(From the University of Findlay)  

University of Findlay students majoring in the science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) fields will benefit starting this fall from a $500,000 scholarship fund generously donated in memory of pioneer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Austin “Dutch” E. Knowlton.

The Austin E. Knowlton Foundation has awarded UF $100,000 annually for the next five years, from September 2025 to August 2030.

UF President Katherine Fell, Ph.D., said the University is honored to receive this gift that makes education more affordable, providing access to a UF education for students at every socioeconomic level.

“The Knowlton Foundation’s kind philanthropic support will help our students to forge new paths and achieve their educational dreams,” she noted. “These scholarships allow Oilers to enjoy transformative academic experiences, make lifelong friends, and grow in ways they never imagined.”

The Austin E. Knowlton Foundation was established to promote the ideals of higher education, support student success, and enable colleges and universities across the Midwest to create more rewarding and inspiring educational experiences.

Knowlton established the Foundation in 1981 in recognition of his business success and civic involvement. He funded it during his lifetime and, through his will, created a lasting impact that continues to support students and higher education.

Scholarships are required to be awarded to freshmen from Ohio majoring in a STEM or STEM-related program, or students from Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, or Michigan with a STEM or STEM-related major. Students in good academic standing are eligible to receive the scholarship for multiple years.

The University of Findlay is known for excellence in its science, health professions, animal science, equestrian studies, and pharmacy programs. Robust science courses are an essential component of a UF education, and 54 percent of all students take a chemistry course.

Among UF’s largest undergraduate majors is Animal Science/Pre-Veterinary Medicine. UF consistently is the No. 1 feeder school for Ohio State’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Currently, 38 Oiler students studying at Ohio State to graduate by 2028 as veterinarians.

“Students studying in the sciences are among our most sought-after graduates,” said Ken McIntyre Jr., vice president of University advancement. “We are very grateful for the Knowlton Foundation’s gift of scholarships to support these hard-working and talented students.”

Throughout his lifetime, Knowlton, known to his friends as “Dutch” or “Mr. K”, helped build and shape many thriving communities. The owner and chairman of the Knowlton Construction Company, started in Bellefontaine, Ohio in 1937, was responsible for 600 construction projects throughout Ohio and the Midwest, including school buildings, hospitals, libraries, and post offices.

He was a 1927 graduate of Bellefontaine High School in Logan County, and Ohio State University, class of 1931, where he received a bachelor of science degree in architectural engineering. Today, Ohio State’s School of Architecture and its airport terminal and flight school are named in his honor.

An avid sportsman, he was a founding partner of the Cincinnati Bengals, where he served as chairman. He also held a major ownership interest in the Cincinnati Reds for many years. He had a lifelong passion for saddle-bred horses and was a trustee of the Little Brown Jug Society for harness racing in Delaware, Ohio.

Knowlton was also an aviation pioneer, making extensive use of early business aircraft to efficiently support his far-flung construction projects from the late 1940s. He founded an aircraft sales and charter company, Ohio Aviation, which decades later would become an early part of NetJets.

Today, through the foundation, Knowlton’s beneficial impact on communities throughout the Midwest continues, by helping to prepare future generations of leaders.

(From the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office)

We have received complaints that people have been receiving phone calls from scammers.

They are being told their credit card has been compromised and they need you to confirm your 16-digit credit card number.

IF THIS HAPPENS TO YOU, PLEASE DO NOT GIVE OUT YOUR CREDIT CARD NUMBER.

The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation released its 2024 Annual Report during its recent 2025 Annual Celebration.

The Community Foundation awarded 940 grants worth $5.5 million in 2024 and has awarded $91.5 million in grants since its inception.

The Community Foundation received $23.7 million in gifts in 2024 from 711 donors.

Community Foundation President and CEO Brian Treece said it’s truly inspiring to witness the profound impact that generosity, partnership, and a shared vision can achieve.

Learn more about the Community Foundation and look over its 2024 annual Report by clicking here.

(From the City of Fostoria)

We had such a great turnout for the last Wood County Plays Volunteer Day for our new Inclusive Playground.

The City would love it if you’re able to donate your time to be a part of this rewarding build.

See dates below!

The Ohio Department of Transportation says U.S. 224 and Road 3, at the intersection, north of the village of Gilboa, will close on Monday, August 11, for approximately five days for a culvert replacement.

The suggested detour is U.S. 224, County Road 1, State Route 613, and County Road 5 back to U.S. 224.

Get more details on the project by clicking here.

(From Hancock Public Health)

New Baby at Home? We’re Here to Help!

Join our NEST: Postpartum Support Class — a free and welcoming space for all families adjusting to life with a newborn. Get hands-on help with:

-Safe Sleep Tips

-Car Seat Safety Checks

-Breastfeeding & Lactation Support

-Postpartum Depression Awareness

-Blood Pressure & Baby Weight Checks

-Peer Support for New Moms

Let’s navigate parenthood together.

