(From the Tiffin Police Department)

Sergeant Justin Nowak conducted a traffic stop in the area of Hall and Oak Street on Saturday night after observing a vehicle strike a curb while making a turn. The vehicle, a 2013 Ford Focus, was operated by Jeremy Hull, 43, of Tiffin.

During the stop, criminal indicators were observed, and the Sandusky County Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit was requested to assist, as Tiffin’s K9 team is currently out of state in training. The K9 gave a positive indication, leading officers to conduct a search of the vehicle and its occupants.

During the search, Randy Perkins, 59, was found to be in possession of suspected narcotics. Officers recovered approximately 29.6 grams of suspected Fentanyl and 3.4 grams of suspected cocaine from Perkins.

Hull was cited for striking a curb with his vehicle. A backseat passenger, Dustin Neikirk, 39, was also present but was not charged at this time. Charges are pending against Perkins for possession and trafficking of narcotics.

This case highlights the importance of proactive policing and interagency partnerships. The quick response by Sergeant Nowak and the assistance of the Sandusky County K9 played a critical role in removing dangerous narcotics from circulation. Fentanyl poses a grave threat to the safety of our community, and we remain committed to protecting the public through diligent enforcement efforts.

The case remains under investigation, and further charges will be reviewed by the Seneca County Prosecutor’s Office.

Chief David Pauly

(From the Ohio Department of Transportation)

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.

NEW TRAFFIC IMPACTS

• CR 99 east of Main Street at the railroad tracks will close Wednesday, Oct. 1, for approximately five days for railroad crossing repair and reconstruction.
  • Detour: Main St. to Bigelow Ave. to Bright Rd. to CR 212, back to CR 99. (see map)
• Paving of CR 99 will impact traffic in October and November.

CONTINUING TRAFFIC IMPACTS

• CR 99 is restricted to one lane in both directions.

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. 

State Route 37 drainage repair

State Route 37 between Township Road 147 and Township Road 149 will close on Tuesday, Sept. 30, for approximately one day for drainage repair.

TRAFFIC IMPACTS

• Detour: SR 103 to U.S. 68, to U.S. 30, back to SR 37 (see map).

(From Raise the Bar Hancock County)

Hancock County students had the chance to step into the world of entrepreneurship at our Entrepreneurship Career Expo!

Hosted at the University of Findlay, the expo highlighted the process of entrepreneurship across multiple industries, from idea to launch to growth. Students explored how creativity, resilience, and innovation turn into real-world business opportunities.

This event was also the kickoff to our 2025–2026 Career Expo Series, where students will continue exploring different industries and discovering the many career paths available right here in Hancock County.

A huge thank you to the presenters and partners who made the day possible and to the students for bringing their energy and curiosity!

Dr. Angie Huber, Live Well Physical Therapy

Dr. Lauren Forsythe, Foresight Pharma Solutions

Dr. Scott Grant, Triple Threat Leadership

Dr. Megan Adams, Homeplace Creative

Jason Evatt, Airborn Outfitters

Dr. Carla Treadway, Treadway Acres Flower Farm | Tread’s Gym- Carla Treadway Strength and Conditioning

Northwest Ohio Small Business Development Center – Rhodes State College

Also thank you to the following schools for sending a great group of enthusiastic students

Home of Arlington Local School

Cory-Rawson Local Schools

Findlay City Schools Findlay High School

Findlay Digital Academy online High School

Liberty-Benton Local Schools Liberty-Benton High School

McComb Jr. High/High School – McComb Panthers

Van Buren Local Schools

(ONN) – Proposed legislation at the Ohio Statehouse could impact parents who are not married.

Two Ohio lawmakers are pushing new legislation called the Right to Know Act.

The bill would require hospitals to offer genetic testing to confirm paternity when a child is born to unwed parents.

Supporters say it would help families build trust and avoid future conflict.

Parents could decline the testing but would have to sign a waiver acknowledging the offer.

House Bill 435 is now before the House Judiciary Committee awaiting a hearing.

(ONN) – Findlay City Schools are looking to bring back some transportation services after voters approved a 1 percent income tax back in the spring.

A series of failed levies forced the district to cut $6 million from its operating budget this year.

That included cutting transportation down to the state minimum.

But now the new tax is allowing the district to start planning enhancements before the money becomes available next year.

Superintendent Dr. Andy Hatton says the next hurdle will be hiring enough bus drivers to make this goal attainable by mid-year.

The current transportation plan for Findlay City Schools has a two-mile walk zone for K-8 students and no busing for high school.

The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office says it’s with heavy hearts that they share the passing of retired Deputy Bruce Meyers.

The sheriff’s office said, even after Bruce retired in 2017, his commitment to the community never wavered as he continued to serve as an Auxiliary Deputy, always giving his time and heart to the badge and the people around him.

“His legacy of service and kindness will never be forgotten,” the sheriff’s office said.

(From the United Way of Hancock County)

United Way of Hancock County is calling on all Difference Makers — the givers, the advocates and the volunteers — to help support our community through its 2025 Annual Campaign.

