This year’s Flag City Night Out will be held on Tuesday, August 5th from 6 to 9 p.m. at Findlay’s Riverside Park west of McManness Avenue.

“Flag City Night Out is a free, family-friendly event that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods a safer, better place to live,” said police officer Brian White.

Flag City Night Out allows the public a chance to interact with safety services (Police, Sheriff, Fire, EMS and others) on a one on one basis and get a look at the equipment they use.

Flag City Night Out also serves to highlight non-profit community programs available in the community and get people in touch with the resources they need.

This year’s event will feature live entertainment, food, demonstrations, children’s activities and train rides.

Area mascots will also be on hand to participate in the Annual Mascot Games, with an intermission for the Police vs. Fire Games where area youth will be paired up with officers and firefighters in a variety of games.

Area non-profit organizations will also be on hand to offer insight into what they do and connect people with resources.

“For those that can’t make it, we encourage you to turn on your porch light with a blue bulb,” police said.

“This is a symbolic gesture to show that you stand unified with area safety services and the fight against crime.”

The rain date is Tuesday, August 12.

(From Liberty-Benton Local Schools)

Hey, Liberty-Benton Alumni,

What are you up to these days? We would love to hear from you! We are working to develop an alumni database to help students and classes with all kinds of career backgrounds, to assist with school events, as well as to share the Liberty-Benton updates and happenings with our alumni worldwide. Stay connected to LB by following us on social media, signing up for our newsletters, and submitting your alumni information.

Select a current photo or two of yourself and family, and submit it along with your personal alumni information: https://www.liberty-benton.org/alumni

(From Putnam County Veteran Services)

Did you know many local businesses right here in Putnam County offer exclusive discounts to veterans as a thank-you for your service?

From meals to services and more, we’ve gathered them all in one easy spot — check out the full list here:

https://www.pcvsc.org/local-benefits

Support those who support our veterans — and don’t forget to show your military ID!

(From the Ohio State Highway Patrol)

The Ohio State Highway Patrol is once again competing for the title of “Best Looking Cruiser,” and we need your help to make that happen.

The American Association of State Troopers (AAST) “Best Looking Cruiser” contest is an annual competition where state law enforcement agencies submit photos of their patrol vehicle. The top 13 photos, based on public votes, are featured in the AAST’s annual calendar.

The contest is a way to encourage friendly competition between law enforcement agencies across the country, while also allowing the opportunity for our individual agencies to connect with the communities we serve.

The Patrol’s cruiser, along with the Flying Wheel logo, represents our commitment to providing unbiased, professional public safety services through inclusion, collaboration and innovation.

Here’s how you can cast your vote:

1. Visit our contest webpage by clicking here.
2. Click the “Vote Here” link on the right side of your screen.
3. Scroll down to our photo and vote!

Voting is open from now to 5 p.m. on Friday, July 11. You can vote once per day per device, so be sure to bookmark the page on your devices and cast your vote daily to give us the best chance to win! (You may need to clear your browser’s cache and cookies each day to vote.)

Thank you for your support!

(From the Hancock Historical Museum)

Celebrate Independence Day with an old-fashioned ice cream social from noon to 2 p.m. on Friday, July 4th!

The Hancock Historical Museum at 422 West Sandusky Street in Findlay is an easy walk from the Main Street parade route, and facilities will be open with free family-friendly activities!

Dietsch Brothers Fine Chocolates and Ice Cream scoops are available to purchase for $2, ice cream bars for $2, and root beer floats for $3!

Show your Flag City pride with a commemorative mug for $5 or add a root beer float to it for $7!

Plus- there will be a silent book auction and sale to support the Liberty Tree planting at the Little Red Schoolhouse, put on by the John Hancock Chapter of the Ohio Society, Sons of the American Revolution. 

Want more Fourth of July fun?  Don’t miss the fireworks on July 3 and the Independence Day Parade prior to the Ice Cream Social!

