(From Blanchard Valley Health System)

Blanchard Valley Hospital (BVH) has created a new pediatric-friendly dayroom designed to make a hospital stay less traumatic for children.

The dayroom, on the hospital’s sixth floor, features a mural depicting an ocean scene titled “Adventure Cove” with a “Seek & Find” including a list of animals children can search for, such as an orca and a seahorse.

The dayroom also features new toys for the children. Legos are available, and a piano mat plays musical notes when a child steps on it.

“This provides a safe, colorful, bright place for children to play,” said Julie Rieman, RN, pediatric care coordinator and nurse educator.

“We know being in the hospital can feel scary, and our hope is that this space is reassuring for them.”

The dayroom builds upon previous efforts to make a hospital stay less stressful for children, including providing toys as well as sound machines that can project pictures on the ceiling to help children sleep. Associates bring an activities cart with items like coloring books and Play-Doh to their rooms, and children receiving IV therapy can get a stress ball or something else to hold as a distraction.

Rieman regularly researches how children’s hospitals work to ensure children feel as comfortable and safe as possible.

“We admit a relatively small number of children, but there are many creative ways to replicate these ideas on a smaller scale,” Rieman said. “We want to reassure families that, while we are not a children’s hospital, we are here for this community’s children.”

She added that reducing stress can improve children’s health.

“Children who are calmer while in the hospital are likely to fare better medically,” she said. “For example, reducing this stress upon children will help them sleep better. Sleeping is healing.”

The mural was painted by Findlay native and longtime Northwest Ohio resident Amber Kear.

“I’m just grateful for this opportunity,” Kear said. “Knowing that this might bring some comfort to children when they’re feeling vulnerable is so rewarding as an artist.”

Rieman said “Adventure Cove” is meant to be a colorful and intriguing place for children to explore.

“Our hope is that this will help children find hope in unexpected situations,” she said.

Parents can use a QR code to gather information on the “Seek & Find.”

“This gives them a chance to interact with their child, and strengthen that developmental bond,” Rieman said. “Research has shown that play and bright colors help children’s health.”

While the mural is meant to make the environment more comforting for children, Rieman said associates are also excited.

“Our entire team cares so much about these children, and we’re thrilled to have a beautiful space for the kids and their families,” Rieman said. “As adults, too, we love having such beautiful art where we work.”

Rieman said BVH has a group of nurses who are especially drawn to pediatric patients.

“These nurses go above and beyond for the comfort of these patients, caring for them like they are their own children,” she said. “They’re passionate and committed, and eager to keep learning new things about how to improve this care.”

“Each patient matters to us, and if we can affect even one child in a positive way these efforts are worth it,” Rieman said. “This is a vulnerable time for children.”

The mural was funded through donations from the Palmer Family and Friends of Pediatrics.

If you are interested in donating to community healthcare projects, please call 419.423.5457.

(From WesBanco, Inc. and Premier Financial Corp.)

WesBanco, Inc. (“WesBanco”) (NASDAQ: WSBC) and Premier Financial Corp. (“Premier”) (NASDAQ: PFC) jointly announced today that they have executed a definitive Agreement and Plan of Merger (“Agreement”) providing for the merger of Premier with and into WesBanco. Jeff Jackson, President and Chief Executive Officer of WesBanco, and Gary Small, President and Chief Executive Officer of Premier, made the joint announcement.

Under the terms of the Agreement, which has been unanimously approved by the board of directors of both companies, WesBanco will exchange shares of its common stock for all of the outstanding shares of Premier common stock, in an all-stock transaction. Premier shareholders will be entitled to receive 0.80 of a share of WesBanco common stock for each share of Premier common stock they own upon the effective time of the merger, for aggregate merger consideration valued at approximately $959 million, or $26.66 per share, based on WesBanco’s closing stock price of $33.32 as of July 24, 2024. The transaction values Premier at a price to June 30, 2024 tangible book value per share of 142% and a price to mean analyst estimated 2024 earnings per share of 12.9 times. The merger is expected to qualify as a tax-free reorganization.

WesBanco also announced today that it has entered into subscription agreements with investors to raise capital to support the merger, led by a $125 million investment from Wellington Management. Additional investors include Glendon Capital Management LP and Klaros Capital. In aggregate, $200 million of WesBanco common stock will be issued. The capital raise is expected to close on August 1, 2024. The proceeds of the capital raise are expected to support the pro forma bank’s balance sheet and regulatory capital ratios.

