Monthly Archives: March 2025

New Rest Areas Now Open

(From the Ohio Department of Transportation)

We are excited to announce that the Wyandot U.S. 23 reimagined rest areas are now OPEN!

These brand-new facilities provide an enhanced experience for all visitors, featuring universal changing stations, vending machines, covered picnic areas, paved walking paths, and expanded truck parking.

As you’re traveling Ohio, The Heart of it All, remember to check out our rest area map to better plan your visit:

https://www.transportation.ohio.gov/traveling/rest-areas

City Issues Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month Proclamation

(From Blanchard Valley Center)

Jackson and his parents accepted the city proclamation from Mayor Muryn and council members designating March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.

Representing BVC, Jackson is an intern through our Project LIFE program that offers life skills education, along with 10-week work rotations for young adults ages 18-25.

The Project LIFE team and Jackson’s parents have expressed the tremendous growth he has exhibited since he started.

He has gained experience in a variety of industries and we can’t wait to see where his future takes him!

As always, we appreciate the continued support from our community.

Thank you for seeing the VALUE people with developmental disabilities bring to the table.

Woman Arrested On Drug Trafficking Charges

(From the Hancock METRICH Enforcement Unit)

On 03/05/25 at approx. 0430hrs the Hancock County METRICH Drug Task Force assisted by the Findlay Police Department Emergency Response Team (ERT) executed a narcotic search warrant at 225 Cherry St Findlay, OH 45840.

The search of the residence yielded approximately 96 grams of liquid cocaine, and multiple items indicative of drug trafficking.

As a result of the search the following person was arrested and incarcerated at the Hancock County Justice Center:

Porshia Frisbie (34 year old)

225 Cherry St

Findlay, Ohio

Charge: Hancock County Sheriff’s Office warrant for trafficking in drugs (F4)

Additional charges of drug trafficking and possession of drugs are expected at the conclusion of this investigation.

The Hancock METRICH Drug Enforcement Unit is supported by METRICH in Mansfield, OH and funded in part by the Office of Criminal Justice Services.

METRICH Crime Tip Hotline: 419-52-CRIME (419-522-7463) or download the METRICH enforcement unit mobile app to “Submit a Tip.”

New Findlay Law Director Sworn In

(From the City of Findlay)

The City of Findlay officially announces the confirmation of Robert L. Feighner, Jr. to the position of City Law Director. Feighner was sworn in by Mayor Christina Muryn on February 19, 2025.

Robert E. Feighner, Jr. is a native of Findlay, Ohio. He obtained his undergraduate degree in business from Bowling Green State University in 1996 and his law degree from Ohio Northern University in 1999. Rob was an assistant city law director and municipal prosecutor for Findlay from 1999 through 2025. He managed a private practice in Findlay during the same period of time to which he was partner for over eighteen years. Rob was appointed to the full-time position of City Law Director in 2025 and is expected to be on the November 2025 ballot. Rob is a member of the Ohio State Bar Association, Hancock County Bar Association and member of the Ohio Municipal Attorneys Association.

“I am thrilled to welcome Robert Feighner as the City of Findlay Law Director. With his expertise and dedication to our community, I have no doubt he will strengthen our legal framework and serve the best interests of our community,” says Mayor Muryn.

“I am honored and humbled to be sworn in as the City Law Director. I look forward to working closely with our city officials, council, staff, and public to ensure that our legal needs are met with integrity and commitment to process,” says Law Director Feighner.

The Hancock County Republican Central Committee confirmed his appointment unanimously. This appointment will last through the results of the next general election where the winner of that election will finish the term.

Former Law Director Donald J. Rasmussen retired effective January 12. 

Discount Retailer Acquiring Former Big Lots Stores In Ohio

(ONN) – A discount retailer is acquiring former Big Lots locations in Ohio.

Ollie’s Bargain Outlets has now acquired a total of 63 former Big Lots locations.

The chain is based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and the acquisitions come as Columbus-based Big Lots navigates bankruptcy.

Locations in Findlay, Bowling Green, Chardon, and Middletown are on the list of sites being converted to Ollie’s.

Big Lots is not completely closing its doors.

The company is reported to continue operating 200 stores.

Safety Superheroes Sought For CAMP 9-1-1

(From Camp 9-1-1)

Calling all future safety superheroes!

Camp 911 is back and open for registration!

This fun and interactive safety camp is designed for Hancock County kids entering kindergarten and is led by our local first responders.

Dates: June 23 – June 27

Two Sessions Available:

AM Session: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM – Tuesday, June 24 – Friday, June 27

PM Session: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM – Monday, June 23rd – Thursday, June 26

Kids will learn essential safety skills, meet real-life heroes, and have a blast in hands-on activities!

