(From the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office)

At 4:46 P.M. The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of an injury crash involving a motorcycle and a minivan at the intersection of US 224 and TR 259.

Through investigation it was determined Mary Taylor, age 77 of Fostoria, was traveling east on US 224 in a 2016 Chrysler minivan.

Justin Eckhart, age 42 of Sylvania, was traveling in traffic behind the minivan on a 2005 Honda motorcycle.

Eckhart attempted to pass multiple vehicles behind Taylor as she was attempting to turn north on TR 259.

In the process of passing the vehicles, Eckhart’s motorcycle collided with the driver side of Taylor’s minivan, separating him from the motorcycle.

As a result of the crash Justin Eckhart was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Mary Taylor was treated on scene for minor injuries.

A passenger in Taylor’s minivan, 79 year old David Taylor of Fostoria, was also treated on scene for minor injuries.

Assisting at the scene were The Ohio State Highway Patrol, Findlay Police Department, HANCO E.M.S., Washington Township Volunteer Fire Department, Dick’s Towing, and Reinhart’s Auto Body.

The crash remains under investigation at this time.

WFIN – The Findlay Police Department told WFIN that the motorcyclist involved in the crash was involved in a high speed pursuit with them that they terminated six minutes before the crash.

Read more on that by clicking here.

(From the Findlay Police Department)

Officers initiated a traffic stop with a motorcycle at the intersection of W Crawford St and S West St on 8-24-25 at 1634 hours for not having a license plate.

The motorcycle failed to comply with the traffic stop and continued southbound on Liberty St at high rates of speed.

The motorcycle continued westbound on Lima Ave at speeds of 100mph until it reached I-75, where the motorcycle turned northbound.

The motorcycle continued northbound on I-75 at speeds of 150mph until it reached CR99 where it turned eastbound.

The motorcycle continued eastbound on CR99 at speeds of 150mph until it reached CR236.

The motorcycle turned southbound onto CR236 and officers lost sight of it near the area of SR12.

The pursuit was terminated after officers lost sight of the motorcycle.

WFIN – The police department confirmed to WFIN that six minutes after they terminated the pursuit there was a fatal crash involving the motorcyclist at U.S. 224 and Township Road 259.

The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the crash.  

(From NAMI Hancock County)

The NAMI Hancock County annual meeting will take place at 5:15 p.m. on Monday, August 25, at 305 W. Hardin St., Findlay.

The public is invited to hear about the organization’s recent activities and plans for the coming year.

The baseball-themed event will also serve as a celebration of NAMI’s purchase of their building earlier this summer.

(From the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office)

We have had reports of individuals going to residences saying they are paving the road and for a fee will pave into their driveway and are taking credit card information.

They have been in the Jennings Township area.

This is a scam. Do not give anyone credit card info. Or any other personal information.

If anyone has shown up at your res. about paving your drive or if you have any questions, please call the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office 419-523-3208.

(From the Findlay Police Department)

On 8/22/25 dispatch received a call from a neighborhood about dogs running at large and acting aggressively.

An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Deer Valley Lane.

The dogs were located on the porch of a residence.

As the officer approached the residence, the dogs attacked, biting the officer.

The officer discharged his firearm, striking each dog once.

One dog was located deceased nearby and the other dog was taken by the Hancock County Dog Warden for treatment, however was later euthanized due to its injuries.

Neither dog was wearing identification or microchipped, and the owner of the dogs has not been identified.

No citizens have reported being injured.

The Officer sustained a minor injury that did not need medical attention.

Evidence was collected at the scene and the investigation is ongoing.

(From the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation)

The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation Board of Trustees approved grants totaling $356,637 for schools across Hancock County. Funding for education grants comes from the Allan H. Davis Civic Education Fund, Hancock Education Fund, HancockREADS Fund and the Bill and Eveline Stitt Fund. The following education grants were approved by the Board of Trustees and made possible by the generous donors of the funds listed.

“Education is a critical part of our mission to improve the quality of life for all in the community,” said Brian Treece, President & CEO of The Community Foundation. “These grants demonstrate the Foundation’s and the community’s commitment to education and ensuring our students are well-prepared for the future.”

