(From the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library)

This summer, families across Findlay are invited to join Summer Connect, a new initiative bringing free, family-friendly events to local neighborhoods—right where people live, play, and gather.

Building on the success of a 2024 pilot event, Summer Connect 2025 is expanding to seven events in parks and community spaces throughout the city. Designed to reach families, these events aim to connect community members with vital local resources, all while enjoying fun, engaging activities for all ages.

Summer Connect isn’t just about fun—it’s also about well-being. Thanks to a strong partnership with Hancock Public Health, each event will feature a mobile health clinic offering free health screenings to attendees. These screenings include blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen level, and Hemoglobin A1c checks—vital tools for early detection and health awareness.

The City of Findlay Parks and Recreation Department is also bringing their “Keep Active, Keep Healthy” initiative to Summer Connect. This program is designed to make physical activity fun, easy, and accessible for all ages by providing opportunities to participate in games, sports, and active play. Whether it’s tossing a ball, trying a new sport, or enjoying playground fun, families will be encouraged to move, laugh, and stay active together.

“Summer Connect is about bringing the heart of our community into neighborhoods,” says Kristy Szkudlarek, Read for Life Coordinator. “We want to make it easy for families to access important services while enjoying a morning of games, crafts, and connection. These events are completely free and open to everyone—no registration required—because every family deserves a chance to learn, play, and feel supported right where they live.”

Event Schedule:

• June 5 | Bernard Park | 1105 Bernard Ave. | 9 AM – 12 PM
• June 10 | West Park | 1425 Byal Ave. | 9 AM – 12 PM
• June 24 | The Family Center | 1800 N Blanchard St. | 9 AM – 12 PM
• July 8 | Emory Adams Park | 1827 S Blanchard St. | 9 AM – 12 PM
• July 10 | Riverside Park | 231 McManness Ave. | 9 AM – 12 PM
• July 15 | East Branch YMCA | 1400 Manor Hill Rd. | 9 AM – 12 PM
• July 17 | Gateway Church | 620 N Main St. | 9 AM – 12 PM

Each event will feature booths and activities from local organizations, giveaways, crafts, games, and more. Children and families can explore services offered by nonprofits, city departments, and community agencies in a welcoming and relaxed environment.

Organized by: The Findlay-Hancock County Public Library, Hancock Public Health, City of Findlay Parks & Recreation, and a host of committed partners working together to promote wellness, education, and belonging across Findlay. Other community agencies include: Help Me Grow, CASA, Head Start, Family and Children First Council, Awakening Minds Art, Hancock Historical Museum, HHWP Community Action Commission, Children’s Mentoring Connection, Women’s Resource Center, YWCA Child Care Resource, Hope House, WBGU-PBS, and more.

For more information, visit findlaylibrary.org or follow the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library on social media for updates.

The Findlay Publishing Company and Blanchard River Broadcasting Company have announced some key leadership transitions.

Dave Glass, Findlay Publishing Company President and Chief Executive Officer, has announced his retirement effective May 30. Glass began his career with the Company in 1981 as Program Director of WHMQ (now WKXA). He was named Director of Corporate Broadcast Communications in 1990 and assumed the role of President/CEO in 2023. Glass will continue to contribute to the Company as a member of the Board of Directors. He resides in Findlay with his wife, Carrie. The have one son.

Kurt Heminger has been appointed as the new President and Chief Executive Officer. Kurt joined the Company in 1985 and most recently served as Executive Vice President and COO. A graduate of Bowling Green State University, he resides in Findlay with his wife, Sue. They have two children.

Kevin Pancake has been promoted to Vice President. Kevin joined the Company in 1981, starting as an Outside Sales Representative for The Courier. He was promoted to head of marketing for the broadcast division in 1989. Also a graduate of Bowling Green State University, Kevin lives in Findlay with his wife, Sue.

Dan Heminger has been named Secretary of The Findlay Publishing Company. Dan joined the Company’s Board of Directors in 1984. He is a graduate of George Washington University, currently works for United Airlines, and resides in Findlay.

Mike Holman has been named Vice President of The Blanchard River Broadcasting Company, a subsidiary of The Findlay Publishing Company located in Findlay (operating WBUK, WFIN, and WKXA Radio). Holman joined the organization in 2011 as General Manager. A native of Fostoria and a graduate of the University of Toledo, he lives in Findlay with his wife, Kari, and their four children.

(From the Findlay Police Department)

The City has recently experienced a series of incidents involving damage and defacement of restrooms in several public parks.

These acts, believed to be the actions of juveniles, may be seen by some as harmless pranks.

However, they are in fact criminal offenses and are subject to prosecution under Criminal Damaging and/or Criminal Mischief statutes.

