October named Domestic Violence Awareness Month

TIFFIN — At the Tiffin city council meeting Monday, Mayor Lee Wilkinson declared October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Tiffin. Members of First Step, a domestic violence service organization based in Fostoria, attended the meeting to accept a proclamation from Wilkinson. Amy Kinney, executive director of First Step, shared that the state's official domestic violence fatalities report was released Tuesday. "I believe the number (of domestic violence fatalities) is 114," Kinney said. "Two of those were in Seneca County, unfortunately. We are continuing our efforts of education, prevention and caring for survivors when they are in need." First Step Domestic Violence Services serves Wood, Wyandot, Seneca, Sandusky and Hancock counties in Northwest Ohio. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call the 24-Hour Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. If you are in immediate danger, call 911. For assistance with emergency shelter, call the organization's hotline at 419-435-7300. Wilkinson then read a proclamation about domestic violence. "Domestic violence affects millions of individuals each year regardless of age, economic status, race, religion, nationality or educational background and it is a pervasive issue that tears at the fabric of families and communities," he said. "The city of Tiffin recognizes that domestic violence is not just a personal or private matter but a public health and safety issue that impacts victims, children, workplaces and neighborhoods." The proclamation was then presented to First Step. Wilkinson also read and presented a proclamation to members of Destination Seneca County for the accomplishment of receiving three first place RUBY Awards at the 2025 Ohio Conference on Travel, as well as Bryce Riggs, President & CEO of the Seneca County Collaborative, who was named the recipient of the Ohio Travel Association's Emerging Leader Award. Destination Seneca County received awards for Taste of Summer Seneca County campaign, the Seasons & Stories Blog, and its 2024 Year in Review Annual Report. "We've been fortunate for the last four years, 14 different awards that we brought home from the state level, which is really cool," Riggs said. "I think what makes the RUBY Awards really special is that it's working directly with our partners." "Destination Seneca County earning three RUBY Awards is a strong testament to the creativity, dedication and effectiveness of Bryce Riggs and his team at Destination Seneca County," Wilkinson said. "The city of Tiffin extends its sincere congratulations and appreciation (of Riggs). Your tireless efforts to ensure that Seneca County's voice is heard at the state level. Through your work advocating for tourism, business, development and regional collaboration. You have advanced both Tiffin and Seneca County." In other news, council passed the following resolution and ordinances. Resolution • 25-46: expressing appreciation to Kathleen E. Kaufman for her service to the city of Tiffin as the Director of Finance. Ordinances • 25-82: amending the 2025 Budget Ordinance 24-94 to appropriate funds into the Police Capital Budget, Municipal Court Budget and Police Clerks Budget. • 25-83: amending the 2025 Budget Ordinance No. 2024-94 to transfer funds within the Municipal Court General Projects Budget and declaring an emergency. • 25-84: accepting the dedication of a street named Progress Parkway located in the Third Ward of the City of Tiffin, Ohio and declaring an emergency. The next Tiffin city council meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Oct. 20 at Tiffin City Hall, 51 E. Market St.