The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation’s ‘Fun for All’ series of free community events continues in September.

According to the Community Foundation’s website, the September events are a Free Play Day at the Children’s Museum of Findlay on Saturday, September 2^nd from 10 to 4, Grandparents Day at 50 North on September 9^th from noon to 2, and a Retirement Event at 50 north on September 30^th from noon to 2.

“We’ve heard time and time again that finding affordable, family-friendly activities is a challenge in Hancock County. The Community Foundation is proud to provide Fun for All to help bridge the gap,” said Community Foundation President and CEO Brian Treece.

Brian says the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation is thankful to its community partners for making the events possible.

There are already a bunch of October events scheduled as well, and you can see them by clicking here.

(From the Ohio State Highway Patrol)

The Ohio State Highway Patrol is urging drivers to be safe this Labor Day weekend. Troopers will focus enforcement efforts on removing impaired drivers from Ohio’s roadways.

The Labor Day weekend reporting period begins Friday, September 1 at 12 a.m. and ends Monday, September 4 at 11:59 p.m.

“Whether you’re traveling throughout the state or around the corner, planning ahead and designating a sober driver is the safest decision you can make for your family, friends, and fellow travelers,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “Our goal is for everyone to get home safely.”

During the 2022 Labor Day holiday weekend, there were five fatal crashes that killed five people. Four crashes and four of those fatalities involved alcohol and/or drugs. Two of those fatalities were unbelted. Troopers also made 406 impaired driving arrests during last year’s holiday weekend. Last year’s Labor Day weekend was the safest Labor Day reporting period since 2010.

“We want Ohioans to practice safe driving behaviors to help us make this Labor Day weekend safe for everyone on our roadways,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent. “Plan ahead and designate a sober driver.”

The public is encouraged to call #677 to report drug activity, and dangerous or impaired drivers.

(From the Ohio District Kiwanis Foundation)

Shannan Connelly, member of Findlay Kiwanis, was recently presented with the Albert and Iris Gilbert Humanitarian award by the Ohio District of Kiwanis.

The award, which was presented at the District convention, is given to an individual Kiwanis member who has demonstrated a humanitarian heart in both their Kiwanis and community service activities. The award is given in honor of Albert and Iris Gilbert, past Ohio Governor and First Lady who exemplified the meaning of humanitarian service in all they did during their Kiwanis and community lives.

As part of the award Shannan was given $200 to donate to a non-profit of her choice and she chose Cancer Patient Services of Hancock County.

Shannan has been a member of Findlay Kiwanis for 10 years. She served as club president for the 2021-2022 service year. Karan Brannan, club secretary, nominated Shannan for her many contributions to the club, the community and the children of the community. In addition to cheerfully volunteering at Kiwanis and community events, like food drives and Kiwanis Pancake Day, Shannan has spearheaded a number of events and projects that have far-reaching impact on the community and especially the children in our community.

Five years ago, Shannan was a co-creator of Kiwanis Purse Bingo which has become the club’s largest fundraiser to date. Now in its fifth year, the event makes possible innumerable contributions to the community. One such project is Kiwanis Closets which places wardrobe cupboards in each elementary and middle school in our area. These closets are stocked with new clothing items, such as t-shirts, sweatpants, shorts, underwear, hats, and gloves for students in need or may have had an accident during school hours.

During her time as president, she started a project that was near and dear to her heart. She found there was a need in local schools for children that are color blind. Her passion for this need led her to partner with Enchroma Glasses. To date Findlay Kiwanis has gifted 29 pairs of glasses to children area children to assist them with their color vision. The club budgets to continue this project each year.

Shannan has also been integrally involved with the Brucklacher Memorial Park. This park, located at The Little Red Schoolhouse, was created in partnership with the Hancock County Historical Museum. The park was named in honor of Jim Brucklacher, a former Kiwanian. Shannan continues to be involved with the park, actively working and coordinating to preserve and upkeep the area.

Shannan’s outgoing personality, bright smile and can-do attitude has been an inspiration to all who know her. In addition, she has sponsored many new members into Kiwanis helping grow the club’s legacy of service to children and the community.

Chartered in 1920, the Kiwanis Club of Findlay is open to people who want to make a difference in their community and the world through service. Persons wishing to learn more about Kiwanis are encouraged to attend a meeting or visit the club’s website at www.FindlayKiwanis.com. The club meets on Wednesdays at noon in the D.O.C.K. at St. Mark’s.

Authorities say two people were arrested when a task force executed a search warrant at a Findlay residence as part of a drug trafficking investigation.

The search warrant was executed at 430 Oak Avenue, Lot 1 on Wednesday night.

The search of the residence yielded suspected crack cocaine, several items of drug paraphernalia and some cash, according to the task force.

Police said Jeffrey L. Williams, 47, and Emily S. Smith, 34, were arrested and booked at the Hancock County Jail.

Williams was facing a charge of possession of crack cocaine, while Smith had two active warrants and was being held for probation violations.

Authorities say additional charges of drug trafficking are expected at the conclusion of their investigation.

(ONN) – Some of Ohio’s political maps are going back to the drawing board.

The Ohio Redistricting Commission reconvenes on September 13th to redraw statehouse maps that were determined to be unconstitutional.

