Northwest Ohio law enforcement collaboration saves lives
The 11th annual Lights for Lives was a successful operation once again, showing what can be accomplished by law enforcement working cooperatively in a multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional effort.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol, Findlay District in conjunction with law enforcement agencies from Wood, Williams, Fulton, Lucas, Defiance, Henry, Putnam, Paulding, Hancock, Van Wert, Allen and Hardin counties participated.
Lights for Lives is a multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional, cooperative enforcement campaign focused on officers activating their overhead LIGHTS and stopping as many vehicles that have committed traffic violations to save as many LIVES as possible. It began on Nov. 22 at 6 a.m. and ran through Nov. 24 at 6 a.m.
During the 48-hour operation officers reported stopping nearly 886 vehicles and issued 316 citations. There were 41 safety belt citations were issued, while 14 impaired drivers were removed from Ohio’s roadways. There were over 40 criminal arrests including 5 felonies and misdemeanors while 13 involved drug arrests.
Drive through nativity in Gibsonburg
GIBSONBURG — Gibsonburg area churches will present a drive-thru nativity on Saturday and Sunday from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, 500 S. Brentwood Ave.
View this free presentation of the biblical Christmas story as it comes to life in nine scenes portrayed by families from the community. Drive slowly past each scene as you listen to the narration of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem for the birth of a son, Jesus. Narration is available in sanitized CD or flash drive formats to accommodate all vehicles.
Ukrainian nonprofit hosts cookie walk fundraiser
MAUMEE — 4UA.org +Toledo Helps Ukraine, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is hosting a Cookie Walk on Saturday from 9 a.m.-noon (or sold out) at Sunshine Communities Gym, 7223 Maumee Western Road. All proceeds will go to relief and refugee efforts for Ukrainians impacted by the war in Ukraine and abroad.
Visitors can select from hundreds of cookies, including traditional Christmas cookies and Eastern European favorites like Kolache and nut rolls. Cookies will be available by the dozen for $8. Handmade Ukrainian ornaments painted by local artists will also be available for purchase.
“Fundraisers like these help us to share the tremendous need there is among Ukrainians impacted by the war,” said Alona Matchenko, co-founder of 4UA.org/Toledo Helps Ukraine. “Every time we are in the public eye, we are educating others about the horrors of this war, its impact on families, and the desperate plight of those seeking to find a safe home in the United States.”
Since its inception in March, 2022, 4UA.org + Toledo Helps Ukraine has:
• Secured and delivered over 26,000 pounds humanitarian supplies to Ukraine
• Raised over $50,000 in donations
• Assisted 30 Ukrainian’s in obtaining travel authorization for temporary refuge in the United States.
• Organized five fundraisers in northwest Ohio.
• Participated in 57 community events to raise awareness and educate the community about the plight of Ukrainian refugees
Cookie donations are also appreciated for the Cookie Walk. Donations of homemade cookies may be dropped off at Sunshine Communities Gym on Friday from 3:30-6 pm. Package the cookies in disposable containers.
Forecast
Hazardous weather outlook: Westerly to southwesterly wind gusts between 40 and 50 mph are possible Wednesday.
Today: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 45. Northwest wind around 6 mph becoming calm in the afternoon.
Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 34. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph after midnight.
Tuesday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 55. South wind 6 to 14 mph. Showers at night. Low around 44. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Extended: A chance of rain before 1 p.m. Wednesday, then a chance of rain and snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 56. Breezy. Chance of precipitation is 50%. Mostly cloudy at night, with a low around 26. Breezy. Mostly sunny Thursday, with a high near 35. Partly cloudy at night, with a low around 26. Mostly sunny Friday, with a high near 45. Mostly cloudy at night, with a low around 35. Mostly cloudy Saturday, with a high near 45.
