TIFFIN | At aprox 6:30PM Saturday evening Tiffin EMS was dispatched to Seneca County Jail for an unresponsive person. The detainee was give Narcan twice according to scanner radio traffic, and at 6:32PM dispatch reported stomach movement which is a reaction to toxic substances. Tiffin Medics were on scene at 6:34PM.
Sheriff Fredrick Stevens told The Fostoria Free Press “Tiffin PD brought one in and he OD’s in booking, so he got Narcan and EMS was called”
The detainee was intoxicated when he was brought in and placed in a booking cell. Approximately 15 minutes after Tiffin PD left he started complaining of chest pains. According to Sheriff Stevens, Jail Medics were there before the detainee passed out. After being given Narcan he started coming out of the OD.
The detainee was charged with Theft & Assault, and blew a .17 BAC.
At this time the current medical status is unknown.
UPDATE: 8:07PM – Patient/suspect is in a CT scan right now and is okay.
UPDATE: 8:07PM – Hospital will be running additions tests this evening.
Updates will be posted.
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https://thefostoriafreepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/d1a18c00-fb8a-467d-9e96-d6aaebb3065c_1920x1080.jpg10801920Editor-in-Chiefhttps://thefostoriafreepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Screenshot-2025-02-01-at-9.19.31 PM-1030x926.pngEditor-in-Chief2026-01-17 21:00:252026-01-17 21:08:18DEVELOPING | Tiffin Suspect OD’s in holding cell at Seneca County Jail after transfer from Tiffin Police Department
https://thefostoriafreepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-16-at-6.27.21-PM.jpg5461028Editor-in-Chiefhttps://thefostoriafreepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Screenshot-2025-02-01-at-9.19.31 PM-1030x926.pngEditor-in-Chief2026-01-16 19:30:582026-01-17 15:47:23RAW TALK: “If we hold a high standard for police, WE PROTECT THE INNOCENT. This happened in Fostoria last week.”
A Heaping Plate of Community: Spaghetti Dinner and Euchre Tournament to Support High Street UMC Free Meal Program
Fostoria residents are getting the chance to enjoy a hot meal, a friendly card game, and the satisfaction of helping neighbors in need—all in one evening. A Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser & Bid Euchre Tournament will be held Saturday, January 24, 2026, with proceeds benefiting the free community drive‑through dinner ministry at High Street United Methodist Church.
Event details
The fundraiser will take place at the Fostoria Masonic Lodge, 113 E. Tiffin St., in downtown Fostoria.
Dinner will be served from 4:00 to 6:30 p.m., with an all‑you‑can‑eat menu featuring spaghetti, garlic bread and dessert for $10 per person, with carry‑out available for those who prefer to take their meal home.
After dinner, the evening shifts into card‑playing mode with a Bid Euchre Tournament beginning at 7:00 p.m. The entry fee is $10 buy‑in per player for seven rounds of play, and organizers emphasize that both seasoned euchre players and newcomers are welcome.
Supporting a free‑meal lifeline
High Street United Methodist Church operates a free community dinner program, regularly offering hot meals at no cost to anyone who comes through the line.
As food costs and demand have risen in recent years, fundraisers like this one help the church cover ingredients, packaging and other expenses that keep the drive‑through dinners going for local families who rely on them.
The recent Review Times coverage highlighted how the congregation and volunteers have watched both need and costs climb since the pandemic, even as they work to maintain the frequency and quality of meals.
Money raised through the spaghetti dinner and euchre tournament will go directly toward sustaining that outreach, helping ensure the church can continue serving free meals well into 2026.
How the community can take part
Organizers are encouraging residents to support the effort in whatever way fits their schedule:
Come for dinner only,
Stay for both dinner and the euchre tournament, or
Pick up carry‑out meals to share with family or shut‑in neighbors.
For many in Fostoria, it is an opportunity not only to eat and play cards, but also to reconnect with friends, support a long‑running local ministry, and reinforce the sense of community that underpins small‑town life.
https://thefostoriafreepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Facebook-Image-78.jpg11241179Editor-in-Chiefhttps://thefostoriafreepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Screenshot-2025-02-01-at-9.19.31 PM-1030x926.pngEditor-in-Chief2026-01-16 19:11:152026-01-17 15:48:06FOSTORIA | Spaghetti Dinner & Euchre Night to Keep Fostoria’s Free Meals Flowing
Buddhist monks are currently on a 2,300-mile Walk for Peace from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C., a journey that began on October 26, 2025. As of January 16, 2026, the group is traveling through the southeastern U.S., having recently passed through South Carolina and Georgia, and is expected to reach Richmond, Virginia, in early to mid-February 2026.
