(From the Hancock Park District)

Join the Hancock Park District for ‘Planetarium: Solar Eclipse’ on Monday, April 1.

On April 8, Hancock County will be in the path of a total solar eclipse. In our indoor planetarium program, we will focus on a solar eclipse: what it is, why it happens, different types, and how often they occur.

We will view what will happen during the eclipse and learn about other astronomical objects that may be seen during the eclipse. Afterward, we will preview other things to look for during the month of April.

Each participant will receive solar eclipse glasses, a pin hole viewer card, and an April sky map. Participants are required to sit on the floor. Ask about accommodations.

Oakwoods Nature Preserve, Discovery Center. 7 PM. All ages are welcome. Free; but register online at www.hancockparks.com by 1 PM on Monday, April 1.

Oakwoods Nature Preserve is located at 1400 Oakwoods Lane, off CR 144, west of Findlay.

For more information about other upcoming park programs and events, view the “Programs & Activities Calendar” at www.HancockParks.com” or call the park office at 419-425-7275.

The Ohio Department of Transportation will hold a public meeting regarding the upcoming construction of the new interchange at Interstate 75 and County Road 99 on the north end of Findlay.

The meeting will be held at Owens Community College on Bright Road on Tuesday, April 16^th at 1 p.m.

The new interchange will be a diverging diamond interchange (DDI), which shifts the eastbound and westbound traffic to the other side of the bridge at signalized crossovers which eliminates left turns across traffic and the left-turn traffic signal phase. The benefit is that all traffic can enter the interstate in a free-flow movement to the ramps.

A successful example of a DDI is located in Perrysburg at I-475 and State Route 25.

Construction Engineer Dan Niese says this is an ambitious project for ODOT District 1.

As Dan said, “funky” is one way to describe a diverging diamond and ODOT has a video below to educate drivers. 

The project will construct an additional bridge to the south of the existing County Road 99 bridge over I-75. The new structure will provide three westbound lanes.

Additional improvements will be made along the County Road 99 corridor at the intersections with Technology Drive, Speedway Drive, and Ventura Drive.

A shared-use path for bike and pedestrian traffic will be constructed along the south side of County Road 99 and will utilize the original bridge structure for crossing over I-75.

“This project ensures the expected economic growth in this area of the county will be supported by the infrastructure,” said Chris Hughes, ODOT District 1 deputy director. He cited the support of officials with the city of Findlay and Hancock County as critically important in moving the project forward. “We’re grateful to the city and county for seeing the need for a modern interchange design at this location,” he said.

Construction will begin early this spring and conclude in 2026. 

More information can be found on the project website: I-75/CR 99 interchange improvements | Ohio Department of Transportation

(From the City of Findlay)

The City of Findlay Income Tax Department now offers E-Filing.

See additional details below and contact the Income Tax Department (419) 424-7133 with any questions.

As a reminder, all 2023 City of Findlay income tax returns are due by Monday, April 15, 2024.

The grand opening date has been announced for Findlay’s first Raising Cane’s restaurant.

The restaurant, which, according to its website, serves “only the most craveable chicken finger meals”, is located in front of the Findlay Village Mall on Tiffin Avenue and is aiming at a Tuesday, March 19^th opening.

Raising Cane’s says it doesn’t hold back on its grand opening celebrations and says it will be a fun time.

The Findlay Police Department will have officers on site to help with traffic control.

To celebrate opening day, Raising Cane’s is hosting a variety of activities for the community, including:

●      A “Lucky 20” drawing to award 20 Customers (age 13 and older) Free Cane’s for a Year! Entries will be accepted from 8 to 9 a.m., with the drawing taking place around 9:15 a.m. Customers must be present to win.

●      The first 100 Customers in line who purchase a Box Combos will receive a commemorative T-shirt and a card for one free Box Combo, valid on their next visit.

●      A ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place at 9:25 a.m. featuring representatives from the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce.

●      Raising Cane’s will present a donation check to the Humane Society & SPCA of Hancock County. The Humane Society and SPCA of Hancock County educates the public on care and responsible treatment of animals; provides for and protects unwanted, lost and abused animals; and creates a quality environment for all animals through its policies and presence in the community.

