(From the Ohio Department of Transportation District 1)

The end of National Roundabouts Week is here, but our commitment to improving roadway safety is year-round.

We’ve been hard at work studying intersections and securing funding to add more roundabouts in the future.

Check out this map to see all our current and future roundabouts!

Construction dates are subject to change.

(From Blanchard Valley Health System)

Did you know hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), a cutting-edge treatment for difficult-to-heal or complex wounds, is available at Wound Care Solutions, part of Blanchard Valley Health System?

HBOT involves using a hyperbaric chamber that delivers 100% oxygen at pressures above normal atmospheric levels, triggering physiological effects that support healing and better outcomes.

This process increases oxygen levels in blood plasma, helping to combat infection, lower amputation rates, and boost tissue repair by stimulating cellular activity.

To learn more about the services offered at Wound Care Solutions, please visit bvhs.info/WoundCareSolutions. 

(From the Fostoria Economic Development Corporation)

The Board of Directors of the Fostoria Economic Development Corporation (FEDC) and the Fostoria Learning Center is proud to announce the appointment of Gregory R. Allen as Executive Director.

Greg brings over three decades of executive leadership and community engagement experience to the role. He recently retired as Executive Vice President of WesBanco (formerly Premier Bank and First Federal Bank), where he built a 37-year career in banking with a focus on investment, business growth, and community partnerships.

In addition to his professional career, Greg has been an active leader in regional economic development. He has served on the Board of Directors and in key leadership positions with the Fostoria Economic Development Corporation, Defiance County Economic Development, the Findlay–Hancock County Alliance, Allen County Visionaries, and Greater Fort Wayne, Inc.

Greg earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Finance) from Bowling Green State University and is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Madison Graduate School of Banking. His service to the country includes time in the Ohio Army National Guard, where he served during the Persian Gulf War.

“We are excited to welcome Greg into this leadership role,” said Tom Reineke, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Fostoria Economic Development Corporation. “His proven expertise in finance, community development, and organizational leadership will be instrumental in advancing the missions of both FEDC and the Fostoria Learning Center.”

Greg shared his commitment to the new role, stating: “I am honored to step into the role of Executive Director for the Fostoria Economic Development Corporation and the Fostoria Learning Center. My wife, Susan, and I lived in Fostoria in the mid-1990s, where we built lasting friendships and developed a deep appreciation for this community. I look forward to using my experience and abilities to give back to Fostoria and to work collaboratively toward an even brighter future. I would also like to recognize Renee Smith for her outstanding leadership as President. She leaves behind strong, financially sound organizations, and I wish her continued success in her future endeavors.”

(From the Ohio Department of Natural Resources)

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Director Mary Mertz announced that Ohio State Parks has been named the best park system in the nation for providing excellent recreation programs and services.

Ohio was awarded the 2025 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management this morning from the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration, in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association. Ohio earned the Gold Medal Award over fellow finalists Florida and Wyoming.

“Our state parks protect Ohio’s natural resources while providing incredible opportunities for people to explore, learn, and connect with nature,” said Governor DeWine. “From protecting natural resources to creating once-in-a-lifetime experiences, Ohio state parks are truly for everyone. We are thrilled to be recognized as the best in the nation.”

The award represents ODNR’s commitment to innovation, accessibility, and conservation. With free entry to all 76 state parks, Ohio offers more than 9,300 campsites, 1,200 miles of trails, 10 lodges, and over 7,100 educational programs annually. ODNR has also led the way in accessibility with adaptive kayak launches, inclusive playgrounds, and other creative programs.

“Ohioans and visitors from across the country make our state parks their destination, and we are grateful for their support,” said Director Mertz. “Earning the Gold Medal is an extraordinary honor that highlights the pride, beauty, and enjoyment Ohio state parks bring to millions of people each year.”

“This recognition belongs to the park managers, naturalists, officers, maintenance crews, and every staff member and volunteer who make our parks safe, welcoming, and memorable,” said Glen Cobb, chief of the ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft. “They are the heartbeat of Ohio’s park system, and this award reflects their passion and hard work.”

