(From Blanchard Valley Health System)

Renee Matthews, RN, has been named the new administrator of Bluffton Hospital, a division of Blanchard Valley Health System.

Matthews, a Bluffton native, has worked for BVHS in various roles, beginning as an emergency department technician at Bluffton Hospital.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from Anderson University (Anderson, Indiana), followed by her nursing degree from Rhodes State College (Lima, Ohio).

Matthews has been a nurse at BVHS since 2014, working at Blanchard Valley Hospital and Bluffton Hospital in roles ranging from emergency department nurse to medical/surgical nursing supervisor. Most recently, she served as clinical manager of Blanchard Valley Obstetrics & Gynecology in both Findlay and Bluffton.

“I was just always drawn to helping others,” she said.

Even in high school, she had worked as a state-tested nurse’s aide and took post-secondary classes in psychology and sociology at Bluffton College (now Bluffton University).

“I explored hospital social work while pursuing my social work degree and quickly realized how much I loved the hospital setting,” she said. “I enjoyed meeting people where they were and connecting them to needed resources. It allowed me to feel like I was making a difference, and I have continued that commitment to forging connections and relationships throughout my career.”

Both Matthews and members of her immediate and extended family were born in Bluffton Hospital, and she gave birth to her youngest daughter there. Her late mother worked for 30 years as a housekeeper in the environmental services department and then as a volunteer after her retirement.

“I’m just really passionate about this place,” Matthews said. “Bluffton Hospital simply feels like part of who I am.”

Matthews also has long-standing connections to the Bluffton community. A 1998 Bluffton High School graduate, she lives in Bluffton and is committed to helping the hospital become even stronger to best serve that community.

Working in the emergency department helped her see how healthcare serves a community and how healthcare organizations and their communities are deeply intertwined.

“The emergency department doesn’t turn anyone away,” she noted. “In that setting, we cared for our community and got to know people from all walks of life. They would come in at their most vulnerable, and we were there to help.”

Along with serving the community, Matthews wants to prioritize associate engagement.

“People often say Bluffton Hospital is special. It’s because of the people and their ties to the community,” she said. “I want working here to feel like family.”

She has seen firsthand how associates support one another. Matthews was in her early thirties, with three young children, when she went back to school to pursue her registered nursing degree.

“It was a challenging time to be balancing all that at once. It wasn’t only my husband and family, but also all my Bluffton Hospital coworkers, who encouraged and supported me through it,” she said.” Everyone encouraged me to pursue nursing, from my supervisor to the nurses I worked alongside to the ER physicians. That kind of work environment is what Bluffton Hospital has always been for me, and I want to continue cultivating that going forward. “

She said that while healthcare constantly changes, that change goes more smoothly with strong relationships. “I love to get to know people and figure out how each of us can do our work better with one another’s support or collaboration.”

“I am pleased to announce that Renee Matthews, BSW, RN, has accepted the position as the administrator of Bluffton Hospital. Renee has been with Blanchard Valley Health System since 2007 and has worked in diverse roles, including front-line staff, supervisor, and management in the Findlay and Bluffton emergency departments, Bluffton maternity, Bluffton inpatient, and our women’s health physician practices,” said BJ Pasztor, chief operating officer, acute care services/chief nursing officer.

“She is a lifelong resident of Bluffton and is very committed to the community. Her knowledge of BVHS and the region makes her well-suited for this role. Renee’s new responsibilities will include oversight of the Bluffton Hospital campus, as well as

leadership for service excellence. Please join me in welcoming Renee to this position and back to Bluffton Hospital.”

Matthews said that she will be able to draw upon her experiences in various healthcare fields as a leader.

“It’s pretty amazing to realize just how many lives we touch in a given day,” she said. “And when you witness all the skills, labor, and collaboration involved, it’s impressive and humbling. All these people working together help provide truly quality care for their patients. I am excited and honored to get to lead Bluffton Hospital going forward.”

For more information about the services offered at Bluffton Hospital, please visit https://www.bvhealthsystem.org/locations/locations-details?practice=8

(From the City of Findlay)

Findlay officials are pleased to announce that they have selected Energy Harbor for the next term of the City’s electric aggregation program. Energy Harbor recently won a competitive proposal process and was chosen by the City because the company provided the best overall value for the program. The City has set a fixed rate of 6.44 cents/kWh for a 2-year term starting with March 2024 meter reads. Residents and small businesses should look for a mailer to arrive around January 22, concerning the new electric aggregation program offer from Energy Harbor.

The mailer will explain the offer the City negotiated and the means to opt-out should a customer not want to participate in the program. Residents will have 21 days to return an opt-out card to Energy Harbor if they decide not to participate.

The new rate will allow residents to predict their costs and will protect them from rising rates over the next two years. As before, the program will have no early termination fee.

The default supply rate from the local utility has risen sharply and will continue to be elevated until the summer. Again, the rate offered through the City’s program provides a valuable alternative for residents to consider as they seek to manage their electric bills.

