(From Hancock County ADAMHS)

Families affected by substance use disorder now have a safe space to gain and give support.

Weekly meetings for community members who have a loved one struggling with substance use are underway in Hancock County.

The “You Are Not Alone” support group meets, via Zoom, from noon to 1 p.m. each Saturday. No registration is needed.

Participants can join the meetings on their phone or computer at this link: http://tinyurl.com/y3336fym 

Zach Thomas is Director of Wellness and Education at the Hancock County Board of Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services.

The meetings, offered through the Hancock County Board of Alcohol Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services of Hancock County, are being facilitated by Kirsten Powers.

There is no cost to attend. Participants can attend as many meetings as they like.

“Let’s connect and share the wisdom we have gained from unique challenges that only we can understand. We are in this together,” Powers said.

“You will feel relief if you’ve been feeling alone or overwhelmed,” she said.

More information about the You Are Not Alone group is available by calling the ADAMHS office at 419-424-1985.

(From Dr. Bill Kose with Blanchard Valley Health System)

On Monday, April 8, Northwest Ohio will get a front-row seat to a total solar eclipse. The moon will gradually begin to block the sun in the early afternoon, and the eclipse will reach totality (meaning the moon will entirely block the sun) at approximately 3:10 p.m.

Only a small region of the United States will experience the total solar eclipse, so Northwest Ohio anticipates visitors from outside the area for this once-in-a-lifetime event. At Blanchard Valley Health System, we encourage our community to plan ahead with health and safety in mind.

Eye safety is vital. Looking directly at the sun without proper protection can cause permanent damage to your vision, even if there does not appear to be much light.

Only look at the eclipse using eclipse glasses that indicate that they comply with ISO 12312-2 requirements. Regular sunglasses do not offer adequate protection. Eclipse glasses are designed for viewing the eclipse without a telescope, camera, or binoculars and should not be used with any of these devices.

Parents with young children may want to rehearse like a fire drill for the eclipse. If your children are familiar with the glasses ahead of time, when things are less exciting, they are more likely to stay safe on April 8.

Traffic congestion is expected, so give yourself extra time to get where you need to go. Make sure you have groceries ahead of time so you don’t have to run to the store the day of the eclipse.

Anyone on the road that afternoon should be extra alert for unsafe drivers. People may suddenly pull over as time passes, so be vigilant.

Many organizations are setting out portable toilets, but it will take longer to drive from one place to another. So, again, plan with this in mind, especially if you have small children.

Remember that, while hospitals and urgent care will be open, many medical practices will close or have limited hours.

This means that people feeling sick on Friday, April 5, may want to call their primary care provider to discuss what to do if they start feeling worse over the weekend, as it may be difficult to get a Monday appointment.

Similarly, people who have chronic illnesses and are experiencing a worsening of symptoms may also benefit from reaching out on Thursday or Friday. Make sure you have enough medication to last until Tuesday.

But please seek care immediately if you are experiencing an emergency. Don’t just stay home and wait it out. Chest pain or pressure may be symptoms of a heart attack, while numbness or weakness on one side or difficulty speaking may indicate a stroke. These are medical emergencies; you should head to the emergency room rather than wait to

call your doctor. Start by calling 911 to see if an ambulance can quickly reach your house and send EMTs to assist you on your way to the hospital.

If you or a loved one is injured and bleeding significantly, or you suspect a broken bone, get this, too, checked out at the ER or urgent care.

We have been working hard to prepare for any number of possible scenarios for April 8, along with others across the region. We want our community members to enjoy the eclipse. Keep safety in mind and remember that, if you do experience a health crisis, healthcare professionals are ready to help.

More information can be found at bvhealthsystem.org/eclipse

William H. Kose, MD, JD

Vice President of Special Projects,

Blanchard Valley Health System

(From the Ohio State Highway Patrol)

The Norwalk Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a train versus passenger car crash that occurred Thursday, March 21, 2024 at 02:29 PM on Township Road 15 south of State Route 18 in Clinton Township, Seneca County.

Richard L. Rochester, age 90, of Tiffin, was driving a tan 2000 Honda Odyssey minivan southbound on Township Road 15.

Railroad tracks intersected the roadway and an eastbound CSX train was actively crossing.

