Authorities are investigating a fatal fire in Findlay.
The Findlay Fire Department, Findlay Police Department, and Hanco were dispatched to 2315 Ivy Lane in reference to a structure fire at 4:09 p.m. Sunday.
The fire was within an apartment complex building and the fire was contained mostly within a single unit.
The police department says a male was found inside the apartment unit and was later pronounced deceased.
An autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause of death.
The Ohio Fire Marshal’s Office was brought in to investigate the fire.
The identity of the deceased male is being withheld, pending further investigation.
Vulnerable populations across Hancock County will be safeguarded by the allocation of nearly $2 million by United Way of Hancock County.
Funding will be distributed among 19 local programs focusing on the areas of championing children’s success, fighting hunger, promoting safety and health, supporting safe housing and fostering financial stability. These priority areas were identified by a team of diverse volunteers from across the community in a grant review process that is repeated yearly as part of United Way’s commitment to regularly assessing the community’s changing needs and responding accordingly.
“Changes in the economy, coupled with the expiration of certain state and federal safety nets put into place during the pandemic, have impacted working families and retirees in our community,” said United Way of Hancock County CEO Angela DeBoskey. “These 19 local programs deliver vital and basic services that offer hope and emergency help to 1 in 4 vulnerable people.”
The funds being distributed were raised through United Way’s 2023 Annual Campaign, which engages individual donors and retirees, as well as employees through workplace philanthropy. The 2023 fall campaign raised a total of $2 million.
“It is an honor to contribute to our community in such a meaningful way, and we express our sincere gratitude to all of the Difference Makers who join us in these efforts. Thank you to our fundraising team, individual donors and workplace campaign partners for your contributions. You are a lifeline to those in Hancock County who are struggling to meet basic needs,” DeBoskey said.
-Championing children’s success
Many of the 2024 funded programs cross categories within the priority areas. Those falling under United Way’s Vulnerable Child Initiative will receive a total of $353,000 in support of advocacy, prevention and crisis response efforts designed to protect kids and put them on a path to success.
Children’s funding will be distributed among CASA/GAL of Hancock County, which trains volunteers to give youth a voice in the court system; the Center for Safe and Healthy Children’s forensic interview program following a report of child abuse; child victim services programs offered by Open Arms Domestic Violence & Rape Crisis Services; equine-assisted therapy for youth through Challenged Champions Equestrian Center; Children’s Mentoring Connection of Hancock County’s youth mentoring programs; Scouting and Exploring programs offered through Boy Scouts of America and Girl Scouts of Western Ohio; and the Salvation Army’s summer enrichment program.
-Fighting hunger
Food security programs have been allocated $347,000. United Way’s grant review team strategically increased funding in this area in response to rising grocery prices and a demonstrated increase in individuals and families seeking help through local food assistance programs.
Food security funds will support the YMCA’s Feed-A-Child program, which administers the summer lunch program and provides weekend meal bags for students; vouchers for individuals and families in need of supplemental food through Christian Clearing House; West Ohio Food Bank’s distributions to Hancock County food pantries; and food programs at the Salvation Army.
-Promoting safety and health
Safety and health allocations for 2024 total $310,000. Supported programs are designed to strengthen Hancock County residents’ physical and mental health.
Funds distributed for safety and health will support financial assistance through Cancer Patient Services, an organization serving cancer patients living or working in Hancock County; adult victim services through Open Arms; and disaster services programs though the American Red Cross.
-Supporting safe housing
Recognizing that safe, affordable housing has a direct impact on an individual or family’s overall wellbeing, $245,000 has been awarded to the family shelter and independence programs at Hope House. Both programs are aimed at helping people who are homeless or who are facing homelessness.
-Fostering financial stability
Programs working to deliver financial stability and independence will receive $60,000 in 2024.
Financial stability funds will support HHWP Community Action Commission’s Hancock Area Transportation Services (HATS) program, which provides rides to employment, medical appointments and more; and United Way of Hancock County’s free income tax preparation service called VITA.
