficking.”……Chief Gabriel Wedge, Fostoria Police Department, said.

“I encourage citizens to continue reporting suspicious activity to their local agencies or the Seneca County Drug Task Force – METRICH Enforcement Unit Crime Hotline.ne at Local 419-443-0463, ext: 1140.”

(From the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation)

The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation Board of Trustees approved grants totaling $1,092,906.50 at the November board meeting. This total includes 30 responsive grants, 13 president’s discretionary grants and 57 donor-advised fund grants.

“So far this year we’ve awarded more than $3.3 million,” said Brian Treece, President & CEO of The Community Foundation. “Each dollar granted represents the investments donors make in the Foundation to support Hancock County and the grantee organizations who partner with us to improve the quality of life for all in the community.”

Responsive Grants

Responsive grants are awarded to organizations that meet community needs and match The Community Foundation’s goals and objectives. Grantseekers must submit a written grant proposal for consideration. Applications are reviewed four times per year.

Funding for responsive grants comes from our Community’s Endowment, which is comprised of Funds for the Common Good and Field of Interest Funds established by donors at The Community Foundation. The following responsive grants were approved by the Board of Trustees, made possible by our Community’s Endowment:

Arcadia Local Schools was awarded $940 to support the creation of a greenhouse by FFA students.

Black Heritage Library and Multicultural Center was awarded $1,730 to support the Hispanic Heritage Celebration as part of the Fun for All series of free community events.

Blanchard Valley Center was awarded $10,650 to support early intervention language translation resources for local families.

Blanchard Valley Health System was awarded $24,941 to train and deploy local interpreters for newcomers to ensure better health and financial outcomes.

Children’s Mentoring Connection was awarded $1,697 to support three teen-focused events through Family and Children First Council, City Life and FOCUS Recovery and Wellness Community as part of the Fun for All series of free community events.

Children’s Museum of Findlay was awarded $150 for incorporating pumpkins into a fall free play day as part of the Fun for All series of free community events.

City of Findlay was awarded three grants:

$2,500 for a video series to assist the newcomer population.

$5,265 for the city’s Christmas tree ornament decorating and free ice skating as part of the Fun for All series of free community events.

$2,500 for a video series for newcomer population assimilation support.

The Community Foundation was awarded four grants:

$5,500 for the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy’s AI course for local nonprofit organizations.

$10,000 for community leadership efforts, including mayors’ meetings, Community Conversations and more.

$12,000 for school foundation capacity building.

$20,000 for research on workforce and recreation in Hancock County.

Hancock Public Health was awarded three grants:

$924 for services to diabetic youth in local school systems.

$2,150 for CPR/AED training for Family Center agencies.

$15,000 for ongoing translation services.

Lima Symphony Orchestra was awarded $2,500 to support three Symphony Storytime performances at the library as part of the Fun for All series of free community events.

Marathon Center for the Performing Arts was awarded $10,023 for a free concert in Jenera as part of the Fun for All series of free community events.

Miracle League of Findlay was awarded $25,000 to leverage funding for the Miracle Park Fitness Complex near the Cube.

Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation, Inc. was awarded $1,305 for a Fall Family Fun Day as part of the Fun for All series of free community events.

Open Arms Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Services was awarded $7,548 to support the expansion of services into the rural parts of Hancock County.

Raise the Bar was awarded $549 to support the expansion of the K-12 Career Engagement Immersion Continuum with local students.

Toledo Opera was awarded $10,000 to support a Family Opera on Wheels event and presentations at local city and county schools.

Toledo Zoological Society Foundation was awarded $533 for a November Funday Sunday at the Mazza Museum as part of the Fun for All series of free community events.

Village of Arlington was awarded $5,615 for a portable ice skating rink.

Village of McComb was awarded $1,056 to support a village mural related to Heart & Soul.

Village of Mt. Blanchard was awarded $678 to support Hurricane Park improvements as a Heart & Soul priority.

President’s Discretionary Grants

President’s Discretionary grants fund urgent or special requests outside The Community Foundation’s various grant cycles. The President of The Community Foundation is allocated an amount each year. These grants typically do not individually exceed $5,000. The following discretionary grants were awarded:

This year, TCF staff dedicated the 2024 president’s discretionary funds to combat nonprofit staff burnout.

Children’s Mentoring Connection was awarded $2,000 for a team-building retreat for CMC staff.