Such vandalism not only violates the law but also results in the temporary closure of restrooms for repairs and cleanup, creating inconvenience for other park visitors and placing an unnecessary financial burden on the community.

We would like to remind parents and guardians that they may be held financially liable for damages caused by their children.

We urge all parents to speak with their children about the seriousness of these actions and the potential legal and financial consequences.

Let’s work together to protect and preserve our parks for everyone to enjoy.

(From the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and Blanchard Valley Health System)

Blanchard Valley Health System (BVHS) in Findlay has joined The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center’s Heart & Vascular Network. The premier network extends Ohio State’s heart and vascular expertise by providing top-tier cardiovascular care and ensuring patients receive the best possible treatment close to home.

“We have the opportunity to redefine cardiovascular care in our community through a strategic collaboration with The Ohio State University Heart & Vascular Network,” said Myron D. Lewis, MSW, MBA, FACHE, president and chief executive officer of Blanchard Valley Health System. “This new partnership will help us fulfill our mission to bring the best health care and highest clinical expertise to those we serve. The road ahead will focus on expanding cardiovascular services and prioritizing quality care. Ultimately, the vision is to advance teamwork and transform the patient experience.”

Collaboration of the Heart & Vascular Network with partner health systems will extend clinical care, research and education across Ohio. “Ohio State’s Heart & Vascular Center and BVHS have a longstanding relationship, especially in electrophysiology. BVHS is now a core member of the Heart & Vascular Network, marking one of the most comprehensive and exciting collaborations in the Heart & Vascular Center’s history,” said John J. Warner, MD, CEO of The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and executive vice president at Ohio State. “This enhanced collaboration speaks to our shared commitment to meeting the health care needs of all Ohioans while also keeping care close to home.”

The heart program at BVHS will benefit from improved access to specialized care and seamless coordination of resources with Ohio State, Lewis said. BVHS recently renamed its cardiovascular facility the Heminger Heart and Vascular Center, with the full support and generosity of donors Jane and Gary Heminger. The name change reflects the organization’s commitment to advancing cardiovascular care and innovation, ensuring that patients across the region receive the highest-quality treatment.

(From the University of Findlay)

The University of Findlay’s Graduating Class Gift Philanthropy Cord program honored 144 seniors this year with philanthropy cords, which they wore during Commencement as a symbol of their commitment to the Oiler culture of philanthropy.

President Katherine Fell, Ph.D., and Kenneth McIntyre Jr., vice president of University advancement, presented green cords to the students at a ceremony on May 5, thanking them for their generosity and service.

During the 2024-25 academic year, 144 students donated toward the Findlay Forward Class of 2025 Scholarship and more than $3,000 was raised. Collectively, the students participated in more than 6,500 hours of community service.

“The practice of philanthropy is thriving among this newest generation of Oilers, and we are very proud of them,” said Tiffany Koenig, ’22, assistant director of annual giving and stewardship manager, who also was a philanthropy cord recipient as a UF senior.

“Earning this philanthropy cord shows future employers that these UF graduates understand the importance of giving back and supporting the community,” she explained.

The Philanthropy Cord Program has honored and educated students about philanthropy since its launch in 2015-16 at UF. One of the first nationally-recognized programs of its kind, its objective is to engage graduating seniors to build a foundation of future volunteers and donors, as well as to inspire them to be actively involved in civic engagement in their communities.

The program requires a contribution to the class gift, volunteering for a minimum of six hours, and attendance at a philanthropic learning event.

“It is so important to give of your time, talent, and treasure – and the fact that you’ve done all three shows the impact you make on your University and also your community,” McIntyre told the graduating seniors.

He noted that these Oilers have been helping and serving others throughout the local community at locations such as the City Mission, youth sports camps, the Helping Hands food drive, UF’s Mazza Museum for Funday Sundays, and many other churches and non-profit organizations. Some traveled farther – building homes for Habitat for Humanity in North Carolina during Spring Break and even caring for wild animals at a ranch in South Africa.

Photos of students receiving their philanthropy cords can be viewed in the University’s Flickr Album.

Authorities in Wyandot County are warning residents of a financial institution scam targeting senior citizens and other members of Premier Bank.

The Wyandot County Major Crimes Unit says scammers are contacting residents and claiming to be with Premier Bank.

The scammer will claim there is an issue with your bank account and to resolve the issue you need to withdraw a large amount of money from your bank account and give it to them.

People are reminded to be extremely cautious about any unsolicited calls or messages and to never give out personal information.

People receiving a suspicious call or message should hang up or delete the message and not engage the scammer.

Get more information on the scam from the Wyandot County Major Crimes Unit below.