A federal court ordered Ohio’s 2022 legislative elections to proceed on a one-time basis under maps the Ohio Supreme Court found were gerrymandered in favor of Republicans.

The existing Ohio House and Senate maps resulted in even larger GOP supermajorities being elected to both legislative bodies.

The Findlay Police Department says a motorcyclist led an officer on a pursuit when the officer attempted to pull him over for a speeding violation.

The officer attempted to stop the Harley Davidson in the 2300 block of South Main Street at around 1 a.m. Thursday.

Police say the driver, Joshua Miller, 26, refused to stop and led the officer on a high-speed pursuit south on Main Street to the edge of the city.

The pursuit, which reached speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour, continued south on State Route 68 and then west on County Road 40 where Miller stopped.

Miller was placed under arrest for failure to comply/fleeing as well as OVI.

He was also issued a citation for speeding and operating with license plates from another vehicle.

The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office is inviting people to stop by their new exhibit at the Hancock County Fair.

This year the sheriff’s office exhibit is focusing on school bus safety.

Kids are encouraged to check out the new school bus display which was donated by Stearns Companies.

While checking out the sheriff’s office’s tent, people can grab a donut to support the Hancock County Sheriff Explorer Post.

In the video below we speak with Captain Price and Deputy Crouch about the new exhibit.

(From the United Way of Hancock County)

It’s game on at United Way of Hancock County, whose upcoming campaign kickoff events will combine teambuilding opportunities with community impact.

United Way will launch its 2023 Annual Campaign in mid-September with two community sports tournaments designed to build corporate enthusiasm, engage volunteers, and educate the public on the agency’s mission and reach.

First up is the return of the highly popular, family-friendly Campaign Kickoff Kickball Championship. Held from 4-9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14, at Marathon Diamonds, this annual event features 16 teams competing in a single-elimination tournament. The final game of the evening is played under the stadium lights for a trophy and bragging rights — all while promoting United Way and the agencies and programs it supports.

“No matter your athletic prowess, we invite you to gather your team, embrace your inner child and join us for a truly memorable evening of kickball,” said Angela DeBoskey, CEO of United Way of Hancock County. “This event continues to gain popularity every year, and you don’t want to miss out on the chance to round the bases while raising awareness and funds for some incredible local nonprofits.”

Teams can sign up here for a $300 fee. The public is encouraged to come cheer the players on.

One week later, United Way will host its inaugural Campaign Kickoff Pickleball Tournament. Whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned pro, you’re invited to hit the courts at Riverside Park as teams compete in a single-elimination, open division tournament.

The event will be held from 3-7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 21. Pairs can sign up here for a $100 fee.

“We are thrilled at the opportunity to get in on the fun and excitement of pickleball in a way that supports our mission and our work,” DeBoskey said. “We offer a special thank you to local pickleball expert John Steffen, whose guidance has been instrumental in helping us organize this fun new campaign event.”

The theme for United Way of Hancock County’s 2023 Annual Campaign is “Difference Makers,” underscoring the fact that each person can make a difference for vulnerable children, families and individuals through charitable giving, advocacy or volunteerism. United Way’s campaign supports 19 local nonprofit agencies and an additional 20-plus unique programs that provide critical services to 1 in 4 people in Hancock County.

The campaign runs through Nov. 17, with additional events planned and opportunities for workplace and individual giving. All money raised through the campaign stays local to support the areas that need it most. Visit www.uwhancock.org to learn more.

Governor Mike DeWine has announced the formation of a working task force to look into school bus safety in Ohio.

DeWine made the announcement in suburban Cleveland at the Mentor School District’s bus garage, where he met with bus inspectors from the state highway patrol.

The governor said the task force will look at every aspect of bus safety.

“From construction of the buses, to maintenance, to the inspections, we’ll get into issues like seat belts.”

DeWine says buses remain the best way to get students to and from school.

An elementary student in Ohio was killed last week when he was ejected from a bus during a collision with a minivan near Springfield.

(From Be Healthy Now Hancock County)

The Be Healthy Now Hancock County Community Health Fair and Food Distribution will be held on Saturday, September 16, 2023, at the Koehler Center on the University of Findlay campus.

The event starts at 10 a.m. and ends at 2 p.m. Healthy food samples, provided by Chopin Hall, will be available inside from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Food Distribution, provided by the West Ohio Food Bank, will take place between noon – 2 p.m. outside the Koehler Center.

In all, there will be over 30 agencies participating in providing resources and information for access to care, community conditions, and healthy behaviors.

Hancock Public Health will have its mobile clinic present and activities for all to join.

There will be raffles for items such as a Fitbit watch, BVHS backpack, $25 gift cards, a back-to-school backpack, and more!

The Be Healthy Now mission is to create a culture of wellness in Hancock County.

The coalition’s priority is to reach as many community members living with mental health and addiction, barriers to access to care, and health behaviors affecting their overall well-being such as smoking, diabetes, and food availability.

The event is sponsored by The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation in partnership with ADAMHS, The Center for Civic Engagement, Blanchard Valley Health Systems, Ohio State University Extension, West Ohio Food Bank, Chopin Hall, YMCA, Habitat for Humanity – Housing Coalition, and Family First Council.