The Allan H. Davis Civic Education Fund was established to promote the civic involvement of Findlay High School students by providing extracurricular activities and opportunities that will teach them about the rights and duties of citizens and inspire them to be active participants in the United States democratic process. Grants were awarded to:

• $20,000 to Blue & Gold Student Publications.
• $10,000 to Trojan Trailblazers.
• $10,000 to Student Council.
• $5,000 to the Classroom to Courtroom program.
• $50,000 to We the People.
• $20,000 to Youth in Government.
• $35,000 to Simulated Society Immersive Civic Engagement Role Play Activity (SIMOC) for Government Students.

The Hancock Education Fund was established to promote classroom learning in Hancock County schools by providing teachers with resources that encourage learning activities. Grants were awarded to:

• Cory-Rawson Local Schools:
  • $4,000 for Thrive Outside the Hive.
  • $6,000 for the Community Honor Garden.
• Findlay City Schools:
  • $4,000 for 3D Creativity.
  • $3,000 for Technology Student Lab.
  • $2,450 for Creating a Book Cover.
  • $5,425 for Singing Zoologist.
• McComb Local Schools was awarded $4,000 for Zone of Regulations.
• Riverdale Local School was awarded $6,000 for a Robotic Arm.
• Van Buren Local Schools:
  • $6,000 for Expanding Minds through STEM.
  • $6,000 for International Knight.
  • $600 for Communication for All.
  • $4,000 for Art and Steam.

The HancockREADS Fund was established to ensure that families and community members in Hancock County are literate and enjoy the benefits of literacy. Funds are awarded to civic and service organizations, schools, libraries, and other nonprofit organizations addressing literacy issues. Grants were awarded to:

• Findlay City Schools was awarded $4,700 for Reading, Literacy and Draw Along.
• Findlay-Hancock County Public Library was awarded $5,000 for Cooking Up Culture – Books and Belonging.
• Van Buren Local Schools:
  • $700 for Spanish in the Classroom.
  • $1,200 for Exposing Middle School Students to More Nonfiction Text.

The Bill and Eveline Stitt Fund was established to support early literacy intervention for preschool through third-grade students using mentors. Grants were awarded to:

• Arcadia Local Schools was awarded $13,500.
• Arlington Local Schools was awarded $15,000.
• Cory-Rawson Local Schools was awarded $8,050.
• Findlay City Schools was awarded $44,660.
• Liberty-Benton Local Schools was awarded $15,000.
• McComb Local Schools was awarded $15,000.
• Riverdale Local Schools was awarded $15,000.
• Van Buren Local Schools was awarded $13,352.
• $4,000 was awarded for a grant coordinator to support all grant recipient schools.

Grant applications for these funds open in February each year. Applications are due on the first Friday in March. Details are available here.

(From the Ohio Department of Transportation District 1)

The following ODOT construction projects are anticipated to affect roadways in Hancock County.

• All outlined work is weather permitting.
• Click the project title to view the project location on OHGO.com. 
• Follow the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) District 1 on Facebook or X for current Hancock County construction information.
•  

Interstate 75 and County Road 99 interchange and corridor improvement:  The project will reconstruct the interchange with a diverging diamond design and upgrade the County Road 99 corridor between Technology Drive and North Main Street. Visit the project webpage: PID 102375.

CONTINUING TRAFFIC IMPACTS

• Intermittent single lane closures on I-75 will continue through the project.
• CR 99 restricted to one lane in both directions.

UPCOMING TRAFFIC IMPACTS

• I-75 in both directions, the right lanes will be closed starting next week, Aug. 25, for bridge work.

Interstate 75 rest areas

Interstate 75 rest areas between the village of Bluffton and the city of Findlay will close for maintenance according to the schedule below:

• Southbound work is complete; rest area is open.
• Northbound work is complete; rest area is open.

State Route 12 resurfacing

State Route 12 between the cities of Findlay and Fostoria will be restricted to alternating one way through September for a resurfacing project.  A micro-surface will be applied. Traffic will be maintained by flaggers. Visit the project website: 113033

State Route 15/County Road 193 intersection improvement

State Route 15 at County Road 193 between the city of Findlay and the village of Vanlue is restricted to one lane, April 7-Nov. 14, to construct an overpass on County Road 193 over State Route 15.

Visit the project webpage: PID 114008

TRAFFIC IMPACTS

• SR 15 is restricted to one 12-foot lane with a 3-foot buffer on both sides.
• CR 193 over SR 15 is closed. 

