(Release provided by Blanchard Valley Health System)

Blanchard Valley Health System (BVHS) is pleased to announce Benjamin Sapp’s appointment as its new Chief Development Officer at the Blanchard Valley Health Foundation.

Sapp brings more than 18 years of progressive leadership experience in fundraising, education, and nonprofit management. A results-driven development professional, he has consistently excelled in creating and implementing impactful fundraising strategies, building high-performing teams, and fostering meaningful donor relationships.

“We welcome Ben to the organization,” said Myron Lewis, MSW, MBA, FACHE, President & CEO of BVHS. “He will be an extraordinary addition to the team whose focus is to support the health system and community through philanthropy. His experience and relationship-building skills are essential to this role and the overall success of our mission.”

Sapp most recently served as Director of the Mazza Museum at the University of Findlay, where he led with vision and collaboration, significantly advancing the museum’s outreach and philanthropic efforts. His deep ties to the University of Findlay include earning a Master of Arts degree with an emphasis in Children’s Literature in 1995 and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education in 1993, with a focus in Social Studies.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Sapp is an active and passionate community steward. He serves on the boards of the YMCA (2025–present), Hancock Federal Credit Union (2021–present), and Christian Clearing House (2022–present). He is also involved with the Arts and Heritage Council (2017–present) and Toledo Area Cultural Leaders (2014–present), and he previously served on the Macklin Intergenerational Institute Board (2017–2024).

“BVHS is an incredible community partner that provides seamless, high-quality healthcare throughout the region, “ said Ben. I look forward to supporting its mission and working with an outstanding team dedicated to making a difference daily.”

The Blanchard Valley Health Foundation plays a vital role in advancing the mission of BVHS by connecting generous donors to programs and initiatives that enhance patient care and community health. Sapp will be instrumental to these efforts, beginning with the “Our Future” capital campaign, which is already underway.

“I am looking forward to collaborating with current and future donors whose passion is healthcare,” added Sapp. “Together, we will build a foundation for quality care for generations of families.”

To learn more about Blanchard Valley Health System, visit bvhealthsystem.org. You can also support the Blanchard Valley Health Foundation by giving to the capital campaign at bvhealthsystem.org/ourfuture.

Findlay Police have identified the victims who were found deceased in Apartment 1, 708 N. Main Street at 4:31 am on April 20.

In a release by FPD, the victims have been identified as Richard Gutierrez Jr. (52 years old) and Ernesto Mendoza Jr.(61 years old), both of Findlay. Next of kin were notified.

Autopsies have been ordered and the investigation is on going.

(From the United Way of Hancock County)

Tickets are on sale now for United Way of Hancock County’s annual Downtown Chocolate Tour.

For this sweet spring fundraiser, patrons visit participating shops and restaurants to collect chocolatey treats while taking advantage of special sales and promotions. Running from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 10, this makes a great Mother’s Day outing or a fun day on the town with friends.

A total of 31 businesses are participating, and some establishments located outside the downtown area have been paired with shops downtown to allow their participation. Participating businesses include: 3 Oaks, Call of the Canyon, Circle of Friends, Coffee Amici, Dietsch Brothers Fine Chocolates and Ice Cream, Elida Candle Co., Findlay Brewing Co., Gem’s Fairy Cakes with The Buckeye Co., Guitar Ranch, Hancock Hotel, hand + home co., Journey Salon & Day Spa, Logan’s Irish Pub, Main Street Deli, Painters’ Pottery Studio, Red Wing Shoes, river + road with The Baking Co., Romans Hair Designers, Ryse Fitness Studio, Smarty Pants Toys and Gifts with Shirley’s Gourmet Popcorn Co., Sparrows to Lilies, Swan House Tea Room, The Baker’s Café, The Lavender Hour, Trends! on Main with Fort Findlay Coffee & Doughnuts, We Serve. Coffee, and Wine Merchant.

Tickets are $25 each, and all sales directly support United Way’s Vulnerable Children Initiative, dedicated to protecting and advocating for local youth. Ticket sales are capped at 300 and the event is expected to sell out. Visit www.uwhancock.org and click the ‘Downtown Chocolate Tour’ button at the top right to buy tickets.

“If you’ve got a sweet tooth, this is a can’t-miss event,” said Kelley McClurkin, CEO of United Way of Hancock County. “Not only will you leave with your fill of chocolate, but you’ll be supporting the vital work of our local partners that specialize in serving youth.”

Since its founding in 1955, United Way of Hancock County has funded local efforts to support children. Multiple local agencies receive United Way funding to mentor, feed, advocate for and protect kids. United Way is also actively involved in other community collaborations that are working to strengthen families while championing children’s needs.

