(ONN) – A coalition of voting and civil rights organizations can now move forward with its effort to enshrine new voting rights in the Ohio Constitution.

The Ohio Ballot Board approved the group’s petition for a proposed constitutional amendment called the “Ohio Voters Bill of Rights.”

The key points in the amendment include allowing same-day voting, meaning Ohioans could register and vote on Election Day.

It would expand valid voter ID options to include a school-issued photo ID.

Plus, the measure would give county boards of elections the power to extend early voting hours and add early voting locations and ballot drop boxes.

Supporters will have to gather more than 400,000 valid signatures to get the proposed amendment on a future ballot.

The City Mission of Findlay is inviting people to attend its upcoming Gala in support of the City Mission.

“We are thrilled to invite you to a spectacular night of Glitter, Glitz, & Jazz! So bring those dancing shoes and get ready to groove to the sensational sounds of the Pinup Project. Savor delicious cocktails and hors D’oeuvre as you bid on incredible destinations at our live auctions. And don’t miss out on our silent auctions, filled with fantastic treasures. Get ready for an unforgettable evening!”

The Gala will be held at the Findlay Inn and Conference Center on Friday, December 6^th beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Click here to purchase tickets and for more information. 

(From the Seneca County Drug Task Force)

On Thursday, November 14, 2024, the Seneca County Drug Task Force-METRICH Enforcement Unit, along with additional Officers from the Fostoria Police Department, conducted a drug operation in an area of East Fremont St. and Anderson Avenue, in the City of Fostoria, Seneca, County, Ohio, which resulted in the arrest of a Tiffin, Ohio resident.

The “sting” drug operation led to the confiscation of suspected Heroin, Methamphetamine, Cocaine, a stolen Firearm & US Currency.

Cody A. Johnson, 34 YOA, Tiffin, Ohio, was arrested for an active arrest warrant for Failure to Appear out of Seneca County.

Additional charges of Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Heroin, Possession of Cocaine, and Possession of a Stolen Firearm are pending on Johnson at the conclusion of the entire drug investigation.

Johnson is being held at the Seneca County Jail pending further court proceedings.

Seneca County Drug Task Force Agents & Officers from the Fostoria Police Department were utilized to conduct the stop and assisted Agents with apprehending the suspect, Johnson.

“This investigation is consistent with what local Law Enforcement is seeing with an influx of Methamphetamine, Heroin, and Cocaine trafficking and abuse in our area. We are utilizing all of our resources to attempt to track down the source of the illicit drugs to prevent any further overdoses and to prosecute those who continue to bring them into our community. And, of course, I’m always pleased to see another firearm removed from a dangerous 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

The City of Findlay Christmas Tree arrived on Monday morning and was put up in Dorney Plaza in front of the municipal building.

The tree is a 30-foot-tall blue spruce and will be decorated over the coming days leading up to the tree lighting ceremony on Friday, November 29^th at 6 p.m.

“Thank you to Findlay residents John and Betty Lee for providing the 2024 community tree.” The city said.

Get more details on the tree lighting ceremony by clicking here.

The tree already has its topper in place, a star that was by students at Millstream Career Center in 2021.

(From the Tiffin Police Department)

To the Tiffin Community,

Late last evening, Tiffin City Schools received information regarding a potential threat to the safety of Noble Elementary School. The Tiffin Police Department immediately collaborated with Superintendent Jerry Nadeau and Principal Newlove to investigate the matter thoroughly. We are pleased to report that the source of the concern was identified, and it was determined that the threat was not credible.

We want to assure parents, students, and staff that we are confident in the safety of our schools. To further demonstrate our commitment, members of the Tiffin Police Department will be present today at Noble Elementary, providing visible support and reassurance. Our goal is to ensure everyone feels safe and supported during this time.

We understand that situations like this can be deeply concerning for parents and guardians. Your children’s safety are TCS and TPD’s top priority, and we are grateful for your trust and patience as we addressed this matter. Please know that we are here to listen to your concerns and will continue to work diligently to protect our community’s most valuable assets—our children.

