(From Findlay Municipal Court)

The Findlay Municipal Court will once again be conducting its 8th Annual Safe Surrender Day on April 7, 2025 from 9:00am – 4:00pm in conjunction with Second Chance Month.

April is Second Chance Month, which aims to inform and highlight the many opportunities for state and local governments and community-based service providers to build meaningful second chances for our community members.

Over the past seven years, the court has cleared over 600 bench warrants and assisted over 500 individuals to clear up their legal issues.

Safe Surrender Day has been a great success for the court, law enforcement and the community by reducing the number of active bench warrants issued to area law enforcement and affording offenders a chance to address their legal issues without immediately going to jail.

Individuals with active FINDLAY MUNICIPAL COURT bench warrants who report to the Court on that day will not be arrested and will work with designated court staff to clear their warrants.

Some examples include:

-Individuals who failed to attend a court hearing will be seen by the Judge, Magistrate or court staff that day.

-Individuals who failed to perform community service will be reassigned to a work location. If the individual missed a community service contempt hearing, the hearing will be conducted to and the person will be permitted to reschedule their community service;

-Individuals who did not complete counseling for mental health or substance abuse will be allowed to re-engage in treatment.

-Individuals who did not attend a status conference will meet with a magistrate or court staff to review their financial ability to pay outstanding fines and to establish a new payment plan;

-Individuals who did not report to serve a jail sentence will be issued a new date to report;

Staff from the City of Findlay Law Director’s Office will be available along with staff from the Hancock County Public Defender’s Office to meet with their clients. Upon reporting to the Court on Safe Surrender Day, the warrant will be lifted and recalled from law enforcement.

This is a one day only event. The Court currently has over 2800 active bench warrants. Individuals who are unsure if they have an outstanding bench warrant can view a list of active Findlay Municipal Court warrants at:

https://xfoien2k.findlayohio.gov/Warrants/Active

Appointments are preferred but walk-ins are also accepted. To schedule an appointment or for more information call the Clerk’s office at 419-424-7141.

(From the Findlay Police Department)

In memory of fallen Bluffton Police Officer Dominic M. Francis, mourning bands will be worn all day by all sworn Findlay Police Officers on Monday, March 31, 2025 from 0001 hrs. until 1159 hrs.

Officer Dominic Francis was struck and killed by a vehicle while deploying spike strips near mile marker 142 on southbound I-75 at about 2:30 A.M. on March 31, 2022. Troopers with the Ohio State Highway Patrol had started pursuing the vehicle on State Route 15 after attempting a traffic stop. The vehicle fled onto I-75 and reached speeds exceeding 130 mph before striking Officer Francis. The three occupants of the vehicle then fled the scene on foot. All three were taken into custody over the next 10 hours. The driver was sentenced to 21 years in prison.

Officer Francis served on the Findlay Police Department from September 5, 2006 to December 2, 2008 and the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office before joining the Bluffton Police Department; where he served the community for eleven years.

Officer Francis had served in law enforcement for 19 years. He is survived by his wife, son, and daughter.

A stretch of I-75 that runs through Bluffton was renamed the Officer Dominic Francis Memorial Highway. Signs are located at mile marker 139 Northbound and 143 Southbound.

(From Open Arms Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Services)

In honor of National Sexual Assault Awareness Month this April, Open Arms is reaching out to local businesses for support in displaying free informational clings throughout the community. These clings will provide important details about the services Open Arms offers and includes a QR code for discreet access to connect to Open Arms advocates and services.

Ideally, they can be placed on the top or bottom corner of any public or employee bathroom mirrors. This location provides an opportunity for individuals to access critical information about the resources available in a safe and confidential manner. By supporting this effort, you can help empower individuals to seek assistance while maintaining their privacy.

If you would like to participate and receive informational clings for your business, please reach out to Roseanna Thornton at rthornton@openarmsfindlay.org or call 419-420-9261 ext. 0242. We appreciate your willingness to join us in spreading awareness and ensuring that all survivors know they are not alone.

Open Arms provides vital services to individuals affected by domestic violence and sexual assault. Last year, Open Arms provided a total of 9,964 individual services. For more information about Open Arms, please visit our website at openarmsfindlay.com or contact our 24-Hour Crisis Hotline at 419-422-4766.

(From the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts)

The Marathon Center for the Performing Arts (MCPA) is excited to announce the return of its popular Food Truck Wednesdays, happening the first Wednesday of each month from April through September. From 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM, visitors can enjoy a variety of delicious food truck offerings in the heart of downtown Findlay.

