(From the Bluffton Foundation)

Four separate grants make up The R.L. and Etta L. Triplett Foundation’s 2024 grant distribution, which totals $5,520, according to Tomm Triplett, board president of the Bluffton-based foundation.

This year’s distribution includes:
• $2,000 for a continuing scholarship to Amber Gladwell, Bluffton HS graduate, attending Bluffton University
• $1,700 to Bluffton Child Development Center, for playground mulch
• $1,020 to Bluffton Family YMCA, for youth volleyball nets, volleyballs, U6 soccer nets and soccer balls
• $800 for the newly established Bluffton Dog Park

The foundation was established in 1985 with goals to financially support the Bluffton community in five areas:
• Community improvement projects
• Bluffton parks and recreation facilities 
• Advancement of charitable institutions in the Bluffton vicinity 
• Support Bluffton Hospital
• Support athletics, art, education and economic education in area schools 

R.L. Triplett was the founder of the Triplett Corp. of Bluffton. His wife, Etta Lantz Triplett, was the founder of the Bluffton College Home Economics Department. The foundation, a 501 c 3 non-profit, has contributed in excess of $150,000 to Bluffton area organizations from requests it receives.

Persons wanting more information may contact Triplett Foundation, PO Box 158, Bluffton, Ohio 45817.

Board members are Tomm Triplett, president, Fred Steiner, vice-president, Pam Weisenbarger, secretary, James West, treasurer and Terry Mullenhour.

(From Senator Brown’s Office)

U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) is calling on the Baseball Hall of Fame Historical Overview Committee to include Ohio native William Ellsworth “Dummy” Hoy on the December 2024 Hall of Fame ballot, in recognition of his dedication and contributions to the game of baseball. Hoy played fourteen seasons of Major League Baseball, including five with the Cincinnati Reds. Brown, a devoted Cleveland Guardians fan, was joined by U.S. Representatives Marcy Kaptur (D-OH-9) and Greg Landsman (D-OH-1) in his letter to the Baseball Hall of Fame.

“As members of Ohio’s Congressional Delegation, we urge you to consider William Ellsworth “Dummy” Hoy for inclusion into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Hoy is a proud son of Ohio and remains an inspiration to deaf and hard of hearing athletes across the country. Including him on the December 2024 ballot would provide a long-overdue opportunity to consider his achievements and legacy,” wrote the members.

The full letter is HERE or below:

Dear Members of the Baseball Hall of Fame Historical Overview Committee:

As members of Ohio’s Congressional Delegation, we urge you to consider William Ellsworth “Dummy” Hoy for inclusion into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Hoy is a proud son of Ohio and remains an inspiration to deaf and hard of hearing athletes across the country. Including him on the December 2024 ballot would provide a long-overdue opportunity to consider his achievements and legacy.

William Ellsworth Hoy was born in Houcktown, Ohio in 1862 and became deaf three years later. He graduated as class valedictorian from the Ohio State School for the Deaf and went on to have the most decorated career of any deaf player in baseball history.

Hoy was one of the very best players of his era. He played fourteen seasons of Major League Baseball, including five with the Cincinnati Reds. He played in nearly 1,800 games and amassed more than 2,000 hits. He hit .300 three times and scored more than 100 runs in nine different seasons. He had league-leading seasons in games, plate appearances, at bats, stolen bases, walks, times hit by a pitch, and sacrifice bunts. When he retired, he held the all-time records for both games played in center field and career putouts.

After his baseball career, he operated a dairy farm in southwest Ohio and continued to receive honors from those in and out of the baseball community. In 1951, he was the first athlete inducted into the United States of America Deaf Sports Federation Hall of Fame. He threw out the ceremonial first pitch before Game 3 of the 1961 World Series in Cincinnati and was inducted into the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame in 2003. Hoy has been the subject of several children’s books, documentaries, and movies and is the namesake for Gallaudet University’s baseball field and a biannual baseball game held in New York during Deaf Awareness Week.