We remind you that the aggregation program is simply another option for you to consider, and it is important that you make yourself aware of the other options available to you, specifically:
• The Public Utility Commission of Ohio provides a list of other publicly available offers on their website, www.energychoice.ohio.gov.
• The utility’s default supply, also known as your Price to Compare, this is a variable rate option.
Eric Burns, Director of Aggregation for Independent Energy Consultants, added that residents who have already chosen a supplier on their own can still join the program and get the same rate, terms, and conditions as their neighbors if they wish. These residents will have to contact Energy Harbor to join the program, and they should review their current supply contracts to make sure there are no early termination fees.

The City is pleased to have made this program. Any residents with questions about their letter or status in the aggregation program should contact Energy Harbor at 866-636-3749.

Findlay and Hancock County are included in a Dense Fog Advisory issued by the National Weather Service.

The Dense Fog Advisory will be in effect from 9 p.m. Wednesday until 10 a.m. Thursday.

Driving conditions could become hazardous due to low visibility.

If driving, slow down, use your headlights and leave plenty of distance ahead of you.

Get the latest forecast, weather alerts and road alerts by clicking here, and school delays and closings by clicking here.

A summer collegiate baseball team called the Flag City Sluggers will call Findlay home.

“A brand-new baseball era is about to unfold, and we can’t wait to see the talent that will shape this team,” the team said on its Facebook page.

“Stay tuned for updates as the Sluggers gear up to hit it out of the park and make Findlay proud!”

Click here for their Facebook page and get more details in the post below.

(From Destination Seneca County)

Destination Seneca County has announced they are hosting Eclipse Insights, in partnership with several Seneca County community organizations, on Monday, February 26 to assist business owners and community members in preparing for the April 8 Total Solar Eclipse. Eclipse Insights will be held at 9 AM at North Central Educational Service Center (928 W Market St., Tiffin), 1 PM at the Fostoria Learning Center (342 Perry St., Fostoria), and 5:30 PM at Seneca East Local Schools (13343 US 224, Attica).

Representatives from the Seneca County Emergency Management Agency, Seneca Regional Chamber of Commerce/Destination Seneca County, Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership/Downtown Tiffin, Fostoria Economic Development Corporation, Fostoria Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau, and Seneca County General Health District will also be in attendance throughout the day’s session to assist the community in their preparation efforts.

Highlights of the sessions will include:

Seneca County Emergency Management Update: Stay informed with the latest safety plans and measures outlined by Seneca County Emergency Management Agency, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of safety protocols.

Business Support & Best Practices: Gain valuable insights and guidance from representatives that aim to support the business community. Learn best practices tailored for small businesses and their employees to maximize opportunities and ensure seamless operations during this significant event.

Seneca County General Health District Guidance: Understand the necessary permits and regulations concerning land leasing and food offerings throughout the weekend. The Seneca County General Health District will provide crucial information for community members engaging in these activities.

(From GROB Systems)

GROB Systems, Inc., a global leader in the development of manufacturing systems and machine tools, announced it broke ground in December 2023 on a 135,000 sq. ft. expansion project that will add approximately 35% more space for production and shipping to the existing 400,000 sq. ft., and add 200 new jobs to its U.S. headquarters and manufacturing facility in Bluffton, Ohio.

Marking a 33-year presence in the U.S. along with increased growth in North America, the new, expanded space will house many of GROB’s sub-assembly departments to support final production in the main plant.

On the logistical side, the expansion will provide shipping with two new depressed docks bringing the total to three docks, further increasing the efficiency of shipping and receiving for GROB. The expansion project, which will be located on the east side of GROB’s current facility footprint, is estimated at $24.0 million.

“Demonstrating our strong, unwavering commitment to U.S. manufacturing, GROB has been investing in and expanding the Bluffton location since the first building was constructed in 1991,” said Mr. Michael Hutecker, CEO, GROB Systems, Inc.

“Our new, large East Building expansion represents the success of our manufacturing systems and automation solutions being produced in the U.S. and providing timely, locally based service and support to our customers. With the expanded facility, we will increase our production of manufacturing systems for new technologies in the U.S. — most importantly, systems for the production of batteries.”

Ms. Annette Heslep, CFO, GROB Systems, Inc. adds, “We have been fortunate to employee highly skilled employees who have greatly contributed to our success for over 30 years. With this latest expansion, we are excited to continue our growth in this community and the U.S. by committing to add another 200 jobs over the next three years and offer the latest machining and automation technology.”

Completion of GROB’s East Building expansion in Bluffton is slated for March 2025.

About GROB Systems For over 90 years, GROB has been known worldwide for the development and manufacturing of machines and production lines.

GROB is a family-owned company with global headquarters located in Mindelheim near Munich, Germany and has full manufacturing capabilities in the United States, Germany, Brazil, China, Italy and India. Approximately 900 employees at the 400,000 square foot U.S.A. facility in Bluffton, Ohio support GROB customers across North America.

