Raise the Bar Hancock County held a Mock Interview Day to prepare students for future success.

It was held at the Old Mill Stream Centre on the Hancock County Fairgrounds and included 11^th graders from Cory-Rawson, Liberty-Benton, and Van Buren High Schools.

Susan Allen, Career Network Coordinator at Liberty-Benton High School, says the students did great and thanks the local business community for their tremendous support of the event.

The event was designed to provide the approximately 275 students with hands-on experience in a professional interview setting, preparing them for future endeavors.

The Mock Interview Day is the pilot initiative of a comprehensive K-12 workforce preparation program developed by the Business Advisory Council to set the stage for a brighter, more empowered workforce.

The Findlay Police Department says two people were injured in a two-vehicle crash.

It happened at the intersection of Tiffin Avenue and County Road 236 at around 2 o’clock Tuesday afternoon.

Police say Kenneth Cohen, 80, of Findlay, was stopped at a four-way red blinking light northbound on County Road 236 at Tiffin Avenue.

The traffic light changed from blinking red to working normally.

Kenneth entered the intersection after stopping at the red light and was struck by Margaret Coppola, 62, of Findlay, who was traveling westbound on Tiffin Avenue.

Police say Margaret was found to have a working green traffic light.

Police say Kenneth suffered a possible neck injury and Margaret a possible leg injury.

Police said no citations had been issued.

(From Visit Findlay)

ArtWalk, a family-friendly free event taking place quarterly in Downtown Findlay is slated for its Spring iteration this Friday, May 3 beginning at 3 p.m.

ArtWalk combines the arts and business together on these special nights downtown.

Artists and Musicians will be located within walking distance of each other at local shops, restaurants, and businesses allowing visitors to not only see local artists’ work, hear from local musicians, but also support local business.

Artwork is available for purchase with artists on-hand at most locations to discuss their work and their process. Findlay Art League will be highlighting their members’ talents during their annual Member Show, during which harpist Mikaela Umbs will perform from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

The second-floor Jones Building Artist Studios will be home to more than 10 artists with open studios. Artists will have their studios open for tours, demonstrations, and displaying their work for sale.

Marathon Center for the Performing Arts’s Fifth/Third Wall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place at 6 p.m., with reVerb and Guitars for Vets Band providing musical entertainment beginning at 7 p.m.

MCPA’s Fisher/Wall Art Gallery will also be displaying the 6th Advanced Student Exhibit, with ArtWalk marking the exhibit’s final night.

The Spring ArtWalk is the largest ArtWalk in recent history, with more than 40 businesses, shops, restaurants, and galleries opening their doors.

Millstream Wood Carvers will be represented for the first time during ArtWalk, located at RYSE, and Fast Signs of Findlay and Trust Company Family Offices will be part of ArtWalk for the first time, both hosting artists.

Other visual artists will display works of all mediums, including painting, ink, photography, pottery, digital art, jewelry, stained glass, and more.

Area schools local talent will be showcased at Findlay Inn from 5 – 6 p.m. featuring performances by Liberty Benton’s Fermata the Blue, St. Michael’s Una Voce, and Van Buren’s Knight Life, as well as The Association. Findlay-Hancock County Public Library will also host Fermata the Blue as well as Findlay String Factor. Also at the library will be a Hancock County & Awakening Minds Art Student Showcase, and a Tiny Art Show.

Massage Professionals of Ohio will be home to a Kids Helping Kids silent art auction. In addition to the locations already mentioned, live music can be found at Yeager’s Modern Man, The Urban Market, RooBarb Studios, MCPA, Logan’s Irish Pub, LBE Vintage, The Lavender Hour, Gathering Wine, Fast Signs of Findlay, Elida Candle Company, The Bourbon Affair, The Anvil, as well as Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce’s Rally@Ali’s, held at Alexandria’s.

ArtWalk is held four times a year and is a free family-friendly event on the first Fridays of February, May, August, and November in an effort to promote the arts and integrate them throughout the Downtown Findlay business community.

This event is a collaborative effort between Visit Findlay: Hancock County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Findlay Art League, Jones Building Artists, and Marathon Center for the Performing Arts. A complete list of participating locations and artists, as well as a virtual map, can be found at VisitFindlay.com/ArtWalk.

Printed maps of ArtWalk locations are available at the Visit Findlay Welcome Center, 123 E. Main Cross St., with limited copies at all participating locations the evening of the event. For more information, go to VisitFindlay.com/ArtWalk.