On the merits of his distinguished career and legacy on and off the field, the National Baseball Hall of Fame should consider “Dummy” Hoy for inclusion.

In April of 2022, a ceremony to dedicate an Ohio Historical Marker recognizing William Hoy was held in Houcktown.

(From the Tiffin Police Department)

*** ATTENTION TIFFIN RESIDENTS ***

Please be aware that today, members of the Emergency Services Unit (ESU) will be conducting a training exercise in collaboration with Life Flight.

This unit includes personnel from Tiffin Police, Fostoria Police, Seneca County Sheriff’s Office, Tiffin Fire/EMS, and Fostoria Fire Department. The exercise aims to identify suitable landing sites within Tiffin for use during critical incidents or injuries requiring Life Flight’s assistance.

The training will cover protocols for guiding the helicopter to a safe landing zone, procedures following the landing, and maintaining security while the helicopter is on the ground and preparing to transport an injured person. Four secure locations around Tiffin will be assessed and utilized during this exercise.

The training will commence at 10 AM and continue throughout the day into the early afternoon. Please note, this is only a training exercise, and there is no cause for alarm.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

Chief Pauly

(From the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation)

At the May board meeting, The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation Board of Trustees approved grants totaling $879,305. This total includes 10 responsive grants and 53 donor advised fund grants.

“The Community Foundation board and staff continue to use the community conversations report priorities to guide our grantmaking,” said Brian Treece, President & CEO of the Foundation. “This round of grants addresses many of those, and we are grateful to the donors who made these grants possible.”

Responsive Grants

Responsive grants are awarded to organizations that meet community needs and match The Community Foundation’s goals, objectives and priorities. Grantseekers must submit a written grant proposal for consideration. Applications are reviewed four times per year.

Funding for responsive grants comes from our Community’s Endowment, made up of Funds for the Common Good and Field of Interest Funds established by donors at The Community Foundation. The following responsive grants were approved by the Board of Trustees, made possible by our Community’s Endowment:

50 North was awarded $18,000 to support nine activities during the year for Seniors as part of the Fun for All series of free community events.

City Mission was awarded $100,000 to assist with the creation of a low-barrier shelter.

Findlay City Schools was awarded $2,555 to assist with the purchase of pocket translators so that school staff can more effectively communicate with all students.

Findlay Family YMCA’s Early Learning Center was awarded $250,000 to support a new Early Learning Center.

Hancock County Agricultural Society was awarded $5,300 to support the Kids Zone at the fairgrounds on July 3rd, which will be part of the 4th of July festivities (train, inflatables, and pony rides).

Hancock Public Health was awarded $20,000 to leverage support for the Community Health Assessment and Community Health Improvement Plan process in 2024 and 2025.

Marathon Center for the Performing Arts was awarded $3,500 to sponsor a Sing Along Movie (Grease) on October 11 as part of the Fun for All series of free community events.

Ohio State Parks Foundation was awarded $1,500 to leverage support for the creation of a Haiku Trail at Van Buren State Park. A local poetry competition will select the poetry for the trail.

University of Findlay was awarded $10,000 to support the hiring of a Health Equity Action Plan (HEAP) Support Staff to focus strategies on neighborhoods at highest risk.

Wharton First Church of God was awarded $2,500 to support the expansion of the Back to School Blitz for students in the Riverdale School District due to increased need.

Donor Advised Grants

Donor Advised funds are established by individuals, families or corporations to recommend grants to nonprofits they’re passionate about. The nonprofits are vetted by the Foundation and grants are awarded. The following donor advised grants were awarded:

53 grants to 47 organizations totaling $452,450.

(From Findlay Mayor Christina Muryn)

Earlier today news was released that Marathon Oil (MRO) based out of Houston, Texas is being sold to ConocoPhillips.

This is not Marathon Petroleum Corporation (MPC) based in Findlay, Ohio.

As many recall, Marathon Petroleum and Marathon Oil split in 2011 dividing the two organizations.