(From the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation)

The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation is excited to announce its latest community-wide initiative, Rooted to Rise: Supporting Work and Play in Hancock County. Unveiled at the Foundation’s Annual Celebration on June 18, this campaign is designed to strategically align community needs with the generosity of donors, bolstering existing systems and fostering long-term growth for a thriving future.

“The genesis of this campaign was the realization that these two areas in particular, work and play, are crucial to quality of life,” said Brian Treece, President & CEO of the Foundation. “The State of Work and Play Report we commissioned last year underscores the need for more support in these areas to ensure everyone in Hancock County has access to a thriving life.”

The “work” category focuses on vital systems such as childcare, housing, transportation, and workforce development. Complementing this, the “play” category emphasizes arts, Fun for All, parks and recreation. With a housing occupancy rate exceeding 99%, childcare costs often rivaling rent, and the cost of recreational activities increasing by an average of 38% since 2021 nationally, many Hancock County families live on the edge of financial crisis. Yet, through these challenges, the spirit of our community persists, as residents continue to seek joy, connection, and creativity. Rooted to Rise aims to encourage and propel that spirit forward.

“We envision a future where Hancock County is not just a place people pass through for work, but a place they’re proud to call home, a place where children can grow up surrounded by learning and opportunity; and adults have access to careers, culture, and community without compromise,” said Treece. “That’s the future we’re building together – a Hancock County where everyone can put down strong roots and continually rise.”

Beyond fundraising, Rooted to Rise is also an educational initiative to deepen community understanding of the critical issues impacting Hancock County. Lasting change comes from knowing the root causes rather than just the symptoms. As part of this campaign, we will highlight the interconnectedness of work and play elements, demonstrating how issues like housing availability can impact workforce development, or how access to recreational activities can improve overall well-being and productivity.

The Foundation will host a variety of community education sessions, including lunch and learns, site visits to local organizations addressing these needs, and other special opportunities. These events will provide valuable insights into how systems change works and how individuals can contribute to a thriving Hancock County.

By investing in both work and play, the Foundation is building a balanced ecosystem where people and possibilities flourish. With the help of many generous donors, there are already 100 funds supporting the systems that are part of work and play. But there’s more work to be done.

Those interested in supporting this work can find more information, including the whole State of Work and Play Report, on our website here.

Findlay’s Fourth of July Parade will take place on Friday, July 4th beginning at 11 a.m.

Line-up will begin at the intersection of Baldwin Avenue and South Main Street beginning at 9 a.m.  

The annual parade to celebrate our country’s independence will step off at South Main Street and Lima Street, travel north on Main Street through Downtown Findlay, ending at the Hancock County War Memorial at the intersection of North Main Street and Center Street.

The Fourth of July parade is organized by a group of community volunteers. Any questions regarding the parade can be answered by calling Scott Sterling, 567-525-1612 or Mike Benavides 419-348-7922.

Other Fourth of July festivities taking place in Findlay include the July 4th Spectacular, Presented by the Hancock County Agricultural Society fireworks and day of family fun at the Hancock County Fairgrounds on July 3, and the Hancock Historical Museum’s annual Ice Cream Social following the parade on July 4.

For information on these events and others taking place in the community go to VisitFindlay.com

(From the Findlay Police Department)

We’ve recently received questions concerning Ohio’s Fireworks Law. Below is a reminder of the law, which went into effect in 2022, as well as recommendations for having a safe holiday.

Ohio Fireworks Law (Ohio Revised Code 3743.45)

Ohioans can discharge consumer fireworks on the following dates and times:

July 3, 4, and 5, and the weekends immediately before and after (4 p.m.- 11 p.m.)

Labor Day weekend (4 p.m.- 11 p.m.)

Diwali (4 p.m.- 11 p.m.)

New Year’s Eve (4 p.m.- 11:59 p.m.)

