(From the University of Findlay)

Christine Denecker, Ph.D., has been appointed as the University of Findlay’s vice president of academic affairs, effective January 1.

Denecker has served as interim vice president since August 1. She succeeds Darin Fields, Ph.D., who served for 12 years in the role. He remains at UF as an English professor and assists in the institutional research office on University-wide initiatives, including academic program review.

President Katherine Fell, Ph.D., praised Denecker’s breadth of experience at UF and her service ensuring that Oiler students are equipped for meaningful lives and productive careers.

“There is a long legacy of the value of a University of Findlay education,” President Fell noted. “As the University continues to respond to current workforce needs, I am confident that Dr. Denecker will uphold the high quality and performance of our undergraduate, graduate, and professional academic programs.”

Denecker previously served as an English professor and as associate vice president for learning and innovation. Her current duties include overseeing the University’s Center for Teaching Excellence and its College Credit Plus (CCP) program, which has grown into the largest private dual enrollment program in Ohio with more than 2,000 students.

In her 22 years on campus, she earned the rank of professor; taught undergraduate and graduate courses in English, rhetoric, and education; served as department chair; guided campus assessment efforts; helped foster the culture of teaching and learning by crafting and facilitating in-house professional development; and contributed to general education reform.

“UF has been my home for more than two decades, and there is good reason for that,” Denecker said. “I believe in its mission and values—but more importantly, I am inspired by its people: those I work alongside and those I’ve had the privilege to teach. I am proud to be an Oiler and excited to serve in a new role where I can help plant the seeds of UF’s future.”

This fall, the academic affairs office launched planning around five strategic pillars: mission and vision, holistic learning, academic offerings, external reach, and community integration.

Denecker’s additional priorities include developing the Watterson Scholars Program, creating general education pathways that complement majors, and developing certificates as well as microcredentials in collaboration with local businesses to meet their workforce needs.

(From the Findlay Fire Department)

Please join us in welcoming our newest firefighter, Jacob Plummer!

Jacob is a graduate of Van Buren High School and joins our department with his EMT certification. He currently volunteers for Allen Township Vol. Fire Department.

Jacob will be attending the Ohio Fire Academy to obtain his Firefighter II certification in February.

We’re excited to support Jacob as he continues his training and career with us! Welcome aboard, Jacob!

(From Blanchard Valley Health System)

Blanchard Valley Health System (BVHS) has launched a new internal Medical Assistant (MA) Certification Program designed to expand career pathways for associates while strengthening clinical staffing across Blanchard Valley Medical Practices (BVMP). The program seeks exceptional candidates who take pride in helping patients and contributing to a culture that prioritizes exceptional service and a positive patient experience.

The five-week, full-time training program prepares participants for placement as Medical Assistants through a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on clinical skills training, and supervised clinical rotations. Associates are hired into a full-time temporary training role, with the expectation of transitioning into a full-time Medical Assistant position upon successful completion of the program and final assessment.

“This program reflects BVHS’s continued commitment to growing our own workforce and investing in the professional development of our associates,” said Kelly Shroll, RD, LD, MBA, chief operating officer of ambulatory services. “By creating a structured, hands-on training pathway, we are building a sustainable solution that supports both our team members and the patients we serve.”

The MA Certification Program offers comprehensive instruction in key clinical and administrative skills, including anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, vital signs, infection control, specimen collection, phlebotomy, EKGs, wound care, medication preparation and administration, EHR documentation, and clinical rotations at various BVMP office locations.

Participants must commit to the full five-week schedule, attending Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and achieve a score of 90 percent or higher on the final examination to successfully complete the program.

The program is open to high school graduates or individuals with a GED who demonstrate a strong interest in healthcare and patient care delivery. Graduates are eligible for placement in available Medical Assistant roles across BVMP locations. The BVHS MA Certification is an internal credential and is not equivalent to a nationally recognized Medical Assistant certification.

Through this program, BVHS continues to invest in associate development, building a strong and sustainable clinical workforce for the community.

For more information about career opportunities at Blanchard Valley Health System, visit bvhealthsystem.org/careers.

(From the Ohio State Fire Marshal)

As Ohio braces for another round of extreme cold later this week, the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal is urging Ohioans to take precautions when heating their homes, especially when using alternative heat sources like space heaters, fireplaces, and wood stoves.

Last winter in Ohio, there were 108 fires that were attributed to space heaters. Nationwide, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports heating equipment as the second-leading cause of home fires as well as the second-leading cause of home fire deaths during the winter months, with cooking and smoking materials being the top causes respectively.

According to the NFPA, nearly half of all U.S. home heating equipment fires (46%) occur between December and February, which is why Ohio State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon says now is the time for Ohioans to rethink how they’re heating their homes to ensure they’re not putting their loved ones at risk.

“Every winter, we see a spike in home fires caused by unsafe heating practices,” said Marshal  Reardon. “Simply put, when the temperature drops, the risk of fires goes up. The reality is the majority of these fires are preventable, which makes it all the more important for Ohioans take the time to ensure they are following basic safety measures.”

To help buck these local and national trends, the Division encourages Ohioans to follow the below safety tips during the winter months:

Space Heaters

• Keep all space heaters, regardless of type, at least three feet away from anything that can burn, such as curtains, bedding, furniture or combustible items.
• Never leave a space heater unattended or running while you sleep.
• Plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet; never use extension cords or power strips or plug two space heaters into the same outlet.
• Choose space heater models with automatic shut-off features in case they tip over.

Fireplaces and Wood Stoves

• Have chimneys and flues professionally inspected and cleaned each year.
• Use a fireplace screen to keep sparks and embers from “jumping” into the home.
• Keep combustible items at least three feet from the fireplace.
• Burn only dry, seasoned wood. Do not burn trash, cardboard or treated lumber.
• Allow ashes to cool completely before disposing of them. When you do dispose of them, only use a metal container that is stored outside.