The monks, led by Bhikkhu Pannakara from the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center, are walking to promote peace, compassion, and national healing. They maintain a meditative pace, often walking barefoot, and engage communities with quiet presence, blessings, and symbolic peace bracelets. The journey has drawn widespread public support, with people gathering along the route to offer flowers, prayers, and emotional connection.
A notable companion on the journey is Aloka, a rescue dog adopted from Kolkata, India, who symbolizes “light” and has become a beloved figure. The monks were recently involved in a serious accident on November 19, 2025, when their escort vehicle was struck, resulting in the amputation of one monk’s leg; he has since recovered and returned to the group.
The walk is not a political protest but a spiritual offering to awaken inner peace. Upon arriving in Washington, D.C., the monks plan to ask Congress to recognize Vesak, the day of Buddha’s birth, as a federal holiday.
The Current “Walk for Peace” (2025-2026)
Purpose: To awaken inner peace, promote compassion, understanding, and unity, not as a protest but as a spiritual offering.
Journey: Started in Texas in October 2025, crossing 10 states and heading towards Washington D.C., with plans to ask Congress to recognize Vesak as a federal holiday.
Participation: People can join by walking behind them quietly, offering flowers, and maintaining a respectful presence, with the goal of fostering community connection.
Key Figure: A stray dog named Aloka (“light”) has become a beloved symbol of their journey.
Other “Monk March” Contexts
Myanmar (2007): Thousands of monks marched in Yangon and Mandalay against the military regime, sparking large-scale demonstrations.
Historical Music: “Monck’s March” refers to a traditional melody and ceremonial march associated with General Monck’s entry into London in 1660, featuring Northumbrian pipes and traditional cries.
How to Participate/Follow
Check local news and social media (like Facebook pages for the Walk for Peace) for updates on their route through specific states like North Carolina and Virginia.
You can join their peaceful walk by following their lead and maintaining a quiet, respectful presence.
Follow their journey live via the official Walk for Peace tracker or on social media.
https://thefostoriafreepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-16-at-1.04.39-PM.jpg510924Editor-in-Chiefhttps://thefostoriafreepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Screenshot-2025-02-01-at-9.19.31 PM-1030x926.pngEditor-in-Chief2026-01-16 14:11:122026-01-16 14:11:12USA NEWS | Buddhist Monks on ‘Peace Walk’ amid bitter cold temperatures across the U.S.
A mid‑day equipment fire at the WIN Waste Innovations landfill in Seneca County raised fresh questions Wednesday about on‑site safety practices and whether the company’s machines are adequately equipped to meet fire‑protection standards.
At approximately 1:45 p.m., Bascom Joint Fire District was dispatched to the WIN Waste Innovations of Seneca County landfill, just outside Fostoria, for reports of a piece of heavy equipment burning near the top of the working face.
Crews spent roughly two hours on scene bringing the blaze under control, deploying multiple units and personnel from the rural volunteer department—resources funded largely by local taxpayers.
A costly response for local taxpayers
Because Bascom is a volunteer-based district that relies on township levies and public funds, every large industrial call like this one ties up manpower, apparatus, and fuel that are ultimately paid for by residents, not the private operator whose machine is on fire.
While no injuries were immediately reported, the response required extended hose lines, water supply coordination and a presence on the landfill hill, underscoring how an equipment failure on private property can quickly become a public expense.
Are the machines meeting OSHA fire‑safety rules?
Incidents like this inevitably raise the question: was the burning machine outfitted and maintained to the standards required for heavy equipment operating in combustible environments?
OSHA and related safety codes call for appropriate portable fire extinguishers on heavy equipment such as loaders and compactors, properly mounted, charged, and sized for the fire risk—typically ABC‑rated units in the 10‑pound range or higher where heat, sparks, and flammable materials are present.
Employers are also responsible for regular inspections, staff training and ensuring extinguishers are accessible and functional, with tags kept up to date.
If a machine fire grows to the point that multiple fire engines are needed to attack it from outside, that naturally prompts public scrutiny over whether built‑in fire suppression, on‑board extinguishers, or operator training failed or were never sufficient in the first place.
WIN Waste’s safety claims versus on‑the‑ground reality
WIN Waste Innovations markets its Seneca County landfill as a “fully permitted and licensed” facility that operates in full compliance with Ohio EPA regulations and touts a “standard of operational excellence,” including extensive monitoring and more than 250 inspections without violations reported by the local health district.
The company also highlights multimillion‑dollar investments in gas‑treatment and renewable‑energy projects on the site, presenting itself as one of the most advanced landfills in the country.
Wednesday’s fire does not, by itself, prove that those claims are inaccurate or that any specific OSHA rule was violated; heavy equipment can fail even under good maintenance.
But when a single machine fire consumes hours of public fire‑department time, residents are justified in asking whether all landfill equipment is inspected to the same “excellence” being advertised—and whether on‑board fire protection is robust enough to stop a small flame from becoming a taxpayer‑funded incident.
