Coroner, Co-Worker, and BCI Personnel Testify in McCafferty Trial

Coroner, Co-Worker, and BCI Personnel Testify in McCafferty Trial

The Hardin County trial against Andrew McCafferty continues today. One of the witnesses on the stand this morning was Dr. Dean Swiatkowski. He is the Chief Deputy Coroner from the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office, where the autopsy on James Collins' body was conducted. He was called by Prosecutor Brad Bailey. The doctor detailed the severity and locations of the stab wounds on Collins' body. Dr. Swiatkowski noted that any of the multiple wounds could have been fatal, but one on the right […]

February 4, 2026 2493 3 6

Featured

Public Notice: Hardin County Courthouse Security Screening Policy Effective February 9, 2026

Public Notice Courthouse Security Screening Policy Effective Date: February 9, 2026 The purpose of this policy is to ensure the safety and security of all individuals within the courthouse by preventing the introduction of weapons, explosives, and prohibited items into the facility. All individuals entering the Hardin County Court House-including citizens, legal professionals, and employees, are subject to security screening. Hours of operation: Screening stations are active during all hours the building is open to the public. Monday- Friday 7:30am-5:00pm. Compliance: […]

February 4, 2026 2124

5 3

Featured

Multiple Witnesses Take the Stand as McCafferty Trial Continues

The Hardin County trial against Andrew McCafferty continued today. McCafferty, a Mount Victory man, is facing charges of aggravated murder, murder, involuntary manslaughter, felonious assault, and two counts of tampering with evidence. Testimony this morning was provided by Andrew McCafferty's live-in girlfriend, who described his demeanor the evening before the stabbing incident took place. She told Prosecutor Brad Bailey that McCafferty consumed whiskey, which she said changes him from mild-mannered to angry. She testified that she left the house around […]

February 3, 2026 2494 3 5

2

Featured

Ada Restaurant Owners Express Gratitude for Community Support After Monday Fire

Photo: Karen Miller Owners of Viva Maria in Ada are thanking first responders and the community after a fire damaged the restaurant Monday afternoon. Multiple fire and emergency units from across the area responded to the scene, with some crews remaining for hours despite cold conditions. The owners said the fire followed a series of security alarms at the building, and when they arrived, smoke was pouring from the rear of the restaurant. Employees and community members also gathered at […]

February 3, 2026 2440 2

2

Featured

State Presents Case Against McCafferty as Witnesses Testify Monday

After seating a jury and presenting opening statements, the State began laying out its case against Andrew McCafferty yesterday in Hardin County. Prosecutor Brad Bailey called three witnesses to the stand Monday afternoon. They included Emily Roy, the Communications Coordinator at the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office, who presented the timeline from the first 9-1-1 call made by McCafferty’s live-in girlfriend, who reported that James Collins had been stabbed. Colin O’Connell, a paramedic with South East Hardin–North West Union County EMS, […]

February 3, 2026 2013 2

6 3

Featured

Opening Statements Begin in Hardin County Murder Trial

Jury selection for the trial of Andrew McCafferty concluded today, Monday, February 2, in the case involving the October 1 stabbing death of James Collins in Mt. Victory. The trial is now underway, with opening statements presented by both the prosecution and defense. Assistant Prosecutor Morgan Fish, in his opening statement, claimed that McCafferty's live-in girlfriend left the house on the night of September 30—the night before the killing—following an argument. She took her two high school–age foster children with […]

February 2, 2026 6441 3 6

Featured

City of Findlay Wins $150,000 for Urban Prairie Pilot Project

City of Findlay- Mayor's Office The City of Findlay was one of nine cities in the United States to win a 2026 Healthy and Sustainable Communities Award from American Beverage, the American Beverage Foundation for a Healthy America and the United States Conference of Mayors. They won first place in the Small City category. Findlay will receive $150,000 for its Urban Prairie Pilot Project. The project is a model for sustainability and will convert flood-damaged, city-owned turfgrass in the Blanchard […]

February 2, 2026 681

Featured

11 UNOH Sport Marketing & Management Students Head to San Francisco to Volunteer at Super Bowl LX

Eleven University of Northwestern Ohio Sport Marketing and Management students, accompanied by two professors, are set to showcase their skills on a national stage at Super Bowl LX in San Francisco, California. The internship, hosted by the NFL and the Bay Area Host Committee, will have students actively participating in events leading up to the big game on February 8, 2026. The students’ primary assignment involves volunteering at the Super Bowl Experience, a dynamic, interactive pro football theme park at […]

February 2, 2026 161

2 1

Featured

Hardin County Murder Trial Underway Following Jury Selection

A jury was seated today, Monday, February 2, in the Hardin County murder case against Andrew McCafferty. The twelve-member jury includes seven women and five men. The trial is scheduled to begin following jury selection and is expected to last five days. McCafferty, a Mount Victory man, is facing charges of aggravated murder, murder, involuntary manslaughter, felonious assault, and two counts of tampering with evidence. He is accused of stabbing James Collins to death in Mount Victory on October 1, […]

February 2, 2026 1835 1 2

Featured