FOSTORIA Wrestlers Take 1st, 3rd & 4th Place at Spartan Invite – The Fostoria Free Press
FOSTORIA Wrestling Take 1st, 3rd & 4th Place at Spartan Invite – The Fostoria Free Press
BREAKING | Columbus Ohio Dentist & wife found shot inside their Weinland Park home during a welfare check – no suspect identified
Ohio authorities are investigating the shooting deaths of Columbus dentist Dr. Spencer Tepe, 37, and his wife, Monique, 39, after the couple was found inside their Weinland Park home during a welfare check, with no suspect identified and no signs of forced entry or recovered firearm reported so far. A growing memorial of roses and sunflowers has appeared outside their North 4th Street residence as neighbors and loved ones mourn and police continue the search for whoever is responsible.
Double homicide in Weinland Park
Columbus police were called to the Tepes’ home on North 4th Street on a Tuesday morning after a welfare check was requested when Spencer failed to show up for work at Athens Dental Depot, where he was known for his punctuality. A family friend and officers entered the home and found Spencer and Monique dead from apparent gunshot wounds, with two young children located inside the house unharmed.
Newly released records indicate that Spencer suffered multiple gunshot wounds, while Monique sustained at least one gunshot wound to the chest. Police reported no obvious signs of forced entry and confirmed that no firearm was recovered at the scene, leading investigators to treat the case as a double homicide and to state that they do not currently believe it to be a murder‑suicide.
911 calls and timeline details
The welfare check was initiated after Athens Dental Depot owner Dr. Mark Valrose contacted authorities, telling dispatch that Spencer had not arrived for his shift and that this absence was completely out of character. Several coworkers went to the home, and one friend called 911 around 9:57 a.m. after hearing children crying inside but getting no answer at the door, then placed another call minutes later after seeing Spencer’s body near a bed through a window or doorway.
During that call, the friend urgently told dispatchers, “There is a body inside,” explaining that they had gone to do a wellness check when Spencer stopped answering his phone. Police have not publicly released a precise time of the shootings, but the sequence of Spencer’s missed shift, coworkers’ concerns, and the 911 calls suggests the violence occurred before officers arrived that morning.
Community grief and memorial
Outside the Tepes’ Weinland Park home, neighbors and friends have created a memorial made up of roses and sunflowers placed near the front steps, a visible sign of grief and solidarity on the block. Video and local coverage show flowers gathering along the sidewalk and fence line as more people stop by to pay their respects and reflect on the loss of the young couple.
Colleagues at Athens Dental Depot described Spencer as a dedicated dentist and friend, issuing a statement that they were “deeply saddened” by his sudden death and offering condolences to his family. Family members have shared wedding footage and memories of the couple, who married in 2021 and were approaching their fifth anniversary, underscoring the personal tragedy behind the public investigation.
Ongoing investigation and appeals for information
As of the latest reports, Columbus police have not identified a suspect or made an arrest in the case and have not publicly named any persons of interest. Investigators have emphasized that the lack of forced entry and the absence of a firearm at the scene are key elements of the case, but they have released few additional details about potential motives or timelines.
Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the Columbus Police Homicide Unit at (614) 645‑4730 or to provide anonymous tips through Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at (614) 461‑TIPS (8477), stressing that even small details could help move the investigation forward. Police and national outlets have also highlighted that the couple’s young children, found physically unharmed in the home, remain a central concern as the community seeks answers and accountability.
Other Ohio developments
Separate from the Weinland Park homicide investigation, a 14‑year‑old boy was killed in a New Year’s Eve crash in Morrow County, drawing attention to teen driving safety and holiday travel risks in central Ohio. In another case, Columbus authorities arrested a woman in connection with the death of her 3‑year‑old daughter, which police have classified as a homicide rooted in domestic violence, adding to concerns about family‑violence‑related deaths in the region.
Ohio has also implemented a new law standardizing kindergarten enrollment, requiring children to be 5 years old by the first day of school, a shift that state officials estimate will result in about 5,000 fewer kindergarten students statewide next year. Educators and policymakers say the change is meant to create consistency across districts, but they also warn it could affect school funding levels and increase demand for preschool and childcare as more 4‑year‑olds are held out of kindergarten.
FOSTORIA | Truck Falls Through Ice in a Pond at Moiser Wetlands
FOSTORIA | At Aprox 1:30am 12/31/25 Fostoria Police received a call from a man in a truck with its back tires stuck in a pond. What used to be Moiser Lake, now Moiser Wetlands according to the FFP, excavators have been digging small ponds as part of the project. It took several minutes and multiple officers to located the vehicle. The man was uninjured and given a ride by FPD.
According to police scanner traffic “There’s a pile of brandy here” “We have to make sure this guy is alive”.