Register Now:

AM Session: https://forms.gle/8mf6rurdbepcpi4v8

PM Session: https://forms.gle/fjYJZxopZWHQMXDj9

Mayor Named To ‘Community Leaders Of America’ Steering Committee

(From the City of Findlay)

The City of Findlay is proud to announce that Mayor Christina Muryn has been appointed to the Community Leaders of America (CLA) Steering Committee for the Northeast. This appointment recognizes Mayor Muryn’s dedication to effective governance, economic development, and community engagement and her position as a respected leader by Mayors across the United States.

Community Leaders of America (CLA) is a national organization that brings together Republican mayors and county leaders from across the country to promote innovative policies, share best practices, and advocate for pro-growth, fiscally responsible governance.

CLA’s core principles include:

Stimulate job growth by establishing a sustainable business environment that promotes opportunity and prosperity for everyone 

Ensure public safety and protect civil liberties in our communities

Enhance quality of life by promoting infrastructure improvements and providing necessary services in the most effective and efficient manner possible

Protect taxpayer resources through implementation of common-sense fiscal management 

As a member of the Steering Committee, Mayor Muryn will collaborate with fellow municipal leaders to shape policy discussions, advocate for local priorities, and support initiatives that drive sustainable growth and innovation in cities and towns across the region. “I am honored to join the CLA Steering Committee and contribute to meaningful policy discussions that will benefit Findlay and communities across the region,” said Mayor Muryn. “Strong leadership and collaborative problem-solving are essential to building a brighter future for our residents.”

Mayor Muryn has served as Findlay’s mayor since 2019 and has been a vocal advocate for economic development, infrastructure improvements, and community engagement. Her leadership has helped position Findlay as one of Ohio’s most dynamic and thriving cities.

FCS Answering Questions It Didn’t Get To During Town Hall

(From Findlay City Schools)

As promised, we have answers to some of the questions that we ran out of time to answer at last week’s Town Hall!

Check them out here: https://www.fcs.org/…/financial-facts/town-hall-follow-up

If you don’t see your question, stay tuned…we are adding more answers every day!

The discussion focused on the district’s financial challenges following the failed November 2024 levy, which resulted in a $6.1 million budget reduction

Need a rewatch of Town Hall? Watch it below.

CommunityREAD Selection A Heartfelt Memoir About Saving A Farm

(From the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library)

The Findlay-Hancock County Public Library has announced the selection of Gaining Ground: A Story of Farmers’ Markets, Local Food, and Saving the Family Farm by Forrest Pritchard as the CommunityREAD 2025 book.

Library Director Sarah Clevidence was on with WFIN’s Chris Oaks to discuss this year’s CommunityREAD selection and more, and that interview can be heard below.

Forrest Pritchard will visit Hancock County on Thursday, March 20 during CommunityREAD month for a public presentation at 7:30 PM at the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts.

Tickets are available for $10.00 at mcpa.org/events. We are also presenting special companion programs. Please check the calendar and plan to attend!

 What Is CommunityREAD?

CommunityREAD is a month-long community event that encourages reading and promotes the benefits of literacy.  It was originally created by the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation in 2003.  The administration of CommunityREAD was assumed by the library in 2012.  Each year, a different book is chosen and read by community members.  Various events are planned throughout the month of March at the library and throughout the community to celebrate literacy.  CommunityREAD is funded by a Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation grant, as well as the library’s general fund, and business and private sponsors.  For more information on CommunityREAD, please call us at 419-422-1712. 

‘Reading Victorian Architecture’ Topic Of Museum Lecture

(From the Hancock Historical Museum)

The Hancock Historical Museum invites the public to its upcoming Brown Bag Lecture presented by Eastman & Smith LTD. at 12 p.m. Thursday, March 6, 2025.

The featured presentation, “Reading Victorian Architecture,” will be delivered by Joshua Dubbert, Historian at the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library and Museums.

As Dubbert describes it, when we think of Victorian buildings, what usually comes to mind is big, rambling houses with towers and colorful gingerbread woodwork.

Though these are certainly characteristics of Victorian structures, building styles varied greatly from one decade to the next.

This program illustrates the many stylistic shifts during the Victorian Era (1837- 1901) by introducing some of its influential architects and demonstrating how to “read” a building to see how and when it fits into its specific timeframe.

Dubbert’s research focuses on Victorian America, particularly its culture, art, architecture, and the era’s presidents.

He enjoys giving public programs and tours of the Hayes Home, sharing the fascinating history of Hayes, his presidency, his family and his era.

The lecture will last approximately 45 minutes to an hour, with ample time for questions and discussion.

Guests are encouraged to bring their own lunches to enjoy during the program.

Admission is free for museum members and $3 for non-members.

The Brown Bag Lecture Series takes place on the first Thursday of every month at the Hancock Historical Museum, located at 422 West Sandusky Street in Findlay.

Each lecture highlights topics of historical and cultural significance to Hancock County and Ohio.

No registration is required.

For more information, please contact the Hancock Historical Museum at (419) 423-4433 or visit www.hancockhistoricalmuseum.org.