(From Flag City Honor Flight)

Flag City Honor Flight (FCHF) prepares for its 26th mission, to take 91 Veterans to Washington, D.C., on April 23, 2024, to visit memorials built in their honor.

Departing from Toledo Express Airport in the morning, Veterans will embark on a one-day trip of a lifetime. The itinerary includes visits to the Iwo Jima Memorial, Korean Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, WWII Memorial, and Arlington National Cemetery. Veterans do not pay to fly. 

WFIN spoke with Flag City Honor Flight President Steve Schult about this year’s flight season.

Flight Details:

(5:30 a.m.) Veterans arrive at Grand Air Hangar, Toledo Express Airport (11777 W. Airport Service Rd, Swanton, OH 43558)

(6:00 p.m.) Doors open at the Welcome Home celebration 

(7:30 p.m.) Flight expected to arrive 

Veteran Breakdown:

WWII: 1

Korea: 8

Vietnam: 82

Flight Highlights:

A WWII nurse will be on the flight

2 sets of siblings will be on the flight 

8 Veterans with Bronze Stars (1 Veteran with 2 Bronze Stars)

4 Purple Hearts

Welcome Home Celebration: View Facebook Event Here

The public is invited to a Welcome Home celebration to honor returning veterans.

Doors Open: 6:00 p.m.

Flight Expected: 7:30 p.m.

Location: 11777 W. Airport Service Rd, Swanton, OH 43558

Attendees are encouraged to wave flags, cheer loudly, and thank returning Veterans for their service.

ABOUT FLAG CITY HONOR FLIGHT: Flag City Honor Flight is a 100% volunteer-run 501c3 organization dedicated to providing Veterans in Northwest Ohio and surrounding areas with the opportunity to visit their war memorials in Washington, D.C., at no cost. Annual flights are supported by charitable donations and an enduring commitment to honoring America’s heroes.

(From the Tiffin Police Department)

On April 18, 1994, Robert Bour began his journey with the Tiffin Police Department, launching a legacy defined by his unwavering dedication. Throughout his time with us, Officer Bour has served in various key roles, including patrol officer, detective, drug task force agent, field training officer, and as a vital member of specialized teams such as the special response and dive and rescue teams. In 2012, his outstanding service led to his promotion to the distinguished rank of Sergeant.

Sergeant Bour’s three decades of service have been marked by numerous awards and commendations from the department and the community, as well as letters of heartfelt appreciation. His exceptional commitment culminated in his receiving his second Tiffin Police Department Officer of the Year Award in 2021.

The Tiffin Police Department and the community it serves express their deep gratitude for Sergeant Bour’s steadfast dedication over the past 30 years. His exemplary conduct embodies the highest standards of law enforcement professionalism, inspiring both his peers and the community. Sergeant Bour sets a benchmark for professionalism, leadership, community engagement, and commitment to service.

Today, we recognize Sergeant Bour for his outstanding service and offer our deepest appreciation. As Chief, I welcome Sergeant Bour to continue his invaluable contributions for as long as he wishes. Even when he decides to retire his badge, his influence will leave a lasting impact on our department and community. Thank you, Sergeant Bour, for your unwavering commitment and exceptional service.

We are profoundly grateful for Sergeant Bour’s 30 years of dedicated service and his commitment to our department’s mission. His remarkable contributions have left a significant mark on Tiffin, and we are honored to have him as part of our team. Thank you, Sergeant Bour, for your dedication and exemplary service.

Chief Pauly

(From the City of Findlay)

Total Solar Eclipse Banners will be available for purchase on a first-come, first-serve basis for $50.

Due to the large interest, only one banner per person will be available for purchase.

To purchase a banner, please come to the Mayor’s Office (318 Dorney Plaza, Room 310) beginning Monday, April 22nd during normal business hours (M-F 8am-5pm).

Cash only.

The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal shooting at a business in Leipsic.

At 4:05 p.m. Thursday, the sheriff’s office received 911 calls about shots being fired at Kitchen Enterprises Trucking Company on Pro Tec Parkway.

When law enforcement and medical personnel arrived they found 30-year-old Farrah Croninger, of Deshler, deceased.

54-year-old Michael Kitchen, of Ottawa, was also injured and transported to a hospital.

Authorities say the suspect, Konner Dunklee, 26, of Lima, fled the scene in a vehicle.

He was pursued by several police agencies and apprehended in Allen County.

Dunklee was taken into custody and taken to the Putnam County Adult Detention Center.

The case remains under investigation.

(From the Office of the Ohio Governor)

In recognition of World Heritage Day, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Ohio Department of Development (DOD) Director Lydia Mihalik, and Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) Director Jack Marchbanks unveiled the newly redesigned Licking County I-70 westbound rest area, which includes images of the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks, Ohio’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site.

“We are transforming Ohio’s rest areas to not only provide travelers a chance to take a break, which makes everyone safer, but also invite them to discover our beautiful Ohio,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine.  “Near this Licking County rest area there are two historical areas of significance – Great Circle Earthworks and Octagon Earthworks – as well as other local attractions to experience.”