This situation shines light the importance holiday drinking & depression awareness. For many, the Holidays are happy times, but for some, it can be hard to handle. Be there for one another.
BREAKING: Fostoria & Tiffin Police Looking For a Man Who Pulled a Gun on a Woman in Tiffin, OH
TIFFIN | At approximately 7:49 PM Thursday evening Tiffin Police contacted Fostoria Police Department requesting help and locating a vehicle involved in brandishing a firearm. The report given to Fostoria Police was a man pulled out a gun on a woman and Tiffin, and then fled in a red Dodge Advenger with tinted windows and no license plate.
The man is believed to be heading northbound to Toledo on back roads.
Fostoria police are on the lookout and multiple locations.
UPDATE: Tiffin Police have closed out the call. Unable to locate.
BREAKING: 2020 Findlay Post ‘Trooper of The Year’ Sergeant Matthew Cook Dies in Apparent Suicide Says Ohio State Highway Patrol
January 1, 2026
The Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) is mourning the off-duty death of Sergeant Matthew Cook, a dedicated member assigned to the Defiance Post. Authorities have determined the cause of death to be self-induced, marking a tragic end to the year for the law enforcement community.
On New Year’s Eve, just before 6:30 p.m., the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of an unconscious male at a residence on County Road 53 in rural McComb, Ohio. The individual was identified as Sgt. Matthew Cook.
In a statement released on January 1, the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office noted: “Information collected throughout the preliminary investigation indicates the cause of death to be self-induced.”
The Ohio State Highway Patrol issued a heartfelt statement acknowledging the loss: “It is with great sorrow that the Ohio State Highway Patrol recognizes the off-duty death of Sergeant Matthew Cook of the Defiance Post. Our thoughts are with Sgt. Cook’s family, the Findlay district and the patrol family as a whole.”
Sgt. Cook joined the Ohio State Highway Patrol in 2014 and served with distinction. He was previously stationed at the Findlay Post, where he earned multiple accolades, including being named Findlay Post Trooper of the Year on several occasions. He also received the Criminal Patrol Award and other recognitions from the patrol for his outstanding service.
Following the incident, a procession of first responders escorted Sgt. Cook’s body on Wednesday night, underscoring the respect and camaraderie within the law enforcement community.
Addressing Mental Health in Law Enforcement
The death of Sgt. Cook highlights the ongoing challenges of mental health among first responders. Law enforcement officers often face high-stress situations, trauma, and long hours, which can contribute to mental health struggles.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, help is available. The National 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free, confidential support 24/7. Simply dial 988 to connect with trained counselors.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol and agencies across the state continue to offer resources and support for their members, emphasizing the importance of seeking help without stigma.
Our thoughts are with Sgt. Cook’s family, friends, colleagues, and the entire Ohio law enforcement community during this difficult time. His service and dedication will not be forgotten.
UPDATE: Fostoria Police Arrest Moises Garza for DV (Aggravated Assault) on New Years Eve
HANCOCK COUNTY | Moises Garza was booked at 11:02PM 12/31/25 with a Domestic Violence charge relating to the incident below.
Teaching Firearm Safety at a Young Age: Could It Help Spot and Prevent School Shooter Mindsets Early?
In an era where school shootings remain a tragic reality in the United States, innovative approaches to prevention are urgently needed. One provocative idea gaining traction is reintroducing firearm safety education to young children—not just to teach safe handling, but as a window into their behaviors and attitudes toward safety and life. Programs like the NRA’s Eddie Eagle have long aimed to prevent accidental injuries, but could structured gun safety lessons also reveal early red flags for violent tendencies? By observing how kids interact with the material, educators, parents, and mental health professionals might identify disregard for rules, fascination with harm, or other warning signs associated with school shooters. This could enable tailored interventions, from specialized learning plans to mental health treatments. While promising, the concept is not without controversy, as critics worry about normalizing firearms or exposing kids to unnecessary risks.
Program Resources | Eddie Eagle GunSafe® Program
The Landscape of Youth Firearm Education Programs
Firearm safety education for children isn’t new. The NRA’s Eddie Eagle GunSafe program, launched in 1988, targets kids from pre-K through fourth grade with a simple message: “Stop! Don’t Touch. Run Away. Tell a Grown-Up.” Delivered through cartoons, activities, and school presentations, it has reached over 32 million children via more than 28,000 schools and law enforcement agencies. The program focuses on preventing accidental shootings by teaching avoidance rather than handling skills, and it’s been praised by some outlets like the Journal of Emergency Nursing as an effective accident prevention tool.
