The Findlay Police Department is requesting help from the public in identifying a theft suspect.
Police say the man in the surveillance picture is believed to be responsible for a theft that happened at Menards in Findlay.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Findlay Police Department at 419-424-7150, message them on Facebook, or call Crime Stoppers at 419-425-TIPS.
Tipsters may be eligible for a reward.
(From Blanchard Valley Health System)
Lauren Phillips, RN, has received the first DAISY Award at Blanchard Valley Health System.
The DAISY Award is an international recognition program honoring nurses who have made a special difference in the lives of their patients.
Nurses are nominated by patients, families, coworkers, or anyone who has seen the difference they make in the lives of others. Phillips, a nurse in the intensive care unit at Blanchard Valley Hospital, was nominated by a patient, Brooke Taylor Kruse, who had been admitted into the ICU after having twins.
“When Brooke was very sick, Lauren was there for her not only as a nurse but also someone who made her feel comfortable,” said Nikki Ballinger, RN, outgoing chair of Nursing Congress and co-coordinator of the program. “Lauren was a listening ear and a healing touch for Brooke and her family.”
Phillips was honored at a surprise celebration in late December.
“I was absolutely stunned when I heard my name called,” she said. “I was looking around the room as they mentioned the DAISY Award, wondering who the recipient might be, but it never occurred to me it would be me.”
“I hadn’t even noticed Brooke standing right next to Nikki until after they said my name. After that, the tears just came so fast,” she added.
Phillips has been a nurse in the ICU at BVH for six years since receiving her nursing degree. She is also a house supervisor for the hospital as needed. She previously worked as a weekend supervisor for Bridge Home Health & Hospice, also a division of BVHS.
She said nursing is a meaningful career because she loves people and feels like she gets to make a difference.
“I feel privileged to do this work,” Phillips said. “Taking care of my community when they’re most vulnerable is so special to me.”
She added that she loves educating patients on their care, supporting other associates, and being part of a team at BVHS.
“I love feeling like I am part of a community when I come to work,” she said.
Ballinger said the celebration honoring Phillips made it clear how much impact nurses have on their patients and families.
“Honoring the first DAISY recipient at BVHS was an unforgettable experience,” Ballinger said. “It was emotional in the best way possible, and it felt special to present such a meaningful award. Seeing Lauren and Brooke unite again, this time at a celebration, was touching for everyone there.”
The DAISY Award was created to honor the late Patrick Barnes, who was diagnosed with the autoimmune disease ITP (Immune Thrombocytopenia) at age 33 in 1999. Pat’s family was moved by the incredible kindness and compassion his nurses demonstrated throughout the eight weeks he was hospitalized. After his death, they created the award to honor him.
Pat’s wife, Tena, developed the acronym DAISY, which stands for “Diseases Attacking the Immune SYstem.” The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses began at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance at the University of Washington Medical Center, where Patrick had been a patient. It has since been adopted by thousands of healthcare organizations and schools of nursing in the United States and worldwide. Partner organizations run the recognition program.
Each DAISY Honoree is honored at a celebration and receives a certificate in a DAISY portfolio, a beautiful hand-carved “Healer’s Touch” sculpture from Zimbabwe, an honoree pin, a congratulations banner to hang in the unit, a copy of their nomination, and a gift bag. Each honoree also receives cinnamon rolls to share in recognition of the fact that, while Patrick had lost his appetite during his hospitalization, cinnamon rolls were the exception.
“I am so grateful and feel truly honored to be the first recipient of the DAISY Award at BVHS,” Phillips said. “It is truly so special to me.”
Community members are encouraged to nominate a BVHS nurse for their extraordinary efforts. Any nurse at any BVHS facility or location is eligible.
For more information or to nominate a nurse, please visit bvhealthsystem.org/DAISYAward
Printed nomination forms are also available at various locations across the health system.
(From the City of Findlay)
Mayor Christina Muryn has requested a committee of the whole meeting of Findlay City Council on Wednesday, January 10th, 2024 at 4:30 pm in City Council Chambers, it will also be live streamed on YouTube by searching Findlay Ohio.