(From the Hancock Historical Museum)

The Hancock Historical Museum’s popular Classic Movie Night series continues this month with the spooky-comedy favorite The Ghost and Mr. Chicken (1966), screening on Friday, May 16 at 7:00 p.m.

Starring Don Knotts and Joan Staley, this lighthearted mystery follows timid typesetter Luther Heggs as he braves a night in a haunted mansion to prove himself as a reporter. Filled with quirky charm, ghostly hijinks, and small-town suspense, this cult classic remains a beloved showcase of Knotts’ comedic genius.

This screening will be hosted by Haley Shipley, a 4th year American Cultural Studies Ph.D. student and a student supervisor at the Browne Popular Culture Library. Haley is a member of the Ray Browne Association (RBA), a student organization at Bowling Green State University dedicated to the study and appreciation of popular culture. As part of a new 2025 initiative, RBA students will provide historical background and facilitate discussion at select movie nights throughout the year.

Classic Movie Night is free and open to the public. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and seating is limited. The film begins at 7:00 p.m. Complimentary popcorn and refreshments will be available. The screening will be held at the Hancock Historical Museum, 422 West Sandusky Street, Findlay, Ohio.

Don’t miss this chance to enjoy a classic comedy with fellow film fans in an authentic, big-screen setting. For a complete schedule of 2025 Classic Movie Night titles or more information, visit www.hancockhistoricalmuseum.org or call 419-423-4433.

The rest of the 2025 Classic Movie Line Up includes:

June 20 – State Fair (G) 1945

Starring Jeanne Crain, Dana Andrews & Dick Haymes

July 18 – A Face in the Crowd (PG) 1957

Starring Andy Griffith & Patricia Neal

August 16 (Outdoor Movie) – The Goonies (PG) 1985

Starring Sean Astin, Josh Brolin & Corey Feldman

October 24 – Bride of Frankenstein (PG) 1935

Contact Phone Email Website Joy Bennett 419-423-4433 jbennett@hancockhistoricalmuseum.org Hancockhistoricalmuseum.org FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 12, 2025

Starring Boris Karloff 7 Elsa Lanchester

November 21 – Dark Passage (PG) 1947

Starring Humphrey Bogart & Lauren Bacall

December 19 – It’s A Wonderful Life (PG) 1946

Starring James Stewart & Donna Reed, Directed by Frank Capra

(From the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office)

Drivers — Watch for Motorcycles!

With motorcycle season in full swing, we’re reminding all drivers to stay alert and share the road. Motorcycles are smaller and can be harder to see, especially at intersections and in blind spots.

Look Twice, Save a Life:

-Always double-check before changing lanes or turning

-Give motorcycles plenty of space — they can stop faster than cars

-Don’t follow too closely

-Stay off your phone and keep distractions to a minimum

-Check mirrors and blind spots carefully

Let’s work together to keep everyone safe on the road.

One extra second could save a life.

(From the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts)

MCPA’s Boogie on the Block is back! This much-loved event, a staple in the Findlay community since the early 1990s, will take place on Friday, June 6, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM at the Roman-Jebitt Festival Grounds (MCPA Parking Lot).

As Findlay’s biggest block party and the kick-off to summer, Boogie on the Block offers a perfect opportunity for friends, families, and neighbors to come together before their busy summer schedules begin.

The outdoor event will feature live music from two exciting bands: Amelia Airharts, a Toledo-area, female-led band with an explosive presence and soulful sound, and Doc Robinson, known for their “backyard BBQ breakup” music from Columbus, Ohio.

With a range of food vendors and non-alcoholic beverages sponsored by Ball Corporation, plus beer booths featuring Beerco products and craft brews from Findlay Brewing Company, partygoers are in for a night of great food, music, and fun.

Tickets for Boogie on the Block are priced at $7 for general admission and $3 for youth.

This event is proudly sponsored by Hancock Federal Credit Union.

Boogie on the Block is made possible by the incredible support of volunteers.

MCPA is actively seeking individuals to help with various tasks leading up to and during the event.

Volunteering at Boogie on the Block is a great way to get involved, support the community, and be part of this Findlay tradition.

Those interested in lending a hand can sign up on the MCPA website.

For more information about Boogie on the Block and volunteer opportunities, please visit www.mcpa.org or call the MCPA office at 419-423-2787.

The Ohio Department of Transportation is letting drivers know that State Route 568 will close on Thursday, May 15 for approximately 60 days to rehabilitate two bridges on State Route 568 on the east side of Findlay.

• Over the Blanchard River between Township Road 234 and County Road 236 
• Over the ditch between County Road 236 and County Road 237

Work will include overlaying the bridge decks, replacing the approach slabs and deck edges, and patching and sealing concrete surfaces.

Get more details on the project by clicking here.