Big changes could be coming to the location of the Findlay Village Mall.

On the agenda for the September 12 meeting of the Findlay City Planning Commission is an application for site plan review for a new 131,809 square foot big box retail store at 1800 Tiffin Avenue, the location of the Findlay Village Mall.

The applicant is Rocky Five Investments, the owner of the mall.

WFIN reached out to the city and the city stated that the application the City Planning Commission received did not include the name of the big box retailer. 

The agenda for the planning commission’s September meeting can be seen below.

The Findlay City Planning Commission’s next meeting is September 12 at 9 a.m. in City Council Chambers.

(From the Alzheimer’s Association)

Echoes of Memory: Explaining the Alzheimer’s Journey will be held on October 10 at the University of Findlay.

The event will focus on the impact that dementia has on families, and detail how the disease journey changes over time, and how to navigate the Alzheimer’s continuum from diagnosis to end of life.

This will be a true community event featuring local experts and organizations:

-Dr. La Mancusa, M.D. – diagnostic process

-Tim Burkart, PharmD, BCPS, BCGP, University of Findlay College of Pharmacy – medications and treatment options    

-Andrea Sensel, OTD, OTR/L, University of Findlay Occupational Therapy – home safety/modifications for people living with dementia

-Misty Schnipke, RN, Bridge Home Health and Hospice – home health, palliative and hospice care    

-Alzheimer’s Association – 10 Warning Signs of Alzhimer’s

Local vendor booths will open at 5:00 p.m; dinner served at 5:30 p.m.; presentations  from  6 – 7:30 p.m. 

The 2024 Walk to End Alzheimer’s will be held on Saturday, September 14.

(From Hancock County Naturalists)

The Hancock County Naturalists will host speaker Justin Harrington, Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) assistant wildlife management supervisor, at their monthly meeting on September 12 at 7 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Doc Phillips Discovery Center at Oakwoods Nature Preserve, 1400 Oakwoods Lane. The meeting is free and open to the public to those 15 and older.

Harrington received an associate degree from Hocking College and a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Utah State University in Wildlife Biology.  Before that, he has worked in Utah, Colorado, and Indiana.  Justin has worked as an Assistant Wildlife Management Supervisor for the past ten years for the ODNR Division of Wildlife in Findlay, Ohio.  In that capacity, Harrington enjoys managing over 3,000 acres of public lands, working with private lands staff, solving human-wildlife conflicts, and facilitating outdoor access opportunities for Ohioans on public and private lands, among other duties. 

The Hancock County Naturalists, a membership organization, was established to further the study of the fauna and flora of Hancock County and the surrounding area and to participate in selected conservation and educational projects. Membership and events are open to those aged 15 and older. Annual membership fees are $15 per adult, $20 per couple, and $10 for youth.

For more information, contact Jane Riker at 419-306-3697 or emaggin117@aol.com. The group’s website is hancockcountynaturalists.org.

(From the West Ohio Food Bank)

West Ohio Food Bank to be active in September during Hunger Action Month

The West Ohio Food Bank along with Feeding America is encouraging one million actions across the country to end hunger. During the month-long campaign, the West Ohio Food Bank will be raising awareness and inspiring actions to nourish, educate, and advocate for those facing food insecurity. Every action matters, whether it is donating, volunteering, or spreading the word online. September 10th is Hunger Action Day. We encourage everyone to wear ORANGE, the color of hunger awareness, on that day.

West Ohio Food Bank recently passed another Warehouse Inspection conducted by the AIB

The West Ohio Food Bank was recently inspected by the American Institute of Baking (AIB). The AIB assists restaurants, factories, and warehouses that deal with food, on how to properly bake, store, and handle food products. A score over 900 earns the organization a banner that shows our commitment to food safety and policies that ensure this. This year we received a score of 905. We do this inspection every 2 years, and although it is not a state or federal requirement, it is a requirement based on our partnership with Feeding America.

West Ohio Food Bank Holiday Hours

The West Ohio Food Bank will be closed on Monday, September 2, 2024, in observance of Labor Day.

We will also have special hours that week. We will be closed on Thursday, September 5, and on Friday, September 6, we will have a distribution at the food bank, which will be from 10am-2pm for the United Way of Greater Lima’s annual Day of Caring. We ask that if you or someone you know is in need of food assistance on the days that we are closed, to please dial 2-1-1 or visit a local food pantry.

West Ohio Food Bank new Mission and Vision Statements

The West Ohio Food Bank Mission Statement: Nourish, educate, and advocate for those facing food insecurity.

The West Ohio Food Bank Vision Statement: Work to end hunger in our communities.

(ONN) – Tragedy has struck the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew died near their childhood home in New Jersey.

New Jersey State Police say Gaudreau and his brother were biking on a roadway when a vehicle struck them.

They will continue to investigate the crash.

The Columbus Blue Jackets issued the following statement:

“The Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy. Johnny was not only a great hockey player, but more significantly a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to his wife, Meredith, his children, Noa and Johnny, his parents, their family and friends on the sudden loss of Johnny and Matthew.