Food Truck Wednesdays at MCPA offer a fantastic opportunity for community members, downtown employees, and visitors to enjoy a diverse selection of local cuisine. Guests can choose to dine indoors in MCPA’s comfortable, climate-controlled lounge or take advantage of outdoor seating to enjoy their meal in the fresh air. Each month features a rotating lineup of food trucks, serving everything from savory meals to sweet treats.

To stay up to date on which food trucks will be participating each month, guests are encouraged to follow MCPA on social media. Updates and announcements will be posted regularly on Facebook.

“We are thrilled to bring back Food Truck Wednesdays and create a fun, social atmosphere where people can gather, enjoy great food and spend time in downtown Findlay,” said Kelda Heitkamp, Outreach Coordinator for MCPA. “It’s a fantastic way to support local businesses and enjoy the summer months.”

For more information, visit MCPA’s website or check out their social media pages. Mark your calendars and make plans to join MCPA for lunch!

(From the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office)

Over the next week we will be posting the 4 office staff members, who were chosen by their peers, for the 2024 Employee of the Year in each of the below categories:

-Corrections Officer of the Year
-Civilian of the Year
-Dispatcher of the Year
-Deputy of the Year

-Sheriff Stevens

—————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Corrections Officer Brice Logan named 2024 Corrections Officer of the Year
By Sheri Trusty, Public Relations/Community Engagement Coordinator

When Corrections Officer Brice Logan arrives to work at the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office each day, he doesn’t just trudge through a checklist of duties until it’s time to leave. He does everything he can to help those around him, whether it is his fellow employees or the inmates under his care. For him, being a corrections officer is more than a job. It is a way to make a difference in the lives of others.

C/O Logan’s dedication was recognized when he was selected by his peers for the Corrections Officer of the Year Award for 2024. Seneca County Sheriff Fredrick Stevens presented C/O Logan with the award on March 24.

“I was surprised to get it,” C/O Logan said. “It means a lot. I don’t like the spotlight. I just do the work.”

C/O Logan’s hardworking attitude is one of the reasons his peers chose him for the award. The nomination forms were filled with comments about his work ethic. His peers said C/O Logan, “never sits down, constantly keeping himself busy with work that needs to be done;” “assists wherever needed without complaint;” and “gets what needs to be done and then works on stuff for the next shift.”

His peers called him a team player and said he continually helps others, takes pride in his work, and cares about the quality of work he performs.

Sheriff Stevens told C/O Logan that his efforts don’t go unnoticed.

“Your can-do attitude, work ethic, and teamwork are something to be admired by other corrections officers,” Sheriff Stevens wrote in C/O Logan’s award letter.

C/O Logan’s accomplishments and commitment to the job take on greater significance because he has been in law enforcement less than two years. He spent much of his adult life working in local factories before accepting the position of corrections officer at the Seneca County Jail.

C/O Logan’s grandfather had a career as a police officer is South Bend, Indiana. Although his grandfather passed away before C/O Logan was born, he was connected to that heritage.

“My grandfather was a police officer, and I thought I would give it a try,” C/O Logan said.

He is glad he did. He found a career that gives him enjoyment and fulfillment, and he plans to stay in law enforcement for the rest of his life.

“I have no regrets,” he said. “I like the work, and I like this job because of the other corrections officers. It’s like being in a family with them.”

Working in corrections brought a lot of new experiences into C/O Logan’s professional life. The job has a strong mental element, he learned about other cultures by working with ICE inmates, and he gained a fresh perspective about jail operations.

“It gives you a good chance to know how the inside of the jail works because a lot of people don’t know,” he said.

Being a corrections officer also gave his life added purpose. As he works with inmates, he has the chance to offer advice and encouragement.

““I like to think that I’m trying to make a difference, that I’m helping put them on a different path,” he said.

Seeing some people return to the jail again and again can be discouraging, but he keeps giving advice, knowing it takes just one day for a person to start a new life.

“You can feel a little defeated, but you still try to help them,” he said.

C/O Logan’s peers honored that compassion and dedication when they chose him as the 2024 Corrections Officer of the Year.

“Everyone is very encouraging,” he said. “We always have each other’s backs, always.”

Findlay High School was placed on a Level 2 lockdown on Monday.

The school said the lockdown was initiated due to an incident involving a student, and that school officials and police responded quickly and the situation was resolved without harm to students or staff.

School officials said there was no gun involved in the incident.

