(From the Southwestern Hancock Joint Fire District)

Today we were dispatched for a 3 year old child choking at 1335, first unit on scene at 1339.

Our first unit was met at the road of the residence because cell service wasn’t working for the family, the mother handed our unit a lifeless, not breathing, pale blue 3 year old kid.

SHJFD unit began back blows to dislodge the food causing the obstruction, at 1341 hours our units reported the juvenile was now breathing, but still not out of the woods, other units arrived on scene and began assisting our first firefighter on the scene.

The juvenile was loaded into the squad and transported lights and sirens to the hospital.

You may ask, why is the Chief narrating this particular call?

Here is why, the first SHJFD unit on scene was Scott Burns one of my assistant Chief’s, who composed a letter of resignation/retirement to go into effect in November when his card is set to expire on his 70th birthday, he asked me to read/present it to the board this past months meeting.

Life happens, things happen in life, we don’t know the reasons, we are not in control of life’s plans. We just make the best of it and keep pushing forward…

Great work today Scott, I am PROUD of you!!

Thank you to Brent Warren, Nathan Shelby Higbie, Tom Higbie and Jamey Miles for assisting with the call as well!!

Great work Hanco and to the dispatchers at the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office!!

Today like any other day, you made a difference in someone’s life!!!

One PROUD Chief!!!

C. Miracle

(From the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office)

As we begin a new school year, we feel the need to remind drivers to stop for school bus red lights. Every year we get numerous reports of vehicles driving by busses after they stop and have their red lights and stop arms activated. Bus drivers and technology (cameras) have been very helpful in identifying these drivers, and we follow up with citations. We have zero tolerance on these violations.

As another reminder, bus drivers activate their yellow lights in advance of the stop. This is essentially the same as a yellow light at an intersection. This is telling you to prepare to stop. You shouldn’t be caught off guard or still at regular speed when the reds activate.

We take the safety of our children very seriously, at school and being transported to and from. We also want to thank our wonderful bus drivers in the county for transporting our such precious cargo safely and caring for them like their own.

(From the Miracle League of Findlay)

The Miracle League of Findlay is finishing up our big capital project and is seeking volunteers from the community to help out with the Community Build of the Fitness Project in September.

The proposed capital project, Miracle League’s Fitness Park, aims to utilize green space around Miracle Field to create a fitness-focused, accessible trail complete with workout stations (and instructions) that promotes health and wellness for people of all ages and abilities.

The new Fitness Park will stand out as the sole destination in the region offering inclusive and accessible fitness equipment for individuals with differing abilities to safely partake in physical fitness activities.

Physical, mental and emotional fitness can be a life-changing experience for individuals with disabilities.

People interested in helping out with the Fitness Park build can email: findlaymiracleleaguedirector@gmail.com

Miracle League of Findlay is proud to provide accessible recreation opportunities for people with disabilities in Hancock County.

Currently the Miracle League of Findlay provides Miracle Field, a custom baseball field with a rubberized surface and wheelchair and walker accessible dugouts, that allows players with disabilities the opportunity to experience the game of baseball.

In addition, the Miracle League also provides the community with an inclusive playground next to the baseball field that is designed to welcome children of all abilities and their families.

It provides individuals who are physically, mentally or emotionally challenged the chance to enjoy a playground with sensory-stimulating activities, an extensive ramping system and many more accessible features.

(From the ACLU of Ohio)

The ACLU of Ohio filed a lawsuit asking the Supreme Court of Ohio to order the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office to comply with Ohio’s public records laws and release documents and communications pertaining to its contractual arrangements with Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) and other federal agencies to carry out federal immigration functions.

The ACLU of Ohio took similar action against Geauga County in May and that lawsuit is ongoing.