Mr. Rochester drove around the railroad crossing gate and struck the side of a train car.

Mr. Rochester was wearing his safety belt and sustained fatal injuries as a result of the crash.

He was trapped inside the vehicle and was extricated by mechanical means.

The crash remains under investigation.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted by the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office, Clinton Township Fire Department, Tiffin Fire Department, Seneca County Coroner’s Office, and D and D Towing.

(From the City of Findlay)

The City of Findlay presented Evan Naliborski, Public Works Maintenance Worker IV with the Parks Maintenance Department, with the John Edward Seman Award for Employee Excellence on March 19, 2024, at a luncheon.

Naliborski started with the City in the Street Department as a Public Works Maintenance Worker I in February 2020.

He transferred to the Parks Maintenance Department in July 2021.

He quickly rose through the ranks to his current position as a Public Works Maintenance Worker IV.

Naliborski has been instrumental in moving projects to completion such as the Municipal Court renovations, emergency dispatch center at Fire Station 4, and currently the STRICT Center search and rescue house.

From handling material lists, working within project budgets and working through Wood County inspections, Naliborski continually goes above and beyond his typical job requirements to make a project successful.

Naliborski is also a member of the City of Findlay employee retention committee.

Mayor Christina Muryn stated, “Naliborski is a wonderful teammate and a great asset to the City. He is a hard worker, has a positive attitude, and takes initiative.”

Three City employees were nominated by their peers. Nominees included: Evan Naliborski, Parks Maintenance Department; Detective Kevin Spieker, Police Department; and Taylor Spigner, Police Dispatch.

The program is named in honor of Assistant City Engineer John E. Seman who passed away in late 2004. John’s service to the City began in May 2000. John’s distinguished character and passion for excellence in building a community established a pinnacle for all to follow.

The annual John Edward Seman Award for Employee Excellence is intended to formally recognize a City employee whose service, dedication, integrity, and commitment to community are exemplary.

John’s parents, Dave and Beth Seman, and his brother and sister-in-law Dan and Katie Seman and nephew George helped present the award.

City employees who have served at least one year, except elected officials, are eligible for nomination. Nominations were made by employees of the City of Findlay.

A plaque displaying names of past award recipients is displayed in the Municipal Building.

(From HHWP Community Action Commission)

The public is encouraged to attend a Community Transportation Open House sponsored by HATS Transportation and the HHWP Community Action Commission on Monday, March 25 from 6-7:30 p.m. at the University of Findlay’s Alumni Memorial Union Multipurpose Room at 164 Frazer Street in Findlay.

Representatives from HATS Transportation and the CAC will be in attendance along with the firm of Nygard Nelson to unveil initial studies of Findlay and Hancock County’s Transit Development Plan. 

The transit development plan for the city and county was funded through a grant from the Ohio Department of Transportation.

In addition, options for changes in future transit service for Findlay and Hancock County will also be featured.

Future transit options may include fixed route service for the city of Findlay, zoned demand response service for Findlay or enhanced demand response service for the county.

The open house is designed to give city and county residents a chance to comment on proposed changes to transit in the region.

For more information, or to arrange transportation to the event contact HHWP CAC Director of Transportation Jamie Baker at 419-619-3936.

(From Garner Trucking)

Garner Trucking is proud to announce the certification of Mackenzie Melton as a NATMI Certified Director of Safety (CDS), marking a significant milestone in her career and a testament to the company’s commitment to safety.

Mackenzie Melton, CDS, has demonstrated exceptional dedication and leadership in spearheading companywide safety initiatives.

Since joining the Garner Team in 2014 as a Professional Driver, Mackenzie has continuously exemplified her passion for safety, transitioning into roles such as Driver Trainer, Recruiting and ultimately leading our Safety Department.

Her journey reflects Garner’s commitment to fostering talent and promoting from within.

Under Mackenzie’s guidance, Garner Trucking has witnessed tangible improvements in safety metrics, including a notable reduction in CSA scores.

Mackenzie’s strategic enhancements to our recent graduate program have further strengthened our safety culture, ensuring that our fleet operates at the highest standards of safety excellence.