Christian Clearing House was awarded $730 for a spa day for CCH staff.

The Community Foundation was awarded $4,234 for a nonprofit appreciation day for local organizations.

Findlay Area Youth for Christ was awarded $2,079 for a staff appreciation evening.

Findlay-Hancock County Public Library was awarded $3,168 for staff logo wear.

Findlay Hope House was awarded $5,000 for the new Connecting Area Professionals of Social Services (CAPSS) program, which aims to create a sense of community for these professionals.

Findlay YMCA was awarded $1,996 for a teambuilding day for leadership staff.

FOCUS Recovery and Wellness Community was awarded $3,000 for a day of mental health supporting activities for staff.

Habitat for Humanity of Findlay/Hancock County was awarded $2,450 for teambuilding day.

Hancock Historical Museum was awarded $973 for a staff appreciation day.

Marathon Center for the Performing Arts was awarded $1,770 for a staff retreat day.

NAMI Hancock County was awarded $1,400 for teambuilding activities.

Welcome to A New Life was awarded $1,200 for teambuilding activities.

Donor Advised Grants

Individuals, families or corporations establish donor advised funds to recommend grants to nonprofits they’re passionate about. The Foundation vets the nonprofits, and grants are awarded. The following donor advised grants were awarded:

57 grants to 44 organizations totaling $630,120.50.

(From the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office)

The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating numerous cases of fraud and scam complaints.

The suspects in the investigations are contacting victims via telephone, posing as family members, court employees, law enforcement officers, and agents of several different federal agencies.

While speaking with the victims, they sound legitimate and convincing.

Many of the victims are requested to provide cash, gift cards, or several different types of electronic transactions, sometimes in the form of Cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin.

Cash transactions have reportedly been conducted at residences, parking lots and outside of closed businesses. Not only does a theft occur, these types of transactions place victims in incredibly unsafe, potentially dangerous situations, and should always be avoided.

Although anyone could fall victim to the scams, the victims targeted are typically elderly.

The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind everyone that no legitimate court employee, law enforcement officer or federal agent will request anyone to conduct financial business through the form of gift cards or cryptocurrency.

Additionally, cash will not be accepted anywhere other than in-person at a legitimate, official building and only by a clearly identifiable official employee.

If you have any additional information related to or believe you or a loved one have fallen victim to this type of scam, please contact your local law enforcement agency.

For the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office, call 419-422-2424.

Detective Aaron J. Smith L49

Hancock County Sheriff’s Office

(From Welcome to a New Life)

Welcome to a New Life, a nonprofit organization mentoring adults involved in the Hancock County criminal justice system, is once again holding a gift card drive as their 2024 Giving Tuesday project. The organization is seeking donations of gift cards to restaurants and coffee shops. Other gift cards (Walmart, Meijer, Dollar General, cab vouchers, gas cards, etc.) will also be accepted and will be used to assist mentees with unexpected expenses.

The mission of Welcome to a New Life relies on volunteer mentors to meet regularly with adults involved in the Hancock County criminal justice system, helping them to establish goals, develop healthy relationships, and giving them hope in their new life journey. Often, these meetings occur in local small businesses like restaurants, cafes and other businesses providing services.

By hosting a Giving Tuesday Gift Card Drive, Welcome to a New Life believes that we are not only supporting the work of our volunteer mentors and their mentees, but also our Hancock County businesses. By purchasing a gift card and donating it to Welcome to a New Life, the restaurants and businesses win, our organization wins, and the mentors and mentees win.

How to Participate:
Purchase a gift card from a restaurant, coffee shop, or store. We Serve. Coffee will match any $5 gift card purchased at their cafe. To get your donation back to WNL, you can: Bring the gift card to We Serve. Coffee – you’ll get a free 16oz. drink; Bring the gift card to WNL’s Open House on December 3 from 8am – 5pm at 1219 W. Main Cross St. Suite 201; or you can mail the gift card to:

Welcome to a New Life
1219 West Main Cross Suite 201
Findlay, OH 45840

If you would like to provide an online contribution toward the purchase of gift cards, visit https://www.welcometoanewlife.org/givingtuesday.

For more information visit welcometoanewlife.org or contact the WNL office at 419-455-6082.

(From the City of Findlay)

Mayor Christina Muryn has issued a proclamation declaring Saturday, November 30, 2024, as Small Business Saturday in Findlay, Ohio and recognizes the contributions that small businesses make to our local economy.