New Year’s Day (12 a.m.- 1 a.m.; 4 p.m.- 11 p.m.)

Chinese New Year (4 p.m.- 11 p.m.)

Cinco de Mayo (4 p.m.- 11 p.m.)

Memorial Day weekend (4 p.m.- 11 p.m.)

Juneteenth (4 p.m.- 11 p.m.)

Also:

– No person under the age of 18 is permitted to handle or discharge fireworks.

– Persons under the age of 18 cannot be within 150 feet of the discharge point of aerial fireworks.

– It is illegal to use fireworks while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

– No person can use fireworks while in possession or control of, or under the influence of, any intoxicating liquor, beer, or controlled substance.

– Aerial devices cannot be discharged within 150 feet of spectators. (This includes aerial shells, roman candles, firework “cakes” and bottle rockets).

– Non-aerial devices cannot be discharged within 50 feet of spectators. (This includes firework fountains, firecrackers, and ground effect devices).

– It is also recommended to set off fireworks in a clear area away from buildings and flammable materials and keeping a bucket of water nearby, and aerial fireworks require a 150-foot distance from spectators.

Note: These separation distances – for both aerial and non-aerial devices – are increased for certain types of locations such as hospitals, schools, healthcare and residential facilities, apartment and multi-tenant buildings, military installations and railroads.

No person can store in excess of 125 pounds (net weight of pyrotechnic composition) of fireworks unless they have additional safety measures and safeguards in place for such storage.

Fireworks cannot be discharged indoors.

Fireworks cannot be aimed at or discharged toward any person or object (such as buildings).

Fireworks cannot be discharged on public property or private school property.

Fireworks cannot be discharged if drought conditions exist or in an area where a red flag warning is in place or other weather hazard exists.

Where can Ohioans buy fireworks?

Only fireworks purchased in Ohio may be discharged in Ohio. Consumers may purchase fireworks from any of the licensed sales locations throughout the state. When purchasing fireworks, the retailer must provide consumers with safety glasses (for free or at a nominal charge) and with a safety pamphlet.

Can local officials stop Ohioans from discharging fireworks?

As part of the new law, any political subdivision may opt-out of allowing the ability to discharge within their limits so discuss with your local officials the best course of action for your jurisdiction.

The State Fire Marshal provides rules to the public related to the new fireworks law. For a complete look at the new fireworks rules, visit the Division website

For more information you can visit the Ohio Department of Commerce website:

https://com.ohio.gov/…/ohioans-can-discharge-fireworks…

OR

City of Findlay:

https://www.findlayohio.gov/Home/Components/News/News/1260/

The Findlay Police Department says a woman was issued a citation for jaywalking after getting hit by a car while crossing a street.

It happened at North Main Street and 21^st Street a little after noon Sunday.

Police said Nanette Holley, 59, of Findlay, was crossing North Main Street on a handicap scooter when she was struck by a northbound car being driven by Sarah Sexton, 32, of Toledo.

Holley was transported to a hospital with serious injuries, police said.

She was issued a citation for jaywalking as there are no crosswalks in that area. 

Sexton was issued a citation for expired registration, police said.

(From the Ohio State Highway Patrol)

The Sandusky Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating an injury plane crash that occurred just before 11:30 a.m. on June 27 near Kelleys Island Municipal Airport.

The preliminary investigation revealed the single-engine plane, a Cessna 177 Cardinal, piloted by Craig Reese, age 69, of Liberty Twp. Ohio, crashed while attempting to take off westbound from the airport. The plane crashed into the ground, no other property was damaged as a result of the crash.

Mr. Reese and his passenger, Robin Reese, age 67, of Liberty Twp. Ohio, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were transported by air ambulance to Mercy St. Vincent Hospital in Toledo.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted at the scene by Kelleys Island Police Department, Kelleys Island Fire Department and the FAA.

The Federal Aviation Administration has been notified and the incident remains under investigation.