However, evaluations paint a mixed picture. A 2004 study comparing Eddie Eagle to behavioral skills training found that while it increased knowledge, it didn’t always translate to safer behaviors in real scenarios, especially for very young children. A 2002 AAP Grand Rounds review noted that comprehensive courses had no significant effect on reducing play with guns among small children. Critics, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and Everytown for Gun Safety, argue it’s ineffective and even misleading, with unintentional child shootings rising despite its reach. On the flip side, a 2023 study showed that a gun safety video reduced unsafe behaviors around real guns, suggesting visual education can influence actions.
Beyond Eddie Eagle, other initiatives like behavioral skills training (using role-playing and reinforcement) have shown promise in teaching kids to avoid found firearms. A RAND study linked firearm safety training requirements to lower school shooting injuries and fatalities, hinting at broader preventive effects.
Violent Behaviour in Children, Aggressive Child Behaviour, Early …
Linking Gun Education to Early Detection of Risky Behaviors
The psychology of school shooters often reveals patterns that could intersect with firearm education. FBI research on active shooters from 2000-2013 identified pre-attack behaviors like leakage (hinting at plans), noticeable crises, suicidal ideation, and changes in behavior. Sandy Hook Promise outlines warning signs such as social withdrawal, bullying, or fixation on violence. A 2021 study noted most school shooters exhibit psychological issues like depression or defiance beforehand. Leakage—sharing intentions via social media or conversations—is a major red flag in over half of cases.
In a gun safety class, these traits might surface. For instance, a child showing undue excitement about harming others, disregarding safety protocols, or simulating violent acts could signal deeper issues. Behavioral skills training, which involves hands-on scenarios, might amplify this detection. A 2023 community intervention study monitored firearm safety behaviors in families, suggesting education can highlight risky attitudes. Moreover, studies link youth firearm access to higher depression, suicidal thoughts, and unsafe perceptions, implying education could serve as a screening tool.
Public discourse on X echoes this: Recent posts discuss how teaching gun respect early might weed out “red flags” like apathy toward life, with some users arguing it empowers adults to intervene before escalation. Others counter that it risks traumatizing kids or normalizing weapons.
Guns in the Home: How to Keep Kids Safe – HealthyChildren.org
Potential Risks and Counterarguments
Not everyone agrees this approach would prevent school shootings. A Rutgers study paradoxically found that parents who taught kids to shoot were over twice as likely to store guns unsafely, potentially increasing access risks. Exposure to gun education might desensitize children or spark curiosity leading to accidents—three million kids witness shootings annually, with lasting psychological effects like PTSD. The CDC emphasizes community-based prevention over school mandates, focusing on secure storage and mental health support rather than youth education alone.
Young children (under 8) often can’t retain or apply safety lessons effectively, as per AAP findings. Mental health screening via gun classes could stigmatize kids or overlook non-gun-related threats.
The Role of Parental Involvement in Your Child’s Education – The …
Empowering Adults for Intervention
If implemented thoughtfully, gun safety education could integrate with existing systems. Educators might flag behaviors for parents and doctors, leading to personalized plans—like therapy for aggression or counseling for trauma. The Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine advocates comprehensive strategies addressing firearm access and mental health. A Chicago clinic study screened youth for firearm violence exposure, identifying high-risk individuals for intervention. This holistic model—combining education, observation, and treatment—could catch issues early, potentially averting tragedies.
DA Provides New Resource to Help Prevent School Violence – DA …
A Path Forward: Research and Caution
Reintroducing firearm safety education holds intriguing potential for early detection of dangerous mindsets, but it’s no silver bullet. Evidence supports its role in reducing accidents, yet links to preventing intentional violence remain speculative. More studies are needed on integrating behavioral assessments into programs. In the meantime, prioritizing mental health resources, anonymous reporting, and secure storage might yield faster results. As debates rage, one thing is clear: Protecting kids requires vigilance beyond the classroom—starting with spotting those subtle signs that could save lives.
Why I watch 2 episodes of Seinfeld every night – The Fostoria Free Press
Edited w/Ai Assist By Josh Tolento, Editor, Founder, The Fostoria Free Press
In a world overflowing with high-stakes dramas, binge-worthy sagas, and endless streams of doom-scrolling news, there’s something profoundly appealing about tuning into a show that proudly proclaims itself to be about… well, nothing. Seinfeld, the iconic ’90s sitcom created by Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David, has become my nightly ritual: exactly two episodes before bed. Sometimes more, no less. It’s not just entertainment—it’s a deliberate choice for unwinding, laughing off the day’s absurdities, and embracing a bit of controlled chaos. Let me explain why this screenplay has earned its spot in my evening routine.