(ONN) – The Ohio Department of Transportation has reversed course and has granted the Cleveland Browns a construction permit after all.

ODOT approved an aviation permit for the teams Brook Park stadium, helping the team clear a major hurdle to move out of downtown Cleveland.

The Browns want to build their new domed stadium near Cleveland Hopkins Airport.

ODOT originally denied the Browns a construction permit, saying the stadium exceeded height limitations by 58 feet, even though the FAA found no hazards.

Now, an independent aviation consultant determined the stadium would have no adverse effect on safety or on flight operations at Hopkins.

(From the United Way of Hancock County)

Local volunteers will put in nearly 700 service hours in just three days during United Way of Hancock County’s Fall Days of Caring event.

Spanning Sept. 22-24, this biannual volunteer event has matched 173 volunteers with 26 service projects. These volunteers’ landscaping, organizing, painting, cleaning and construction efforts will add up to 692 hours and will save local organizations over $24,000 in labor costs, based on the estimated value of a volunteer hour at $33.49.

Volunteer teams are made up primarily of workplace groups and will work in four-hour shifts at locations throughout Hancock County.

“We want to thank our corporate partners for their cooperation in generously allowing their employees to devote time out of their work week to better our community,” said United Way of Hancock County CEO Kelley McClurkin.

“Fall Days of Caring is a wonderful effort that workplace teams rally behind every year, and it’s a great kickoff to our Campaign season. Thank you, volunteers, for contributing your time and energy in such a meaningful way!”

Days of Caring sponsors include City Apparel + Merch, Marathon Petroleum Corp., Whirlpool Corp., Freudenberg-NOK and First National Bank.

In addition to next week’s activities, a five-day Days of Caring event was held in May. During that week, 861 volunteers put in 3,444 service hours to complete 89 projects.

Volunteers United, the agency’s internal volunteer hub, placed over 10,200 volunteer hours in 2024. Visit liveunitedhancockcounty.org/volunteersunited for more information about Days of Caring or how you can get involved with local volunteer efforts.

(From the Ohio State Highway Patrol)

The Ohio State Highway Patrol, along with members of the 6-State Trooper Project, joined forces to focus on felony drug arrests and illegal firearms seizures.

During the four-day initiative, which ran from Thursday, September 11 through Sunday, September 14, the Patrol made 48 arrests on felony charges and seized 13 illegal firearms.

The campaign included the Indiana State Police, Kentucky State Police, Michigan State Police, Pennsylvania State Police and West Virginia State Police.

The 6-State Trooper Project is a multi-state law enforcement partnership aimed at providing combined and coordinated law enforcement and security services in the areas of highway safety, criminal patrol and information sharing.

(From Hancock County ADAMHS)

The Findlay-Hancock County Public Library now has two additional resources for community members navigating the complex emotions and challenges associated with loss, donated by the Hancock County Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) Board.

The Grief Recovery Handbook by John W. James and Russell Friedman is a compassionate and practical guide designed to help individuals move beyond the pain of loss. Whether grieving the death of a loved one, divorce, loss of health, career, or faith, this book offers a structured, action-oriented program to support emotional healing.

Understanding Your Suicide Grief offers gentle wisdom, validation, and hope, encouraging readers to honor their pain from the loss of a loved one to suicide. And to move toward healing at their own pace. Using the metaphor of grief as a wilderness, Dr. Alan Wolfelt introduces Ten Essential Touchstones—principles and practices that help survivors navigate the uniquely painful and complex journey of suicide grief. These touchstones include embracing the uniqueness of your grief, dispelling misconceptions about suicide, nurturing yourself, and seeking reconciliation rather than resolution.

These books are now available for checkout.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, emotional distress, or thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 to connect with trained crisis staff—help is available 24/7.

Findlay is now experiencing severe drought conditions, according to the latest map from the U.S. Drought Monitor.

