(From the City of Findlay)

Today, we were honored to host Andy Wilson, Director of the Ohio Department of Public Safety, for a tour of the STRICT Center at Findlay Fire Department Station 4.

The visit highlighted the critical role the STRICT Center plays in preparing our emergency responders for real-life situations and ensuring they have the training and resources necessary to keep our community safe. We are proud to be a state leader in providing this type of innovative facility, setting an example for how communities can invest in preparedness and collaboration.

Director Wilson, City, and County leadership also discussed the importance of working across agencies and Ohio’s continued commitment to the safety and well-being of all residents. We are grateful for the opportunity to showcase this facility and proud of the dedicated professionals who serve and protect our community each day.

Pictured (Left to Right): OSP Lt. Slates, Mayor Christina Muryn, Sheriff Mike Cortez, ODPS Director Andy Wilson, OSP Staff Lt. Crow, Service-Safety Director Rob Martin, Police Chief Jim Mathias, Fire Chief Josh Eberle

(From the Ohio State Highway Patrol)

The Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) is reminding all drivers and passengers of the importance of wearing a safety belt. This is the single most effective way to save lives and reduce injuries in the event of a crash.

“Wearing a safety belt is not just a law – it’s a lifesaver,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “It’s a simple step everyone can take to protect themselves and their families every time they get in a vehicle.”

Ohio law requires all front-seat occupants of a passenger vehicle to be buckled up, as well as all passengers under 15 years old, regardless of where they are seated in the vehicle. Although the safety belt law remains a secondary violation in Ohio, troopers will have zero tolerance when motorists are stopped for other violations and are found to not be wearing their safety belt.

According to Patrol statistics, 2,808 people who were not wearing an available safety belt were killed in crashes since 2020. A total of 73% of occupants age 21-40 killed in crashes were not wearing an available safety belt. During that same timeframe, troopers issued more than 340,000 safety belt and child safety seat citations.

“We urge all Ohioans to make a commitment to safety and to always wear their safety belt,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent. “Our troopers see firsthand the devastating consequences of not being buckled up. A safety belt can be the difference between a minor injury and a fatal outcome.”

To further stress the importance of this life-saving habit, the OSHP offers these essential safety tips for all motorists:

• Buckle Up. Every Trip. Every Time.: Make it a habit to buckle up before you start your vehicle, and ensure all passengers are properly restrained.
• Check for proper fit: The shoulder belt should lie across the middle of your chest and the lap belt should rest low across your hips, not your stomach.
• Secure children correctly: Always use the appropriate child safety seat or booster seat for children based on their age, height and weight.
• Be a role model for others: As a driver, you are responsible for the safety of everyone in your vehicle. Set a good example by always wearing your safety belt.

By following these guidelines, we can all contribute to making our roads safer for ourselves and for others traveling on Ohio’s roadways.

The Patrol remains committed to ensuring the safety of all who travel on Ohio’s roads. Troopers will continue to enforce safety belt laws as part of their daily patrol duties, with the goal of reducing fatalities and serious injuries. By taking just a few seconds to buckle up, you can protect yourself and your loved ones.

The public is encouraged to safely call #677 to report impaired drivers, drug activity or stranded motorists.

The Hardin County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal stabbing.

The sheriff’s office says a call came in to the 911 dispatch center at 12:03 a.m. on Wednesday regarding a stabbing incident in Mount Victory.

Responding deputies arrived to find James Collins, 48, of Mount Victory, in the street suffering from stab wounds.

He was treated at the scene and taken to Hardin Memorial Hospital where he died a short time later.

The sheriff’s office said a suspect, Andrew McCafferty, 46, of Mount Victory, was taken into custody and charges are pending.

Findlay Municipal Court is providing people with driver’s license restrictions an opportunity to resolve their issues.

The 7th annual Findlay Municipal Court DUS Day Clinic will be held on Thursday, October 16.

The DUS workshop is for individuals with a suspended driver’s license to help resolve their licensing issues and get them back on the road legally.

Appointments are preferred but walk-ins are welcome

For more information click here, or to schedule an appointment contact the Clerk’s office at 419-424-7141.

(ONN) – A group of Republican lawmakers in Ohio has introduced a bill called the Baby Olivia Act.

As stated in House Bill 485, schools in Ohio would be required to teach human growth and development in its curriculum.

The school would then have to do check-ins showing they’ve shown at least three minutes of a high-definition ultrasound video, showing the brain, heart and sex organs.

Students would also watch the Meet Baby Olivia video, which shows an animated fetus developing.

Other Republican-led states are making the same push, like Kentucky, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Arkansas.

(ONN) – Ohio’s fall burning restrictions went into effect on Wednesday in an effort to reduce the risk of wildfires in the Buckeye State.

Drought-like conditions combined with windy weather make the state susceptible to wildfires.

The Ohio Emergency Management Agency says Ohio has an average of 800 wildfires each year that burn thousands of acres and potentially puts homes and businesses at risk.