The ACLU of Ohio filed this mandamus action on behalf of its Chief Policy and Advocacy Officer Jocelyn Rosnick, who, on March 12, 2025 requested Seneca County to produce contracts and related memorandums with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), ICE, and/or the U.S. Marshalls Service . On April 4, the Sheriff’s Office responded that ICE contracts are “federal records subjects to the Federal Records Act (FRA) and thus not subject to disclosure under state law.”

“The Seneca County Sheriff’s Office has a clear legal duty to provide the requested information. The Sheriff’s Office has never denied that they possess such records, and there is no provision in Ohio Public Records Law that exempts them from the obligation to produce these records. Nor do the federal statutes cited by the Sheriff’s Office exempt them from disclosure. The public has a right to this information. Local law enforcement must be accountable; it cannot shroud itself in secrecy,” added Freda Levenson, Legal Director for the ACLU of Ohio.

“The ACLU of Ohio is deeply committed to protecting immigrants’ rights and our organization serves as a watchdog for government transparency and accountability. Ohio counties like Seneca and Geauga cannot hide behind federal immigration officials to avoid its obligations under Ohio law. Our lawful demands for timely and accurate information must not be ignored,” added Jocelyn Rosnick, Chief Policy and Advocacy Officer.

The Seneca County Sheriff’s Office has failed to fulfill its clear legal duty by refusing to provide requested public records that fall cleanly under Ohio Public Records Laws. The ACLU of Ohio urges the Supreme Court of Ohio to issue a writ of mandamus compelling the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office and Sheriff Fredrick Stevens to promptly provide the records requested.

(From Tiffin Police Chief David Pauly)

A Heartfelt Thank You to VFW Post 2858

On behalf of the Tiffin Police Department, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2858 for their generous donation toward the creation of our new Soft Interview Room.

A Soft Interview Room is a specially designed space to provide comfort and safety for victims of traumatic crimes—such as sexual assault, child abuse, and domestic violence—when they share their experiences with law enforcement. Unlike traditional interview rooms, these spaces feature soft lighting, comfortable furniture, and calming décor to help promote emotional well-being during an incredibly difficult process.

Thanks to the VFW’s generosity, we are now about one-third of the way toward making this project a reality. Once completed, this room will be available not only to Tiffin Police Officers and Detectives, but also to the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office, Children Services staff, and any visiting law enforcement agencies who need a compassionate setting to interview someone in crisis.

Our mission is to serve and protect our most vulnerable and hold accountable those who would harm them. The support from VFW Post 2858 directly strengthens that mission, and for that, we are truly thankful.

Chief David Pauly

(From WKXA and Rex Howard’s ‘Good Stuff’ segment)

Missy Larocco stopped by the WKXA studio with four Findlay High School students from the We The People program—and they’ve done something pretty amazing.

As part of their AP Government class project, these students planned a community 5K to raise funds for Legal Aid of Western Ohio, the nonprofit law firm where Missy works.

Their goal: put civics into action by serving neighbors who need free civil legal help.

The event, “Run for Liberty 5K,” happens Saturday, August 16, at Riverside Park in Findlay. 

Runners and walkers of all ages are welcome.

Every registration https://runsignup.com/Race/OH/Findlay/Run4Liberty5K helps expand access to justice for local families.

(From Hancock Public Health)

Hancock Public Health will be hosting a Community CPR Certification training class, accessible to the public each month.

These sessions provide participants with the skills and knowledge needed to respond effectively in emergency situations.

Both initial certification and recertification options are available.

Sign up by clicking here.

(ONN) – A familiar face is returning to Ohio politics.

Former U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown reportedly intends to run for the U.S. Senate once again.

The Democrat, who served in the Senate for more than 17 years, is said to have informed party allies of his decision to launch a campaign in the upcoming midterm election.

He would be challenging Republican incumbent Senator Jon Husted, who was appointed earlier this year to fill the vacancy left by now Vice President JD Vance.

This development comes just months after Brown’s loss to Cleveland businessman Bernie Moreno in Ohio’s U.S. Senate race last November.