Muryn has stated it will be to discuss economic development strategies for 2024. A committee of the whole meeting is an information sharing session in which no formal action may be taken.
“The City of Findlay has a vibrant local economy which has continued to grow over the past 10 years with investments such as Valgroup, Campbells, McLane, ZF, R+L Carriers, and extensive growth among our existing businesses. In 2023 alone, there was $358,000,000 in capital investment, 270,000 square feet of constructed or leased space, and over 1,370 net new jobs created. We must continue to look for creative ways to position the City of Findlay for expansion and attraction of new businesses and people,” Muryn said.
“To ensure we are well positioned I will be introducing concepts that I have been investigating to continue to ensure we are attracting the best businesses and talent for our community while also ensuring our community is a place that has the amenities that people expect. I look forward to robust discussion with Council and moving these priorities forward in 2024.”
Mayor Christina Muryn In 2023, City Council adopted a strategic planning framework, Findlay Forward. The framework took input gathered from citizens, city employees, and city government to determine 7 key goals for the City of Findlay. They are: A Safe Community, A Well-Run City Government, A Caring Government, A Thriving Business Environment, An Attractive Place, An Active Community, and A Connected City.
“These goals are not anything unique, they are the core responsibilities of City Government, however, what is unique is in the objectives and actions we take to achieve each of the goals. As we move into 2024 I expect more discussion on the action item level of the plan and believe that the information that will be shared on Wednesday will be a great jumping off point for a thriving business environment but will also have a positive ripple effect on all other goals.”
The City of Findlay has been named America’s Top Micropolitan Community for the past 9 years by Site Selection Magazine, in 2022 Findlay won this accolade with 32 qualifying projects, 2nd place Thomasville, GA had 12. Site Selection Magazine is the premier international publication specific to site selectors. Site selectors are individuals contracted by companies to find new sites for business expansion. The annual rankings of communities are based strictly upon the number of qualifying projects. A qualifying project is defined by Industrial projects with Capital investment over $1,000,000 – over 20,000 square feet constructed – 20 or more net new jobs created. Qualifying projects show how much investment is occurring in your community.
(From Liberty-Benton Local Schools)
Liberty-Benton has proudly preserved and displayed the lettering of the old gymnasium floor from the 1959 portion of our original elementary and middle school.
The old gym floor adorns the north wall of the high school gymnasium.
Special thanks to Midwest Environmental for the asbestos abatement and J. Alexander Roofing for the installation.
Findlay City Schools Superintendent Dr. Andy Hatton provided an update on the Findlay First Edition investigation.
He says the school district is still awaiting the final investigation findings and hopes to have them soon.
“As we shared previously, Mr. Manley has resumed his teaching duties and his non-FFE related supplemental duties,” Dr. Hatton said.
“We promised the students we would do everything we could to keep their competition season alive, which begins in earnest later in January. I am working with Mr. Manley and the high school administration to do everything we can to make that happen. While Mr. Manley has not returned to FFE directing duties, he is helping with logistics behind the scenes to keep the competition season moving forward.”
Findlay First Edition Director Kevin Manley returned to his teaching duties on December 21st after being placed on administrative leave at the end of November when the school district announced that an investigation was underway into reports regarding student behavior and the culture of the Findlay First Edition program “that do not align with our values and expectations for our students,” said Dr. Hatton.
Dr. Hatton made clear at the November 27 school board meeting that the reports did not include allegations of boundary issues involving FFE Director Kevin Manley and students.
Dr. Hatton said the school district retained a third-party investigator to conduct an unbiased comprehensive investigation.
Dr. Hatton says the school district will provide an additional update when it has and processes the results of the investigation findings and takes any necessary action.
A K9 who served with the Findlay Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is retiring.
“Please help us congratulate K9 Boy, Findlay District, who has retired after six and a half years of service to the Patrol and the citizens of Ohio,” the Highway Patrol posted on their social media.
“Boy is an eight-year-old Belgian Malinois. During his years of service, he was utilized for tracking, article searches, narcotics detection and criminal apprehension. Boy will spend his retirement years with his handler, Trooper Matthew M. Manly, and family.”
In 2019, when WFIN did a story about Boy and Trooper Manly, Manly said Boy is a great partner and has a good temperament.
