Monthly Archives: May 2024

Whirlpool Announces Reductions To Salaried Workforce

Whirlpool Corporation has announced reductions to its global salaried workforce.

The Wall Street Journal is reporting the company is eliminating 1,000 salaried positions globally in an effort to expand profit margins.

Whirlpool tells WFIN that a small number of that affected group of salaried workers is from the Findlay plant.

Whirlpool provided the following statement:

As announced in March, Whirlpool Corporation is moving to a more simplified and focused organizational model to support its continued transformation into a higher-growth, higher-margin business that will enable its long-term success.

The company adopted a two-wave approach in announcing changes – to allow leaders closer to the work to own the organizational design of the future. The first wave focused on the top layers of the organization and the impacts were shared in March. The second wave focused on the remainder of the organization and took place in late April. 

Affected employees will receive transition support, including a comprehensive severance package and other services. While these are not easy choices, they are required to secure the long-term success of the company.

 

Police Week Events In Findlay And Hancock County

(From the Fort Findlay FOP Lodge 20)

As National Police Week, May 12-18, approaches, communities across the country are gearing up to honor the men and women who dedicate their lives to law enforcement. The Hancock County Police Week events are coordinated by the Findlay-Hancock County Law Enforcement Chaplains, the Fort Findlay F.O.P. Lodge #20, and the Lodge’s Foundation. The events include meals for all law enforcement in Hancock County and a retiree event.

The week’s highlight will be a public memorial service at the Fort Findlay Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #20 at 1769 S. Romick Parkway on Monday, May 13, at 6 p.m. This solemn event will pay tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of officers who have served and continue to serve our community. The public is invited to attend and show their support. The Toledo Firefighters Pipe and Drums group will provide music. Carl Hayslett will play taps.

FOP Development Director Teresa White invites everyone to the memorial service. 

One special guest speaker at the memorial service will be Vaune Akers, wife of fallen officer Doug Akers. Officer Akers died on December 31, 2018, leaving behind a legacy of service and dedication to his community. Mrs. Akers, who resided in the Findlay area for 28 years, will share her personal journey and insights into law enforcement families’ challenges.

Mrs. Akers is no stranger to service herself. She received her nursing license from Bowling Green School of Nursing and dedicated 26 years of her career to Blanchard Valley Health System. Alongside her professional endeavors, she stood as a pillar of strength for her husband and their two sons, Adam and Tyler.

In addition to her professional and familial responsibilities, Mrs. Akers is deeply involved in volunteer work with FIRST H.E.L.P., a non-profit organization committed to reducing the mental health stigma among first responders and providing support to the families of those lost to suicide. Her tireless efforts in this field reflect her unwavering commitment to the well-being of the law enforcement community.

Currently residing in Columbia, TN, Vaune Akers advocates mental health awareness and is a devoted grandmother to six grandchildren.

 

Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

The month of May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol says they’re seeing more crashes involving motorcycles on Ohio’s roadways as temperatures warm up.

Lt. Nathan Dennis with the Ohio State Highway Patrol wants to make clear that everyone needs to be alert because crashes with motorcycles are likely to cause more injuries.

“Use caution when you approach intersections or are changing lanes, make sure you are really looking for motorcycles this time of year.”

 

 

The Highway Patrol is reminding motorcyclists that they need to be properly trained in motorcycle safety, have a motorcycle endorsement, always wear a helmet, and not consume alcohol or drugs when operating a motorcycle.

And they’re asking everyone else on the roadways to always pay attention for motorcycles.

Ohio law requires helmets for riders under 18 and drivers with less than one year of motorcycle experience.

Passengers on motorcycles must also wear a helmet when the driver is required to do so.

 

Traffic Signal Coming To Intersection Just Outside Findlay

A new traffic light could be in place at an intersection just east of Findlay by the middle of the summer.

The traffic signal project is planned for the intersection of U.S. 224 and Township Road 237.

The Ohio Department of Transportation says traffic there is near the threshold of warranting a signal, and traffic will increase even more once further development occurs on the north side of the intersection.

ODOT says they also want to get a signal in place there before the repairs begin on the bridge over the Blanchard River on State Route 568 which are slated for the summer of 2025 and will close State Route 568 in that area.   

ODOT says the Foundation, conduit, wiring are complete for the traffic signal at U.S. 224 and Township Road 237, but there’s a long lead time on poles.

Once poles arrive, the project will take approximately 4-6 weeks to complete with coordination with the city.

There may be temporary traffic impacts and traffic will be maintained with flaggers if necessary.

The traffic signal could be completed by mid-summer.

 

‘Days Of Caring’ Completing Volunteer Projects

The United Way of Hancock County’s spring ‘Days of Caring’ is being held May 6-10 in Findlay and Hancock County with around 900 volunteers completing more than 90 projects for 45 local agencies.

Cedar Creek Church and Stonebridge Church recently merged and on Wednesday around 40 volunteers from Marathon Petroleum were doing landscaping and cleaning to get Cedar Creek prepared to open in the fall in the previous Stonebridge Church location off of Fostoria Avenue in Findlay.

Nathan Campbell is a pastor at Cedar Creek and also works for the United Way and says the volunteers were a huge help in getting the church ready to open.

 

 

During Days of Caring, employees of area corporations and small businesses lend a hand to local organizations.

Nonprofits in need of help submit projects, volunteer teams register to help, and the United Way matches up the two groups. In four-hour shifts, the volunteers take on projects such as landscaping, organizing, painting, planning an event, cleaning, or construction.

The spring event was the United Way’s 40th Days of Caring event. 

In September, United Way will host a second opportunity to participate in Days of Caring from September 16-18.

A separate registration will open for those dates later this year.