“Witnessing Mackenzie’s growth in the industry has been nothing short of remarkable. We take immense pride in Mackenzie and all that she has achieved,” stated Tim Chrulski, Garner COO.

Garner Trucking is a family-owned and operated business started in 1960 by Vernon E. Garner and Regina R. Garner, headquartered in Findlay.

(From the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office)

On March 20th, 2024, at approximately 12:50 PM, a Seneca County Sheriff’s Office Deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle that had a passenger in the car with known felony drug-related warrants for him.

Upon initially stopping the vehicle and speaking with the occupants, the subject attempted to provide false identifying information to avoid apprehension. While the Deputy continued to investigate, the driver sped off and a vehicle pursuit ensued.

The pursuit covered several townships in the Southern portion of the county, at high rates of speed, and going through multiple stop signs in an attempt to elude the Deputies. The passenger was let out of the vehicle by the driver and took off on foot in some woods and a Deputy ran after him taking him into custody without further incident. As for the vehicle driver, after dropping off the passenger, it took off again, and additional Deputies pursued it. The vehicle eventually stopped in Wyandot County, and the driver was taken into custody.

Nathan J. Feasel, 44 YOA, Sycamore, Ohio, was arrested for outstanding felony-related drug warrants, Resisting Arrest, and Obstructing Official Business. Feasel was also found to be in possession of suspected Methamphetamine, as well. Christina M. Leimgruber, 39 YOA, Sycamore, Ohio, was arrested for Felony Fleeing/Eluding and Obstructing Official Business. Both were transported to the Seneca County Jail, where they are being held.

“The investigation is ongoing, but the Deputy’s persistence in investigating the passenger’s identity was instrumental to the investigation’s success and the other Deputies who joined the pursuit acted within policy and was able to get the vehicle driver in custody as well. It is a shame that they would put the public at risk like that and that is exactly what we train for so hard, to have good outcomes in bad situations. A job well done!” Sheriff Stevens said.

(From the University of Findlay)

At a press conference today on University of Findlay’s campus, Dr. Katherine Fell, University of Findlay president, and Dr. Jane Wood, Bluffton University president, announced that they have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) declaring the intention to pursue a merger of Bluffton University operations with University of Findlay. Findlay and Bluffton would become one higher education community on two campuses. The decision was made by votes of each institution’s Board of Trustees. Pending all regulatory approvals, the merger is anticipated to be completed by Fall 2025.

“We’re all aware that higher education is facing significant changes and challenges,” said Dr. Fell. “These times call upon us to be innovative and forward-thinking. From a vantage point in the future, we will look back at this moment in the history of higher education as one that required new approaches and bold actions. I believe this merger will prove to be both.”

Through this merger, the universities would position themselves to provide increased educational opportunities that prepare current and future students to lead and serve in their local communities and beyond. Students and employees would benefit from access to expanded resources on both campuses located 20 miles apart in Northwest Ohio. A goal of the proposed merger is to innovate in response to the changing climate of higher education while honoring individual campus traditions.

Both University of Findlay and Bluffton University are dedicated to preparing students of diverse backgrounds for meaningful lives, productive careers, responsible citizenship, and service to all peoples. The decision to pursue a merger signals the universities’ ongoing commitment to faith and intellect, the sciences and the humanities.

“Our early interactions have made clear that we share a commitment to preparing generations of students to find and live out their callings,” said Dr. Wood. “By combining the best of pre-professional and liberal arts programs, our institutions will become even better at equipping future students to discover and to research what will ultimately bring meaning and purpose to their lives. We are stronger together.”

Pending NCAA approval, after the merger is complete, Findlay would continue to participate in NCAA Division II as the Oilers, while Bluffton would continue competing in Division III as the Beavers. This is a model that other schools are following successfully.

University of Findlay intends to remain affiliated with the Churches of God, General Conference, while Bluffton University intends to remain affiliated with Mennonite Church USA.

“We are pleased to have received funding from the Transformational Partnerships Fund, which provides support for institutions of higher education to explore student-centric partnerships,” said Dr. Fell. “This grant was used to support a third-party due diligence report assessing the benefits and risks of a merger.”

Required regulatory approvals for the merger are estimated to take 12-15 months. During that time, both University of Findlay and Bluffton University will continue to operate independently.