Last fall, the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks, which is a collection of eight earthwork locations in Ohio, became Ohio’s first and only UNESCO World Heritage designation and the 25^th such designation in the United States.  Built by Native Americans between 1,600 and 2,000 years ago, these earthworks are masterpieces of creative genius and exceptional among ancient monuments worldwide in their enormous scale, geometric precision, and astronomical alignments.

“We welcome this new opportunity to inform travelers from across the state and nation about these internationally recognized treasures – the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks – located right here in Ohio in Licking, Ross, and Warren counties,” said Megan Wood, Executive Director and CEO of the Ohio History Connection. “We look forward to welcoming even more visitors from near and far to Ohio’s first and only UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to these beautifully designed amenities.”

Inside the newly designed Licking County I-70 westbound rest area travelers will also see images of Licking County attractions such as downtown Newark, Dawes Arboretum, and the restored 1928 Midland Theatre. Central Ohio attractions such as the Columbus Zoo and COSI are also featured.  A 10-foot Ohio map highlights other points of interest, including Ohio’s colleges and university, state parks and campgrounds, and nearby lakes. A video board displays live weather and real-time traffic and road alerts, as well as other tourist information.

“We have a wonderful story to tell here in Ohio. The re-imagined rest areas are an important piece of telling that story, because they encapsulate the vibrant history of the surrounding area and showcase the main attractions nearby,” said Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik.  “Our ultimate goal is to inspire travelers to enjoy and extend their stay while they’re here and then return to our great state in the future.”

(From the Ohio State Highway Patrol)

The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s new Fremont Post opened on the same grounds where its original location stood for over six decades.

On May 16, 2023, Fremont Post operations were relocated to a temporary site on Pinnacle Drive so the original post, located on the Route 20 Bypass, could be demolished and the construction of a new building could begin.

For 63 years, the original Fremont Post played an integral part in serving the community, and with the construction of a new building, that thread of Service with a Purpose will continue.

An open house will be held later this summer to celebrate the opening of the new post.

The address of the Fremont Post is 2181 West State Route 20 Bypass, Fremont.

The phone number remains the same at (419) 332-8246.

(From Blanchard Valley Health System)

Blanchard Valley Health System (BVHS) is excited to announce the launch of a new podcast, “Health Connect.”

The podcast features the many connections between Blanchard Valley Health System’s services and the communities the organization serves. “Health Connect” will educate the community on new physicians and providers, and technology, untangle the complexities of healthcare, and give listeners a glimpse into healthcare offerings available right here in Northwest Ohio.

This series is co-hosted by Eric Proctor, chief people officer at BVHS, and Sam Sprunger, a Bluffton podcaster. Proctor provides insights into the BVHS culture, career opportunities, and the unique stories of the organization’s patients, associates, and medical staff. Sprunger brings the layperson’s perspective, being outside the healthcare industry but eager to learn and help listeners understand.

“’Health Connect’ will spotlight BVHS as a connected care network serving individuals of all ages and needs,” Proctor said. “Our team has many great stories to tell, and we’re excited to share those stories through a BVHS podcast for the first time. We can’t wait for our community members to get to know some of our extraordinary people and hear some of the stories that make BVHS special.”

Episodes of “Health Connect” are approximately 20 minutes long, giving community members enough time to gain some insights and education while still being something they can listen to while commuting.

The first episode was released on April 18. “Health Connect” is available on major podcasting platforms and the BVHS website.

For more information, please visit https://www.bvhealthsystem.org/podcast

(From the City of Findlay)

Join Mayor Christina Muryn and the Blanchard River Watershed Partnership for an Earth Day litter cleanup walk!

We’ll meet at the Riverside Park Band Shell on Monday, April 22 from 5:30pm-6:30pm to clean up the banks of the Blanchard River and Riverside Park.

Protective gloves and trash bags will be provided.

All ages are encouraged to attend.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol recently kicked off its 174th Cadet Class with signing day events at district headquarters.

Recruits gathered at their closest district headquarters with family and friends to sign a letter of intent to become a member of the next Academy Class.

A signing day event was held at the Findlay District Headquarters on North Main Street in Findlay.

The 174th Cadet Class training began on Tuesday at the Ohio State Highway Patrol Training Academy in Columbus.

Learn more about becoming a state trooper by clicking here.

(From Cory-Rawson High School)

Cory-Rawson High School will hold its fourth annual Community Day on Friday, April 26, 2024. 

The purpose of Community Day is to strengthen our students’ connection with our local community – on our school campus and in the villages of Mt. Cory, Jenera, and Rawson. 

Staff members will lead student teams to each of the village parks throughout the morning performing acts of service including clean-up, painting, and landscaping. 

The afternoon will focus on our school community with students and staff enjoying games and snacks.  Our students and staff working alongside community leaders makes us #HornetStrong.