Marathon Oil specializes in oil exploration and production, and Marathon Petroleum Corporation is a petroleum refining, marketing, and transportation company.

The announced sale of Marathon Oil will not have a direct impact on the City of Findlay.

This is a good reminder of the importance of the work that we do every day to ensure that all of our local businesses, and residents, continue to see Findlay as a place of opportunity and build strong community ties.

Additionally, it reminds us of the important work we do to maintain our fiscal position to manage any significant economic changes.

Being a community that has a thriving local economy means good policy, well-maintained infrastructure, available housing options, and amenities that help attract and maintain a high-quality workforce.

These priorities align with my vision for the City of Findlay and the work the City of Findlay team does each day to continue to improve our great community for all.

Thank you for choosing to call Findlay your home and being a part of making it a better place each day.

Sincerely, Mayor Christina Muryn

(From the Village of Bluffton)

Bluffton Village Council will designate a section of Bentley Road in Bluffton as “Honorary Elbert Dubenion Drive.”

The action that took place May 28 recognizes Elbert Dubenion, 1959 Bluffton College graduate, who played for nine seasons with the Buffalo Bills professional football team. He is the only Bluffton athlete to play professional football.

Honorary Elbert Dubenion Drive will extend on the portion of Bentley Road in front of the Bluffton University football stadium. The official street name will continue as Bentley Road.

Among the group who presented the idea to the Bluffton council are persons who played football with Dubenion and fans who watched him play during his college years from 1955 to 1958.

One of the alumni committee members is Jim “Spike” Berry,  a teammate who quarterbacked the Bluffton College Beaver football team during the Dubenion era at Bluffton.

This group has several additional ideas to recognize Dubenion. Among these is a statue, a scholarship, and a ”44” jersey retirement ceremony. 

In his first year at Bluffton, Dubenion worked on the Bluffton village street crew. As a town celebrity, downtown business owners were among his most loyal fans, making him the most recognized Bluffton student for a generation of those community leaders.

Among his college-era achievements was being named first team Small College All-American in 1958 and was among 33 players selected to play in the College All-Star game in 1959 against the Baltimore Colts. As a member of the Buffalo Bills, Dubenion played in the 1964 NFL Pro Bowl. He holds the record for the longest reception in AFL playoff history with a 93-yard TD. He is also a member of the Buffalo Bills Wall of Fame.

Dubenion died on Dec. 26, 2019, at his residence in Westerville, Ohio. His wife, Marilyn, is also a Bluffton College graduate.

Members of the committee involved in the various projects to recognize Elbert Dubenion are Tom Benroth, Jim “Spike” Berry, Jim Buffenbarger, Charles Buroker, Larry Copeland, Everett Collier, Don Hostetler, Gene Long,  Ronald Lora, Mary Ramseyer, Richard Ramseyer and Fred Steiner.

(From the City of Findlay)

The City of Findlay is proud to celebrate its 50^th Year as Flag City, USA.

Through a community-wide effort, spearheaded by the Women’s Division of the Chamber of Commerce, the City of Findlay was named the Flag Capital of the United States on Flag Day, June 14, 1968, a proclamation which has been made part of the Congressional Record on June 12, 1968, by Congressman Jackson E. Betts.

Findlay, Ohio, was officially declared “Flag City, U.S.A.” on May 7, 1974, by House Joint Resolution #1003, introduced by Congressman Tennyson Guyer.

We urge the Findlay community to join us in celebrating this milestone by proudly displaying American flags beginning Monday, June 10 through Flag Day on Friday, June 14, and remain on display. We hope to see flags displayed outside of every home and business. 

“The American flag is a symbol of liberty, freedom, and pride in our Country,” says Mayor Christina Muryn.

“I look forward to uniting as a community to put our patriotism on display.”

Be sure to check out the community events calendar on the Visit Findlay website www.VisitFindlay.com/events.

Families are invited to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Flag City USA from 1 – 4 p.m. Sunday, June 9 at the Hancock Historical Museum.

Get more on that by clicking here. 