GROB has in its portfolio several universal 5-axis machining centers as well as a variety of automation solutions. The unique retractable spindle provides unmatched accessibility to the work piece, is the most rigid when extended to the workpiece, and even allows for upside-down machining which provides superior chip control. The Z-axis design also allows tool changes to happen outside of the work area which enables users to machine the largest part that fits in the machine regardless of tool length requirements.

(From the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office)

Hancock County Special Deputies are currently looking for candidates to join their organization.

The special deputies hold a vital role for Hancock County to help make sure special events run smoothly.

They help cover a variety of events throughout the year.

Please see the flyer below for more information and how to apply.

For any questions, please feel free to reach out!!

Applicants do not have to be certified.

(From Liberty-Benton Local Schools)

The Coach Williman Dedication Ceremony was a HUGE success!

Thank you to everyone who came out to honor Coach Williman and his Liberty-Benton legacy.

The signature is now officially on the Steve Williman Court forever!

To view the ​​Steve Williman Career photos slide show, visit http://tinyurl.com/2r53dk3y

(above picture courtesy of Liberty-Benton Local Schools)

(From Blanchard Valley Center)

Blanchard Valley Center (Hancock County Board of Developmental Disabilities) will host a series of networking events that will be free and open to the public in 2024.

Nadine Weininger, with Blanchard Valley Center, says the first event of the series will be held Jan. 24, 5:30-6:30 p.m., at Blanchard Valley Center, 1700 E. Sandusky Street, Findlay. The topic will be, How did I get here and where do I go next? A panel of parents will discuss their journey of navigating life with a child who has a developmental disability.

Each event will include a 30-minute question-and-answer period, followed by an open house for networking with representatives from resource agencies.

“When we were working on our strategic plan and collecting feedback from stakeholders, we had parents, including board members, who said they wanted opportunities to network with families dealing with similar situations,” said Blanchard Valley Center Superintendent Kelli Grisham. “This gives them the chance to not only talk to other parents or caregivers, but to tap onto other resources, such as recommended doctors or facilities.”

Topics for additional networking events will include:

-Transition and Summer Work. This event will focus on young adults, ages 14-22, as they navigate life after post-secondary education.

-Special Ed 101. A parent panel will discuss their experiences working with local school districts, IEPs, and what involvement looks like.

The dates for the additional sessions are April 10 and August 14, respectively.

“We often hear that parents will receive a diagnosis for their child and don’t know where to turn,” Grisham said. “Understanding the world of developmental disabilities can sometimes be daunting. We want to invite families to these networking events to help in that process. It will give people an opportunity to communicate with a professional, and those with lived experience, in a relaxed environment.”

(From Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio)

The Board of Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio (MHCO) is happy to announce plans for continuing operations of the Hilty Preschool and Childcare in Pandora, Ohio. Following the January 2, 2024 announcement that the childcare would be closing on January 31 there was a groundswell of local effort to continue the operation of a childcare in Pandora. Parents reported frustration and inability to locate alternative childcare openings in Putnam County and long waiting lists at other facilities, including surrounding towns.

The Pandora Village Council heard their pleas, as voiced at the January 9 Village Council meeting. Council had already approached MHCO and these pleas supported their resolve to find a workable solution for everyone. The Putnam County CIC joined the Village in their efforts. Local businessmen, Zachary Buckland and Evan Schroeder, stepped forward to propose purchase of the childcare operation. They have formed Hilty’s Faithful Foundations Preschool and Childcare, LLC and it will remain in the current location. They plan to expand the childcare space into adjacent space of the former Hilty Memorial Home. In collaboration with MHCO, current operations will continue through March 31, 2024, by which time they expect to have the legal transactions and licensing processes completed.

Meanwhile, the Village of Pandora submitted a purchase proposal to HUD, the loan holder for the empty facility. The Hilty Memorial Home was closed in December 2022 and the childcare

allowed to continue in the building. MHCO had attempted to find purchasers for the building and the childcare, but was unsuccessful. Pandora Mayor, Jeremy Liechty, shared these thoughts about the collaboration, “We believe that by attempting to purchase the building, Pandora will have the Hilty daycare remain in place and opportunities for other businesses to grow within our community. We appreciate how MCHO continued to maintain the Hilty facility and we are hopeful that an offer for the building is accepted by HUD to keep moving forward in 2024.”

Once the transactions are completed, the Village will begin a strategic planning process to determine additional operations that can utilize other areas of the 60,000 square foot space.

Families and Staff have been informed of the plans for continuing childcare services and new operators are eager to move forward with their expansion plans. Zach Buckland expressed hope that Hilty childcare families and staff will “hang in with us” as the transitions take place. “Evan and I know firsthand how difficult it is to find quality childcare close to home. This is what motivates us to take on this challenge. We are committed to making this a successful and permanent operation. And we are especially happy to have Amanda Dettrow continue as the Director, continuing her 17 years of leadership.”

MHCO Board Chair, Elizabeth Kelly, shared her enthusiasm about this turn of events, “We know that it takes a village to raise a child. We are seeing that it takes a village and a county and a group of committed parents and citizens to provide much needed childcare in rural communities. We are thankful for the hard work that is making this possible.”