Once authorities determined there was no ongoing threat the lockdown was lifted, a little after noon, and normal school operations resumed.

A Level 2 lockdown calls for all doors to be closed and locked and there are no class changes.

(From the Hancock Historical Museum)

The Hancock Historical Museum has partnered with Heritage Ohio to conduct preservation assessments for two historic buildings in May, with the opportunity to add three more structures to the list. The museum is now accepting nominations for additional properties to participate in the program.

The Museum has secured permission to assess the Hancock County Probate Court building at 209 W. Main Cross St. and the city’s first fire station at North Main and Cherry Streets. These buildings, both rich in history, will undergo evaluations to help ensure their preservation for future generations.

The Hancock County Probate Court building, originally constructed in 1867 as the First Congregational Church of Findlay, has since served multiple purposes, including housing Findlay Publishing and the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office. Since 1990, it has functioned as the county’s probate and juvenile court. The fire station, believed to have been built in 1877 or 1878, was later expanded in the 1910s to accommodate larger firefighting equipment.

Heritage Ohio, based in Columbus, is dedicated to promoting economic growth through historic preservation and revitalization efforts. As the coordinating agency for the Ohio Main Street Program and a statewide partner with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Heritage Ohio brings expertise to these assessments.

David Mertz, former director of Belmont College’s esteemed Building Preservation/Restoration program, will lead the evaluations. Working directly with pre-selected building owners, he will assess structural conditions, identify common issues in aging buildings, and offer guidance on addressing maintenance concerns. Recommendations will remain private between Mertz, the museum, and property owners.

The museum is currently seeking nominations for three additional buildings in downtown Findlay. Eligible properties must have been built by 1975. Nominations are due by April 25 and can be submitted via email at jbennett@hancockhistoricalmuseum.org, through the museum’s Facebook page or website, or by calling 419-423-4433.

(From the City of Findlay)

Mayor Christina Muryn announced that Findlay and Hancock County will partner with DoorDash to support the local business community through its Accelerator for Local Businesses. Independently-owned brick-and-mortar businesses such as restaurants, local flower shops, mom and-pop supermarkets or other local businesses, can apply to participate in the Accelerator for Local Businesses.

The DoorDash Accelerator for Local Businesses will run from early May through July, 2025. Local businesses interested in participating can APPLY HERE through April 21, 2025.

The Accelerator for Local Businesses will offer Findlay and Hancock County entrepreneurs with mentorship, professional programming, and funding to grow stronger businesses in Hancock County.

As part of the Accelerator, up to 10 local business owners in Findlay and Hancock County will receive:

• One-on-one mentorship from experienced peer merchants on the DoorDash platform;
• Tailored in-person and virtual programming on optimizing menus, operations, and their DoorDash storefront and accessing county-wide small business resources, including financing options, certification programs, government contracting opportunities, and local business support services;
• A $5,000 grant; and
• $1,000 in DoorDash advertising credits.

“As one of the best places in the country for entrepreneurship, I’m proud – and not surprised – that DoorDash chose our city to play such an important role in their 2025 Accelerator for Local Businesses,” says Findlay Mayor Christina Muryn. “Hancock County is a growing region that consistently ranks among the best places in America to do business. This partnership with DoorDash will continue to strengthen our small businesses and connected entrepreneurs directly to City Hall so that they can more easily navigate all the support our city has to offer.”

“As the top micropolitan for 11 consecutive years, and an established national leader in small business growth, we’re honored that Mayor Muryn and the City of Findlay are partnering with us as part of the Accelerator for Local Businesses. Participating businesses will learn how to unlock city resources to ensure Hancock County businesses have the resources to grow and deliver what local residents need,” said Mike Pomerantz, DoorDash’s Head of Midwest Public Engagement.

To be eligible, applicants must be independently owned brick-and-mortar local businesses on the DoorDash platform with a maximum of three locations and annual revenue under $3 million. Owners must be the primary operators, living and operating out of Findlay and Hancock County.

Since launching the Accelerator program in 2021, more than 200 small businesses and 1,000 entrepreneurs have participated in online and hybrid Accelerator programs across the country, including in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Portland, New Jersey, New York City, Washington DC, and Minneapolis.

(From the Findlay Family YMCA)

The Findlay Family YMCA is excited to announce a transformational $1 million gift from Marathon Petroleum Corporation (MPC) to support the construction of its new Early Learning Center (ELC), furthering the YMCA’s mission to provide high-quality, affordable, and accessible childcare to families in the community.

