A man who was an important and influential leader in Findlay and Hancock County has passed away.

Dr. C. Richard Beckett was a highly successful and well-respected veterinarian in Findlay for years and was a great friend to the University of Findlay.

Dr. Beckett joined the University of Findlay’s Board of Trustees in 1985 and became chair in 2002.

“His enthusiasm for this wonderful campus and for the faculty, the staff, the students here was infectious, and it was genuine,” said University of Findlay President Dr. Katherine Fell who was good friends with Dr. Beckett and his wife Linda.

“Dr. Beckett’s wisdom, vision, and compassion benefited the University of Findlay for decades. He loved spending time with students, faculty and staff, and his eyes would light up whenever he talked about the University. We are all deeply blessed to have had him at the UF helm to guide and encourage us.”

During his board chairmanship, UF experienced tremendous growth in the size of the campus and in the number of academic programs available.

Dr. Beckett was instrumental in establishing the undergraduate program in animal science and pre-veterinary medicine and also helped launch UF’s equestrian program.

He spent more than 40 years helping UF educate students.

The Dr. C. Richard Beckett Animal Sciences Building opened in his honor in 2009.

Dr. Beckett was 88 years old.

Visitation will be Thursday, October 26, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Coldren Crates Funeral Home in Findlay.

The funeral service will also be at Coldren Crates, on Friday, October 27th, at 10 a.m.

(From the Office of the Governor)

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jon Husted, Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik, and JobsOhio president and CEO J.P. Nauseef announced today that a new soybean processing plant in Upper Sandusky will bring more than 100 new jobs to Ohio.

Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC), a leading merchant and processor of agricultural goods, will invest approximately $500 million to construct the new plant in Wyandot County, bolstering the region’s economic growth in the critical food and agriculture sector.

“Soybeans are Ohio’s top exported agriculture product, so we are very excited to welcome LDC to Upper Sandusky,” said Governor DeWine. “This new facility will not only bring in new jobs, but it will also lead to new avenues for growth and innovation in Ohio’s agricultural sector.”

There are approximately 26,000 soybean farmers in Ohio, and the annual economic impact from soybean production in Ohio is $5.3 billion. LDC’s state-of-the-art soybean processing plant will have integrated crushing, edible oil refining, and lecithin production and packaging capabilities.

“LDC choosing Upper Sandusky for its expansion grows our robust agricultural industry and adds to the list of innovative companies choosing Ohio because of our talented workforce and dedication to business growth,” said Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted. “The positive ripple effect of this project on local communities and across the state is something we look forward to seeing.”

“This is a memorable moment for the people of Wyandot County,” said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development. “This significant investment by LDC, and the jobs that will be created out of it, not only will strengthen the economy throughout the region, but are proof that Ohio is an attractive landing spot for businesses looking to expand.”

According to the Ohio Department of Agriculture, soybeans are cleaned, cracked, dehulled and rolled into flakes to separate the oil and meal components during processing. Soybean products include tofu, soymilk, edamame, soy nuts, sprouts, miso, and soy sauce. Soybean oil is also used in salad dressings and mayonnaise, as well as in industrial products such as plastics and biodiesel.

“LDC’s substantial investment is a testament to Ohio’s economic vibrancy and our appeal to global agribusiness leaders,” said J.P. Nauseef, JobsOhio president and CEO. “This collaborative effort brings 100 new jobs and cutting-edge technology that will serve as a magnet for future investment in this critical sector.”

Wyandot County has long been recognized as a center for manufacturing, agri-business, and farming, backed by an ideal location and highly skilled workforce. The partnership between JobsOhio, Regional Growth Partnership, Wyandot County Economic Development, and the City of Upper Sandusky created an ideal environment for LDC.

Dean Monske, CEO of Regional Growth Partnership, added: “This development is a beacon of economic development and innovation. The Regional Growth Partnership is excited to support the endeavor, which will contribute to the region’s prosperity and lays a foundation for future collaborations.”

The State of Ohio and JobsOhio will consider assistance for the project, which will be made public after any incentives are approved.

Findlay City Schools is reminding students and parents that there will be no school on Monday, October 23^rd.

That day will be a staff professional development day.

Looking ahead on the school district’s calendar, fall break will run from Monday, November 20^th through Friday, November 24^th.

Click here for the full Findlay City School’s calendar.

(From the Hancock County Board of Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services)

Hancock County’s primary health organizations have taken a stand against State Issue 2, which, if approved by voters, will legalize marijuana for recreational use by adults throughout Ohio.

The Hancock County Board of Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services, along with two community-wide associated coalitions, recently passed a resolution against Issue 2.

The resolution was signed at the Sept. 26 board meeting by Ann Woolum, ADAMHS Board chairperson, on a motion made by Jim Darrach, and seconded by Rick Eakin. Joining the Board in the resolution were the Hancock County Community Partnership and the Hancock County Coalition on Addiction.

In the resolution, the organizations make three arguments in opposition to legalization, which is on the Nov. 7 general election ballot. Early in-person absentee voting started last week and continues through Nov. 5.

Zach Thomas, with ADAMHS, was on with WFIN’s Chris Oaks.

Unlike alcohol, which has research and scientific evidence that provides low-risk alcohol use guidelines based on biology, family history, and psycho-social factors, no such evidence-based guidelines currently exist to guide recreational marijuana use, according to the resolution.

In addition, the resolution says the current illegal status of recreational marijuana in the state should be maintained because it is a needed barrier. “Many individuals will not engage in the behavior recreational of marijuana use simply on the fact that it is illegal,” the resolution states.