(From Habitat for Humanity)

Habitat for Humanity of Findlay/Hancock County has acquired land within the Krystal Ridge subdivision on the north side of Findlay where it will construct 20 safe and affordable homes for its partner families.

“We are so grateful to James Koehler, the Koehler Family and Tom Croy Jr. for partnering with us to build this neighborhood,” says Habitat for Humanity Director Wendy McCormick. “This partnership enables us to launch our first neighborhood initiative during our 25th year in 2025.”

During the course of three years the 20 homes will be constructed, emulating similar Habitat neighborhood projects developed in other communities across the United States.

“The Croy and Koehler families have a long history of residential development in the City of Findlay/Hancock County area. Both groups have strived to provide quality housing opportunities through residential subdivision development and home construction,” says James C. Koehler II. “It gives us great satisfaction to be able to create this opportunity for Habitat for Humanity and we wish them all the best in further developing the Krystal Ridge subdivision.”

This neighborhood will assist in reducing the current affordable housing deficit in the community. According to the most recent housing study released earlier this Spring, Findlay needs 150 single-family homes, costing less than $200,000, constructed during the next five years.

“This initiative will demonstrate the feasibility of a larger Habitat neighborhood in the Findlay community,” says Scott Rhodes, Past President of the Habitat for Humanity Findlay/Hancock County Board of Directors. “We continue to seek out other neighborhood development opportunities to further our mission.”

Beginning in 2025, the Findlay/Hancock County affiliate is planning to build six homes annually. To qualify, partner families must:

o have a steady income

o live in substandard housing

o receive financial education and coaching through Habitat’s Financial Opportunity Center

o be a US Citizen

o exhibit the ability to pay the home’s mortgage to Habitat

o invest at least 400 sweat equity hours building their own homes and volunteering for other Habitat projects

“Habitat is a community-building organization. We know that people in community are strengthened and when that happens the whole community is improved,” says McCormick. “Research shows Habitat homeownership decreases crime rates, increases graduation rates, improves mental health and wellness, and enables families to be independent and self-reliant, free from government aid. These benefits lift-up our entire community.”

Habitat is currently amidst its Spring Build season with Homes #58 and #59 underway. More than 600 volunteers are working under the guidance of construction professionals and alongside the owners of these homes as well as future Habitat homeowners.

(From the Carey Police Department)

The Carey Police Department announced today, April 30, 2024, that it has been recognized for excellence in policy management and training in 2023 by Lexipol, the nation’s leading provider of policy, training and wellness support for first responders and public servants.

The Lexipol Connect program tracks the police department’s performance on five metrics proven to measure success in policy management. The Carey Police Department achieved Gold, the highest level of recognition offered, for consistent and effective policy dissemination to personnel, timely policy updates as laws change, and officer training on policies.

“Policies are the foundation of operations; having and regularly training on good policies are essential in our service to the community. We are proud to be recognized by Lexipol Connect for our dedication to continuous improvement, professionalism and safety,” says Chief of Police Ryan Doe.

The Carey Police Department’s excellence in policy and policy training enhances community safety by ensuring consistent, effective response based on state and federal law and nationally recognized best practices.

(From Findlay City Schools)

The Ohio Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (OIAAA) has selected Nate Weihrauch, Findlay City Schools Athletic Director, as a recipient of the 2024 Athletic Director of the Year Award.

This prestigious accolade recognizes Mr. Weihrauch’s outstanding dedication, leadership, and commitment to excellence in athletic administration.

According to the NOIAAA, the Athletic Director of the Year Award is presented to individuals who have “exhibited superior performance throughout their career exemplifying the highest standards of ethical conduct, integrity, moral character, service, leadership, and professionalism.”

Mr. Weihrauch has consistently exemplified these qualities, making significant contributions to both Findlay City Schools and the Northwest Ohio Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NW-OIAAA).

“We are thrilled to see Nate Weihrauch recognized for his leadership and dedication,” said Meg Simon, Head Principal at FIndlay High School.

“This award is a testament to his unwavering commitment to our student-athletes and his values of integrity and sportsmanship.”

Nate Weihrauch is being honored at the 2024 NW-OIAAA Awards Ceremony today, April 30th, and will also be recognized at the 2024 OIAAA State Conference Awards Luncheon in Columbus.

