(From the Tiffin Police Department)

UPDATE: Missing Juvenile – Savannah Kipps-Lucius

As of 2:00 PM, October 14, 2025

The search for missing juvenile Savannah Kipps-Lucius remains ongoing. Tiffin Police officers and detectives continue to actively follow up on every lead and piece of information that comes in.

We understand that members of the community often have questions about what actions law enforcement is taking during investigations like this. To help keep everyone informed and to prevent any misunderstandings, below is an overview of the steps taken so far in our efforts to locate Savannah:

• Family members, friends, and witnesses have been interviewed.
• Contact has been made with all known locations that have surveillance systems which may have captured footage of Savannah after she left her home.
• Searches have been conducted in vacant homes and buildings near the areas she may have been.
• Investigators are reviewing Savannah’s electronic devices and social media activity for any leads.
• Officers have conducted foot patrols in outdoor locations of interest.
• Drone searches have been completed in areas surrounding where Savannah was last known to be.

The Tiffin Police Department remains fully committed to doing everything possible to bring Savannah home safely.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Tiffin Police Department immediately at (419) 447-2323.

Please continue to keep Savannah and her family in your thoughts and prayers.

Chief David Pauly

We may be experiencing some nice fall weather now, but the Ohio Department of Transportation knows winter weather will be here soon enough. 

ODOT District 1 is hiring Winter Seasonal Highway Technicians in Allen, Defiance, Hancock, Hardin, Paulding, Putnam, Van Wert, and Wyandot Counties.

“Come plow snow with us,” ODOT said in a post on its Facebook page.

Applicants must have a valid CDL.

Get more details on the positions and submit an application by clicking here.

The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office has been awarded $56,147 in federal traffic safety funding from the Ohio Traffic Safety Office for fiscal year 2026.

The sheriff’s office says the funds will provide for 700 hours of extra traffic enforcement in Hancock County.

The sheriff’s office will be focusing on traffic safety priority areas such as seat belt use, impaired and distracted driving, motorcycle safety, and youth drivers.

(ONN) – The City of Cleveland and the Haslam Sports Group have agreed to a $100 million settlement enabling the Browns to move to Brook Park when their new domed stadium is completed in 2029.

By December 1st of this year, the Browns will pay the Cleveland a sum of $25 million.

They will also pay the city roughly $30 million in order to demolish the current lakefront stadium, paving the way for that redevelopment.

Over the course of 2029 through 2033, Haslam Sports will pay the city five million per year, totaling $25 million.

Once the lease downtown is terminated, Haslam Sports will invest no less than two million per year over the next ten years to community benefit projects totaling $20 million.

(From Hancock County ADAMHS)

A 2019 event that explored community mental health issues is returning to Hancock County this fall.

Dr. Mary Steiner liames, associate professor at the Winebrenner Theological Seminary, said the Mental Health and Church Conference will be held from 8:30 am to 12:30 p.m. on Nov. 1 at the Alumni Memorial Union at the University of Findlay.

According to Dr. Iiames, “For years, individuals have asked about the return of the conference, and finally, it’s here! We will again meet to discuss the mental health needs of folks and how the Church can work with mental health professionals to address them.”

It is open to pastors, lay leaders, and volunteers from churches in the Findlay area at no cost. It is made possible through a grant from the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation.

The topics to be discussed include Mental Health 101: an overview of mental health, The Intersection of Faith and Mental Health, Grief and Loss, Mental Health, and Nutrition and Wellness.

A panel discussion of mental health issues in the community will also be offered.

“I’m excited to have mental health professionals from our area presenting important topics and including a panel that can address the questions of conference attendees,” Dr. Iiames stated.

The first conference was held in 2019 at Winebrenner and was attended by one hundred pastors, lay leaders, and volunteers from churches around the Findlay area. Organizers had hoped to repeat it, but plans were put on hold due to the COVID pandemic.

Those interested in attending can register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScaj9RNvZ1l_7djM0zHd3vEf3W98Sdxuuzy7s92BdV2a7uPZQ/viewform?usp=header

For more information, contact: Dr. Mary Steiner Iiames, iiames@winebrenner.edu

(From the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library)

The Findlay-Hancock County Public Library will be spending the week of October 19-25, 2025, celebrating its amazing Friends of the Library group as part of the 20th annual celebration of National Friends of Libraries Week. This is a special week to spotlight the wonderful work that our Friends volunteers do, and what a crucial role they play for the community.

The Friends of the Hancock County Public Library was established in 1975. Currently made up of 148 community members, the Friends are a major factor in the library’s progress, advocating for funding and volunteering their time to assist with efforts that include the Book Cellar Used Book Shop, and special book sales throughout the year.