Additional funding will continue to help United Way deliver programs like the Halt Hunger Initiative. United Way’s volunteer center, Volunteers United, placed 12,500 volunteer hours in 2023.
All money raised in Hancock County stays local to support vital services, unless otherwise designated by the donor. United Way of Hancock County regularly seeks state and federal grants to help bolster funds raised locally and to allow the organization to use campaign dollars most effectively.
Visit uwhancock.org to donate or to learn more about the United Way’s mission and work.
The City of Findlay says it’s been looking into an unpleasant smell that some residents have been reporting.
“In recent weeks we were notified that there’s been an odor coming from the east side of town,” said Service-Safety Director Rob Martin.
He says, depending on the way the wind is blowing, different parts of town are experiencing the smell which has been described as an industrial smell, a moldy carpet smell, and even stale beer.
Martin says Fire Chief Josh Eberle was out in recent weeks trying to locate the source of the smell but was unsuccessful.
He says the city contacted the Environmental Protection Agency and an EPA agent has been investigating the odor.
“If we can identify it we can then mitigate it if it is something we need to be worried about, but at this time the EPA hasn’t really addressed it as a major concern.”
The City of Findlay also provided the following statement:
The City of Findlay is aware of odor complaints that have been made. We have been working with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency to identify the source. The safety of our community remains our first priority and there are no concerns at this time. We do understand that this poses discomfort to those who are able to smell the odor and are actively working to remedy the situation. More information will be shared as it is made available.
People had a chance to hear from some of the candidates for Hancock County Commissioner and Hancock County Common Pleas Court Judge at the Hancock County GOP luncheon in Findlay on Friday.
Speaking at the event were Jeff Wobser, Jeff Hunker, Holly Frische, and William Bateson, all Republicans and candidates for Hancock County Commissioner.
The Board of Elections website shows that Joshua Shaferly, a Democrat, is also running.
Wobser, Hunker, and Frische are seeking the seat that’s being vacated by Commissioner Mike Pepple, who is not running for reelection.
The other two commissioners are William Bateson, who is seeking reelection in this cycle, and Tim Bechtol.
Also speaking at the luncheon was Hancock County Prosecutor Phil Riegle who is running for Common Pleas Court Judge.
On Friday, February 2nd, the GOP luncheon will include the candidates for Hancock County Prosecutor and Hancock County Sheriff.
The primary election is on March 19th. Click here for the Hancock County Board of Elections website to see what other candidates and issues will be on the ballot.
Paramount presents the Laser Spectacular. It’s the smash hit multi-media laser and light show featuring the music of Pink Floyd “as you’ve never seen before.”
Laser Spectacular carries listeners away on a mind-expanding journey driven by cutting-edge effects, high-powered lasers, and large-screen video projection, all performed to the masterful soundtrack of Pink Floyd. The Laser Spectacular has become a must-see classic for Floyd fans of all ages.
“Pink Floyd’s music is theatrical and visual,” says Paramount’s producer Steve Monistere. “You can imagine images when you listen to Pink Floyd’s music, and with no visual stimuli, there is still a show in your mind.” Imagine using lasers, lighting, video, and other special effects to project what your mind is “seeing.” That is why people love this show so much. It excites their visual, audio, and creative senses.”
The first half, viewed through 3-D glasses, features the Dark Side of the Moon. The second half is viewed through mind-blowing prism glasses and rocks to Pink Floyd’s The Wall.
The Laser Spectacular is a night of great music, fantastic visuals, and audience participation. You will now see Classic Rockers and a new generation of Floyd fans! So, parents, score “cool points” with your teenagers and bring them along!”
Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular is on March 29th at MCPA.
The Blanchard Valley Health System (BVHS) Board of Trustees and the Blanchard Valley Health Foundation are announcing several recent changes to its members and officers.
