MEDIA RELEAST__At approximately 5:32 a.m., the Hancock County Sheriff's Office responded to a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of SR 12 and CR 16.
Preliminary investigation a 2018 White Chevy Malibu, driven by Stephen Benner, was traveling east bound on SR 12. A 2019 Black Chevy Cruz, driven by Jean Iniguez, was traveling northbound on CR 16. Iniguez failed to stop for the stop sign, striking Benner. Due to the impact, Benner's vehicle traveled off the left side of the roadway, striking a residence.
9:50 a.m. sirens test announced by Allen and Hancock counties
FROM FACEBOOK__Today, March 18, at 9:50 AM, Allen County will take part in Ohio’s statewide tornado drill. This is a great opportunity to practice your severe weather safety plan at home, work, or school.
When the sirens sound, take a moment to act it out—not just think it through. Head to your safe place and remember D.U.C.K.:
D – Go Down
Move to the lowest level of your building (basement if available).
MEDIA RELEASE__Alaina Murray, a 14-year-old female (DOB 6/30/2011), was last seen around midnight on March 6, 2026 near Nuebrecht Road in Lima, Allen County, Ohio.
Alaina was wearing a black hoodie, jeans, pink crocs, and a Spider-man watch.
Alaina is diabetic and could be experiencing a medical emergency.
Hair: Black
Eyes: Brown
Height: 5’ 4”
Weight: 148 lbs.
If you’ve seen Alaina or have any information regarding her whereabouts, please call the Allen County Sheriff’s Office at 419-227-3535 or 9-1-1.
WLIO Hometown Stations has reported that Kris Shoemaker of Bluffton pleaded guilty to federal child pornography charges in December. Shoemaker was arrested in Bluffton in May 2025 by the FBI.
He is charged with one count each of distribution of child pornography and receipt of child pornography.
FROM BLUFFTON POLICE ON FACEBOOK__Thank you to everyone that followed the snow emergency procedures this week that allowed the Village Public Works Department to clear streets from the snowfall this past weekend. As of [Wednesday, January 28], all parking is able to return to normal throughout the village.
We also ask that if you have a fire hydrant on your property, please make sure the snow is cleared from around it so the fire department is able to locate and access it in the case of an emergency.
