(From the Ohio Department of Agriculture)

Ohioans can start planning visits to all of their favorite fairs across the state. The Ohio Department of Agriculture has released the official dates for the 2025 fair season, which includes Ohio’s 94 county and independent fairs and the Ohio State Fair.

The Paulding County Fair will kick off the 2025 fair season on June 7, and the season will wrap up on October 11 with the Fairfield County Fair.

The Putnam County Fair will be held from June 23 – June 28 in Ottawa.

The Hancock County Fair will be held August 26 – September 1 in Findlay.

For the complete schedule, click here.

In addition to setting and approving the dates for the independent and county fairs, the department is responsible for helping to assure the safety of fair amusement rides, monitoring livestock shows to help assure honest competition, and coordinating animal health efforts with local veterinarians.

(From Seneca County)

Since he first took office, Seneca County Sheriff Fredrick Stevens has focused on renovating the jail and improving conditions for inmates. Extensive work throughout the jail created a healthier and more professional environment. Among many other projects, workers painted walls and replaced carpets, and exercise bikes and bigger televisions were added to the jail blocks.

One of the biggest obstacles Stevens faced was aging boilers that made heating the building difficult. The problem was addressed when the Seneca County Commissioners approved funding for an energy efficiency improvement project at the jail, which included the purchase of new boilers and new air handlers. The HVAC project began late last summer.

“This provides everything needed for heating and air-conditioning in the building, every day, 24/7,” Sheriff Stevens said.

The new boilers were scheduled to be installed first, to prepare the jail for the winter months, and then the air handlers were to be added, along with a remotely controlled operating system that would allow the jail’s maintenance supervisor to monitor and adjust temperatures off-site.

The original September completion date for the boilers was pushed to mid-October by the contractor, which subsequently pushed back the installation date of the air handlers. Currently, the boilers are installed, but installation of the air handlers is incomplete. Until the air handlers and remote control project is completed, the maintenance supervisor must adjust temperatures inside the jail manually.

Over the Jan. 4 weekend, an equipment problem caused the temperature to drop to a low of 66 degrees in one block. The boiler never quit working, and no part of the jail was without heat during the entire weekend. Throughout the months-long HVAC replacement project, the heat in the jail was only off once. During the first week of October, the jail was temporarily without heat, but the temperature in the block never dropped below 65 degrees.

The National Institute of Corrections requires an active response, such as issuing extra blankets to inmates, when the interior temperature drops below 68 degrees. During the heating issues over the Jan. 4 weekend, the lowest registered temperature was 66 degrees in the one affected block, just two degrees below the requirement. All jail inmates in the affected block were offered an extra blanket.

Because the heating problem was confined to only one block and only two inmates complained of being cold, jail staff did not believe the issue justified contacting maintenance. Had they done so, the maintenance supervisor would have willingly traveled to the jail to address the problem, just as he has done on many weekends and holidays.

“Our maintenance supervisor comes on weekends and holidays when needed. He is very dedicated,” Sheriff Stevens said.

When the maintenance supervisor arrived at the jail on Monday morning, he was soon able to address the problem and raise the temperature to 70 degrees, and the jail has experienced no further heating problems. On Jan. 6 and 7, temperatures inside the various blocks were 70 degrees or higher.

Once the contractor finishes the air handlers project and the remote system is in place, the maintenance supervisor will be able to monitor and adjust every block’s temperature remotely.

“After the air handlers are installed, we shouldn’t have any issues,” Stevens said.

Compassionate and responsible leadership has epitomized Sheriff Stevens’ term in office. He said he has worked hard the past four years to improve infrastructure and cleanliness at the jail, as well as the way his staff interacts with the public.

“As sheriff I take my responsibility seriously as I preach to my staff that every traffic stop or call for service on the road, every phone call answered by dispatch or staff, and every inmate in our jail should be treated like a family member of ours because it can be one of our family members,” Sheriff Stevens said.  “We have to have empathy and understand that we are charged with their health and welfare. That keeps me up at night.”

(From Liberty-Benton Local Schools)

Join us Friday, March 28 at 6:00 p.m. for the Reverse Raffle presented by the Liberty Benton Athletic Boosters!

This is a great opportunity to support our student-athletes and enjoy an evening with the LB community.

Details are in the attached flyer. #WeAreLB

(ONN) – Former Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton has entered the 2026 Ohio governor’s race.

Acton, a Democrat, is mostly known for her work during the COVID-19 pandemic when she gave daily coronavirus briefings alongside Governor Mike DeWine.

In a statement, Acton cited her being a doctor and not a politician as a reason why she would be good for this role. 

“I solve problems by bringing people together, regardless of party to find solutions,” Acton said.

Dr. Acton is the third person to announce their desire to run for governor.

Lt. Governor John Husted and Attorney General Dave Yost, both Republicans, are also running.

(From the University of Findlay)

The University of Findlay invites you to an evening of remembrance and celebration to honor the remarkable life and legacy of Speaker Jo Ann Davidson, the first female Speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives.

This special gathering will take place on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the CBSL building on the University of Findlay campus, located at 301 Davis Street, Findlay, Ohio.

The event will be held in the Oxley Lobby and the Jo Ann Davidson Leadership Room (130/132).

The evening will include light refreshments and an opportunity to learn more about her extraordinary contributions and dedication to leadership. 

The reception is being hosted by the Hancock County graduates of the Jo Ann Davidson Leadership Institute and The University of Findlay.

For additional information and to RSVP, please visit the following link: https://oilers.findlay.edu/pages/jo-ann-davison-evening 

(WTOL-11) – The City of Findlay has passed an ordinance to deal with a homelessness crisis in the city and get people the help they need.