Ticketholders can pick up their tickets, bags and maps from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 8-9 at the United Way office, 318 W. Main Cross St. (above Kan Du Studio); and beginning at 10:30 a.m. the day of the event at Hancock Hotel (a stop on the tour).

Call 419-423-1432 for more information or to schedule a pickup time outside of these hours.

(From the Findlay Police Department)

Officers were dispatched to 708 N. Main St. Apartment 1 for possible deceased persons on 4/20/2025 at 0431 hours.  

Upon arrival Officers found 2 individuals deceased in the living room of the apartment.

The manner of death is being investigated and the identities of the individuals are being withheld, pending the notification of the next of kin.

This incident is considered under investigation.

(From Dr. Bill Kose with Blanchard Valley Health System)

In an age when global travel and misinformation can both contribute to the resurgence of preventable diseases, measles has made an alarming comeback. Despite the widespread availability of vaccines, this highly contagious viral infection continues to pose a serious public health threat—particularly in communities where vaccination rates are low. Fortunately, here in our region, Blanchard Valley Health System (BVHS) is working every day to protect and care for the health of our community with the power of connected care.

Measles is not just a childhood illness of the past—it’s one of the most contagious of all infectious diseases. Up to 90% of susceptible individuals exposed to the virus will become infected. Transmission is swift and easy, with the virus spreading through direct contact with infectious droplets or airborne particles. It can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left the area, making public spaces vulnerable to exposure.

That’s why a coordinated, comprehensive healthcare network like BVHS is more important than ever. Whether you need the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine or supportive care for illness, BVHS offers a fully integrated system to meet those needs—right here at home. From primary care to urgent care to specialty services, BVHS connects each piece of your health journey, ensuring you receive timely, efficient, and informed care.

Measles typically begins with a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. These are followed by tiny white spots on the inner cheeks and, a few days later, a reddish rash that spreads across the body. While often self-limited, the illness can lead to severe complications, especially in young children, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Pneumonia, brain swelling, and even death are among the risks.

There is no specific antiviral treatment for measles—care is focused on relieving symptoms, managing complications, and monitoring closely. That’s where BVHS excels. Through our connected care model, patients can access lab testing, hydration support, fever management, and hospital care when necessary—all within one health system that shares records and communicates in real time.

Of course, the best way to combat measles is through prevention. The MMR vaccine is highly effective—about 93% after one dose and 97% after two doses. At BVHS, we make it easy to stay up to date on vaccinations through your primary care provider, pediatric visits, or our walk-in and urgent care clinics. We also offer guidance on special circumstances—such as for individuals born between 1963 and 1967, who may have received a less effective inactivated vaccine.

Safety concerns should never be a barrier. The MMR vaccine has been extensively studied and consistently proven to be safe. Mild, short-lived side effects such as low-grade fever or swelling are far outweighed by the protection it offers. And despite persistent myths, there is no link between the MMR vaccine and autism—a fact reaffirmed by years of robust research.

At BVHS, we believe that access to high-quality, connected healthcare is the cornerstone of a healthy community. By providing preventive services like vaccination and comprehensive care when illness strikes, we’re here to safeguard your family’s well-being through every stage of life.

As measles continues to resurface in various parts of the world, let’s work together to prevent it from taking hold in ours. Schedule your vaccinations, stay informed, and trust in the strength of a health system built around connection, compassion, and care.

William H. Kose, MD

Vice President of Special Projects,

Blanchard Valley Health System

National Work Zone Awareness Week will be observed April 21 – 25, with the theme, “Respect the Zone So We All Get Home.”

The Ohio Department of Transportation says National Work Zone Awareness Week is an annual spring campaign held at the start of construction season to encourage safe driving through highway work zones.

ODOT’s Matt Bruning says the key message is for drivers to use extra caution in work zones and to obey Ohio’s Move Over Law.

Earth Day will be observed during the week as well on April 22 and drivers are reminded to be aware of crews picking up litter along the highways.

Ohio’s Move Over Law requires all drivers to move over to an adjacent lane when approaching any vehicle with flashing or rotating lights parked on the roadside.

If moving over is not possible due to traffic, weather conditions or a second lane not being available, motorists should slow down and proceed with caution.

(From Cory-Rawson Local Schools)

The sixth annual CRHS Community Day took our students and staff across the district and beyond. Community Day brings service learning to life for all of our students in grades 7 through 12.

Several students and staff members assisted crews in the Mount Cory, Jenera, and Rawson village parks, Motter Park, and Oakwoods Nature Preserve with clean-up activities. A number of students visited residents at Willow Ridge Nursing Home, Serenity Springs, and Sunrise of Findlay to assist with art projects and other activities. High school band students performed for residents at Serenity Springs.