Burning trash and debris adds to the problem.

Some items can never be burned.

Open burning is banned from 6 am to 6 pm through November 30th.

(From the Tiffin Police Department)

Today, we are honored to celebrate an incredible milestone within the Tiffin Police Department. 25 years ago on THIS DAY, Officer Shawn D. Vallery raised his hand, took his oath, and committed himself to serving the people of the City of Tiffin. This moment was not the beginning of his law enforcement career, but rather the continuation of a calling he had already answered with the Bloomville Police Department and the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office.

It’s important to note – THIS IS NOT A RETIREMENT ANNOUNCEMENT, but a celebration of an outstanding officer who continues to serve with dedication and pride.

Throughout his 25 years with TPD, Officer Vallery has built a legacy of professionalism, integrity, and dedication. He has proudly served in a variety of roles, including as a member of the Special Response Team, the Detective Bureau, and the Drug Task Force. In each assignment, he brought not only his skill and knowledge, but also his unwavering commitment to justice and the safety of our community.

His service has not gone unnoticed. Over the years, Officer Vallery has been recognized with numerous community and departmental awards, a testament to both his strong work ethic and the respect he has earned from colleagues and citizens alike. Most recently, he was honored as Officer of the Year for 2024, a reflection of his continued excellence and leadership.

What truly sets Officer Vallery apart is not only the work he has done, but the way he has done it. He is known as a mentor to younger officers, a leader in times of challenge, and a trusted friend and brother to those who serve alongside him. His love for policing and for the Tiffin community is evident in every call he answers and every relationship he builds.

On behalf of the men and women of the Tiffin Police Department, and the community we proudly serve: Congratulations, Officer Vallery, on 25 years of dedicated service. We are proud to celebrate this milestone with you, and we thank you for your unwavering commitment to the badge, to our department, and most importantly, to the people of Tiffin.

Please join us in congratulating Officer Vallery on this remarkable achievement! We all hope you continue your great work with the Tiffin Police Department for many years to come.

Chief David Pauly

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Roseanna Thornton with Open Arms was on with WFIN’s Chris Oaks to discuss all the programs and services they offer the community.

She says Open Arms Domestic Violence & Rape Crisis Services is available 24/7 to support survivors, educate the community, and help break the cycle of violence in Hancock County.

“No one should have to face abuse alone.”

She says if you, or someone you know, needs help, call or text the 24-Hour Crisis Hotline at 419-422-4766.

Get more information on their website https://openarmsfindlay.com/domestic-violence-awareness…/

(From the University of Findlay)

University of Findlay announced plans to combine its College of Business with its College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. This bold step reflects the University’s mission of preparing students for meaningful lives and productive careers while positioning the institution at the forefront of innovative, entrepreneurial and human-centered education. The new college is tentatively named the College of Business and Humanities.

“This venture allows us to bring together the strengths of both colleges to meet the needs of a rapidly changing world,” said President Katherine Fell, PhD. “Employers and organizations are looking for graduates who are not only skilled in their fields, but also creative, adaptable, ethical, and visionary. Our new structure will equip students to thrive in this market.”

The new college will be established January 1, 2026, with full integration in place by August 1, 2026. Kirby Overton, Ed.D., current dean of the College of Business, will lead the combined colleges. Ron Tulley, Ph.D., who has served as dean of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences for 12 years, will assume the role of senior advisor for college transition and culture as the colleges are combined.

Students, employees, alumni, and community partners will play a central role in helping to define the new college’s vision and identity through a strategic planning process that positions the college as a model of creative, responsible collaboration.

“This is not just an administrative change; it is an exciting opportunity to create a new standard for the future of higher education,” said Dr. Tulley.

Dr. Overton added, “This combination honors the rich traditions of both colleges while allowing us to prepare future graduates who are career and life-ready.”

(From the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office)

Today we gathered to honor and celebrate the career of someone who has been the backbone of our office for nearly three decades. After 28 years of dedicated service, our Fiscal Officer is retiring, leaving behind a legacy of commitment, integrity, and excellence.

In law enforcement, much of the work that ensures our success happens behind the scenes. Budgets balanced, contracts reviewed, and every dollar accounted for—all so deputies, corrections officers, and staff can focus on serving our community with confidence. For 28 years, Becky Smith has carried this responsibility with professionalism and care, making sure the Sheriff’s Office could operate smoothly and effectively.

It is no exaggeration to say that Becky Smith’s work touched every member of this agency. From making sure we had the resources we needed to planning responsibly for the future, she has been a steady hand and a trusted advisor.

As Becky begins this next chapter of life, we want to say thank you—not only for the years of service, but for the friendship, dedication, and loyalty shown to this office and to the citizens of Hancock County.

On behalf of the entire Sheriff’s Office, congratulations on your retirement. You have more than earned it, and we wish you many years of happiness and good health ahead.