Questions that deserve answers
For a community that already lives with the truck traffic, odors and environmental concerns that come with any large landfill, transparency around safety practices is essential.
Reasonable questions for WIN Waste and regulators now include:
Are all active machines on site equipped with properly sized, regularly inspected fire extinguishers and, where appropriate, automatic suppression systems?
What training do equipment operators receive for detecting and attacking early‑stage fires before they escalate?
Will this incident be reported, reviewed and, if necessary, trigger changes in maintenance or fire‑safety protocols at the facility?
Until those answers are provided, local residents are left to trust that the next equipment failure at the top of the hill will not again require hours of publicly funded resources to control.
https://thefostoriafreepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Image-1-15-26-at-7.50-PM.jpg344616Editor-in-Chiefhttps://thefostoriafreepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Screenshot-2025-02-01-at-9.19.31 PM-1030x926.pngEditor-in-Chief2026-01-15 21:13:172026-01-15 21:24:18BREAKING | A mid‑day equipment fire at the WIN Waste Innovations landfill in Seneca County
The Seneca County Land Bank invites community members to attend upcoming public information meetings to learn more about the Fostoria Welcome Home Ohio Program, which offers new, affordable homeownership opportunities on Walnut Street in Fostoria.
The meetings will take place at the Fruth Room at the Kaubisch Memorial Public Library on:
• Tuesday, January 21 from 4:30–6:00 p.m.
• Saturday, January 24 from 12:00–1:30 p.m.
These meetings are open to anyone who may be interested in applying and wants to learn more about whether this opportunity could be a good fit for them.
During the meetings, attendees will:
• Learn about the Welcome Home Ohio Program and qualification requirements
• Receive applications and guidance on how to apply
• View interior and exterior photos of two of the Walnut Street homes, which are representative of all five homes available
• Get one-on-one assistance with application questions and next steps
Five New Affordable Homes Open on Walnut Street in Fostoria
Five newly built homes on Walnut Street in Fostoria are now available for affordable homeownership through the Welcome Home Ohio program. Informational sessions hosted by the Seneca County Land Bank will help local residents decide whether these houses are a good fit for their families.
Two meetings are scheduled in the Fruth Room at Kaubisch Memorial Public Library, 205 Perry St.:
Tuesday, Jan. 21, from 4:30–6 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 24, from noon–1:30 p.m.
The homes, located at 1310, 1314, 1318, 1322 and 1326 Walnut St., feature modern floor plans, new appliances and are intended for long‑term, owner‑occupied living in Fostoria. During the sessions, attendees will learn how the Welcome Home Ohio program works, what income and financing requirements apply, and how to complete the application. They will also be able to see interior and exterior photos of two model homes that reflect the design of all five properties and get one‑on‑one help with paperwork and next steps.
Program organizers emphasize that coming to a meeting does not obligate anyone to apply, but it is the easiest way to understand eligibility and available options. As Sarah Stephens Krupp, speaking for the Fostoria Community Improvement Corporation and the Seneca County Land Bank, explains, homeownership can seem intimidating, and these events are meant to make the process clearer and more supportive.
Applications for the Welcome Home Ohio homes are now being accepted. Residents who cannot attend either meeting but want more information or help applying can contact Stephens Krupp at [email protected] or by calling 419‑435‑7789.
https://thefostoriafreepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-21-at-2.16.53-PM.jpg7241240Editor-in-Chiefhttps://thefostoriafreepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Screenshot-2025-02-01-at-9.19.31 PM-1030x926.pngEditor-in-Chief2026-01-13 23:56:462026-01-21 15:17:55MEETING TONIGHT! – Five New Affordable Homes Open on Walnut Street – Fostoria Free Press
The Fostoria Free Press – Public Service Announcement
From the Founder – Est. 2023
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Effective today, our primary Fostoria Free Press Facebook page has been restricted following what appears to be an automated enforcement error by Facebook’s AI systems. The post in question asked our followers to report a separate profile that was openly calling for violence toward the Fostoria Free Press. That safety‑focused request was incorrectly flagged as a violation of Facebook’s cybersecurity/violence policies.
At this time, the page is restricted from public interaction, but it is still accessible on the administrative backend. All comments, images, and content associated with the post and page are preserved and have not been deleted or lost. While this situation is frustrating, all indications point to an automated mistake rather than an intentional action targeted at our publication.
We are currently awaiting a response from Facebook and the opportunity to complete a formal appeal through their online tools. In addition, a detailed letter requesting full restoration of the primary page has been drafted and will be sent to Facebook by U.S. Mail, fax, and public online tagging. Once finalized and sent, that letter will be published so that our followers can see exactly what has been communicated on their behalf.