●      A local DJ will be on-site from 7 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 1 – 4 p.m., spinning the latest hits while Customers await their hot, fresh Chicken.

●      Customers will have a chance to spin a prize wheel and win Cane’s swag items.

“We’re excited to open our second Restaurant in Northwest Ohio and serve our ONE LOVE® to this community!” said Erin Rawson, Area Leader of Restaurants. “Our next-closest location is almost an hour away in Perrysburg, so we are thrilled to bring our craveable Chicken Finger meals to Findlay and to get involved in the community beyond our Box Combos by active community involvement.”

The Southeastern Conference unveiled its men’s basketball postseason awards as selected by the league’s 14 head coaches.

South Carolina’s Lamont Paris, a Findlay High School graduate, was named SEC Coach of the Year.

South Carolina says the second-year head coach led the greatest single season turnaround in program history this season as the team set a regular season record with 25 wins.

Their next game is March 14^th in the SEC tournament.

Paris played basketball for Findlay High School in the late ’80s and early ’90s.

WFIN’s John Marshall featured Paris in an On The Road Ohio show last fall, and that can be heard below.

(pic courtesy of South Carolina Men’s Basketball)

The Christian Clearing House 2024 Annual Benefit Garage Sale is coming up soon.

It will be held on March 16th from 8:30 -4 p.m., and on March 17th from 1 – 4 p.m. at Brinkman’s Greenhouse at 1800 E Sandusky Street in Findlay.  

Executive Director Tammy Stahl was on with WFIN’s Chris Oaks to discuss their biggest fundraiser of the year.

Volunteers are being sought and people can sign up to help by clicking here.

The Velvet Chandelier (presale event) will be held on March 14^th from 6 – 8 p.m.

Tickets are $50.

Visit the CCH website at cchsupport.org to purchase tickets.

Tickets are also available in the office.

(ONN) – Bowling Green State University is parting ways with men’s hockey coach Ty Eigner.

Eigner is out as BG’s head coach after 5 seasons at the helm.

The separation comes after the Falcons finished the season 13-22 and 1 and ended the year with 6 straight losses.

BGSU was swept in the CCHA Mason Cup quarterfinals Saturday.

In five seasons Eigner led the Falcons to two winning seasons and no NCAA tournament appearances.

BG’s director of athletics released a statement saying “The decision to separate from coach Eigner was made after a thorough review and evaluation of our program over multiple years.”

(ONN) – Ohio’s primary election is on March 19^th and Republican Governor Mike DeWine has made an endorsement in the U.S. Senate race.

DeWine announced that he and his wife Fran are endorsing Matt Dolan for U.S. Senate.

He chose Dolan over his current secretary of state Frank LaRose and Trump-endorsed businessman Bernie Moreno.

The winner of the Republican primary will take on incumbent Sherrod Brown in November.

(From the Hancock Historical Museum)

The Hancock Historical Museum released its calendar of Classic Movie Nights for the year starting with the ultimate classic film Casablanca (1942) at 7 p.m. Friday, March 15.

Casablanca, winner of the Best Picture Oscar for 1944 stars Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman and Claude Raines.

Set in World War II French Morocco, the romantic drama follows Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart), who owns a nightclub in Casablanca, as he discovers his old flame Ilsa (Ingrid Bergman) is in town with her husband, Victor Laszlo (Paul Henreid).

Laszlo is a famed rebel, and with Germans on his tail, Ilsa knows Rick can help them get out of the country.

Classic Movie Night is free and open to the public.

Seating is limited and reservations are encouraged, but not required.

Historical information is provided before the movie and guests are welcome to stay for discussion afterward.