“All year, Findlay has been talking about our strong roots and bright future,” said Dr. Fell. “Both Findlay and Bluffton have immensely strong roots, and together we can have a brighter future. Together, we can establish an even stronger premier institution of higher education in Northwest Ohio.”

For more information visit our joint website: www.FindlayBlufftonFuture.com

(From the Ohio High School Athletic Association)

Senior Colin White of Ottawa-Glandorf High School was named 2024 Ohio Mr. Basketball on Wednesday by the Ohio Prep Sportswriters Association.

White has helped lead the Titans to the OHSAA state tournament all four years of his high school career.

They will face Canal Winchester Harvest Prep at 5:15 p.m. Friday in a Division III state semifinal in a game you can hear on 106.3 The Fox. Pregame is at 5 p.m.

White was a first-team All-Ohio selection as a sophomore and junior, with this season’s honors being announced next week.

Cleveland Heights Lutheran East senior Jesse McCulloch was the runner-up and Garfield Heights sophomore Marcus Johnson finished third. Other finalists included Malvern senior J’Allen Barrino, Shelby senior Alex Bruskotter, Westerville South junior Kruz McClure, Cincinnati Winton Woods senior Tyler McKinley, Louisville senior Hayden Nigro, and Camden Preble Shawnee senior Mason Shrout.

In the statewide voting process conducted by members of the OPSWA, three points were awarded for first place, two for second and one for third. White had 81 points and McCulloch had 59 points.  

Now in its 37th year, the prestigious Mr. Basketball award was first given by the Associated Press in 1988. It has been voted on by the Ohio Prep Sportswriters Association since 2017.

(From Findlay-Hancock County Habitat for Humanity)

Habitat for Humanity of Findlay/Hancock County will officially kick off its spring construction season for its 58th and 59th homes during a Blessing of the Builds on Thursday, March 21 at 4:30 pm at the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts. The celebration is open to the public.

During the event new homeowners, the Balicki and Daughenbaugh-Gossman families, will share their journeys. Additionally, donors who bought a “piece of the house” during the 2023 Signature Fundraiser will be recognized for their generosity. The highly successful 2023 Signature Fundraiser raised enough funds to support the construction of both homes.

These are the first and second homes to be built by Habitat for Humanity of Findlay/Hancock County in 2024. While both will be completed in 10 weeks, the construction of homes #58 and #59 will be staggered to accommodate two locations in West Park and near Maple Grove Cemetery.

Talisha Balicki and her two daughters, will reside in Home #58 on Logan Avenue. Talisha is a single mother currently working as a state tested nurses aid at the Heritage. She began her journey with Habitat in 2021, frustrated with not having a stable place to raise her daughters.

“Home means roots being put down. A place to build memories, a place to gather no matter what age,” said Balicki. “Somewhere you’re comfortable and accepted and can always be yourself. Home is a place where my kids can always come to.”

The future homeowners of Home #59 on Durrell Street will be the Daughenbaugh-Gossman family comprised of Troy, Morgan, and their two daughters. Troy currently works at ValFilm and Morgan became a substitute teacher once both of their daughters were old enough to attend school. Although they both hold steady jobs, and work together to support their family, they were still unable to afford a home on their own. They began their journey with Habitat in 2021, admitting financial stability has always been a challenge. Their decision to partner with Habitat, and the Financial Opportunity Center, has led them to a brighter future where they have paid off extensive credit card debt, and were selected as a partner family.

More than 600 volunteers will work under the guidance of construction professionals, and also alongside other volunteers and future Habitat homeowners. Pre-registration to volunteer is required by calling 419-429-1400 x 5, emailing volunteer@habitatfindlay.org, or signing up on the website habitatfindlay.org. No skills or tools are necessary to volunteer.

Through donations of money and materials and volunteer labor, Habitat is able to build a Habitat Home and sell it at an affordable price. The Balicki and Daughenbaugh-Gossman families qualified as a low-income family unable to qualify for a conventional loan who were willing to partner with Habitat and complete at least 400 sweat equity hours.

Habitat for Humanity is accepting applications from families now for new homes for 2025. To apply for a home or a home repair, visit habitatfindlay.org or call 419-429-1400.