(From the Ohio Department of Transportation)
State Route 15 railroad repair in Putnam County.
State Route 15 between Road E-16 and State Route 613 at the unincorporated community of Kieferville will close on Wednesday, May 14, for approximately one day for railroad crossing repair.
TRAFFIC IMPACTS
Detours: SR 613 to SR 634, back to SR 15
(From the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office)
National Police Week | May 11–May 17
This week, we pause to recognize the courageous men and women in law enforcement who serve our communities with strength, dedication, and heart.
To the deputies of the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office — thank you for the sacrifices you make, the professionalism you uphold, and the integrity you bring to your roles each and every day. You are the foundation of our agency and the reason our community remains safe and supported.
We also extend our deepest gratitude to all law enforcement officers across the nation. Whether you’re on patrol, behind the scenes, or answering calls in dispatch, your service matters. Your dedication doesn’t go unnoticed.
Let this week serve as a reminder of the value of your commitment — not only to the badge but to the people you protect.
We appreciate you. We stand with you. We honor you.
Rally in the Alley returns at the end of May.
The popular series put on by the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce begins on May 30th.
It is held at Latham Courtyard in the 500 block of South Main Street in downtown Findlay on Fridays from 5 to 8 p.m. from May 30 through July 25.
“Join us for live music, snacks, and libations in downtown Findlay!”
See the full schedule below.
(From the United Way of Hancock County)
SWEET SUCCESS!
Thank you to everyone who bought a ticket to Saturday’s Downtown Chocolate Tour!
We hope you had your fill of chocolatey goodness and that you enjoyed exploring Downtown Findlay!
Thanks to you and the generosity of our participating businesses, we raised over $5,500 for at-risk youth in our community.
What could be sweeter than that!?
(From Findlay City Schools)
We are so excited to host Hancock County’s Summer Lunch Program, offering FREE lunches to everyone in our county under 18 years old!
June 9-July 31
Mondays-Thursdays (with a meal to take home for Friday!)
11:30-12:30
Glenwood Middle School
1715 North Main Street
There will be activities provided each day, so this is more than just a meal…it’s fun, too!
Adult Meals are available for $4.25!
We have so much incredible help to make this amazing summer opportunity available.
Thank you to Findlay YMCA and VFW Post 5645 for your support, as well as the support of our entire community to take care of our kids when they’re away from school for the summer.
(From the Fostoria Area Chamber of Commerce)
The Fostoria Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce an extension of the application deadline for the 2025 LAUNCH Fostoria small business competition, offering more time and opportunity for local entrepreneurs to apply. The new deadline to submit applications is May 16th.
LAUNCH Fostoria is a business pitch competition designed to support and invest in aspiring entrepreneurs looking to start or expand a business in Fostoria. By extending the deadline, the Chamber aims to build on growing interest and ensure that even more creative, driven individuals have the chance to bring their ideas to life.
Who’s Eligible?
LAUNCH Fostoria is open to anyone interested in opening or growing a business in Fostoria.
Businesses must be for-profit, independent business.
May not have earned more than $250,000 in the past year revenue.
Completed Applications may be dropped off at the Chamber office located in the Fostoria Learning Center, 342 Perry St. or emailed to director@FostoriaChamber.com
“This competition is all about celebrating innovation, supporting small business growth, and moving Fostoria forward.” said Jocelyn Reinhart, Chamber/Small Business Director at the Fostoria Area Chamber of Commerce.
The program offers business training, mentorship, and the opportunity to compete for funding that can help launch or grow a business. Applicants who have already submitted their materials are still in the running and do not need to reapply.
For more information and to submit your application, visit fostoriachamber.com/launch.
(From the City of Findlay)
CONSTRUCTION UPDATES 5/12-5/16:
Broad Ave. will be reduced to one lane in each direction from W. Trenton Ave. to W. Melrose Ave. for curb replacement.
W. Melrose Ave. will be closed to through traffic from N. Main St. to Broad Ave. for curb replacement.
East St. will be closed to through traffic from E. Lincoln St. to E. Lima St. for curb replacement.
Carnahan Ave. will be closed to through traffic from Tiffin Ave. to the Railroad for curb replacement.
Allen Ave. will be closed to through traffic from Main St. to the Railroad for curb replacement.
Midland Ave. will be closed to through traffic from Main St. to Railroad for curb replacement.
Garfield Ave. will be closed to through traffic from Main St. to the Railroad for curb replacement.
George St. will be closed to through traffic from Main St. to the Railroad for curb replacement.
Twp. Road 80 (Baseline Rd.) will be closed to all traffic from Springlake Dr. (E.) to Springlake Dr. (W.) for a sanitary sewer project.
Avoid these blocks if possible. Please contact the Engineering Department with any questions (419) 424-7121.
(From BVHS President & CEO Myron Lewis)
This past week, I visited Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. to speak with our congressional delegates and attend the American Hospital Association annual meeting. Throughout the week, several congressional representatives spoke from both sides of the aisle on healthcare through deep, rich, and strongly opinionated conversations. In the end, more discussions are needed and, as with any good resolution, both parties need to listen and find balance.
Healthcare is complex. Even understanding the difference between hospitals and insurance companies can be confusing. I hear from employers that their health insurance rates continue to rise in an alarming fashion (6-9% annually). I am not sure where those increased funds are distributed, but only a small portion are passed on to physicians or hospitals. Over 40% of Ohio hospitals are in the red (losing money) due to many variables including inflation, denials, and declining reimbursements. Meanwhile, health insurance companies are posting billions in profits quarterly.