The 2024 Classic Movie Line Up includes:

May 17 – Laura (PG) 1944 Starring Gene Tierney and Dana Andrews

July 19 – Yankee Doodle Dandy (PG) 1942 Starring James Cagney and Jeanne Cagney

August 17 (Outdoor Movie) – Jurassic Park (PG-13) 1993 Starring Sam Neill, Laura Dern, and Jeff Goldblum

October 25 – Strangers on a Train (PG) 1951 Starring Robert Walker and Farley Granger, Directed by Alfred Hitchcock

December 20 – White Christmas (G) 1954 Starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, and Vera-Ellen

For more information or to make a reservation, please call the museum at (419) 423-4433 or visit www.hancockhistoricalmuseum.org.

(From the University of Findlay)

James D. Houdeshell ’53, a revered figure in the University of Findlay community, passed away March 2, 2024, leaving behind a legacy that spans decades. Born in Hancock County, Ohio Feb.1, 1931, Houdeshell graduated from Rawson High School. As an undergraduate at Findlay College, Houdeshell excelled as a multi-sport athlete, earning letters in basketball, baseball, and football. His remarkable achievements led to his induction into the Findlay College Athletic Hall of Fame in 1975.

In 1955, he assumed pivotal roles at the University, serving as an assistant professor, athletic director, and head coach for football, basketball, and baseball. Over the course of three decades, he guided the men’s basketball team to 21 winning seasons, with 16 of those seasons culminating in qualifications for the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) District 22 playoffs. Three of his teams advanced to the championship tournament.

Houdeshell served as president of the NAIA Basketball Coaches Association and the NAIA Athletic Directors Association. In recognition of his outstanding contributions, he was inducted into the NAIA Hall of Fame in 1981.

Houdeshell’s impact extended beyond the court. During his remarkable 60-year career at Findlay College and University of Findlay, the highly respected alumnus also served as the Dean of the College of Professional Studies, the Dean of University College, the Dean of Students, and the Chair of the Division of Teacher Education. His influence also extended to academic programs, including the establishment of one of the University’s first graduate programs—the Master of Arts in Education. Additionally, Houdeshell played a crucial role in developing Findlay’s health and physical education major and contributed to the planning and implementation of the equestrian studies program.

As the athletic director and a chamber member of the Division of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation (HPER), Houdeshell spearheaded the planning and construction of the Croy Physical Education Center. Within this facility, nestled inside the Niekamp Arena, the Houdeshell Court was dedicated in honor in 2019. The stage for basketball and volleyball competitions, the Court is a lasting reminder of a man whose dedication and passion left an indelible mark on the University community.

James and his late wife, Mira (Frost ’78), shared a profound passion for Findlay College and University of Findlay. While James served as a member of the faculty and coaching staff, Mira was a super booster, championing the University and supporting all her husband’s efforts. Their commitment to educating young men and women and their unwavering support of Oiler athletics led to the establishment of the Dr. James D. ’53 and Mira M. (Frost ’78) Houdeshell Scholarship Endowment Fund. This endowment provides a scholarship to a full-time student majoring in education, maintaining a 3.0 GPA, and actively participating in varsity football or basketball.

Houdeshell had extensive knowledge of antiques and pottery and published a book, “Houghton and Dalton Pottery” in 1983. His service to the Findlay community has included serving on the board of directors of the Findlay Rotary Club, the board of education of Findlay City Schools, and as the first chairman of the Hancock Recreation and Parks Commission.

Proceeded in death by his wife Mira (Nov. 22, 2023), James leaves behind his son James P. “Jamie” (Cheri) Houdeshell; grandchildren, Ethan and Zoe (Xebastian) Aguilar; and one great-granddaughter, Gianna Aguilar.

A memorial service to celebrate James D. Houdeshell’s remarkable life will be held on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at 11 a.m.  Visitation will be held prior to the service from 9 to 11 a.m.  Visitation and the funeral will be held at Coldren-Crates Funeral Home, 205 West Sandusky Street, Findlay, Ohio.

“The UF family is mourning the loss of this great man; James Houdeshell and his wife were an integral part of our community for more than half a century. He will be deeply missed, but his dedication, passion, and impact on the University and beyond will be remembered for years to come. May he rest in peace,” said University of Findlay President Katherine Fell.

The full obituary for Houdeshell can be found here.