A longstanding YMCA partner and neighbor, MPC has a rich history of support, having previously donated the building that houses the current Mary Brenner Child Development Center on Lincon Street and frequently assisting in myriad ways with YMCA programs and other initiatives. Many of its employees are YMCA members who count on the organization for childcare and healthy living priorities. This latest gift underscores the corporation’s deep commitment to thriving communities by strengthening families and ensuring children have access to safe, nurturing early learning opportunities.

“Those of us at the YMCA are extremely grateful for MPC’s generous gift and unwavering belief in our mission,” said CEO Stephanie Parsons. “With this assistance, we are taking a major step toward addressing the critical need for additional and exceptional childcare in our region.”

The $10-million, 20,500-square-foot childcare center will offer expanded capacity, flexible learning spaces, and closer proximity to the Downtown Branch for working families who count on us caring for and educating their youngest family members. Also, like the Y’s existing childcare center, it will also continue to provide subsidized childcare for eligible families.

“For decades, the Y has been privileged to serve the community in such a capacity and we’re thrilled to soon be providing enhanced services, made possible with MPC and other valued community partners,” Parsons said.

A Findlay man who was a successful businessman and very passionate about the community he loved and called home has passed away.

Richard Kirk, the CEO of Kirk Corporation, died on March 25^th at the age of 66.

His obituary from Coldren-Crates Funeral Home is below.

Surrounded by his loving family, Richard Charles Kirk, 66, passed away peacefully at 4:07 pm on March 25, 2025 at the Cleveland Clinic after a courageous battle against myeloproliferative disease.

Richard was born in Toledo, Ohio on December 15, 1958, to Robert W. and Theresa A. (Wonderly) Kirk, both deceased. On February 7, 2014, he married the love of his life, Sabrina (Mandell) and she survives. Also surviving to cherish his memory are his daughters: Tiphanie (Lucas) Gibson, Lauren Kirk, Justinne (Ben) Reinhart, a step-daughter Miranda (Brendan) Smoluk, sons: Chad and Shawn Kirk. He was an especially proud Grampy to Kasadie, Coltan & Kinsley Gibson, Lilli, Avery & Roman Reinhart and Liam & Grayson Smoluk; his brothers: James A. (Rebecca) Kirk, Joseph (Diana) Kirk, and sisters: Rebecca Sue (Dirk) Ewing and Catherine (Dennis) Smith. His brother William T. Kirk preceded him in death. Richard loved his life with his champion dogs Beau, Rose, Maggie, Emmit, Dagen, Quinn, Winston & Sergie and frequently referred to himself as a champion dog trainer.

Richard was a graduate of Van Buren High School and briefly attended college at the University of Toledo, but was needed at the family business, where he worked alongside his father and brothers, who in his words, “Taught me everything. All I had to do was pay attention.” In the early years, he worked at OHM, followed by owning Kirk Bros. Co., Inc. the first company his father started, building water/waste water treatment facilities, and recently celebrating 55 years in business and now includes Kirk Masonry, Inc. He later acquired the general contracting company Alvada Construction Co., Inc. (now known as ACI Co., Inc.) from his brother Bill, which includes Alvada Trucking (now known as ATI). In the pursuit of being all-encompassing, in 2019 acquired Bodie Electric which provides commercial plumbing, HVAC and electrical services.

Richard possessed a servant’s heart, serving on multiple boards throughout the years. He lived and believed where much is given, much is expected, and he reminded those around him of the great responsibility we all have to be better, and do better for our clients, community, and families. He was especially passionate about Findlay, his lifelong residence and was committed to making the community better for all. He selflessly helped anyone wherever he could, never expecting anything in return.

In leisure, Richard and Sabrina enjoyed numerous travels together, especially a recent trip to Israel. He loved reading about Civil and WW2 history. Most of all Richard enjoyed living on the farm and all the activities and solitude it provided.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Sharon Cole for her dedicated care and compassion, and Pastor Chris Baney for his presence, wisdom and council.

Visitation will be held from noon-8 pm on Monday, March 31, 2025, at COLDREN-CRATES FUNERAL HOME, Findlay. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at St. Michael the Archangel Church, 750 Bright Road, Findlay. Interment will take place at Knollcrest Cemetery following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials contributions be given to the Richard C. and Sabrina K. Kirk Youth Scholarship Fund, supporting Hancock County youth pursuing careers in agriculture and the trades, c/o The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation, 101 W. Sandusky St. #207, Findlay, Ohio 45840. Online condolences are welcomed at www.coldrencrates.com.