Upon completion of the merger, the shares issued to Premier shareholders are expected to comprise 30% of the outstanding shares of the combined company, the shares issued in the capital raise are expected to represent 8% of the combined company, and 62% of the outstanding shares of the combined company are expected to be held by legacy WesBanco shareholders.

Jeff Jackson, President and Chief Executive Officer of WesBanco, stated, “Today is an exciting day in WesBanco’s 155-year history as we announce our proposed merger with Premier and mark another milestone in our long-term growth strategy. This transformative merger will bring together two high-caliber institutions to create a community-focused, regional financial services partner strongly positioned to serve the unique needs of both our new and legacy communities. We are pleased to welcome Premier’s customers and employees to the WesBanco family and look forward to delivering exceptional customer experiences to our newest markets through a broader offering of banking and wealth management services. WesBanco has built an outstanding reputation for soundness, profitability, customer service, employer of choice and community development, as evidenced by multiple recent national accolades. We look forward to extending our legacy through this merger and bringing even greater value to our customers, teams, communities and shareholders.”

With highly compatible cultures and business models, the proposed merger will create a regional financial services institution with approximately $27 billion in assets, significant economies of scale, and strong pro forma profitability metrics. With complementary and contiguous geographic footprints, the combined company would be the 8^th largest bank in Ohio, based on deposit market share, have increased presence in Indiana, and serve customers in nine states.

Excluding certain merger-related charges and transaction related provision for credit losses, the transaction, with cost savings fully phased in, is anticipated to be more than 40% accretive to 2025 earnings. Estimated tangible book value dilution at closing of 13% is expected to be earned back in approximately 2.8 years, using the “cross-over” method. The merger is subject to a number of customary conditions, including the approvals of the appropriate regulatory authorities and approvals by the shareholders of both WesBanco and Premier. It is expected that the transaction should be completed during the first quarter of 2025. Upon completion of the merger, four members of Premier’s current Board of Directors will be appointed to WesBanco’s Board of Directors.

“The combination of WesBanco and Premier makes for an excellent strategic fit. Both organizations value community level banking, are well aligned from a culture perspective, and are focused on performance,” said Gary Small, President and Chief Executive Officer of Premier. “The expanded reach of the organization will serve as a catalyst for growth and increased investment in products and services, to the benefit of all stakeholders: customers, associates, shareholders, as well as the communities we serve.”

At June 30, 2024, WesBanco had consolidated assets of approximately $18.1 billion, deposits of $13.4 billion, total loans of $12.3 billion, and shareholders’ equity of $2.5 billion.

At June 30, 2024, Premier had consolidated assets of approximately $8.8 billion, deposits of $7.2 billion, total loans of $6.8 billion, and shareholders’ equity of $1.0 billion.

When the transaction is consummated, WesBanco will have more than 250 financial centers, as well as loan production offices, across nine states. The transaction will expand WesBanco’s franchise by 73 financial centers located primary throughout northern Ohio, as well as in southern Michigan and northeastern Indiana. Officials of both organizations are optimistic that organizing around customer services and product delivery can be accomplished with as little employee disruption as possible.

As a condition to WesBanco’s willingness to enter into the Agreement, all of the directors and executive officers of Premier have entered into voting agreements with WesBanco pursuant to which they have agreed to vote their shares in favor of the merger.

Financial advisors involved in the transaction were Raymond James & Associates, Inc., representing WesBanco, and Piper Sandler & Co., representing Premier. Raymond James & Associates, Inc. also served as placement agent on the private placement.

Legal representations in the transaction include Phillips, Gardill, Kaiser & Altmeyer, PLLC and K&L Gates LLP for WesBanco, Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough, LLP for Premier, Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP for Raymond James and Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP for Wellington Management.

About Premier Financial Corp.

Premier Financial Corp. (Nasdaq: PFC), headquartered in Defiance, Ohio, is the holding company for Premier Bank. Premier Bank, headquartered in Youngstown, Ohio, operates 73 branches and nine loan offices in Ohio, Michigan, Indiana and Pennsylvania and also serves clients through a team of wealth professionals dedicated to each community banking branch. For more information, visit Premier’s website at www.PremierFinCorp.com.

