(From Blanchard Valley Health System)
Blanchard Valley Health System recently received information regarding a potential telephone scam targeting community residents.
In this case, it appears the call is coming from a BVHS entity – it is not.
Please be aware that no division of BVHS would contact a patient to change their plan or sell any products regarding Medicare.
If you receive a call like this, please simply hang up. Local authorities have been aware of this situation.
Findlay Mayor Christina Muryn has issued a proclamation declaring February 7-14, 2024, as Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week in Findlay, Ohio, and encourages all citizens to join her in this special observance.
“Always an adorable crew to recognize Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week,” Mayor Muryn said on Facebook.
“These kiddos, and their families are strong.”
Read the full proclamation below or by clicking here.
(From the Office of State Representative Jon Cross)
The Ohio House of Representatives this week passed Substitute House Bill 2, which will allocate $350 million in one-time project funding from the Strategic Community Investment Fund, announced State Rep. Jon Cross (R-Findlay).
This one-time funding will be administered to statewide, regional, and local projects. More specifically, Cross secured a record amount of $9.7 million that will directly serve the 83rd House District and the surrounding communities.
“I will always fight to ensure dollars make their way back to the 83rd House District,” said Cross. “I look forward to seeing the transformative effects of these projects for generations to come.”
Cross championed several provisions that will positively impact Hancock, Hardin, and Logan Counties:
-$5 million to invest in dredging at Indian Lake, ensuring longevity of critical water infrastructure
-$1.25 million to construct a new Findlay-Hancock County YMCA facility with an adjoining Early Learning Center for Excellence, uplifting families and children
-$500,000 to modernize the livestock facilities at the Hancock County Fairgrounds, preserving infrastructure for the enjoyment of generations to come
-$500,000 to revitalize Ada War Memorial Park, ensuring accessibility and safety
-$500,000 to expand the ONU HealthWise Mobile Health Clinic, broadening access to healthcare
-$500,000 to purchase a new fire pump truck, increasing department capacity and public safety
-$500,000 to modernize the livestock facilities at the Hardin County Fairgrounds, preserving infrastructure for the enjoyment of generations to come
-$250,000 to upgrade Commercial Driver’s License Training Program Facilities at the Owens State Community College Findlay Campus, investing in the workforce of tomorrow
-$250,000 to modernize facilities and connect walkways throughout the Hancock County Park District, expanding accessibility to local parks and wildlife programs
-$200,000 to improve the Veterans Memorial Park pump house irrigation, protecting critical water infrastructure
-$150,000 to build new pickleball courts at Oldfield Beach on Indian Lake, promoting community recreation and well-being
-$50,000 to upgrade basketball and pickleball courts at the Hardin County Veterans Memorial Park, fostering opportunities for outdoor recreation
-$40,000 to repair outfield and foul line fences at Agler Baseball Field, preserving a community tradition.
In addition to these local investments, this legislation also includes additional statewide capital investments of:
-$600 million for the School Building Program Assistance Fund
-$400 million for the Public Works Commission Local Public Infrastructure and State Capital Improvement Program
-$397.6 million for higher education projects around the state
-$250 million for local jail construction across Ohio.
The Strategic Community Investment Fund was established in the state’s main operating budget passed last year and includes excess funding from the previous fiscal year. Due to conservative fiscal stewardship, the Ohio House was able to dedicate this excess toward projects that will move Ohio forward.
This funding will be incorporated as part of the greater State Capital Budget bill, a two-year construction budget for capital projects.
Registration is underway for Camp 911 in Hancock County.
Camp 911 is an interactive safety camp for kids who will be entering kindergarten in the fall of 2024 and helps them learn basic safety.
At Camp 911 children will learn different safety lessons, such as bike safety, stranger danger and so much more while interacting with local first responders.
Surprise visitors will make an appearance throughout the week to keep the kids engaged with the program.
They will grow in their independence as they experience camp through hands-on activities.
Camp 911 is a joint effort led by local emergency response agencies, including Hanco, Findlay Fire and Police Departments, the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office and Hancock Public Health.
The camp will be held June 10-14 at First Presbyterian Church at 2330 South Main Street in Findlay.
There will be morning and afternoon sessions.
See some of the fun from last year by clicking here.
(From Blanchard Valley Health System)
Bridge Hospice Bereavement Services, a division of Blanchard Valley Health System, will host “Sew Many Memories,” a hands-on grief support program, in April.
Parting with clothing that belonged to a deceased loved one can often be an emotional decision to make. This program, which is open to any adult or family who has recently experienced the death of a loved one, will offer participants the opportunity to turn their loved one’s clothing into a heartfelt keepsake. No sewing experience is necessary and volunteers will be on hand to help.
This year’s participants have the choice of creating a lap blanket, pillow, or bear.
The first session will take place from 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 10, at Birchaven Village Hub, 15100 Birchaven Lane, Findlay. This session will be dedicated to planning the item to create. Participants will examine sample projects and choose the item they will create, as well as learn what items best suit their creative needs.
The second session will take place from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, April 13, at the same location. Participants will sew their items at this second session. Volunteers will work with them to turn their loved ones’ clothing into beautiful keepsakes to be treasured for generations.
Participants must attend both sessions but are able to leave when their item is completed on Saturday.
Pre-registration is required by Wednesday, March 27. To register or to learn more, please contact Bridge Bereavement Services by calling 419.423.5351 or emailing kbeall@bvhealthsystem.org.