The Board also has an “amplified concern” related to underage use since legal recreational marijuana use would increase access and social acceptability. The resolution says that passage of the issue may result in more youth using marijuana, potentially leading to an increase in problem behaviors, such as substance use disorders, delinquency, and decreased academic performance.

The three organizations concluded that they oppose any effort, whether through ballot initiative or legislative action, to legalize marijuana for recreational use in Ohio.

(ONN) – A poll from Baldwin Wallace University in suburban Cleveland looks at the two statewide issues that will be decided in the November election.

Issue one, which would enshrine abortion rights into the state’s constitution, has the support of 58 percent of the 850 registered voters surveyed. That includes 89 percent of Democrats, 39 percent of Republicans and 51 percent of independents.

State issue two, which seeks to legalize recreational marijuana in Ohio, has the support of 57 percent of those surveyed.

The poll also shows 47 percent of Ohioans hold a favorable view of former President Trump, while 38 percent feel the same about President Biden.

See what other issues and races are on the ballot in Hancock County by clicking here for the Hancock County Board of Elections.

A Findlay man accused of abducting a woman and holding her against her will has been indicted.

A Hancock County grand jury indicted Dewayne M. VanAtta, 60, on one count of kidnapping, a first-degree felony.

VanAtta is being held at the Hancock County Jail.

On October 9^th, police said a woman in distress arrived at Millstream Career Center at 1100 Broad Avenue.

Officers responded to the school and spoke with the woman who said she was bound and held against her will in a trailer not far from the school.

The police department says officers located the trailer in the rear of an address on College Street and the suspect arrived on the scene when officers were checking the trailer.

Police said the suspect, VanAtta, was taken into custody without incident.

The woman was taken to Blanchard Valley Hospital and treated for injuries that were not life-threatening.

The Hancock Historical Museum will host an evening of fun for all ages at a Halloween Spooktacular! on Saturday, October 21st from 5 – 8 p.m.

Enjoy the “haunted” Hull House and family-friendly fall activities, crafts and games throughout the museum’s multiple buildings.

Guests are encouraged to come in costume. Admission is $1 per person. Refreshments are provided.

The museum’s Sarah Sisser was on with WFIN’s Chris Oaks to talk about the event.

Children’s Museum of Findlay, University of Findlay’s Mazza Museum, Hancock Park District, OSU Extension, ODNR and Findlay-Hancock County Public Library will also be on-hand with activities for guests.

Get more details below and by clicking here.

The Hancock Historical Museum is located at 422 West Sandusky Street in Findlay.

The Findlay Rotary Club presented its 2023 Golden Apple Awards to three area teachers for their teaching excellence.

Annually, The Rotary chooses three teachers from the elementary level, three from the middle school level and three from the high school level to compete for the award.

The winners of the Golden Apple Award for 2023 are, at the elementary school level, Crystal Whipkey, ESL teacher at Whitter Primary. At the middle school level, Ryan Lindahl, Algebra teacher at Glenwood Middle School.  At the high school level, Jason Wagner, Art Educator at Findlay High School and Millstream Career Center. (on the right in the pic above)

We caught up with Jason after the ceremony and asked him what he loves most about teaching.

“I love working with the kids every day and seeing what they come up with and trying to inspire the creativity in them.”

Jason also recognized the people that motivated him to become a teacher.

“I’m grateful for the people who have helped me along the way. My mentors from elementary school all the way up through college. And still the people who inspire me, other teachers and administrators.”

The finalist at each level receives the Golden Apple Award along with a $2,500 cash prize.

Second and third place semi-finalists each receive a $250 cash prize.

Finalists also accept an invitation to join the Golden Apple Academy, a group consisting of all past Golden Apple Award finalists.

The nine educators who were semifinalists are listed below.

At the elementary level, the three semifinalists are: Katie Kin, 4th Grade Teacher at Bigelow Hill Intermediate; Crystal Whipkey, English as a Second Language (ESL) Teacher at Whittier Primary; and Stephanie Wiegand, Preschool Intervention Specialist at Findlay City Schools Preschool.

At the middle school level, the three semifinalists are: Angel Buck, ELA 6th Grade at Glenwood Middle School; Ryan Lindahl, Algebra at Glenwood Middle School; and Brooke Meyer, 6th Grade at Glenwood Middle School

At the high school level, the three semifinalists are: Adam Flugga, English Teacher at Arcadia Local Schools; Tyler Smith, Physics at Findlay High School; and Jason Wagner, Art Educator at Findlay High School.

There are now five specialty Ohio State University license plates to choose from through the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles.

Brutus Buckeye and Script Ohio plates were recently unveiled and join the Block O, university spirit mark, and TBDBITL plates previously available.

Ohio State University is reporting that the specialty plates cost $35, and $25 goes to university scholarship funds.

(From Swan House Tea Room)

Established in 1998 by Rindy Crates, Kay Kose, and Vicki Powell, the Swan House soon became an in-demand location for mother-daughter tea parties, bridal showers, and quiet fellowship with friends.

Since then, the Swan House has been operated by Beverly Robb, followed by Kim Butler, and more recently Julie Bishop. Each added their own recipes, a touch of flair, and left an indelible mark which makes the Swan House what it is today.

As the new owner, Joy Barger is thrilled to join this long line of incredible women and uphold what the Swan House provides to our community: a haven of beauty and softness where delicious food is served on delicate china, and yesteryear is only a cup of tea and a scone away.

Looking back on her time as owner Julie shared, “It has been an unbelievable honor to serve beside our wonderful Swan House team and pour energy and love into this beautiful place!

Hosting special moments for our guests and their loved ones has blessed my heart each day.

I thank God so much for this opportunity and I’m delighted to see my friend, Joy, carry on the Swan House tradition!”

(Pictured left, Julie Bishop. Right, Joy Barger)