On our school campus, students assisted with landscaping tasks and adding art to our hallways. High school and elementary school reading buddies met to share their favorite books. The Easter Bunny led an Easter Egg hunt for our elementary school students.

Two crews of students and staff visited neighboring schools and area police and fire departments, “stinging them with kindness” by delivering treats baked by our foods classes.

Thanks to a grant from The Findlay Hancock County Community Foundation for making our Community Day such a success.

(From the City of Findlay)

Starting Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 8 am, Crystal Avenue will be closed at the railroad crossing between Walnut Street and Ash Avenue for repairs to the railroad tracks.

This closure will continue through Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at approximately 3 pm.

Motorists are advised to avoid this area.

(From the Ohio High Value Network)

Twenty-six rural hospitals are launching the Ohio High Value Network (OHVN) to collaborate on clinical and business initiatives to strengthen healthcare in rural communities across the state, OHVN announced today.

The network’s foundation is a clinically integrated network (CIN) caring for a population of more than 2.5 million patients. The network features 25 hospitals and other care sites in more than 115 cities and towns serving 37 of Ohio’s 88 counties; the network also includes a hospital in West Virginia. OHVN also is setting up operational collaborations designed to share best practices among its members and control contracting costs.

“We believe that strong collaboration is the best way to sustain high-quality care in our communities,” said Myron Lewis, OHVN board chair, and president and CEO of Blanchard Valley Health System in Findlay, Ohio. “The more we work together, the better we can serve our communities—continuously improving quality, lowering costs and further strengthening rural healthcare.”

The network is in discussions with other rural hospitals in Ohio interested in joining as members and expects to grow.

The active daily management of the network will be led by principals from Cibolo Health, including Nathan H. White, president, and A. Clinton MacKinney, MD, chief medical officer. Cibolo Health helps independent rural hospitals create clinically integrated networks with their peers to overcome the obstacles rural healthcare providers face.

Ohio High Value Network is the third rural hospital network organized and operated by Cibolo Health. The first, the Rough Rider High-Value Network in North Dakota, launched in 2023, and the second, Headwaters High-Value Network in Minnesota, started in 2024.

Clinical, operational committees to be launched

The clinically integrated network will drive OHVN’s quality enhancement initiatives and care coordination efforts, and reduce administrative burdens for providers. OHVN will form a Clinical Integration Committee to oversee the network’s clinical and quality initiatives. The committee will include one clinical representative from each member health system.

“The Clinical Integration Committee provides a forum for clinicians to learn from each other, share best practices that improve patient outcomes and collaborate on ways to ease burdens on medical providers,” Dr. MacKinney said. “These efforts will strengthen high-quality, advanced care in our member hospitals and invigorate the communities our members serve.”

Building on proven benefits of collaboration

Many members of the Ohio High Value Network are already working together in one of several regional hospital collaborations in Ohio.

“We already know that working together not only provides benefits for our hospitals, but also for our patients, our employees and our communities,” said Jeff Graham, president and CEO of Chillicothe-based Adena Health. “It’s been a goal of mine for more than seven years to form this level of collaboration among our independent hospital systems. With the size and scope of the Ohio High Value Network, we can collaborate on even more impactful areas to enhance our ability to deliver advanced, high-quality care and do so efficiently.”

About Ohio High Value Network

The Ohio High Value Network is a collaboration of 26 rural hospitals dedicated to working together to serve the healthcare needs of their communities while remaining independent health systems. OHVN’s foundation is a clinically integrated network (CIN) caring for a population of more than 2.5 million patients. The network features 25 hospitals and other care sites in more than 115 cities and towns serving 37 of Ohio’s 88 counties, as well as a hospital in West Virginia. OHVN also features collaborations designed to control contracting costs and share operational best practices. To learn more, visit our website.

(From the Hancock County METRICH Drug Task Force)

On 4/17/25 at approx. 1200hrs. the Hancock County METRICH Drug Task Force assisted by the Findlay Police Department, executed a narcotic search warrant at 404 Lester Ave., Findlay, Ohio.

The search of the residence yielded several items of drug paraphernalia. Other items indicative of drug trafficking were also seized.

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

Gary Spiegel (age 51)

404 Lester Ave

Findlay, Ohio

Active Warrants: Hancock County Sheriff’s Office Warrants for 3 counts of trafficking in drugs, possession of drugs, permitting drug abuse and having weapons under disability.

Additional charges of drug trafficking, possession of drugs, and permitting drug abuse 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.”