In 2025 alone, the Friends contributed approximately $75,000 to support library programming and services. Their funding helped make possible community-favorite programs like SummerREAD and WinterREAD, expanded the periodical and newspaper archive collections, added new youth and adult fiction and nonfiction titles, enhanced access to resources like The Ohio Digital Library, and supported cherished events like the Children’s Tell-a-Tale Contest.

Sarah Clevidence, Library Director said, “We are grateful to have such a dedicated Friends of the Library. Their partnership, promotion, and financial support help ensure the library’s success”.

The Findlay-Hancock County Public Library invites the community to join in celebrating and thanking the Friends of the Library this week—and all year long.

Please visit findlaylibrary.org/support/fotl to find out how to become a member of the Friends of the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library.

(From the Sprague for Secretary of State Campaign)

Today, Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague announced that his supporters can now contribute to his Ohio Secretary of State campaign with Bitcoin, becoming the first campaign for statewide office in Ohio history to welcome cryptocurrency donations.

Today’s announcement follows the vote by the Ohio Board of Deposit, chaired by Treasurer Sprague, to approve Grant Street Group as the vendor tasked with preparing the state for the use of cryptocurrency as an accepted form of payment for state fees and transactions.

Said Treasurer Sprague, “Ohio has a long, storied history of innovation and technological advancement, and last month the State paved the way for digital currency to become a fixture in our state economy.  We should all be proud that Ohio has become a leader in financial technology, and I am excited that my campaign is joining the State of Ohio in breaking new ground on digital currencies.”

The campaign’s website, www.SpragueforOhio.com, is one of the few campaign sites with the capability of accepting crypto for donations. Upon receipt, the Sprague for Secretary of State campaign will not hold the Bitcoin donation; rather, the donation will be immediately converted to U.S. dollars, which will then be reported on campaign finance reports as a traditional contribution.  To avoid any appearance of impropriety, Sprague for Secretary of State will not accept any contributions from Grant Street Group.

In 2021, the Ohio Elections Commission issued an advisory opinion concerning the use of Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies as campaign contributions.  In it, the Commission considered cryptocurrency to be an acceptable form of an in-kind contribution, provided that the donation complies with campaign contribution limits.  Additional reporting requirements would be necessary if a campaign were to hold the digital currency over time, and the asset appreciated or depreciated in value.

(From the Ohio Department of Commerce)

Dozens of cemeteries across Ohio will soon receive financial assistance to help preserve their history and make them safer for visitors. The Ohio Department of Commerce’s Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing (REPL) has awarded $104,000 in grants to 45 Ohio cemeteries located in 31 counties through the Fiscal Year 2025 Cemetery Grant Fund.

The Division currently registers more than 4,100 cemeteries throughout the state. During the submission window, which was open from July 1-31, 2025, the Division received 172 applications for funds this fiscal year, which is an 11% increase from 155 applications submitted in 2024.

The program awards grants to properly registered cemeteries, except for-profit corporations, to defray the costs of exceptional maintenance or training of cemetery personnel in the maintenance and operation of the cemetery. 

“This is the seventh year the Division has awarded grant funds to assist registered nonprofit cemeteries in completing critical projects that may otherwise never be addressed due to lack of funding,” REPL Superintendent Daphne Hawk said. “We are honored to provide these important funds to help Ohio’s beautiful cemeteries repair roadways, restore monuments, repair fencing, improve signage and enhance visitor safety, all of which helps preserve an important piece of our state’s history.”

Below is a complete list of this fiscal year’s grant recipients, categorized by region. Additional details, including grant amount awarded to each cemetery, is available via download here.

Northwest Ohio

• Mt. Zion Cemetery (Crawford County)
• Tedrow Cemetery (Fulton County)
• Keene Cemetery (Fulton County)
• Wakeman Township Cemetery (Huron County)
• Hamilton-Bethel Cemetery (Mercer County)
• Kalida Cemetery (Putnam County)
• St. Mary’s Cemetery (Putnam County)
• Riverside Cemetery (Williams County)

Northeast Ohio

• Ashland Cemetery (Ashland County)
• Cork Cemetery (Ashtabula County)
• Cherry Valley Township Cemetery (Ashtabula County)
• City of Conneaut Cemetery (Ashtabula County)
• Dorset Township Cemetery (Ashtabula County)
• Grandview Cemetery (Carroll County)
• Oakdale Cemetery (Columbiana County)
• Brecksville Cemetery  (Cuyahoga County)
• Mayfield Union Cemetery (Cuyahoga County)
• Lakeside Cemetery (Cuyahoga County)
• Maple Shade Cemetery (Geauga County)
• North Chardon Cemetery (Geauga County)
• Camden Cemetery (Lorain County)
• Lowellville Cemetery (Mahoning County)
• Lexington Township Cemetery (Stark County)
• South Lawn Cemetery (Stark County)
• Brookfield Cemetery (Stark County)
• Vienna Township Cemetery (Trumbull County)
• St. Patrick Cemetery (Trumbull County)
• Howland Township Cemetery (Trumbull County)