UPCOMING TRAFFIC IMPACTS

• SR 15 will close overnight 10 p.m. -5 a.m. for beam setting.
  • SR 15 westbound: Wednesday night-Thursday morning, Sept. 3-4.
    • TR 240 and TR 190 at SR 15 will also close.
    • Detour: SR 103 to SR 37, back to SR 15 .
  • SR 15 eastbound: Thursday night-Friday morning, Sept. 4-5.
    • SR 330, TH 21, and TH 95, will also close.
    • Detour: SR 37 to SR 103 back to SR 15.
  • See detour map

State Route 235 culvert replacement

State Route 235 and Township Road 111, at the intersection, is open following a closure for a culvert replacement.

(From Dr. Bill Kose of Blanchard Valley Health System)

Donating blood at blood drives is one of the most impactful ways to contribute to the community. It is a simple, generous act that has the power to save lives and make a real difference for patients in need. Every day, hospitals and emergency centers rely on blood donations to treat individuals undergoing surgery, recovering from accidents, battling cancer, or managing chronic illnesses like sickle cell disease. Because blood cannot be manufactured, donors must give it freely. This makes regular blood drives an essential part of the healthcare system and a lifeline for countless patients.

Giving blood is a selfless act that takes relatively little time but has lasting benefits. For the person donating, it offers a unique opportunity to make a positive impact. In less than an hour, a single donation can help multiple patients as blood is separated into red cells, plasma, and platelets, each serving a different medical purpose. Whether it’s helping a child fighting leukemia, a mother in childbirth, or a trauma victim in the emergency room, the blood donated today can become the difference between life and death tomorrow.

Beyond the apparent patient benefit, donating blood fosters a strong sense of community. Blood drives are often held at schools, churches, workplaces, and local events, bringing people together around a shared cause. These gatherings support public health, strengthen civic bonds, and promote a culture of compassion and generosity. In times of crisis or natural disaster, the need for blood increases dramatically, and it is often the collective response of community donors that helps replenish supplies quickly and efficiently.

For the donor, there are also personal health benefits associated with giving blood. The process includes a brief health screening, during which vital signs like blood pressure, hemoglobin levels, and pulse are checked. While this is not a substitute for a complete medical exam, it can occasionally alert individuals to potential health concerns they may not have been aware of. Some studies suggest that regular blood donation may help maintain healthy iron levels and even improve cardiovascular health in specific individuals. While more research is needed, the potential added health awareness is a bonus for those who regularly contribute.

Blood donation is also a symbolic act of solidarity and empathy. It reflects an understanding that not everyone can take health for granted and that sometimes, the smallest gesture can mean everything to someone else. Many donors are inspired by personal experiences or stories of loved ones who needed transfusions, making their decision to give both practical and deeply meaningful.

Ultimately, giving blood is about hope. It offers hope to patients, families, and the entire medical community, working tirelessly to heal and care for others. By participating in blood

drives, individuals have the power to change lives most directly and profoundly. In a world that often feels fast-paced and disconnected, giving blood is a quiet but powerful reminder of how one act of kindness can ripple outward and touch countless lives.

William H. Kose, MD, JD

Vice President of Special Projects,

Blanchard Valley Health System

WFIN – Click here for a list of upcoming blood drives in the Findlay area.

(From the Fort Findlay FOP Lodge 20 Foundation)

The Fort Findlay FOP Lodge #20 Foundation, in partnership with Dietsch Brothers Fine Chocolates & Ice Cream and sponsored by McGuire & Sons Trucking, will host the final Cops & Cones event of the summer on Wednesday, August 27, 2025.

Since June, officers have served more than 400 free scoops of Dietsch’s ice cream to children and families. The program has quickly become a summer favorite, offering the community a chance to meet local officers in a relaxed, family-friendly setting.

“Cops & Cones has been such a positive way for officers to connect with kids and parents,” said Teresa White, Director of the Fort Findlay FOP Lodge #20 Foundation. “The smiles on both sides of the counter tell the story:  it’s simple, it’s sweet, and it builds trust.”

Community members are invited to come out, enjoy a free scoop of ice cream, and spend time with the men and women who serve and protect Hancock County.

Event Details:
Dietsch’s Downtown location
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
5pm to 7pm

(From the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office)

There have been several calls received by our office referencing someone impersonating and using one of our law enforcement sergeants names.

The caller will leave a message that states for person to call back in regard to an urgent law enforcement matter that needs attending to.

This is a scam that is also occurring in surrounding areas as well.

Always use caution and never provide personal information over the phone!