(From St. Marks UMC)

St. Mark’s United Methodist Church is teaming up with area Counselors, Social Workers and Mental Health professionals to present Stronger Together: A Parent Support Event for Youth Mental Wellness.

Parents, guardians, and caregivers are invited to attend Stronger Together: A Parent Support Event for Youth Mental Wellness, designed to provide resources, education, and encouragement for families navigating the challenges facing young people today.

This free community event will feature a panel of local counselors, mental health professionals, social workers, and youth directors who will share insights, answer questions, and provide practical tools for parents who want to better support their children.

Discussion topics will include:

-Parent support resources available locally

-Understanding youth anxiety and depression

-Suicide awareness and prevention strategies

-Recognizing warning signs in children and teens

-Practical tools to help your child cope and thrive

-When and how to seek professional help

-The impact of technology and social media on mental wellness

“Our children and teens face pressures unlike any generation before them,” said Dan Metzger, Senior Pastor at St. Marks UMC. “Stronger Together is about giving parents the knowledge and support they need to recognize challenges early and walk alongside their kids with confidence and care.”

The event emphasizes that parents are not alone—by working together with community professionals and other families, they can help build a strong foundation of support for youth mental health.

Event Details

Sunday, September 14 from 4-6pm in The DOCK at St. Mark ’s UMC, 800 S. Main St. Findlay.

For more information click here.

(From the University of Findlay)

The University of Findlay is pioneering a new era of campus engagement with the launch of Daphne, an AI-powered avatar who will connect with UF alumni, friends, and community members.

“We are proud to be a leader in the digital landscape of higher education and fundraising through our new virtual engagement officer (VEO),” President Katherine Fell, Ph.D., said. “Daphne’s role will be helpful in connecting with Oilers while expanding our University Advancement office’s capabilities as they continue to set philanthropic milestones.”

Ken McIntyre Jr., vice president of University advancement, said Daphne will interact with alumni and friends through email and text messages by sharing information on events, engagement opportunities, and other areas of the University.

“Daphne will serve as a concierge to provide positive engagement experiences,” he said. “Our goal is to strengthen connections in a creative way within our network of more than 30,000 UF alumni around the world. Daphne is a resource for a broader base of Oiler supporters to learn more about the work being done at Findlay and how that intersects with their own passions and interests.”

The University partnered with Givzey, a Boston-based startup focused on nonprofit solutions, to apply cutting-edge technology to generate the customized VEO for Findlay. Givzey has worked with more than 80 universities, hospitals, and other non-profits nationwide to develop VEOs that serve the social good.

“We understand this is a tech-saturated world, and so this is not technology for the sake of efficiency – it is technology in service of the mission,” McIntyre said.

President Fell noted that integrating artificial intelligence into UF’s development work blends well with the AI focus of many UF courses and research projects in which students are harnessing the power of AI to benefit the community and society as a whole.

“We have students analyzing how AI can improve health care safety for patients, how to use it to treat amnesia, and for the early detection of diabetes,” she explained. “In another course,

students studied the role of blockchain technology to secure electronic health records against cyber threats. And a group of our computer science students worked with local high school students to help them better understand the ethics of how and when to use AI.”

“Just as our students are learning daily how to leverage AI tools that they will use in their careers in a responsible, ethical manner, it is fitting that the University’s efforts to increase the level of engagement with our alumni across the nation should also be employing the best practices.”

For more information about this fundraising approach leveraging AI, to hear from Daphne, or to opt-in to communication from her, visit Findlay.ai.

(From the Tiffin Police Department)

The Soft Interview Room is a Reality Because of YOU!!

We are truly humbled by the generosity of our community. Thanks to the recent donations from AMVETS Post #48, American Legion Post 169, Fraternal Order of Eagles 402, several personal contributions, and Dr. Joel Consolo of Ohio Foot Inc., along with last month’s thoughtful gift from VFW Post 2858, the Tiffin Police Department is able to move forward with our Soft Interview Room Project much sooner than we anticipated.

These service organizations, and the individuals who stepped forward, embody the true meaning of service – not only to our country, but also to our community. Because of their support, the Tiffin Police Department will be better equipped to create a safe, compassionate space for victims and community members during some of life’s most difficult moments.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you. Your investment in this project will make a lasting difference for years to come, and I am deeply grateful for your commitment to helping us better serve Tiffin.

Chief David Pauly

(From Liberty-Benton Local Schools)

It’s here! We’re thrilled to unveil our brand-new stadium scoreboard, made possible through incredible community support and partnership!

A huge THANK YOU to the LB Athletic Boosters, the Scoreboard Capital Committee (Jeremy Theiss, Paul Witte, Jason Broerman, Nick Ferris, Marc Krauss, Abe Sparling, and Matt Moser), and everyone who helped bring this project to life.

Special recognition to our Naming Rights Sponsor, Garner Trucking, and to the following sponsors who have made the project possible!

-Naming Rights Sponsor

Garner Trucking

-Eagle Sponsors

Elchert Wealth Management

Chick-fil-A

Marathon Petroleum (sponsorship was a workforce grant to cover cost of software)

-Diamond Sponsors

Key Realty – Scott Kellar (split sponsorship)

LoanDepot – Scott Snapp (split sponsorship)

Findlay Truck & RV

Bellstores

Lion’s Share Company

-Gold Sponsors

Stump Family

Pilgrim Restaurant

Stump Fire Protection

The Baking Company & Bread Kneads

-Silver Sponsors

Nutrien Ag

Monkey Around

This scoreboard is more than lights; it’s a symbol of what we can accomplish together. From our students and families to every supporter in the stands, this is for you!