(From the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office)
On February 8th, 2024 the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office was alerted to a video circulating around social media, involving a Hardin Northern Local School District employee, which was alleged to have occurred at a park in Arlington, Ohio within Hancock County.
The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office is aware of the allegations made, and the incident is currently under investigation in coordination with the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office.
If you have any information relating to this incident, please contact:
Detective Roger Brown
Hancock County Sheriff’s Office
419-424-7484
Findlay High School had nine student-athletes commit to furthering their academic and athletic endeavors at the college level during National Signing Day.
“We’ve been certainly blessed this past year once again as we continue to build on the rich traditions forged by the efforts of all those who have come before us,” said Athletic Director Nate Weihrauch.
Margaret Meyer is going to UC Davis for equestrian.
Madilyn Stechschulte will be attending Siena Heights for basketball.
Taylor Hudson will be going to John Carroll for swimming.
Casey Daniel will be attending Heidelberg for swimming.
Ethan Michener will be going to Tiffin University for e-sports.
Jackson Lane will be attending Wittenberg for lacrosse.
Mark Scherger will be going to Heidelberg for lacrosse.
Jeremiah Spiceland will be attending the University of Findlay and running track.
And Luke Weihrauch will be playing football for the University of Findlay.
(From the Office of the Ohio Treasurer)
Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague today announced the $30 million purchase of a three-year, fixed-rate Israel Bond.
“Israel’s need for support remains as they continue their fight against terrorism,” said Treasurer Sprague. “Not only do Israel Bonds help provide much-needed liquidity to Israel, but their solid repayment history and competitive rates also provide a sound investment for Ohio and a great fit on our bond ladder.”
With the purchase settled last week, the bond will mature in three years, on February 1, 2027, with an interest rate of 4.81%. Since Israel Bonds was established in 1951, Israel has maintained a perfect record of interest and principal payments.
Since 1993, every Ohio Treasurer has invested in Israel Bonds, joining more than 115 other state and municipal public employee pension and treasury funds.
After the purchase, the Ohio Treasury now holds a total of $262.5 million in Israel Bonds, continuing Ohio’s standing as one of the largest government holders of these bonds in the United States. This purchase brings Ohio’s total purchases to $312.5 million since Treasurer Sprague took office.
(From Findlay Family YMCA)
The Findlay YMCA welcomed Rep. Jon Cross (R-Findlay) along with other local organizations Thursday morning for a press conference announcing significant investments in the community.
Of the funds committed, the Findlay Family YMCA will receive $1.25 million towards the construction of the new YMCA Early Learning Center.
This funding is part of the One-Time Strategic Community Investment Fund included in House Bill 2 passed by the Ohio House of Representatives on Wednesday.
The YMCA will continue to work with State Senator Robert McColley (R-Napoleon) on securing additional funding for this important community project as this legislation is considered by the Senate later this spring.
“A vibrant, modern city with beautiful things deserves a beautiful YMCA and child learning center,” said Cross.
“This investment in the Findlay YMCA provides a high-quality childcare option for families, simultaneously supporting child development and uplifting working parents.”
Rep. Cross, whose family recently moved to Hancock County from Kenton, has been a long-time supporter of the Findlay YMCA and Phase 1 of the capital campaign, the Early Learning Center.
Recognizing the urgent need for action on Hancock County’s childcare crisis, Rep. Cross in partnership with his colleague, Sen. McColley, have previously secured state dollars for this project.
“The YMCA’s Early Learning Center will be transformational for our community now and for generations to come,” YMCA CEO, Stephanie Parsons, said.
“Not only will the Y have a new, innovative facility that is designed to help kids thrive, we’ll also increase our capacity to care for more children allowing more parents, caregivers, and guardians the opportunity to seek employment in our community.”
Currently in Hancock County, there are more than 600 kids on waiting lists for childcare and 82% of area business leaders report that their business has been at least moderately affected by the childcare crisis. Nearly 30% of Hancock County residents report a lack of childcare impacting their ability to work on at least a monthly basis.
Also speaking at the conference was Findlay YMCA’s Child Development District Director, Kari Redman. Redman has worked in the field of early childhood development for over 25 years and emphasized the importance of this project.
“Our children are destined for greatness — investing in our children is the best investment we can make in our community.”
The Findlay YMCA will be hosting focus groups to gather input and feedback from the community as part of the capital development planning process.
A specific focus group on YMCA childcare is scheduled for February 21st from 6-7:30 PM.
Those interested in participating are encouraged to contact YMCA Development Director, Sierra Hutton at shutton@findlayymca.com.
(From the Cleveland Browns)
Below is a statement from Cleveland Browns/Haslam Sports Group Spokesperson Peter John-Baptiste on Browns future stadium planning:
“We’ve been clear on how complex future stadium planning can be. One certainty is our commitment to greatly improving our fan experience while also creating a transformative and lasting impact to benefit all of Northeast Ohio. We understand the magnitude of opportunity with a stadium project intent on driving more large-scale events to our region and are methodically looking at every possibility. We appreciate the collaborative process with the City of Cleveland and the leadership of Mayor Bibb in analyzing the landbridge and renovating the current stadium. At the same time, as part of our comprehensive planning efforts, we are also studying other potential stadium options in Northeast Ohio at various additional sites. There is still plenty of work to do and diligence to process before a long term stadium solution is determined and will share further updates at the appropriate time.”