The BVHS Board has appointed Thomas Lause, Kay Chester, and Christian Steiner, MD, as its newest trustees.
Lause retired in 2022 as vice president of business affairs, chief financial officer, and treasurer for the University of Findlay. He previously worked for Cooper Tire and Rubber Company for 35 years, retiring as vice president of treasury and tax and treasurer. His leadership was key to the Findlay-based business growing into a top 10 global tire manufacturer. He led Cooper’s European Operations and shorter-term assignments at the company’s Asian operations in China. As Cooper’s vice president and treasurer, overseeing global treasury operations and risk management, he led the design and execution of Cooper’s global debt and capital structure, negotiated global insurance coverage for the company’s risk profile, and was responsible for Cooper’s global tax. He served as vice president of finance and global operations controller from 2002-2014.
He earned a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Bowling Green State University (BGSU). He is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame’s Executive Leadership Program and holds a Certificate of Public Accounting from the State of Ohio.
Chester graduated from The Ohio State University and is a retired dietitian with experience in hospitals and long-term care. She joins the Board as the new president of the BVHS Auxiliary. Chester volunteers at the Auxiliary’s Nearly New Shop and has been a BVHS volunteer for nine years.
Dr. Steiner, a Bluffton native, began his medical career as a state-tested nurse’s aide at Mennonite Memorial Home at age 16. He went on to work as an orderly at the Findlay Surgery Center. He became an EMT at age 18, working for Hanco EMS and the village of Bluffton. As a lieutenant on the Ada EMS, he received the Star of Life from Ohio Emergency Medical Services. He was also part of the emergency response in Slidell, Louisiana, in the weeks following Hurricane Katrina.
After undergraduate studies at Ohio Northern University, he attended medical school at Sint Eustatius School of Medicine in the Netherlands Antilles. He completed his psychiatry residency at Case Western Reserve-MetroHealth in Cleveland, where he served as academic chief resident, specializing in rural mental health with additional training in intellectual disabilities and medical ethics. Dr. Steiner has been on the BVHS staff since 2014 and has been director of Orchard Hall and the Chair of the psychiatry department since 2018. In 2020, he completed the Yale Sumner Bioethics training program.
The Blanchard Valley Health Foundation has also welcomed a new member of its Board of Directors. Anna L. Schroeder is an attorney at Eastman & Smith, LTD. in the firm’s Business Law and Estate Planning, Trust and Probate practice groups. She is serving her first term on the BVHF board and the Development Committee. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health from the University of Toledo in 2017 and her Juris Doctorate from The Ohio State University in 2020. She is an engaged community leader and a recipient of the 20 Under 40 Leadership Award.
In addition, three individuals were chosen to serve on the BVHS Quality Committee. They include Karim Baroudi, MPH, REHS, health commissioner, Hancock Public Health; Timothy J. Brennan, MBA, operations administrator, international quality and global consulting, Mayo Clinic; and Jigna Janani, MD, who is now vice president of the organization’s medical staff.
“We are happy to welcome these new members to Blanchard Valley Health System. The experience and guidance of these individuals will help shape a vision that strengthens the organization’s ability to provide quality healthcare to our community each and every day,” said Myron D. Lewis, president and chief executive officer of BVHS. “BVHS will greatly benefit from their knowledge.”
As president of the Auxiliary, Chester replaces Past President Cathy Lishawa on the Board of Trustees. As Medical Staff President, Dr. Steiner replaces Allison Westcott, MD, on the board.
Lewis thanked Lishawa and Westcott for their time serving on the Board of Trustees.
“Serving on the board is an immense and passionate commitment, with board members dedicating much of their time and energy to guide BVHS. This dedication is appreciated, and I am truly grateful to our outgoing board members for their commitment.”
To learn more about Blanchard Valley Health System and the services the organization offers to the region, please visit bvhealthsystem.org.
Findlay City Schools says the investigation into reports regarding student behavior and the culture of the Findlay First Edition program is finished.