“He realizes when I put my uniform on and we get in the Tahoe that it’s time to go to work, but when I take him home he knows how to take that work hat off and just be a dog.”
The City of Findlay and the Findlay Police Department are letting residents know that, due to last Monday being the New Year’s Day Holiday, the monthly test of the outdoor warning sirens will be conducted on Monday, January 8th at 10 a.m.
The monthly test of the sirens is typically conducted on the first Monday of each month in Hancock County.
(From Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio)
After much thoughtful consideration, discussion, and prayer the Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio (MHCO) Board of Directors has announced plans to close the Hilty Preschool and Child Care Center in Pandora, Ohio at the end of January. Following the closure of the Hilty Home Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing services at the end of 2022, the Center remained in the nearly empty building with continued operations and service to families throughout 2023.
The Center has provided excellent care consistent with its mission for 35 years. Intergenerational programming with the Hilty Home residents offered hundreds of youngsters and elders the opportunity to develop nurturing and enriching relationships. With the closure of the Hilty Home, a significant piece of this mission was lost.
Over the past year, MHCO subsidized the continuing daycare operation while exploring opportunities for a new location and ownership. Unfortunately, these efforts were not successful. Elizabeth Kelly, MHCO Board Chair said: “Our goal was that the Center continue to provide its stimulating and caring program. We simply were not able to find a suitable location or buyer and the cost of subsidizing this program is unsustainable.”
MHCO shared news of the closure with staff and families on January 2. Families were provided with contact information for local childcare programs. Staff will remain employed until the end of January or they are released as attendance declines. MHCO Human Resources is available to work with staff during this transition.
Kelly concluded: “We appreciate the impact this closing has on the special bonds between staff, children, and parents. MHCO will support everyone as much as possible through this difficult transition. Our gratitude and appreciation go to the staff for their years of service and dedication to so many children and elders.”
(From Flag City Honor Flight)
Flag City Honor Flight (FCHF) announces its 2024 flight schedule, continuing its mission to honor our nation’s Veterans.
2024 Dates:
April 23
June 11
September 10
November 12
Flag City Honor Flight President, Steve Schult, shares his enthusiasm for the upcoming year, stating, “We are honored to announce our 2024 flight schedule. Our Veterans have given so much to our nation, and it is our duty to ensure they have the opportunity to visit the memorials that stand in their honor. Flight sponsorships, financial contributions, and dedicated Guardians (volunteers) are increasingly crucial as we prepare for four flights this season.”
Veterans to Fly
World War II, Korea, and Vietnam War Veterans living in Northwest Ohio and surrounding areas are encouraged to apply. If Veterans have already applied, there is no need to reapply. FCHF will begin making calls in January to those Veterans who are scheduled to fly in 2024. We encourage Veterans from other eras to go on flights as Guardians. All applications can be found on flagcityhonorflight.org.
Involvement
For individuals or groups looking to volunteer at the Welcome Home celebration, host a third-party fundraiser to benefit FCHF, or explore partnership opportunities, please visit the Flag City Honor Flight website or email info@flaghonorflight.org.
ABOUT FLAG CITY HONOR FLIGHT: Flag City Honor Flight, a 100% volunteer-run 501c3 organization, is dedicated to providing Veterans in Northwest Ohio and surrounding areas with the opportunity to visit their war memorials in Washington, D.C., at no cost. Annual flights are supported by charitable donations and an enduring commitment to honoring America’s heroes.
(above picture courtesy of Flag City Honor Flight)
The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office says two people were injured in a single-vehicle crash in the southwestern portion of the county.
At 8:25 Wednesday morning, the sheriff’s office responded to an injury crash on County Road 16 near County Road 78 in Union Township.
The sheriff’s office says a car driven by Doril Dorsainvil, 23, of Lima, was northbound on County Road 16 when it went off the right side of the road and rolled three times into a field.
The driver, and a passenger, Doudly Laguerre, 20, of Lima, were taken to Blanchard Valley Hospital.
The sheriff’s office said the extent of their injuries was unknown.
Both were wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.
The driver was cited for failure to maintain control and operating a vehicle without a driver license.