(From the Tiffin Police Department and Seneca County Sheriff’s Office)

The Tiffin Police Department and Seneca County Sheriff’s Office proudly continue their collaborative efforts by participating in the Bexley Box initiative. Inspired by the tragic murder of Jared Bridegan in early 2022, leaving behind his daughter Bexley, this initiative strives to address the needs of children in distressing situations.

Witnessing Bexley’s plight at a police station, lacking basic necessities, underscored the importance of such support. Thus, the Bridegan Foundation, led by Kirsten Bridegan, launched the Bexley Box project to provide comfort items for children in similar circumstances.

Understanding the trauma children may endure when separated from caregivers, both agencies host Bexley Boxes in their lobbies. This ongoing commitment demonstrates a sincere dedication to creating a compassionate and supportive environment for vulnerable children during difficult times.

Research underscores the importance of first responders in mitigating the effects of trauma on children. By offering immediate comfort and support through initiatives like the Bexley Box, first responders can help minimize the long-term impact of traumatic experiences on children’s mental and emotional well-being.

Through their continued collaboration, the Tiffin Police Department and Seneca County Sheriff’s Office aim to extend their reach and impact, ensuring that no child in need is left without essential care and comfort. Together, they stand as pillars of support, advocating for the well-being of all children in their community.

Tiffin Police Chief David Pauly/Seneca County Sheriff Fred Stevens

(From Marathon Petroleum Corporation)

Marathon Petroleum Corp. (NYSE: MPC) today reported net income attributable to MPC of $937 million, or $2.58 per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2024. In the first quarter of 2024, the company recorded an $89 million charge resulting from the quarterly fair-value remeasurement of outstanding performance-based stock compensation. This reduced diluted earnings per share by $0.20. This compares to net income attributable to MPC of $2.7 billion, or $6.09 per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2023. 

The first quarter of 2024 adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (adjusted EBITDA) was $3.3 billion, compared with $5.2 billion for the first quarter of 2023. Adjustments are shown in the accompanying release tables.

“In the first quarter, our team safely and successfully completed the largest planned maintenance quarter in MPC history, including at four of our largest refineries,” said Chief Executive Officer Michael J. Hennigan.

“This positions us to meet the high demand of summer travel season. Additionally, we are advancing our midstream growth strategy through disciplined organic investments and targeted bolt-on acquisitions. This quarter we returned $2.5 billion through share repurchases and dividends, bringing MPC’s total capital returned to $35 billion since May 2021. Today, we announced a $5 billion increase to our share repurchase authorization, further demonstrating our commitment to return capital.”

(From the Hancock Historical Museum)

Bring your lunch break to the Hancock Historical Museum to enjoy its monthly Brown Bag Lecture Series at 12 p.m. Thursday, May 2 discussing “The Emotional Perspective of Preservation” presented by Matt Wiederhold, executive director of Heritage Ohio.

With over 20 years of community development and revitalization experience, Wiederhold’s passion for history, design and revitalization runs deep.

While currently restoring his tenth historic home, he serves as the executive director of Heritage Ohio, the official State-wide preservation and downtown revitalization non-profit organization, which oversees the Ohio Main Street Program.

Previously, he served as the executive director of Main Street Medina, in Medina Ohio; project manager for the Gordon Square Arts District on the West Side of Cleveland and an urban Main Street initiative in Toledo, OH.

Wiederhold is a 1992 graduate of the University of Toledo with a degree in art history, focused on American art and architecture from 1860-1930.

He is also a graduate of the National Main Street Institute.

Scheduled at noon on the first Thursday of each month featuring a variety of topics relevant to Hancock County and Ohio, the museum’s Brown Bag Lecture Series is free to members and regular museum admission for nonmembers.

No registration necessary.

For more information, visit Hancockhistoricalmuseum.org or call 419-423-4433.

(From the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office)

Yet another successful National Prescription Drug Take Back Day!

Our prescription drop off box at the Sheriff’s Office collected 64 pounds 14 ounces today and with the amounts from Fostoria PD and Tiffin PD drop boxes, Seneca County residents collectively dropped off 151 pounds and 5 ounces!

That’s a tremendous amount of prescription drugs that will be properly disposed of and never see the streets!

Congrats to everyone that took advantage of today’s attention to the matter.

But remember our drop box’s here at the Sheriff’s Office, Fostoria PD and Tiffin PD are available year round for your convenience!

-Sheriff Stevens