Jerry & George & Kramer & Elaine
The Beauty of a Show About Nothing
At its core, Seinfeld defies traditional TV storytelling. There’s no overarching plot arc, no character development that spans seasons, and certainly no moral lessons wrapped up neatly at the end of each episode. As George Costanza famously pitches to NBC executives in one meta moment, it’s a show about nothing—everyday annoyances like waiting for a table at a Chinese restaurant, dealing with a soup Nazi, or obsessing over a puffy shirt. This lack of continuity means I can jump in anywhere without feeling lost. One night it’s “The Contest,” the next “The Marine Biologist”—no timeline to track, just pure, standalone hilarity.
This format is liberating in our plot-heavy media landscape. Unlike shows that demand your full attention to follow twists and turns, Seinfeld lets you relax into the mundane turned magnificent. Larry David has even debunked the myth that it was originally pitched strictly as “about nothing,” but the label stuck because it captures the essence: observational comedy rooted in real-life trivialities. For me, that’s perfect. After a long day, I don’t want to invest in emotional rollercoasters—I want effortless escapism.
The Hilarious Idiocy and Blunt Honesty of the Characters
What truly hooks me, though, are the characters: Jerry, George, Elaine, and Kramer. Their stupidity and idiocy aren’t just funny; they’re a masterclass in human folly. Jerry’s deadpan observations, George’s perpetual scheming that always backfires, Elaine’s unfiltered outbursts, and Kramer’s wild entrances—it’s a quartet of flawed, relatable anti-heroes. Their blunt, cold honesty cuts through politeness like a knife, delivering lines that are equal parts savage and spot-on. Who hasn’t cringed (and laughed) at George’s “It shrank!” excuse or Elaine’s “Get out!” shove?
This raw humor is where I suspect I’ve drawn much of my own sarcasm and wit. Watching them navigate petty conflicts with zero self-awareness is cathartic—it’s like holding a mirror to our own ridiculous behaviors. Comedy like this has real power; it helps us see the absurdity in everyday pains and lightens the load. Studies even suggest that rewatching favorites like Seinfeld can boost emotional intelligence and empathy by fostering self-awareness through familiar laughs.
Seinfeldia’ Offers The Hidden Stories Behind Jerry, George, Elaine …
A Perfect Wind-Down: Better Than News or Doom-Scrolling
Finally, it’s all about relaxation. At the end of the day, I could flip on the news and get bombarded with headlines that spike my stress, or dive into online content that’s algorithmically designed to keep me hooked and anxious. Instead, two episodes of Seinfeld act as a gentle buffer, easing me into sleep with low-stakes laughs. Many fans echo this sentiment: it’s a comfort show that calms the mind, helps through tough times, and even aids in falling asleep. There’s something soothing about the familiar theme music, the New York City banter, and knowing that no matter how bad things get for the gang, it’ll reset by the next episode.
Jerry Seinfeld himself credits routines like transcendental meditation for surviving the show’s chaotic production, highlighting the value of daily rituals for mental clarity. For me, this viewing habit is my version of that—a simple, joyful anchor in a hectic world. If you’re looking to ditch the nightly news grind, give Seinfeld a try. Who knows? You might find yourself quoting “No soup for you!” as your new mantra for letting go.
WATCH: Lake Erie’s Raw Power Unleashed: Massive Waves Pound New York Shoreline Amid Late-2025 Storm
As 2025 draws to a close, Lake Erie is reminding residents across Northwest Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York why it’s often called an “inland ocean.” A viral social media post shared by the Jet Express Ferry page highlights the lake’s ferocious side, featuring dramatic still photos of enormous waves slamming into the shoreline at Barcelona, New York (near Westfield on the eastern end of the lake).
The post, originally from Erie Weather Now and captioned: “The raw power of Lake Erie on full display… Massive waves crashing into the shoreline, with these still photos capturing the immense energy of the water frozen in time,” underscores how the Great Lakes can mimic ocean behavior during intense storms. “Say what you want, but the Great Lakes act a lot like oceans—especially during strong storms.”
This display comes amid active gale and storm warnings on Lake Erie through late December 2025. The National Weather Service reports west winds of 30–50 knots, with waves building to 14–21 feet (occasionally higher) in open waters, and significant wave heights of 6–11 feet nearshore. High wind warnings and lake-effect snow are affecting coastal areas from Ohio to New York, with potential for whiteout conditions and treacherous travel.
While early ice has begun forming along some Ohio and Pennsylvania shores due to recent cold snaps, strong winds and waves are preventing widespread freezing—keeping the lake open and fueling more lake-effect snow.
Safety Reminder: Authorities urge staying off breakwalls, piers, and icy shores—waves like these can sweep people away in seconds. Boaters should heed marine forecasts, as conditions remain hazardous into the New Year.
Lake Erie’s winter fury is a sight to behold from a safe distance, but always respect its power. Stay tuned for updates as we ring in 2026 with more wintry weather ahead.