Tiffin PD extend our heartfelt gratitude to Principal Newlove and Superintendent Nadeau for their immediate and decisive action. Their leadership and dedication were instrumental in ensuring this situation was handled quickly and effectively.

The Tiffin Police Department is honored to serve this community, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to fostering a secure and supportive environment for our schools, families, and educators. Together, we will continue to protect, uplift, and strengthen our community.

Chief David Pauly

A student was taken to the hospital after being hit by a vehicle in a parking lot at the Liberty-Benton Local Schools campus at 9190 County Road 9.

The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office said it happened at around 7:30 Monday morning in the high school parking lot.

The sheriff’s office said an 11-year-old student was struck by a car being driven by an 18-year-old.

The 11-year-old was transported by Hanco EMS to Blanchard Valley Hospital for treatment.

The crash remains under investigation.

(From the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts)

As we begin our end-of-year campaign, “Art Transforms Lives,” we at MCPA are filled with gratitude for another incredible year. It has been a year of memorable performances, meaningful community engagement, and impactful youth outreach, and it is all thanks to supporters like you!

Thank you for being a part of the MCPA family and for believing in the lasting impact of the arts!

(From the Findlay Family YMCA)

The Findlay Family YMCA Frogs Swim Team’s new head coach, Jeff Wobser, not only has extensive coaching and competitive experience, but has ideas for expanding and improving the program. 

Wobser got his start in competitive swimming at age 8 on the Findlay Family YMCA’s swim team.  He learned to love the sport while being coached by then Head YMCA Coach Larry Brown. He moved on to the Findlay High School Swimming and Diving Team, winning three Ohio State High School championships in the 50 and 100 freestyle. He then attended the University of Tennessee (UT) in Knoxville, where he competed for the Volunteers for two years.   

Wobser started his coaching career at UT as an assistant under NCAA Championship and Olympic Coach Ray Bussard.  During his four years with Coach Bussard, he learned the importance of teaching stroke technique and athlete development to achieve competitive goals.  While in Knoxville, he was also the head senior coach of Pilot Aquatic Club (now Tennessee Aquatics) and head coach of the Sevierville Swim Team.   

After graduation, Wobser joined Marathon Petroleum Company LP, where he worked for 32 years before retiring in 2020. In 2001, while with Marathon, he accepted a transfer back to his hometown and, shortly after, accepted the head coaching position at Findlay High School. He was the head coach through 2012 and has been an assistant coach for the Trojans ever since. 

“Coaching in Findlay had been a dream of mine since I began coaching in Knoxville, Tennessee,” said Wobser. “I appreciate the opportunity to work with student-athletes and to be able to teach them how to compete in the pool and out. Competitive swimming has been my lifelong passion. Coaching at Findlay has allowed me to give back to the sport and city, which gave me great opportunities when I was growing up.” 

“When the opportunity to lead the YMCA age group swim team came up, I was excited about the prospect of growing the program and raising it to new levels of achievement,” Wobser continued, “My goal for the Y swim team is to build it into the premier program in Northwest Ohio, a program that not only our parents and athletes can be proud of, but also one that the City of Findlay will recognize. This means that we will not only compete at a high level in the Ohio region but also provide growth opportunities for all children who want to swim.” 

Along with coaching, Wobser has also served as a Findlay councilman-at-large since 2015. 

(From Downtown Findlay)

Black Friday is out, PINK FRIDAY IS IN!

Mark your calendars for Pink Friday on November 22nd!

This special day is all about choosing local first—before the big box stores and Black Friday frenzy.

When you shop in Downtown Findlay, you’re not just buying gifts; you’re supporting families, dreams, and the community we love.

Let’s make this holiday season one to remember by keeping it local!

For more info head to: visitfindlay.com/shop-local/

The Leipsic Community Center will be hosting a free Thanksgiving meal.

It will be held on Wednesday, November 20 from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

At will donations will be accepted.

The Leipsic Community Center is located at 120 East Main Street in Leipsic.