(From Marathon Oil and ConocoPhillips)

ConocoPhillips (NYSE: COP) and Marathon Oil Corporation (NYSE: MRO) announced today that they have entered into a definitive agreement pursuant to which ConocoPhillips will acquire Marathon Oil in an all-stock transaction with an enterprise value of $22.5 billion, inclusive of $5.4 billion of net debt. Under the terms of the agreement, Marathon Oil shareholders will receive 0.2550 shares of ConocoPhillips common stock for each share of Marathon Oil common stock, representing a 14.7% premium to the closing share price of Marathon Oil on May 28, 2024, and a 16.0% premium to the prior 10-day volume-weighted average price.

“This acquisition of Marathon Oil further deepens our portfolio and fits within our financial framework, adding high-quality, low cost of supply inventory adjacent to our leading U.S. unconventional position,” said Ryan Lance, ConocoPhillips chairman and chief executive officer. “Importantly, we share similar values and cultures with a focus on operating safely and responsibly to create long-term value for our shareholders. The transaction is immediately accretive to earnings, cash flows and distributions per share, and we see significant synergy potential.”

“This is a proud moment to look back on what we achieved at Marathon Oil. Powered by our dedicated employees and contractors, we built a top performing portfolio with a multi-year track record of peer-leading operational execution, strong financial results and compelling return of capital to our shareholders – all while holding true to our core values of safety and environmental excellence. ConocoPhillips is the right home to build on that legacy, offering a truly unique combination of added scale, resilience and long-term durability. With its premier global asset base, strong balance sheet and laser focus on operational excellence, ConocoPhillips’ track record of long-term investments, differentiated shareholder distributions and active portfolio management are unmatched. When combined with the global ConocoPhillips portfolio, I’m confident our assets and people will deliver significant shareholder value over the long term,” said Lee Tillman, Marathon Oil chairman, president and chief executive officer.

Note: In 2011, Marathon Petroleum Corporation spun off from Marathon Oil becoming a stand-alone refining, marketing, and transportation company, headquartered in Findlay.

Marathon Oil is headquartered in Houston, Texas. 

Findlay Mayor Christina Muryn says the sale of Marathon Oil will not have a direct impact on the City of Findlay.

Get more on the history of Marathon Petroleum by clicking here. 

Liberty-Benton third-graders traveled back in time on their trip to the Little Red Schoolhouse.

They sewed their own copybooks, practiced penmanship with quills and ink, and used slates and chalk for a math lesson.

“What a fun and educational experience!” the school district said on Facebook.

The Little Red Schoolhouse is a one-room, rural brick schoolhouse built in the 1840s where schoolchildren can go and experience a 19th-century school day.

It’s located on County Road 236 in Findlay and is managed by the Hancock Historical Museum.

(Pics courtesy of Liberty-Benton Local Schools)

(From the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office)

The Seneca County Sheriff’s Office would like to recognize a major milestone for inmate Zachery C. Foster.

Zachery recently earned his General Education Diploma or GED.

Melissa Blair is the teacher for our in-jail facility GED program.

GED is a set of tests that when passed, certify the test taker has met high-school level academic skills.

We are very proud of the eight weeks of hard work Zachery put in to complete his education and of all our staff members who worked with him to make it happen.

Zachery is the VERY FIRST inmate to earn a GED while still in our detention facility.

Our case manager, Grace Morehart, has worked hard to become a GED proctor to be able to provide this level of service in our jail.

There is no other jail in our area that have an employee proctor the GED test inside their jail facility.

Studies have shown that the quicker the GED test is taken after the course work, the higher the percentage of passing.

We currently have another inmate who is one test/subject away from obtaining his GED as well!

We have been working hard to bring these type of programs to our facility so that there are options for inmates other than just doing their time. (Stay tuned for a future press release on that!)

We realize the impact of this success extends far beyond the walls of our facility, which is why we’re committed to reducing recidivism and helping cultivate productive members and their re-integration to our community/society.

-Sheriff Stevens