The latest map, released on Thursday, September 18, shows that the northern half of Hancock County up into Wood County is identified in Severe Drought, while the southern half of Hancock County is in the Moderate Drought category. 

The Severe Drought category also extends into parts of Putnam, Seneca, and Henry Counties. 

It looks like it could still be a while before we get some rainfall.

Friday’s forecast is calling for sunny skies and then partly sunny on Saturday.

Get the latest forecast and weather alerts by clicking here.

(From the City of Findlay)

The City of Findlay, in partnership with the Hancock County Commissioners and consulting engineers from Stantec, today announced submission of a Letter of Map Revision (LOMR) to FEMA following the official completion of Phase I benching of the Blanchard River. Once approved, the revision will revise the boundaries and elevations of the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) in multiple locations, removing or reducing flood risk designations for certain parcels. Letters of Map Revision will also be submitted following the additional flood mitigation projects with additional properties expected to be further positively impacted. Click here for the parcels proposed for removal. 

Key Impacts

• Reduced Flood Zones: Based on updated hydraulic modeling by Stantec, 375 parcels (totaling approximately 15 acres) will be completely removed from FEMA’s SFHA.
• Lowered Water Surface Elevations: Another 985 parcels (around 67 acres) will remain in the SFHA, but with a reduced 100‑year water surface elevation.
• Yellow‑marked areas in the attached exhibit are those that will be removed from the SFHA.

Background

• The Hancock County Flood Risk Reduction Program, which encompasses several flood mitigation efforts including Phase I hydraulic improvements, has been underway to address rising flood frequency in the Blanchard River and surrounding watershed.
• Phase I involved floodplain benching near Swale Park, removal of several low‑head dams downstream of Lye Creek, and instream riffle construction at low‑head dam sites.
• These improvements, together with property acquisition and demolition of flood‑prone structures, have lowered flood stages as measured at Main Street in Findlay. The National Weather Service revised flood stage definitions in early 2021 to reflect the benefits of these improvements.

What This Means for Property Owners

• Properties completely removed from the SFHA may no longer be required to carry flood insurance under certain regulations, depending on lender, mortgage, or insurance company requirements.
• Those with reduced flood elevations may see lower flood insurance premiums, fewer regulatory restrictions, and reduced risk exposure.
• Affected property owners will need to check with the local floodplain administrator and insurance provider after the LOMR is approved to understand specific implications for their parcels.

Next Steps

1. Review & Approval: FEMA will review the submitted LOMR. Once FEMA issues a Letter of Final Determination, the changes become official. This process is expected to take 6 months.
2. Mapping Updates: Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) will be updated to reflect the changes.
3. Notification: Property owners in affected areas will be notified once the revisions are effective. Local officials will provide resources for understanding the changes.
4. Continued Mitigation: Additional hydraulic improvements are planned, including additional river benching in downtown Findlay, replacement of the Norfolk Southern Railroad Bridge, and construction of the Eagle Creek Basin with construction anticipated in late 2025 or early 2026.

Quotes

“Phase I benching marks a significant milestone in reducing flood risk for Hancock County. These map changes will bring both regulatory and financial relief for many property owners.” — William Bateson, Hancock County Commissioner

“Progress such as this has been a long time in the works. There is more work to be done but this is a significant step forward in resolving flooding in Findlay and Hancock County. Our goal has always been to create long‑term safety, and decreased expense to Findlay and Hancock County residents.” — Christina Muryn, Mayor, City of Findlay

For more information, for maps showing which parcels are affected visit findlayohio.gov or hancockcountyflooding.com.

About Hancock County Flood Risk Reduction Program

Since the 1990s, Hancock County has been experiencing more frequent flooding. To address this, in 2016 the Hancock County Commissioners and Maumee Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) entered into an agreement to identify flood risk reduction opportunities. Key projects include hydraulic improvements (benching, dam removal, riffle construction), railroad bridge improvements, and dry basin construction, among others.