Officials in Findlay say homelessness is on the rise across the city, and Hancock County, saying it’s at some of the highest levels in history.

In response, the city has passed an ordinance that restricts camping on public property, a move that they argue will help connect people to shelter and services.

“We want to make sure that we are taking care of folks that are unhoused in our community,” said Mayor Christina Muryn.

“Our goal is not to put people in jail, our goal is to connect them to resources to get them into a better spot.”

(From the Seneca County Drug Task Force)

On Monday, January 06, 2025, Seneca County Drug Task Force-METRICH Enforcement Unit, along with additional Officers from the Fostoria Police Department and the Hancock County Drug Task Force, executed a search warrant on a residence located at 1240 N. Countyline St. (upstairs apartment), in the City of Fostoria, Seneca County, Ohio, that being the residence of Tristin Conley and Christopher Pryor.

The search warrant signed by Judge Damon Alt, Seneca County Common Pleas Court, led to the confiscation of suspected Crack Cocaine, suspected LSD, Criminal Tools, a “sawed-off” shotgun, Drug Paraphernalia & US Currency.

Arrested were Tristin Conley, 23 YOA, Fostoria, Ohio, for Tampering with Evidence and Having Weapons Under Disability and Christopher Pryor, 32 YOA, for Permitting Drug Abuse and possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Additional charges of Trafficking Crack Cocaine, Possession of Crack Cocaine, and Possession of LSD are pending at the conclusion of the entire drug investigation. Conley and Pryor are being held at the Seneca County Jail pending further court proceedings.

“Crack Cocaine abuse is associated with both violent and income-generating crimes. And over the years, it has certainly negatively impacted our community. The residence has been under investigation for quite some time, and I’m pleased to see the conclusion of the investigation by shutting the place down. And, of course, removing another firearm from the criminal’s hands!”……Chief Gabriel Wedge, Fostoria Police Department, said.

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

(From the Office of State Representative Ty Mathews)

State Representative Ty Mathews (R-Findlay) took the oath of office Monday for his first term as a member of the Ohio House of Representatives. He represents the 83rd House District, which includes portions of Hancock, Hardin and Logan counties.

“It is a real honor to be in the People’s House,” said Mathews. “I look forward to helping the people of the Hancock, Hardin and Logan counties and working with my fellow legislator to make Ohio a better place to live, work and raise a family.”

Mathews is a captain in the Ohio National Guard and a life-long resident of the district.

Mathews was sworn in during Monday’s session, which marked the beginning of the 136^th General Assembly.

(From Findlay High School)

It’s that time again….get ready to purchase your sports balls for the upcoming Trojan Club Ball Drop! This will be our 3rd year holding this fundraiser and we couldn’t do it without amazing Trojan fans like you. We appreciate your support, once again, in making this event a success and can’t wait to see who walks away winners!

We are less than 2 weeks away from the 2025 Ball Drop – happening after the Boys Varsity Basketball game vs The Fremont Little Giants on January 17th, 2025! You DO NOT need to be present to win.

We hope to make this year bigger and better with more sports balls sold and great prizes in addition to the $2,500 Grand Cash Prize!

This is one of several Trojan Club Fundraisers which support Findlay Trojan Athletic programs and we need your help to spread the word. All of Trojan Country can participate and help make this event a great success in support of our student-athletes and coaches!

Go Trojans! Here is the link below to purchase!

https://docs.google.com/…/1HUgaPg…/viewform…

(From the City of Findlay)

The City of Findlay officially announces the retirement of Donald J. Rasmussen, J.D., the City Law Director, effective January 12, 2025. Rasmussen, a native of Cleveland, Ohio, has had a distinguished career in law and public service, contributing significantly to the legal framework of the City of Findlay for over four decades.

Rasmussen earned both his undergraduate and Juris Doctor degrees from Ohio Northern University. His career began in 1984 when he served as Assistant Prosecuting Attorney and Assistant Law Director for the City of Findlay under Law Director David A. Hackenberg. During this time, he was also a partner in the law firm Hackenberg, Beutler, Rasmussen & Feighner LLC. His legal expertise and dedication to his community led to his election as the City Law Director in 2012, a role he has held since.

In addition to his work for the City of Findlay, Rasmussen has served as the Village Solicitor for several surrounding communities including Arlington, Mount Blanchard, Mount Cory, and Vanlue, Ohio. He has been an active member of the American Bar Association, Ohio State Bar Association, and the Findlay-Hancock County Bar Association, demonstrating his deep commitment to the legal profession.

“Don has been a dedicated public servant to our community,” said Mayor Christina Muryn. “His legal acumen, leadership, and commitment to our City have made a lasting impact. We are grateful for his many years of service and wish him all the best in his retirement.”

“I want to sincerely thank the dedicated City employees, the community, and my family for their support and trust throughout my tenure,” says Law Director Rasmussen. “It has been an honor to serve and work alongside all of you.”

The Law Director acts as the primary legal advisor to the City government. They represent elected officials, administrative officials, and City employees in matters related to City business. The Law Director drafts and reviews legislation, governmental policies and procedures, and a variety of other City documents. Additionally, they oversee approximately four City Prosecutors/Assistant Law Directors who report directly to them.

The Mayor will appoint an interim Law Director to fill the position upon vacancy of the office for the remainder of the unexpired term until the Hancock County Republican Central Committee (Central Committee) members who reside in the City meet and make their formal appointment to the position. The Central Committee members who reside in the City of Findlay must meet for their appointment purpose no earlier than five (5) days nor more than forty-five (45) days after the vacancy. The Central Committee appointment lasts through the results of the next general election where the winner of that election will finish the term. These regulations are set forth in Ohio Revised Code 733.31(D)(1), (2) and (G).