In November, the school district announced that a third-party investigator would be conducting the investigation.
FFE Director Kevin Manley was placed on administrative leave at the end of November and returned to his teaching position on December 21st.
Superintendent Dr. Andy Hatton says Manley resumed his directing duties this week and provided the following statement now that the investigation has concluded.
The investigation has come to a conclusion, and Mr. Manley resumed his directing duties of FFE this week. After going over the findings of the investigation together, Mr. Manley took accountability for aspects that fell within his purview as director, and the current administration shares in a collective responsibility to support him in addressing cultural issues within the program. Mr. Manley and FHS administration together will be addressing student misconduct.
FFE is a treasured program that is rich in talent and on stage excellence. Mr. Manley’s return signals just one of many steps in asserting FFE as a show choir that we can be proud of both on and off stage during the upcoming competition season and for years to come.
The Hancock Historical Museum Board of Trustees is pleased to announce Sarah Foltz as the organization’s new Executive Director effective Monday, February 5, 2024. Foltz brings a diverse set of skills to the position including a background in leadership, fundraising, hospitality and marketing.
Foltz’s professional career has revolved around organizational leadership, community engagement and event planning in Hancock County. Most recently, Foltz served at the helm of Findlay Brewing Company’s philanthropic initiatives, marketing, and taproom operations since 2018. As a leading craft brewery in northwest Ohio known for its collaborative efforts, organizational culture and quality product, Foltz directed over 60 community events and initiatives per year, many of which raised funds for over 25 local and national nonprofit organizations.
“I’m incredibly honored to have the opportunity to continue my passion for organizational leadership and community engagement with the cherished Hancock Historical Museum,” said Foltz. “This organization is highly treasured because of the passion and forward-thinking commitment instilled over the years by the organization’s staff, board, and patrons. I’m excited to help elevate the talents of the organization’s driven team and continue the momentum that would make the Museum’s founders and supporters proud.”
A longtime resident of Findlay, Foltz completed her Bachelor of Arts degree with a focus in public relations at the University of Findlay. She began her professional career in the nonprofit sector as the Event Director at The Arts Partnership where she directed festivals, concerts, and arts education programs throughout Hancock County. Foltz went on to lead facilities and operations at Alexandria’s multi-level restaurant, bar, and event venue where she broadened her skills in hospitality and operations management. She also served as a marketing specialist for the University of Findlay, where she coordinated marketing for over 60 academic programs.
Being no stranger to the Museum, Foltz has served on the Museum’s board of trustees and chaired its marketing and fundraising committee, assisting with the organization’s strategic planning and fundraising initiatives. Since its inauguration, Foltz has played a vital role on the Oktoberfest Findlay! planning committee. This German heritage festival serves as the Museum’s greatest fundraising event and Hancock County’s largest single-day event.
In addition to her involvement with the Museum and numerous volunteer positions with local nonprofits, Foltz formerly headed marketing for the Flag City BalloonFest and currently serves on the Findlay-Hancock County Convention and Visitors Bureau Advisory Board.
“Community engagement and service has been a priority of mine since I planted roots in Hancock County,” Foltz explained. “We are blessed with a remarkable and giving community and I cannot wait to help celebrate our community’s story in meaningful ways that connects with everyone.”
Findlay Mayor Christina Muryn and a small group of other mayors visited the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum while in Washington D.C. for the U.S. Conference of Mayors.
“It was a sobering experience as we heard of how quickly the rhetoric of Hitler permeated culture, changed minds and hearts, and dehumanized those that were different than you.”
Mayor Muryn says hate is a scary and powerful weapon that cannot go unchecked.
“As we see the hate that is occurring around our world and the normalization of dehumanization it is incumbent upon all of us to say it has no place in our world.”
“Evil does not win with physical weapons but when we no longer believe our neighbor is worth defending. Today that is most evident in Israel and the Gaza Strip but sadly that is just one example.”