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor or in advertising on our new board, contact the Capital Committee at LBCap2020@gmail.com

(From the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office)

On September 8, 2025 at 4:32 PM the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office investigated a single vehicle rollover crash involving a dump truck with injuries at TR 111 West of TR 123 in Pleasant Township.

Through the investigation it was learned that Andrew Straley (25yoa) of Findlay was West on TR 111 in a 1989 International dump truck.

Andrew traveled off the right side of the roadway, when the load of stone he was hauling shifted.

Andrew over corrected and lost control.

Andrew’s vehicle traveled across the roadway striking a driveway culvert, causing the vehicle to overturn.

Andrew was ejected from the vehicle, causing the vehicle to land on Andrew pinning him underneath.

Andrew was freed from under the vehicle by the McComb Fire Department.

Andrew was airlifted by Mercy Health Life Flight to St V Hospital in Toledo with unknown injuries.

Andrew was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.

Assisting at the scene was the McComb Fire Department, PMP EMS, Allen Twp Fire Department, Ed’s Towing and Hancock County EMA.

(From the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office)

We have been receiving complaints reference people receiving a text message from the BMV.

This is a scam.

Do not reply to the message and if you have any further questions you can call the BMV or our office for assistance.

(From the Ohio BMV)

Ohio Residents have reported receiving text messages from scammers claiming to be from BMV and informing the recipients that they have an outstanding traffic ticket.

Ohio BMV will never send you a text demanding payment or for your personal info.

(From Tiffin Fire/Rescue Division)

This morning, a Rumpke trash truck experienced a fire within its contents. The driver safely dumped the load onto Summit Street between Greenfield and Main, allowing Tiffin Fire/Rescue personnel to quickly extinguish the burning material.

The City of Tiffin Public Works Department also assisted by bringing equipment to disperse the debris, helping firefighters access and fully extinguish the fire more efficiently.

To help prevent fires like this, please do not dispose of:

• Lithium-ion batteries
• Hot ashes
• Smoking materials

Please help us keep our community safe!

Raise the Bar Hancock County is congratulating the members of its 16th WorkAdvance cohort on their graduation from the program.

Raise the Bar says seven graduates celebrated their completion of the program and two secured jobs before graduation, beginning work at BVHS and DHL.

Raise the Bar says all of the graduates sat for the Certified Manufacturing Associate exam, with two already passing and others on track to succeed soon.

Tricia Valasek is executive director of Raise the Bar Hancock County.

Hancock County’s WorkAdvance program requires eligible individuals to participate in a two-week training. The training covers job readiness skills; math refreshers; and technical training such as safety, robotics, machining, quality, troubleshooting, and assembly. Participants will interact with instructors to gain familiarity and comfort with the expectations of local manufacturing workplaces.

At the end of the training, partnering manufacturers will interview participants and potentially offer positions on their teams.

(From the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services)

Today marks 988 Day, a national day of awareness and action to promote the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, a vital resource that connects Ohioans experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis with free, confidential support 24/7. Local, state, and national events – including community mental health fairs, training sessions, webinars, and social media campaigns – will be held today and throughout the week using the hashtag #988Day.

“988 is saving lives,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. “Today is about reminding Ohioans that they are not alone, and that there is immediate help available. The more we can do to promote this lifesaving resource, the more Ohioans we can connect to the mental health support they need.”

In Ohio, 988 is administered by the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) through an in-state network of 988 contact centers that provide coverage to residents in all 88 counties. “988 Day is more than just a reminder that help is only three digits away,” said OhioMHAS Director LeeAnne Cornyn. “It’s a call to action to help combat the stigma surrounding mental health, highlight the vital support the Lifeline provides, and a reminder to all Ohioans that they are not alone.”

This year’s theme, “Compassionate Help. Anytime. Anywhere.” focuses on three key messages:

• Know the Number: 988 is the easy-to-remember number for emotional, mental health, substance use, and suicide crises. It’s free, confidential, and available to Ohioans in all 88 counties.
• Spread the Word: Ohioans are encouraged to share the 988 number with their communities, families, and friends. The more people know, the more lives can be saved.
• Support the System: Communities, leaders, and organizations are encouraged to support and invest in crisis response systems and mental health services to ensure 988 continues to serve all who need it.

Since launching in 2022, Ohio’s trained call center specialists have responded to more than 617,000 calls, texts, and chats, and are currently averaging more than 23,000 contacts per month. Ohio 988 administrators attribute much of the growth in usage of the Lifeline to a combination of a statewide awareness campaign and local, grassroots efforts. In fact, according to a new survey commissioned by OhioMHAS to help measure the impact of a year-long, multi-media campaign, 53% of Ohioans expressed familiarity with the service compared to just 36% when the campaign launched.

To help achieve even greater awareness, Ohioans are encouraged to check out the Ohio 988 Materials Generator where they can create customized posters, flyers, and other community education resources. They can also visit the 988 Ohio Store to purchase 988-themed apparel and accessories. Learn more at 988.ohio.gov.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 or visit 988Lifeline.org for 24/7, confidential support.