(ONN) – Backers of a proposal to reform Ohio’s troubled political map-making system can begin collecting signatures for 2024.

The Ohio Ballot Board agreed unanimously that the constitutional amendment proposed by the Citizens Not Politicians committee constitutes a single subject.

The committee now has until July 3 to collect the roughly 414,000 signatures required to make the November 2024 ballot.

The Ohio Redistricting Commission currently comprises three statewide officeholders and four state lawmakers.

The amendment would replace the commission with an independent body selected directly by citizens, with members diversified by party affiliation and geography.

The Ohio Department of Transportation is already gearing up for its winter operations.

ODOT is looking to hire 40 seasonal snow plow drivers for its districts across the state.

“We’re looking to keep those numbers up so we can ensure the roads will be cleared and we have that seasonal help,” said ODOT’s Hannah Salem.

ONN reports that ODOT was so concerned with retaining drivers last winter that they gave $2,500 bonuses to those who had a CDL.

Click here for jobs at ODOT.

The Bluffton Police Department has been named the Agency of the Month for October by the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police.

“Chief Burkholder and his team have certainly used creativity and relationships to build upon their community policing strategy. They have successfully incorporated a variety of programs for all age groups in their community. Community policing principles of the local police department reaching out to their citizens is important, and it is obvious that Bluffton PD has done a wonderful job at this. We applaud Chief Burkholder and his agency for their hard work, but we also commend the entire community for accepting quality police programming as a part of the fabric of where they live, work, and play. Congratulations Bluffton PD on a job well done!”

Get more details in the Facebook post below and by clicking here.

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 Black Heritage Library and Multicultural Center will be holding an Hispanic Heritage Celebration.

It will be held on Sunday, October 15^th from 3 to 7 at the Black Heritage Library at 817 Harmon Street in Findlay.

There will be live music, dancing, traditional dress, and children’s activities.

Get more details by clicking here and in the Facebook post below.

(From 50 North)

50 North in partnership with BVHS, Hancock Public Health, OIO, AAA3, and many more businesses will be conducting a health fair for those 50+ in Hancock County.

It will be held on Saturday, October 14th from noon to 2:30 p.m.

Celebrate by participating in a full line up of activities to keep you safe, healthy, and informed.

Meet local health care professionals, experience free health screenings, flu shots, mini smoothies and so much more!

The 50 North Wellness Center will be open and full of fun things to see and do!

Learn about ways to lead a happier and healthy life.

Click here for more details on the Senior Health Fair.

(From the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce)

The Findlay-Hancock County area is proud of its Small Businesses and those that lead them. In recognition of these courageous and inspiring individuals and their companies, the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce was honored to present the 2023 Small Business Awards at the 60^th Annual Small Business Awards ceremony on October 11, 2023 at the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts.

The following is a list of small business and community awards that were distributed:

Small Business of the Year

Presented to: Miller’s Meats, BBQ & Catering

Sponsored by: Premier Bank

Small Business Person of the Year

Presented to: Trent Farthing – Key Realty

Sponsored by: University of Findlay

Emerging Business of the Year

Presented to: the Buckeye Co.

Sponsored by: State Bank

Nonprofit Leader of the Year

Presented to: Melissa LaRocco – Legal Aid of Western Ohio

Sponsored by: The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation

Professional of the Year

Presented to: Brett Hughes – Lowenoak Landscape Development

Sponsored by: RCR Technology Group

“Our Spirit Shows” Hospitality Award

Presented to: Oktoberfest Findlay

Sponsored by: Hancock County Convention & Visitors Bureau

Agriculture Enterprise Champion of the Year

Presented to: Hurdwell

Sponsored by: Citizens National Bank

Diverse Small Business Champion of the Year

Presented to: Bin Talking Trash & Hauling

Sponsored by: Marathon Petroleum Corporation

Do Good! Award

Presented to: Gillig Winery

Sponsored by: City Apparel+Merch

Go Local Small Business Champion of the Year

Presented to: Kendra Nye – Glass Roots

Sponsored by: First National Bank

Small Business Manufacturing Excellence

Presented to: Freudenberg-NOK Sealing Technologies

Sponsored by: The Companies of Tall Timbers Industrial Park

ATHENA Award

Presented to: Glenda Renz – Blanchard Valley Health System

Sponsored by: Huntington Bank

Manufacturing & Distribution Leadership Impact Award

Presented to: Jake Warrington – American Plastics LLC – Findlay Division

Sponsored by: CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA)

Downtown Champion of the Year

Presented to: Allen-Kramp Wealth Management

Sponsored by: Fifth Third Bank

Family Owned Small Business Champion of the Year

Presented to: Doty Dental

Sponsored by: Hancock Federal Credit Union

Customer Service Champion of the Year

Presented to: Journey Salon & Day Spa

Sponsored by: Trust Company Family Offices

Ben Stevens of Journey Salon and Day Spa commenting on winning the award. (pic below)

Women in Business Champion of the Year

Presented to: Sabrina Rodabaugh – Mind Body Fitness LLC

Sponsored by: WFIN-WKXA-106.3 The Fox Radio

Special thanks to Aaron Osborne Video Services, Marathon Center for the Performing Arts, Kan Du Studios, Sink’s Flower Shop, Kadie Renee Photography, Hancock Historical Museum, The Bourbon Affair, and Dave Crosser-Family Resource Center for their support of the event. For more information about this, or any other Chamber of Commerce programs, call 419-422-3313 or visit FindlayHancockChamber.com.