Because of this type of risk, contingency plans were put in place years ago. As a result, the Fostoria Free Press 2.0 page is now being activated as our backup and secondary presence on Facebook. At this time, there is no guarantee that the original page will be restored or how long any review may take, so Fostoria Free Press 2.0 will serve as our primary public outlet until further notice.
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Dedicated Longterm Followers
If you are a long‑time follower or a new supporter who wants to help, the most effective things you can do right now are:
Invite your friends, family, and local contacts to follow and like the page as well.
Continue to engage with posts there so that important local information still reaches as many residents as possible.
Your support and vigilance are the reason this community news effort exists and continues. Thank you for standing with the Fostoria Free Press during this temporary disruption and for helping us maintain a strong, independent local voice online.
https://thefostoriafreepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-11-at-9.25.11-PM.jpg6221144Editor-in-Chiefhttps://thefostoriafreepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Screenshot-2025-02-01-at-9.19.31 PM-1030x926.pngEditor-in-Chief2026-01-11 22:22:282026-01-11 23:19:38The Fostoria Free Press – Public Service Announcement From the Founder – Est. 2023
Flu-like illness in the United States has surged to its highest level in more than 25 years, and federal health officials warn that the season is not yet at its peak. A new flu variant, rising case counts, and lagging vaccination rates are combining to create a difficult winter, especially for children and older adults.
Flu in the US: what the numbers show
Outpatient visits for flu-like illness (fever plus cough or sore throat) are at their highest point since the 1997–98 season, with nearly every state reporting high or very high activity.
The CDC estimates that so far this season there have been at least 11 million flu illnesses, about 120,000 hospitalizations, and around 5,000 deaths, including multiple pediatric deaths.
Officials classify the 2025–26 season as “moderately severe,” but emphasize that activity is still climbing in much of the country, meaning hospitalizations and deaths are expected to rise further.
What’s driving the severe season
A newly dominant strain, described in surveillance reports as a distinct “subclade K” of influenza A, appears to be helping the virus slip past existing immunity.
This variant differs enough from recent circulating strains that prior infection or vaccination may offer less protection against infection, even if it still helps prevent severe outcomes.
Hospitalization rates are already the third-highest seen at this point in the season since 2010–11, and CDC hospitalization networks are reporting steady week‑to‑week increases.
Experts also point to “immunity debt” from earlier pandemic years, changes in vaccination schedules being debated at the federal level, and fatigue around annual flu shots as factors that make consecutive bad seasons more likely.
Who is being hit hardest
Children, teenagers, and older adults are bearing much of the brunt so far.
Pediatric flu deaths have already reached at least nine this season, and children’s vaccination rates have fallen from pre‑pandemic highs, leaving more kids vulnerable to severe illness.
Long‑term care facilities are reporting rising rates of flu-associated hospitalizations among residents, underscoring the risk for people in nursing homes and assisted‑living communities.
Emergency departments in several states report strain from overlapping waves of flu, Covid‑19, and other winter respiratory viruses, even though flu hospitalization severity has not yet reached record territory.
Core prevention steps still matter
Health agencies continue to emphasize familiar steps to blunt the impact of the season.
Get a flu shot if you have not yet done so; even in a rough year, vaccination reduces the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death, especially for high‑risk groups.
Stay home when sick, mask in crowded indoor spaces during local surges, and seek early medical care (including antiviral treatment) if you are in a high‑risk group or worsening quickly.
Officials also urge people to protect infants, pregnant people, seniors, and those with chronic conditions by reducing their exposure when illness is circulating heavily in the community.
How local honey may help with symptoms
While nothing replaces vaccination and proper medical care, there is growing evidence that honey can help ease some common cold and flu symptoms, especially cough and sore throat.
Clinical reviews and trials have found that honey can reduce cough frequency and severity in upper respiratory infections, in some cases performing as well as or better than common over‑the‑counter cough medicines for children over 1 year and adults.
Honey appears to coat and soothe irritated throat tissue, and its natural anti‑inflammatory and antimicrobial compounds may contribute to symptom relief and better sleep during illness.
Many people prefer raw, local honey, which retains more natural enzymes and may include trace local pollens; some researchers suggest these features could have added benefits for immune support, though more data are needed. Honey should never be given to infants under 12 months because of the risk of infant botulism.
Used alongside evidence‑based measures—vaccination, rest, fluids, and timely medical care—simple remedies like local honey can be one small, comforting tool as the US navigates its most intense flu season in decades.
https://thefostoriafreepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/virus-6917529_1280.png8851280Editor-in-Chiefhttps://thefostoriafreepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Screenshot-2025-02-01-at-9.19.31 PM-1030x926.pngEditor-in-Chief2026-01-06 14:04:042026-01-06 22:22:05BREAKING | 5,000+ Flu-like Deaths illness in the United States, Numbers surge to highest level in more than 25 years