This year’s campaign kicked off with a community pickleball tournament and continues through mid-November. During this two-month window, the United Way aims to raise $1.8 million to help strengthen local safety net services.

As always, every donation made to the United Way will stay in our community. The money raised during the Annual Campaign will be allocated to the United Way’s local partner agencies and their programming that exists to champion children, promote safety and health, fight hunger, foster financial stability and provide safe housing. These critical services serve 1 in 4 people in Hancock County.

“We love our campaign theme, ‘Difference Makers,’” because that’s exactly what our supporters are to those who are assisted by the life-changing services the United Way helps fund,” said Kelley McClurkin, CEO of United Way of Hancock County.

“Whether you are contributing dollars toward our campaign goal, your time as a volunteer or your voice to speak up for a cause that matters, you are making a difference for a vulnerable child, family or individual in our community. No action is too small to make a difference.”

Campaign season incorporates a variety of activities designed to build corporate enthusiasm, provide volunteer engagement and educate the public on the efforts of local nonprofits. Leading the campaign’s efforts are Kirby Overton, dean of the University of Findlay College of Business; and Kelly Wohlgamuth, coordinator of Gifted and English Learner Services at Findlay City Schools.

“United Way of Hancock County truly is one place to give, many ways to help,” said Overton. “This year, our United Way is supporting 19 local programs that are measurably improving people’s lives.”

“Every dollar you give stays in our community to enable critical services that act as a safety net for those who need them most while empowering vulnerable individuals to thrive,” Wohlgamuth added.

Each year, the United Way assembles a campaign cabinet to serve as the key connection between the organization and its corporate partners. This year’s cabinet members include:

• • Overton and Wohlgamuth, serving as Campaign chairs.

• • Chuck Bills, president of Ohio Logistics, serving as Corporate Division chair.

• • Jeff Young, superintendent of the Hancock County Education Services Center, serving as Education Division chair.

• • Myron Lewis, president and CEO of Blanchard Valley Health System, serving as Health Division chair.

• • Karen Worthington, owner of River + Road, serving as Mercantile Division chair.

• • Sean Abbott, Hancock County Prosecutor; and Jennie Treece of Findlay Brewing Co., serving as Professional Division co-chairs.

• • Jaclynn Hohman, project manager for the City of Findlay, serving as Public Division chair.

• • Josh Slough and Britt Knippen, both of Key Realty, serving as FIRE Division co-chairs.

• • Cathy Schroll, mayor of the Village of McComb, serving as Rural Division chair.

• • Anne Whitman, retired from Premier Bank, serving as Retiree/Independent Division chair.

• • Elizabeth Babcock, supply chain business analyst with Marathon Petroleum Corp., serving as Youth Division chair.

Visit www.uwhancock.org to learn more or to donate to the campaign.

(From Findlay Firefighters Local 381)

There’s a New Badge 1 in Town

With the retirement of Dave Morse, the tradition of passing “Badge 1” or the most senior firefighter continues. This morning at 0745, Dave passed on Badge 1 to Mike Metzker in front of his family, shift, and friends!

While Dave did not hold the honors for long he said it best: “it’s not how long you have the badge, just having it is the honor”.

Mike holds 30 years with the department as well, with the intention of a few more years in the saddle before retiring himself. Congrats Mikey!

The 2025 Cops & Kids Findlay Halloween Parade presented by loanDepot will be held on Tuesday, October 21, beginning at 7 p.m. on South Main Street from Sixth Street/Lake Cascades Parkway to Lima Street. 

This year’s theme is “Be a Hero, Be a Champion.” Parade participants are encouraged to highlight individuals or groups they consider champions and heroes, including community helpers, public figures, or personal role models.

“This parade is about community, creativity, and connection,” said Teresa White, director of the Fort Findlay FOP Lodge #20 Foundation. “We can’t wait to see how participants bring our theme to life.”

In the audio below, Teresa talks about some new additions to the parade this year. 

Early Bird parade registration opened on September 8 and standard registration begins on October 1, and the final deadline to register is midnight on October 14. Entries are open to families, schools, businesses, and organizations. Spots are limited and fill quickly, so early registration is encouraged. Click here to register and for more details.

Proceeds from the parade benefit the Cops & Kids Champion Fund, which supports programs that foster positive relationships between local youth and law enforcement throughout the year.

Follow updates and announcements at facebook.com/FortFindlayFOP.

Findlay’s Trick-or-Treat is scheduled for Saturday, October 25, from 6 to 8 p.m.

Parts of Hancock County are now experiencing extreme drought conditions, according to the latest map from the U.S. Drought Monitor.

Last week, Findlay was in the Severe Drought category, and, despite, the rain we’ve received this week, parts of the area have been bumped up into the Extreme Drought category as overall drought conditions in the region expand. 

The latest map, released on Thursday, September 25, shows that the northern half of Hancock County up into Wood County and the northeast corner of Putnam County, are identified in Extreme Drought, while the southern half of Hancock County is in the Severe Drought category. 

“This week’s rainfall will be too late for many area farmers,” said WTOL-11 Meteorologist John Burchfield. “Unfortunately, it looks like another very dry weather pattern is about to unfold.”