It was the most expensive Senate race last year and perhaps in U.S. history.

(From the Seneca County Drug Task Force)

On Monday, August 11 2025, the Seneca County Drug Task Force-METRICH Enforcement Unit, along with additional Officers from the Fostoria Police Department, Seneca County Sheriff’s Office, Hancock County Drug Task Force – METRICH Enforcement Unit, Wyandot County Sheriff’s Office – Canine, Ohio Adult Parole Authority, and the National Guard Counterdrug, executed a drug related search warrant on a residence located at 741 Sandusky Street, in the City of Fostoria, Seneca, County, Ohio 44830.

The search warrant signed by Judge Damon Alt, Seneca County Common Pleas Court, led to the confiscation of large quantities of suspected Methamphetamine, suspected Cocaine, suspected Ecstasy, criminal tools, two firearms & US Currency.

Antwan L. Huggins, 42 YOA, Fostoria, Ohio, was arrested for a probation violation. Additional charges of Trafficking Methamphetamine, Trafficking Ecstasy, Possession of Criminal Tools, and the Illegal Possession of Firearms are pending against Huggins upon conclusion of the entire drug investigation. Huggins is being held at the Seneca County Jail pending further court proceedings.

Multiple Law Enforcement Officers & Canines from the Fostoria Police Department and the Wyandot County Sheriff’s Office were utilized to execute the search warrant.

“Our success extends beyond traditional law enforcement to include collaborative efforts with other area drug task forces, probation, and area Law Enforcement agencies to develop comprehensive strategies for addressing drug problems across our city and the entire county. The execution of this search warrant is a significant result of that collaboration. Job well done!”……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 Findlay Police Department)

Back to School Means Back to Safety: Reminders for Pedestrians, Cyclists, and Drivers

As the school year begins on August 14th for Findlay City Schools, we’ll be seeing an increase in foot and bicycle traffic—especially near schools, bus stops, and neighborhood streets. It’s a critical time to focus on pedestrian and bicycle safety to help ensure all students get to and from school safely.

Here are some pedestrian safety tips for students and family:

-Always use sidewalks when available. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic and as far from vehicles as possible.

-Cross at crosswalks or intersections, never between parked cars.

-Avoid distractions like cell phones and earbuds when walking near traffic.

-Make eye contact with drivers before crossing to ensure they see you.

Bicycle Safety Tips for Students:

-Wear a properly-fitted helmet—it can reduce the risk of head injury by up to 85%.

-Ride on the right side of the road, in the same direction as traffic or use a sidewalk if available.

-Obey all traffic signs and signals.

-Use designated bicycle lanes when available.

-Use hand signals when turning or stopping.

-Wear bright or reflective clothing, especially in early morning or evening hours.

What Drivers Need to Know:

-Slow down in school zones (20 mph speed restrictions) and residential areas.

-Pay attention for “No Turn on Red Signs” during school hours.

-Stop for school buses when red lights are flashing—it’s the law in all 50 states.

-Be extra cautious at intersections and crosswalks. Always yield to pedestrians.

-Avoid distractions behind the wheel, including phones and in-vehicle technology.

Remember: Children can be unpredictable—expect the unexpected.

Community Responsibility

With more children walking or biking to school, safety is a shared responsibility. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, student, or driver, staying alert and following the rules of the road can prevent accidents and save lives.

Please discuss these recommendations as a family prior to the start of classes.

As the school year begins, let’s work together to keep our roads safe for everyone—especially our youngest and most vulnerable road users.

For more information about bicycle and pedestrian safety, visit: www.nhtsa.gov or www.walkbiketoschool.org

WFIN – According to the Findlay City Schools website, for the 2025-26 school year, “transportation will be furnished for all elementary pupils and middle school pupils who live more than TWO MILES from the school they are required to attend. Transportation will not be furnished for high school students.”

Get more back-to-school information from Findlay City Schools by clicking here.