Central Ohio

• Berkshire Cemetery (Delaware County)
• Asbury Cemetery (Franklin County)
• Hedding M.E. Cemetery (Morrow County)
• Roseville Cemetery (Perry County)

Southeast Ohio

• Linwood Cemetery (Belmont County)
• Franklin Cemetery (Coshocton County)
• Campbell Cemetery (Jackson County)
• Holy Resurrection Serbian Orthodox Church Cemetery (Jefferson County)
• White Cemetery (Scioto County)

Southwest Ohio

• West Union Village Cemetery (Adams County)
• Fincastle Cemetery (Brown County)
• Decatur Cemetery (Brown County)
• Newson Cemetery (Champaign County)
• Jefferson Township IOOF (Clinton County)
• Sabina Cemetery (Clinton County)
• Dayton Memorial Park Cemetery and Mausoleum (Montgomery County)
• Jackson View Cemetery (Shelby County)

The annual grant is funded by $1 of every $2.50 from burial permit fees received by the Division. Cemeteries that applied for and did not receive funding this year are encouraged to apply again next year when the application submission window opens on July 1.

In addition to registering cemeteries in Ohio, the Division administers the Ohio Cemetery Dispute Resolution Commission, which assists in resolving complaints filed against registered cemeteries through mediation and conciliation.

For more information on how the Division works with Ohio cemeteries, visit com.ohio.gov/Real. 

(From Blanchard Valley Health System)

Blanchard Valley Health System (BVHS) is redefining convenience in healthcare with the launch of online mammogram scheduling, enabling patients to take control of their health in a new way.

This new digital feature allows patients to book mammogram appointments directly through the BVHS website, selecting the date, time, and location that best fit their schedule. Whether at home, at work, or on the go, healthcare is now only a few clicks away.

In today’s fast-paced world, BVHS recognizes that balancing work, family, and daily responsibilities often leaves little time for preventive care. By introducing online scheduling, BVHS empowers patients to manage their health on their own terms, ensuring important screenings don’t get postponed.

“As smartphones, tablets, and laptops become everyday tools for managing our lives, healthcare should be just as easy to access,” said Gulshan Mehta, chief digital and information officer at BVHS. “Technology should make life simpler. With online scheduling, we’re reducing friction so more people can take control of their health. Booking a mammogram should take minutes—not motivation.”

A screening mammogram can detect breast cancer in its earliest stages, when it’s most treatable. With BVHS’s new online scheduling system, patients can easily arrange their screening in minutes, helping ensure early detection doesn’t wait for a phone call.

Online mammogram scheduling is part of BVHS’s ongoing commitment to creating a more connected, patient-centered healthcare experience. The initiative builds upon other recent digital advancements, including online appointment scheduling for primary care, pediatrics, and urgent care services.

“Providing access to high-quality health services is a top priority at BVHS,” said Myron D. Lewis, MSW, MBA, FACHE, president and CEO. “We are committed to honoring our mission and ensuring that families in our region have access to exceptional care for generations to come.”

As a trusted community health partner, BVHS continues to deliver advanced diagnostic and specialty services throughout the region, offering patients the expertise of experienced physicians and providers close to home. By combining local care with modern technology, BVHS is ensuring that compassionate, high-quality healthcare remains both personal and accessible.

Patients can visit bvhealthsystem.org/mammogram to schedule their mammogram online. Early detection saves lives—and with BVHS, it’s never been easier to prioritize your health.

(From the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation)

The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation is hosting a panel presentation and Q&A session on local housing needs on October 22.

This event is open to the public, and the media are welcome to attend.

The panel will be moderated by Foundation President & CEO Brian Treece and will feature representatives from the local housing coalition.

What: Housing in Hancock County Panel

Who: Brian Treece, President & CEO of the Foundation; Kathryn Bausman, City Mission; Scott Brecheisen, Metzger Brecheisen Company; Chris Keller, Economic Development; Sue Lehman, Hope House; Wendy McCormick, Habitat for Humanity; Christina Muryn, City of Findlay; Jill Wagner, Wasbro Rental Property.

When: Wednesday, October 22, 4:30-6 p.m.

Where: 50 North, 339 Melrose Ave., Findlay.

Why: The Community Foundation debuted its State of Work and Play Report in June. One of the significant areas of need is housing. A lack of available, affordable housing has created a crisis in Hancock County and has caused families to drown financially. The strain on the housing system affects many other systems, including childcare, transportation and workforce.

The Foundation is committed to being part of the solution. We have dedicated $50,000 to the Community Housing Fund for long-term support and an additional $100,000 to the Interim Housing Program Fund to help transition families into short-term, affordable rental housing while they work toward home ownership.