About WesBanco, Inc.

With over 150 years as a community-focused, regional financial services partner, WesBanco Inc. (NASDAQ: WSBC) and its subsidiaries build lasting prosperity through relationships and solutions that empower our customers for success in their financial journeys. Customers across our eight-state footprint choose WesBanco for the comprehensive range and personalized delivery of our retail and commercial banking solutions, as well as trust, brokerage, wealth management and insurance services, all designed to advance their financial goals. Through the strength of our teams, we leverage large bank capabilities and local focus to help make every community we serve a better place for people and businesses to thrive. Headquartered in Wheeling, West Virginia, WesBanco has $18.1 billion in total assets, with our Trust and Investment Services holding $5.6 billion of assets under management and securities account values (including annuities) of $1.8 billion through our broker/dealer, as of June 30, 2024. Learn more at www.wesbanco.com and follow @WesBanco on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

(From the Ohio Department of Transportation)

Interstate 75 rest area maintenance: 

The I-75 rest areas just south of the city of Findlay (MM 153) will close according to the schedule below for water system maintenance.

CLOSURES

Southbound rest area: Monday, July 29-Thursday, Aug. 1

Northbound rest area: Tuesday, July 30- Friday, Aug. 2

(From the Ohio Department of Commerce)

The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal (SFM)  joined the Findlay Police Department and Findlay Fire Department in presenting checks on behalf of the Blue Ribbon Arson Committee to two Findlay residents for information they provided that helped solve a 2022 arson. (video below)

Due to the nature of the witness accounts provided, Nicholas Bishop received a check for $4,000 and Joseph Cross received a check for $1,500. 

At approximately 9:40 a.m. on Sunday, June 26, 2022, Bishop was driving in the area of 233 Bell Ave. in Findlay when he observed dark gray smoke in the sky. After driving to a nearby residence, he observed a large amount of smoke coming from the south side of the building behind an attached garage. After parking on the driveway, Bishop saw an adult female and male carrying bags of personal items from inside the house and placing them inside a red SUV. After asking if they were okay, the individuals did not respond and then rapidly drove away, nearly striking Bishop’s vehicle. At that time, Bishop called 911 for help.

At that same time, Cross heard yelling coming from next door as he observed his neighbors placing items in the back of the SUV. Cross was able to positively identify the adult female and the adult male.

After arriving at the scene, the Findlay Fire Department found flames extending over the south side attached garage roof line, and a second smoldering fire in the yard near the west side of the residence. 

The Findlay Fire Department contacted SFM and the Findlay Police Department to investigate the fires, and it was determined the fires had been intentionally set. Information provided by Bishop and Cross was used to place the adult female at the residence during the time of the fire, and it helped in the prosecution and later conviction of the adult female, who was identified as Heather Gilles. The adult male was not charged in connection with this crime.

About the Blue Ribbon Arson Committee
In 1973, the Ohio FAIR Plan Underwriting Association founded the Blue Ribbon Arson Committee (BRAC) for the purpose of bringing together Law Enforcement Officers, Firefighters, and Insurance Industry Personnel to combat the crime of arson. Since 1978, the Blue Ribbon Arson Committee has sponsored a Reward Fund. A reward of up to $5,000 is provided to the person or persons who come forward with information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the individual(s) responsible for setting fires. 

(From the Hancock County Solid Waste District)

The Hancock County Solid Waste Management District, will be hosting another Household Hazardous Waste & Paint collection event. These collection events will be held monthly during the summer at the Hancock County Fairgrounds, 1017 E. Sandusky St., Findlay.

This month the collection is scheduled for TUESDAY July 30, 2024 – 1 pm to 6 pm

This HHW event is free for Hancock County Residents (proof of residency required). Household Hazardous Waste & Paint materials will not be accepted from businesses, companies or contractors.

Accepted items include Paints, Stains, Thinners, Aerosols, Mercury, Propane Cylinders, Cleaners, Fertilizers, Pesticides, Acids, Oxidizers, Lead-Acid Batteries, Antifreeze, Motor Oil, and Fuels. For a complete list of scheduled community event guidelines, specifics and other recycling information follow Events on the Hancock County Solid Waste Management District on Facebook or visit the website at www.HancockEnvironment.com .