@FamilyCenter | 8/11/25 | 10:00am to Noon

(From Blanchard Valley Health System)

For many, family is considered a sacred bond—unchangeable, unconditional, and lifelong. But for a growing number of Americans, family relationships are not a source of support, but of deep pain and distance. Family estrangement, once a taboo topic kept behind closed doors, is now a rising and recognized social trend. Research shows that approximately 1 in 4 Americans are estranged from at least one family member. The reasons are complex, and the impacts are profound.

Estrangement refers to the deliberate distancing between family members, often involving little or no contact over an extended period. It may occur between parents and adult children, siblings, or even entire sides of a family. Family estrangement has been referred to as “the silent epidemic of our time,” and is often accompanied by grief, confusion, and shame. Estrangement is rarely about just one thing, as it often stems from years of miscommunication, unresolved pain, and emotional mismatches between generations.

Social scientists point to a number of cultural changes fueling the increase in family cutoffs. There are changing views on emotional safety. Today’s adult children are more likely to prioritize mental health and set firm boundaries—even if that means limiting or ending contact with parents or relatives. There are also evolving definitions of abuse. Behaviors once considered “normal” or “strict” parenting are now viewed through the lens of emotional harm or neglect. A growing awareness of trauma, boundaries, and “toxic” dynamics in therapy and on social media has also encouraged many to re-evaluate their family relationships. An increase in divorce rates and blended families can also be driving the changes in family dynamics, as major shifts in family structure can create rifts that persist into adulthood. Additionally, political and generational clashes can lead to long-term conflict.

While adult children may feel relief or empowerment after going “no contact,” estranged parents often experience a profound sense of loss. They may feel like their world has collapsed, or feel that they don’t know what they did wrong, or how to make it right. Still reconciliation is possible—but it requires empathy, humility, and sometimes professional mediation by a therapist, clergy or mediator.

Rebuilding a fractured family relationship is not simple. In some cases, estrangement is necessary to protect mental, physical, and emotional well-being. In others, it may reflect misunderstandings that could be resolved through honest conversation. Experts recommend listening without defensiveness, apologizing for past harm (even if unintentional), respecting boundaries, and seeking therapy or support groups. Counseling or therapy may also be an important step in understanding the estrangement, processing your grief, and finding a way forward—whether that leads to reconciliation or peace within yourself. Estrangement is not always permanent—but healing, when possible, is a long and delicate process.

As more people speak openly about their family estrangements, society is beginning to reckon with the reality that “family” doesn’t always equal safety or closeness. Estrangement isn’t a failure; it’s a message. We can either ignore it or seek to understand what it tells us. For many, silence between relatives says more than words. Yet, in some families, the door—if not completely shut—can still be opened, even just a crack.

Robin L. Brown, LISW-S

Psychotherapist

Psychiatric Center of Northwest Ohio

State Route 568 on the east side of Findlay reopened a little before 8 Friday night after the completion of two bridge projects.

The bridge over the Blanchard River between Township Road 234 and County Road 236 and the bridge over a ditch between County Road 236 and County Road 237 were rehabilitated.

The Ohio Department of Transportation said the two bridges were in need of attention due to their age.

State Route 568 closed on May 15^th for the rehabilitation projects.

ODOT says crews will be doing some finish work next week so drivers will need to be alert. 

(From the Wood County Sheriff’s Office)

On August 8, 2025, at 8:37 am, The Wood County Sheriff’s Office investigated a two-vehicle crash on State Route 18 near Bushey Rd. in Bloom Township.

The crash involved a 2020 Dodge Grand Caravan and a 2021 Freightliner M2 (Prism Propane Truck)

The investigation showed that the Freightliner was disabled on the south side of State Route 18 facing east (with warning equipment in-place) and the Grand Caravan was also traveling eastbound. The Grand Caravan failed to slow for the disabled truck and struck the rear end.

The operator of the Grand Caravan, Kristine Krotzer, 58 of Bloomdale, OH was pronounced deceased at the scene by medical personnel. She was wearing her seatbelt at the time of the crash.

The operator of the Freightliner M2, Kenneth Mulkey, 37 of Portage, OH was not in the vehicle at the time of the crash and was uninjured.

Assisting the Wood County Sheriff’s Office on location was North Baltimore Police Dept. Bloomdale Fire and Eagleville 140 Medics. Also assisting at the scene was Tommy Boy Towing and Wright Tire and Auto.

The crash remains under investigation.

The Findlay Police Department says a motorcyclist was injured in a crash on Friday morning.

Police say Robert L. Courtney Jr., of Findlay, was operating a motorcycle westbound in the 200 block of East Pine Avenue at 7:40 a.m. Friday when he lost control of the motorcycle, struck a parked vehicle, and was thrown from the motorcycle.

Police say Robert was transported by HANCO ambulance to the hospital with suspected broken bones and his injuries are not considered to be life-threatening.

Police issued Robert citations for Operation Without Reasonable Control and for not wearing a helmet while operating a motorcycle with a temporary instruction permit.