There are several legislative and budget proposals under consideration that would jeopardize the ability of hospitals and health systems, including Blanchard Valley Health System (BVHS), to provide access to care for our patients and communities. Specifically, the Federal Government is looking to cut $880 billion over the next 10 years from the House Committee on Energy and Commerce which oversees Medicare and Medicaid spending. This is significantly more complicated than understanding the difference between a hospital and an insurance company. Medicare and Medicaid represent 38% of United States health spending. Since Medicare (at this point) is declared off limits by administration, that leaves Medicaid funding as the most likely target. Approximately 72 million people in the United States are covered by Medicaid. In Ohio, Medicaid covers over 50% of all births, nearly 12% of seniors, and 40% of children. Additionally, Medicaid is the primary coverage for nursing home residents in long-term care settings.
On average, Medicaid covers around 76 cents for every dollar of care provided, and Medicare covers around 82 cents, according to healthcare associations. To make up this underpayment, other forms of supplemental payment programs have been created at the state and/or federal level. This is where hospital reimbursement moves from complex to complicated. Unfortunately, none of us created this system but, for whatever reason, there has not been a strong interest in a one payer system, which would have the potential to simplify the administrative process.
Many programs that supplement the losses of Medicare and Medicaid are at risk today. The pharmaceutical companies are fighting to reduce their support for 340B drug pricing programs that help reduce the cost of drugs for hospitals. Additionally, the Department of
Health and Human Services (HHS) is looking to cut additional reimbursement that hospitals receive under “site neutral” payments that help cover the increased regulations imposed on hospitals and support access to 24-hour care. Other congressional members are aiming to reduce funding for programs that directly offset losses from Medicare and Medicaid.
BVHS and healthcare providers across Ohio are unable to sustain further cuts from the State, HHS, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), or the one “Big Beautiful Bill.” Do we need to find solutions to lower the cost of care? Absolutely! Do we need to remove fraud, waste, and abuse across the country? Certainly.
We also need to work together to find solutions.
The tools we use in this pursuit are important. As an illustration, the incision a surgeon makes with a scalpel represents a much more deliberate approach than a hatchet. Likewise, we need to approach the complicated challenges ahead of us with precision. We need to diagnose these challenges and collaborate to address them carefully, keeping our community’s best interest at heart. This is why you will notice us taking actions such as forming the Ohio High Value Network to advance clinical and business initiatives that strengthen healthcare in rural communities.
We are fortunate in Ohio to have State and Federal Representatives and Senators that support access to care and want to hear from you. This is especially true for rural Ohio. I encourage you to reach out and let them know you support access to care in our community by visiting congress.gov/contact-us.
BVHS is committed to providing high-quality compassionate care for you and your loved ones. Supporting your local health system is important and appreciated, and there is no more important time than now to act. You can help by advocating for access to care, choosing to receive your care at BVHS, and referring your friends and family to BVHS.
We’re here for you. Thank you for being here for us.
Myron Lewis, MSW, MBA, FACHE
President and Chief Executive Officer
Blanchard Valley Health System
(From Tiffin Police Chief David Pauly)
Each May, communities across the United States come together to honor the courage, service, and ultimate sacrifice of the men and women in law enforcement who gave their lives in the line of duty. National Police Week is a time to reflect, to grieve, and to stand with the families, friends, and fellow officers who carry the weight of their loss every day.
This year, 345 names of fallen U.S. law enforcement officers will be engraved on the walls of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. These include officers lost in 2024 as well as others from past years whose stories have only recently come to light. With these additions, the Memorial will now bear the names of 24,412 heroes from across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, and federal, campus, and military agencies.
The Tiffin Police Department is honored to send Officer Shawn Vallery and Detective Eric England to represent our department during this solemn week of remembrance in our nation’s capital. They will stand in support of those who have fallen and those who continue to serve with bravery and dedication.
The names of all 345 fallen officers will be formally dedicated during the 37th Annual Candlelight Vigil on the National Mall at 8:00 p.m. on May 13, 2025. If you’d like to watch, and I would encourage you to do so if you’ve never taken part in this moving tribute visit:
https://nleomf.org/…/national-police…/candlelight-vigil/
As we pause to remember our fallen brothers and sisters, let us also recommit ourselves to the values they upheld—service, courage, and selfless devotion to others. Their memory guides us every day.
Chief David Pauly
(From the Findlay Police Department)
On 5-11-2025 at approximately 0809 hrs, an officer with the Findlay Police Department observed a silver Chrysler 300 traveling N/B on Grand Avenue, and the operator clearly disobey a posted stop sign on Grand Avenue at E. Lincoln Street, and continue N/B accelerating rapidly.
The suspect turned westbound onto E. Hardin Street. The officer initiated a traffic stop and subsequent vehicle pursuit, as the suspect disobeyed the 4-way regulated stop sign at E. Hardin Street and East Street, turning southbound.
The suspect drove into the YMCA drop off lane on the west side of the building, before driving back into the intersection, westbound on E. Lincoln Street.
The suspect turned south on Beech Avenue, made a loop around the State Bank in the parking lot, back south onto Beech Avenue.
The suspect then pulled into an alley and stopped in a parking lot behind 714 Beech Avenue, where he gave up without resistance.
The pursuit lasted approximately 1 minute and was about 0.47 miles in length.
The suspect was identified as Samuel Hilkert.
He was arrested for Fleeing and Eluding (felony of the 4th degree) and Operating a Vehicle while under the Influence.
Samuel has been incarcerated at the Hancock County Justice Center on these charges.