“Johnny played the game with great joy which was felt by everyone that saw him on the ice. He brought a genuine love for hockey with him everywhere he played from Boston College to the Calgary Flames to Team USA to the Blue Jackets. He thrilled fans in a way only Johnny Hockey could. The impact he had on our organization and our sport was profound, but pales in comparison to the indelible impression he made on everyone who knew him. Johnny embraced our community when he arrived two years ago, and Columbus welcomed him with open arms. We will miss him terribly and do everything that we can to support his family and each other through this tragedy.

“At this time, we ask for prayers for the Gaudreau family and that their privacy be respected as they grieve.”

(above picture courtesy of the Blue Jackets)

(From Findlay City Schools)

It’s football season in Findlay! We can’t wait for our stadium to be filled with the best fans in Trojan Country!

In order to ensure an enjoyable time for all of our fans, please be mindful of our stadium expectations:

-All Pre-K through 5th grade children should stay with their families throughout the game so that everyone is safe and supervised. 6th-12th graders are welcome to sit (and stand and cheer!) in the designated student sections.

-We ask that all of our students use a respectful voice level (when they’re not cheering, of course!) and keep hands, feet, and items to themselves. Please make sure you head back to your seat after visiting the restroom, concessions, or Trojan Trailer, instead of hanging out in the tunnel, endzone, or on the track.

-Football games are a community event, and we want all of our community members to feel welcome.

Everyone in Trojan Country is invited to participate in the themes for each game:

August 30: Gold Rush

September 6: USA

September 20: Blue & Gold

October 11: White Out

October 18: Pink Out

We can’t wait for tomorrow night!

(From Cancer Patient Services)

Cancer Patient Services’ third annual Flock Walk and 5K will be held at the University of Findlay’s Koehler Center and outside on the campus on Saturday, September 14^th.

This is a family-friendly event with other activities! Join us and walk with your family, friends, and neighbors to support LOCAL cancer patients!

WFIN’s Chris Oaks had Carol Metzger and Mackenzie Wagner on to discuss the event.

The 5K part of the event will be a fun run and will not be professionally timed. If you’re not into running, don’t fret! We will also have a 1-mile family fun walk available.

The upcoming walk will commence with a lap indoors led by local community survivors. The event will feature activities such as running, walking, inflatables, and yard games, among others. Participants may honor or remember their loved ones by purchasing flamingo yard signs that will adorn the walkway and can be collected at the end. Before the event, it is suggested to decorate the flamingos, which can be obtained from our office.

In case you’re not into decorating, we’re happy to do it for you. There’s also an opportunity to win big through Raffle Baskets donated by local businesses and individuals. Additionally, a Visa Card Raffle is available, where you can win a Visa Gift Card worth $1,500, $750, $500, or $250. Basket Raffle tickets can be purchased on-site, while Visa Raffle tickets can be bought in advance. We appreciate your support and welcome any inquiries via email at development@cancerpatientservices.org.

(From the Ohio State Highway Patrol)

The Ohio State Highway Patrol is urging drivers to be safe this Labor Day weekend. Troopers will focus enforcement efforts on removing impaired drivers from Ohio’s roadways. The Labor Day weekend reporting period begins Friday, August 30 at midnight and ends Monday, September 2 at 11:59 p.m.

“Everyone traveling Ohio’s roads plays a part in keeping them safe this Labor Day,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent. “By planning ahead and designating a sober driver, you contribute to making our roadways secure for all.”

During the 2023 Labor Day holiday weekend, there were 23 fatal crashes that killed 24 people. Of those, 16 crashes and 17 fatalities involved alcohol and/or drugs. Eleven of the fatalities where safety belts were available, 10 were unbelted.

Seven motorcyclists, three pedestrians, two ATV drivers and a bicyclist were also killed during the Labor Day weekend. The Patrol also made 417 OVI arrests during this timeframe.

Motorists are encouraged to safely dial #677 to report impaired drivers and drug activity on Ohio’s roadways to the Patrol.

(ONN) – Ohio voters should be getting something in the mail from the Secretary of State’s office.

The office has begun mailing out absentee ballot application forms.

These can be filled out and sent in if you want an absentee ballot to be sent to you.

This is something the state has done for the past 12 years.

The applications are sent to registered voters.

Then any completed applications are reviewed by bipartisan teams before an actual ballot is mailed out.

Election day is November 5^th.

(ONN) – Excitement is in the air surrounding the start of the Buckeye football season at The Shoe.

What won’t be in the air is marijuana.

This is the first football season where recreational marijuana is legal in Ohio.

But, if you plan on bringing it to the stadium, Ohio State Police has a message for you.

“Smoking inside the stadium is banned, tobacco or recreational marijuana” said Deputy Ohio State University Chief of Police Eric Whiteside.

In a separate matter, OSU Police encourages fans to protect themselves from potential fraud by utilizing only approved resale tickets options over any other resale ticket options.