The free HHW/Paint Collection event is sponsored by the Hancock County Solid Waste Management District in cooperation with ERG Environmental and the Hancock County Fairgrounds. #RememberRecycleRight

(From the Ohio State Highway Patrol)

On July 25, 2024, at approximately 11:55 PM, troopers with the Lima Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol were on routine patrol when a trooper identified a vehicle that had been reported stolen traveling north on Interstate Route 75. The vehicle was confirmed as stolen by the Lima Police Department. A traffic stop was initiated with the 2017 Chevrolet Impala and the driver of the stolen vehicle failed to stop, and a pursuit ensued.

Troopers with the Findlay Post were requested to assist and deployed stop stick devices. The pursuit traveled approximately 11 miles before the suspect vehicle struck the rear of a 2022 Ford F-150 in Eagle Township, southwest of Findlay. The driver of the F-150 pulled to the right berm. The stolen Impala entered the median and rolled over several times, coming to final rest on its top. The driver of the stolen vehicle was taken into custody without further incident.

The driver of the stolen vehicle was identified as Ryan A. Aab, age 16, of Lima. He was taken to Blanchard Valley Hospital with suspected minor injuries. The driver of the F-150 was identified as Terry W. Hopper, age 47, of Knoxville, Tennessee. There were four passengers in the F-150. None of the occupants claimed injury.

Assisting troopers on scene were the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office, Bluffton Police, D&D Towing, R&A Towing, Hanco EMS and Liberty Township Fire Department. After receiving medical attention at the hospital, Ryan A. Aab was transported to the Allen County Juvenile Detention Center and potential charges will be reviewed by the Allen County Prosecutor’s Office. All of the occupants in both vehicles were reportedly wearing seatbelts. Alcohol or drugs are not suspected to be a factor.

(From the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office)

The Sheriff’s Office has received reports about people that are getting calls regarding missed court dates and asking for amounts of $4,000, claiming they are a Sergeant from the Sheriff’s Office.

THIS IS A SCAM. Please do not give any personal or financial information.

Another person received mail claiming to be a National Sheriff organization, requesting donations for bulletproof vests for law enforcement.

This may or may not be a scam, but we do not receive any funds locally from this organization.

Please be vigilant and research organizations before giving any donations.

(From the City of Findlay)

The courts at Rawson Park (720 River St.) are finished and OPEN!

There is one tennis court and four pickleball courts available on a first-come, first-serve basis from dawn to dusk.

Please remember to treat other park-goers with respect when utilizing this community space.

Other available amenities at Rawson Park:

-Basketball Court

-Lighted Baseball Diamond

-Charcoal Grill

-Picnic Tables

-Playground Equipment

*Renovated bathrooms soon to come!

This project was made possible by the hard work of our Public Works Department. Thanks, team!

(From the Findlay Police Department)

This year’s Flag City Night Out event will be held on Tuesday, August 6th 2024 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Riverside Park near the “Kiddie Corral” off Carnahan Avenue.

For those not familiar, 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.

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 our 10th 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.

An inflatable obstacle course will be set up to allow children to test their skills, as well as Root Beer floats and snow cones provided by Movement Church and Kona Ice to cool off.

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.

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

For more information on the National Night Out initiative you can visit https://natw.org/.

We hope to see you on August 6th!

Officer Brian White, Findlay Police Department, Crime Prevention

(From Findlay City Schools)

We are so grateful for this community’s help to “Stuff the Bus” with school supplies for Hancock County students.

A huge amount of our kids receive bright and shiny school supplies for the year because of this!

Thank you.

Families: there are still a few slots available to receive these supplies!

Find the link to register for on our Findlay Opportunities page: https://www.fcs.org/parents-students/findlay-opportunities

Thank you 100.5 WKXA and Rex Howard for having Dr. Hatton on to chat about this amazing program.

McDonald’s, WFIN , WKXA and 106.3 The Fox are joining with area organizations like Christian Clearing House again this year to “Stuff The Bus” with school supplies for local school children in need.

We invite you to stop by McDonald’s on Tiffin Avenue on Thursday and Friday, July 25-26 from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday, July 27 from 10 to 2 to donate.