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

According to the Community Foundation’s website, the October events include the Pumpkin Train and Halloween Express at the Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation and a Murder Mystery Dinner at 50 North.

See the full schedule by clicking here.

“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.

(From the Alzheimer’s Association Northwest Ohio)

The Alzheimer’s Association Central Ohio Chapter will partner with Findlay Hearing Center to offer a free program focusing on the connection between dementia and hearing loss.

The program Hearing Loss and Dementia will feature Jodi Turnwald, ACS, BC-HIS, COHC of the Findlay Hearing Center discussing the correlation between hearing loss and dementia and what to do to reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s and other dementia. This special event will be offered twice in October:

• Wednesday, October 25, 6-7 p.m.

The Meadows of Ottawa

147 Putnam Pkwy

Ottawa, OH 45875

• Thursday, October 26, 2-3 p.m.

50 North

339 E Melrose

Findlay, OH 45840

Seating is limited and pre-registration is required. To register for this program, call 419.419.5858.

Hearing impairment is among several modifiable risk factors being researched with respect to their association with Alzheimer’s, according to the Alzheimer’s Association 2022 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures.

Individuals with hearing loss who used hearing restorative devices had a 19% decrease in risk of long-term cognitive decline, according to research published in JAMA Neurology this December 2022. This data appeared five months after the FDA announced it will allow hearing aids to be sold over the counter, greatly expanding access to 30 million Americans living with hearing loss.

“We are so grateful to Jodi Turnwald of the Findlay Hearing Center for partnering with us to present this important program,” said Pam Myers, program director for the Alzheimer’s Association Northwest Ohio Chapter.

“There is so much we have yet to learn about Alzheimer’s and other dementia, but the more we know, the more action we can take to reduce our risks,” Myers said. “Please join us to discuss the ties between hearing loss and dementia to learn what it means for your family.”

There are 220,000 Ohioans aged 65 and older living with Alzheimer’s disease, according to the Alzheimer’s Association “2023 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures.” That number is expected to increase to 250,000 by 2025.

Those concerned about themselves or a loved one can contact the Alzheimer’s Association Northwest Ohio Chapter at 419.537.1999 to schedule a care consultation and be connected to local resources. Free educational programs are offered monthly throughout Northwest Ohio. Visit www.alz.org/crf and search by zip code to find local programs.

(From the Kiwanis Club of Findlay)

The Kiwanis Club of Findlay launched the 2023-24 service year with the installation of officers and directors.  Kiwanis Division 1 South Past Lt. Governors Rick Kidwell and Rich Ulmes officiated the installation and presented the incoming officers and board of directors to the membership:  President Cassie Turner, President-Elect Jeremy Strapp, Vice President Brian Bauman, Secretary Karen Brannan, Treasurer Annette Shaffer and Immediate Past President Danielle Wilkin.   Members of the Board of Directors are Jack Bindel, Dan Clinger, Danielle Fisher, Carl Hayslett, Matt Leddy, Jason May, Ashley Ritz, and Joan Sayer.

Members retiring from board service are Brent Gibson, Andrew Stepleton, Deb Wickerham, and Shannan Connelly

Kiwanians celebrating anniversary years included Rich Ulmes – 30 years, Ann Woolum – 25 years, Grant Russel – 20 years, Leni Mueller & Troy Steinbrook – 15 years, and celebrating 10 years of service were Brian Beall, Sarah Clevidence, Shannan Connelly, Joan Sayer, and Deb Wickerham.

Outgoing President Danielle Wilkin recognized several members for their contributions this year, including Alex Monroe who received the McNish, Menges, and Sayer award, an award named in honor of longtime Findlay Kiwanians Ron Menges, Jim Sayer, and the late Howard McNish and awarded in acknowledgement of humble and meaningful service.  Larry Nold was honored as Findlay Kiwanis’ Kiwanian of the Year for the 2022-23 service year.

Chartered in 1920, the Kiwanis Club of Findlay is open to those who want to make a difference in their community and world.  A snapshot of the community, with members from all walks of life and at every step of the career ladder, Kiwanians are unified in the belief that children and their communities benefit from the efforts of a proficient group of caring and involved volunteers.

Those wishing to learn more about Kiwanis are encouraged to reach out through social media, attend a meeting as a guest, or visit the club’s website at FindlayKiwanis.com.  The Kiwanis Club of Findlay meets every Wednesday at noon at the D.O.C.K. at St. Mark’s.