 

Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive

(From the National Letter Carriers Association)

The National Association of Letter Carriers, with support from United Way of Hancock County, will hold its 31st annual Stamp Out Hunger food drive on Saturday, May 11.

Community members are encouraged to leave nonperishable food items that have not expired next to their mailboxes that day. Letter carriers will collect the food items while delivering mail during their daily routes. Food donations can also be dropped off on Saturday in the parking lot behind Great Scot at 301 W. Main Cross St. All of the collected food will go to local agencies and will help supply food pantries throughout Hancock County to make sure kids are fed during the weekend and over summer break.

Jeff Kranz was on with WFIN’s Chris Oaks to discuss the food drive.

The National Association of Letter Carriers is seeking volunteers to help with collecting or sorting food. Individuals, families or organizations can help in the following ways:

  • Drivers: 9 a.m. to noon and 12:30 to 3 p.m.
  • Sorters: 1-3:30 p.m. (in the parking lot at Great Scot)

To volunteer for the program, click here. 

or call the Findlay Post Office at 419-423-1264.

 

‘Food For All’ Event To Combat Food Insecurity

(From the United Way of Hancock County)

In a concerted effort to address food insecurity within our community, the United Way of Hancock County, City Mission, and CHOPIN Hall will proudly host the inaugural “Findlay Food for All”. The event is set to take place on June 8th, 2024 from 10 am – 2 pm at the City Mission warehouse located at 330 Walnut Street, Findlay, OH, 45840. Local organizations are encouraged to participate in a friendly competition to raise essential food supplies and awareness while showcasing creativity through a Canstruction challenge.

We spoke with Ron Rooker, Executive Director of Chopin Hall, about the event.

 

 

The ‘Findlay Food for All’ event will feature:

Business Competition:

Local businesses are invited to participate in a spirited fundraising competition to collect the most food donations. From May 1st to June 1st, businesses will mobilize their teams and networks to gather non-perishable food items. The business that raises the highest volume of donations will earn the coveted “Food Champion” title and receive recognition for their impactful contribution.

Canstruction Challenge:

Adding an exciting twist to the event, participating businesses can showcase their creativity and teamwork through a Canstruction challenge. Teams will use their collected food donations to construct intricate and imaginative structures, highlighting the transformative power of community collaboration. These structures will serve as powerful symbols of hope and solidarity in the fight against hunger.

By participating in the Findlay Food for All event, businesses will not only demonstrate their commitment to corporate social responsibility, but also play an instrumental role in alleviating hunger within our community. Every can, every dollar, and every effort counts towards making a meaningful impact. Ron Rooker, Executive Director of CHOPIN Hall stated, “CHOPIN Hall is excited to collaborate with United Way and the City Mission. The Findlay Food For All event is a great example of “It Takes a Community to Feed a Community.”

How Businesses Can Get Involved:

Register your business team beginning Monday, May 1st, 2024. Food can be collected through June 1st.

Kick-off a fundraising food drive campaign within your organization.

Engage employees and customers through creative initiatives and challenges.

Collect non-perishable food items and monetary donations.

Join us on June 8th at the City Mission Warehouse from 10 am – 2 pm for the ‘No Meal, Meal’ event where donated food will be redistributed back into the community. Donated food will be collected during the first week of June prior to the event.

Together, we can make a difference. Together, we can ensure that no one in our community goes hungry. For more information on how to participate in the Findlay Food for All event, please contact Ron Rooker, Executive Director, at rrooker@chopinhall.org or Kaleb Brown, Community Impact Manager, at impact@uwhancock.org.

 

 

FCS Teacher And Staff Appreciation Week

This is Findlay City Schools Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week.

“Our teachers and staff mean the world to us, and we’re thrilled to celebrate them this week,” the school district said on Facebook.

“Shout out a teacher or staff member who made a difference to you.”

Superintendent Dr. Andy Hatton says they have a great team at FCS.

“When I say the team I mean everyone from administrators to teachers to the food service staff to the bus drivers.”

 

School Evacuated After Discovery of Threatening Note

(From the Tiffin Police Department)

At approximately 9:51 a.m. Tuesday morning, the Tiffin Police Department and Seneca County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported incident at Calvert High School. The school had initiated a soft lockdown following the discovery of a threatening note which also mentioned the presence of a weapon within the premises.

Upon arrival, Chief Pauly and law enforcement officials conferred with Calvert High School Administration to assess the situation. In an abundance of caution and prioritizing the safety of students and faculty, it was determined that the students should be evacuated for the remainder of the day. Subsequently, a thorough search of all students exiting the premises, along with their backpacks, was conducted.

Furthermore, following the evacuation, a comprehensive search of the entire school building, including classrooms and lockers, was carried out. We are pleased to report that no weapon was found during these searches.

The Tiffin Police Department extends its gratitude to the Seneca County Sheriff Deputies for their invaluable assistance during this operation. As of now, Tiffin Detectives are actively investigating the incident to ascertain the origins and nature of the threatening note.

We want to assure parents, students, and the community that we take all threats seriously and prioritize the safety of our schools. We appreciate everyone’s cooperation and understanding during this time.

If you have any information regarding this incident, please contact the Tiffin Police Department at 419-447-2323.

Chief Pauly

 

Potential New Law Would Make Not Buckling Up A Primary Offense

(ONN) – A potential new law in Ohio could make people think twice about not buckling up in their vehicles.

State Representative Jon Cross has introduced a bill to make not wearing a seatbelt a primary offense.

That means police can stop a vehicle if they see it.

Currently, officers must stop a vehicle for another reason before citing a seatbelt violation.

In his State of the State address last month, Governor DeWine also called for a primary seatbelt law.

Ohio ranks 40th in the country in seatbelt use, 18 percent lower than the national average.

The Highway Patrol reports that 61 percent of people who died in a crash in Ohio were not wearing a seatbelt.