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

• Test smoke and CO alarms monthly and replace batteries at least twice a year.
• Replace any smoke alarms that are more than 10 years old. Dates of manufacture can be found on the back panel of the alarm. If an alarm has a manufacture date of 2015 or older, it should be disposed of and replaced with a new device.
• Smoke alarms should be on every floor of your home, in bedrooms, and in common hallways outside of rooms.
• Install carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home, especially near sleeping areas.

In December 2024, January 2025 and February 2025, Ohio fire departments responded to 1,786 incidents involving the presence of CO.

“Staying warm shouldn’t come at the cost of safety,” Reardon added. “A few simple steps can protect your home and your loved ones both during this code spell and all winter long.”

In addition to heating safely, Marshal Reardon encourages Ohioans to make sure their families are prepared with a home fire escape plan in case of a fire. These plans should include two ways out of every room and should be practiced regularly with everyone in the household. Designate a meeting place outside and make sure children and guests know how to get out quickly and safely because, in an emergency, every second counts.

For more winter heating safety tips, visit com.ohio.gov/WinterSafety.

Night to Shine is a worldwide event sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation, offering an unforgettable prom night experience for individuals with special needs ages 14 and older.

The 2026 Findlay event is being hosted in partnership with St. Marks Findlay, Movement Findlay, and College First Church of God.

The event will take place on Friday, February 13, 2026, from 6:00–9:00 PM at a new location: the Alumni Memorial Union (AMU) at the University of Findlay.

Beth Yoder was on with WKXA’s Rex Howard to share details about the new location and the ongoing need for volunteers to help make the night truly special for every honored guest.

(From The Hancock County Parkinson’s Network)

The Hancock County Parkinson’s Network (HCPN) held its annual meeting on January 12, during which board leadership changes were approved, new board members were welcomed, and grant funding was awarded to local organizations supporting individuals affected by Parkinson’s disease.

The board approved the following slate of officers: Linda DeArment as President, Dr. Bill Kose as Vice President, Rich Fowler as Secretary, and Bob George as Treasurer. The board also formally established the position of Executive Director, to be held by Founder Barb Matheny.

Three new board members were elected: Maggie Brown, Dr. Paul Colbert, and Dr. Carmela Osborne.

During the meeting, HCPN awarded grants totaling just under $11,000 to support Parkinson’s-related programming and resources in the community. Grant recipients included 50 North, which received $4,555 for equipment to support its “Steady and Strong: Empowering Parkinson’s Through Movement” program; the Findlay YMCA, which received $2,807 to fund its Rock Steady Boxing Parkinson’s program; and the Blanchard Valley Health Foundation, which received $3,610 to purchase supplies and equipment aimed at increasing independence for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease.

In addition to board elections and grant awards, the meeting included discussion of marketing & resource initiatives, organizational goals for 2026, and plans for organizational representation at a global Parkinson’s conference in Arizona.

The Hancock County Parkinson’s Network is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals affected by Parkinson’s disease and their caregivers through education, programming, and community awareness.

To learn more or support HCPN, visit hcparkinsonsnetwork.org 

(From Bash on the Bay)

The owners and staff of Bash on the Bay have decided to pause the event for 2026.

Having the event during the week poses many difficult hurdles.

We are working on moving the festival to Friday and Saturday.

If that is not possible on Put-in-Bay we will explore new venues, possibly on the mainland.

We appreciate all the fan support over the past 10 years for the 8 shows we have done and look forward to many more!

(ONN) – A new state law is designed to bridge the communication gap between first responders and those with disabilities.

House Bill 144, also known as Keith’s Law, expands on the already existing communication disability law.

The voluntary database gives people the option to list a communication or mental disability on their license plate and driver’s license, notifying first responders during, say, a traffic stop.

Keiths Law makes it statewide to all first responders.

Disability verification forms can be found on the Ohio Department of Disabilities website and can be returned to the BMV with a doctor’s signature.

(From the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office)

January is recognized as Human Trafficking Prevention Month, as well as National Stalking Awareness Month (NSAM). Sheriff Michael Cortez would like to take a moment to highlight both awareness efforts.

Jan. 18 commemorates the murder of Peggy Klinke at the hands of her stalker in 2003. For Peggy and for all victims and survivors of stalking, help us spark a conversation on stalking on Jan. 18 by posting a sparkly photo with the hashtag #SparkleAgainstStalking to help us bring back the sparkle for all victims and survivors of stalking.

More information can be found: https://www.stalkingawareness.org/day-of-action/

More than 20 years ago, the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (TVPA) demonstrated the United States’ commitment to combating human trafficking, domestically and internationally. January is an opportunity to highlight the work being done every single day to prevent and respond to human trafficking.

If you believe you are the victim of stalking, please reach out to the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office to discuss your concerns!

Volunteers are needed to help with wreath clean-up from the Wreaths Across America event held in December.

Wreath pick-up will start at approximately 9 a.m., on Saturday, January 17th, at Maple Grove Cemetery in Findlay.

Volunteers are asked to pick up only those Wreaths Across America wreaths placed in December, leaving any other wreaths or decorations in place.

The National Wreaths Across America organization suggests that it would be helpful if volunteers bring a stick, pole, rake or something equivalent to support carrying multiple wreaths per trip.

Volunteers are reminded to dress for the weather and wear gloves and waterproof footwear.

In December, Findlay’s Maple Grove Cemetery hosted Wreaths Across America as people placed wreaths on the graves of hundreds of Veterans.

Wreaths Across America is a national event whose mission is to Remember the fallen US Veterans, Honor those who serve our country and Teach future generations about the sacrifices made to preserve our freedoms.