For information on Small Business Saturday, including extended business hours, head to the Visit Findlay website.

(From Bowling Green State University)

Bowling Green State University is the first university in the United States to accept mobile driver’s licenses for age verification. Concessionaires across BGSU’s athletic events will be able to securely and privately accept customers’ mobile driver’s licenses, including IDs in Apple Wallet, in person at its athletics events.

Ohio driver’s licenses and state IDs are available for Ohioans to add to Apple Wallet, which the state of Ohio adopted earlier this year. This has allowed Ohio residents to add their state-issued identification card or driver’s license directly to Apple Wallet for use in various locations – which now includes inside BGSU Athletics venues. Ohio driver’s licenses and state IDs in Apple Wallet offer a convenient and secure companion to the physical plastic card but does not replace an individual’s physical card.

“It’s great to see Bowling Green State University become a nationwide trailblazer for adopting the Ohio Mobile ID, providing convenience to spectators and Falcon fans attending BGSU athletic events,” said Lt. Governor Jon Husted. “At InnovateOhio, our goal is to make Ohio the most innovative, entrepreneurial state in the Midwest, and the Ohio Mobile ID is one of the latest efforts aimed at better serving our customers – the people of Ohio – through technology.”

Users can present a compliant mobile driver’s license to a Tap2iD reader using NFC technology from Credence to privately and securely verify their age when making a purchase.

When a user presents their mobile driver’s license to a BGSU concession, the concessionaire will only be provided the required information necessary for age verification, such as age and ID photo.

How to present an ID in Apple Wallet
To present an ID in Apple Wallet, residents can simply hold their iPhone or Apple Watch near a reader. Residents’ devices will then display what information is being requested, and only after authorizing with Face ID or Touch ID is the requested information released from a device. Since the information is shared digitally, residents do not need to hand over their iPhone or Apple Watch to present an ID in Apple Wallet.

A cutting-edge campus
The implementation is part of the University’s continued effort to adopt cutting-edge technology on its campuses. 

In 2020, BGSU was the first university in Ohio to implement Starship Technology, which allows users to have food delivered using 100% electric robots. The University deployed an autonomous floor-scrubbing robot in 2023 to increase cleanliness and campus health while enhancing employee experiences.

This year, BGSU was among the first universities in the country to introduce Amazon Just Walk Out technology, which allows shoppers to check out at a campus market without waiting in any lines.

“Bowling Green State University has long embraced the latest in technology to streamline the student experience, as well as the experience of supporters and community members visiting our campus,” BGSU President Rodney K. Rogers said. “As a public university for the public good, Bowling Green is pleased to be part of the innovation taking place across Ohio. We are grateful to InnovateOhio and Lt. Governor Husted for supporting the implementation of Ohio Mobile ID at BGSU, which provides a safe, more convenient experience for our students and guests.”

BGSU Athletics already uses the All-In-1 Pass for sporting events, which allows season-ticket holders, students and mini-plan holders to add all of their seat tickets to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet — without having to download new tickets every week.

“BGSU Athletics is continuously looking for innovative ways to implement new technologies that enhance our fan experience,” BGSU Director of Athletics Derek van der Merwe said. “Throughout the past two years, we have been directly engaging with our fans through consumer surveys to focus our efforts on elevating the game day experience. We are excited to introduce this cutting-edge technology, which aligns with the feedback we have received in finding new ways to reduce wait times and get our fans back to the game.”

Students and visitors from other states who support mobile driver’s licenses including Arizona, Maryland, Georgia, Colorado, Hawaii, California, Iowa, New York and Utah, will also be able to present their mobile driver’s licenses at BGSU events.

Ohio driver’s licenses and state IDs in Apple Wallet
In addition to BGSU’s athletic events, Ohio driver’s licenses and state IDs in Apple Wallet can today be used in-person at select airport TSA check lanes, including Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport and John Glenn Columbus International Airport, and businesses with compliant mobile ID readers, or in select apps that require identity or age verification.

To add an Ohio driver’s license or state ID to Apple Wallet, residents can tap the + button at the top of the screen in Apple Wallet on their iPhone, select “driver’s license or state ID,” and follow the on-screen instructions to start the set-up and verification process.

For more information on the Ohio Mobile ID, FAQS and demonstration videos, visit the OhioBMV website.