(From the Black Swamp Area Council of Scouting America)

The Black Swamp Area Council of Scouting America invites all Scouting alumni and friends to a special evening of reconnection and camaraderie at the Arrowwood Alumni Event, taking place on Thursday, October 30, from 4:30 PM to 7:00 PM at the State Bank Main Street Location, 408 S. Main Street, Findlay.

This casual gathering will feature appetizers and drinks, and provide a chance to get reacquainted with today’s Scouting. A local Scouting update will be shared at 5:45 PM, offering insights into current programs and initiatives impacting youth in our community.

Whether you wore the uniform or supported Scouting in other ways, this event is a great opportunity to reconnect with fellow alumni, meet current leaders, and learn how Scouting continues to make a difference.

RSVPs are appreciated but not required. Attendees are welcome to come in casual or work attire.

“Scouting builds a strong foundation for young people to be prepared for life,” said Marc Kogan, Scout Executive of the Black Swamp Area Council. “It creates a common bond that carries into adulthood, shaping character, leadership, and lifelong friendships.”

(From the University of Findlay)

The University of Findlay and its community partners will launch the 20th Annual Helping Hands Food Drive on Tuesday, October 28, bringing together students, faculty, staff, local schools, and residents in a week-long effort to combat hunger across Hancock County. The drive benefits CHOPIN Hall and aims to collect thousands of pounds of non-perishable food through friendly competition, creative challenges, and volunteerism.

This year’s theme, “Band Together to Fight Hunger,” reflects the community’s united front in addressing food insecurity.

The food drive opens with a public marching band showcase at Findlay High School’s Cooper Field on Tuesday, October 28 at 7 p.m., featuring a Findlay Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting ceremony and a competition to see which high school band can collect the most food by weight. Admission to the event is a donation of non-perishable food, with priority items including peanut butter, canned fruit, juice, canned soup, and cereal.

“We are proud to celebrate 20 years of collaboration, generosity, and impact,” said David Harr, Director of Sodexo at the University of Findlay. “The Helping Hands Food Drive shows what’s possible when an entire region comes together to support our neighbors in need.”

Other highlights of the drive include:

• • UF Campus Challenge (Oct. 29): Campus departments compete in food collection and door decorating, vying for the Emsweller Helping Hands Cup.

• • Make and Partake (Oct. 29): A creative workshop for faculty, staff, and friends, with proceeds and food donations supporting the drive.

• • Can-struction Competition (Begins Oct. 31): Student groups construct themed sculptures made of canned goods, judged on creativity, volume, and community votes.

• • Hancock Schools Golden Can Competition (Nov. 4): Area schools compete for the most food collected per student.

• • Official Collection Day (Nov. 5): Community members can donate food at the University of Findlay’s Center for Student Life from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Volunteers will be stations at collection points across Findlay from 11 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. distributing shopping lists and gathering donations.

• • Awards Ceremony (Nov. 6): The drive concludes with a ceremony at 12:00 p.m. recognizing top contributors, creative entries, and community partners.

All food collected will be inspected, sorted, and delivered to CHOPIN Hall on the morning of Thursday, November 6, courtesy of Garner Trucking.

Last year’s drive collected 265,216 pounds of food, and organizers hope to exceed that number in this milestone year.

For more information or to volunteer, please visit the Helping Hands Food Drive webpage.

About Helping Hands Food Drive

Founded in 2005 by the University of Findlay, the Helping Hands Food Drive has grown into a community tradition that mobilizes schools, businesses, and individuals to address hunger in Hancock County. All donations directly benefit CHOPIN Hall, a local nonprofit serving individuals and families in need.

(From the Wood County Sheriff’s Office)

On November 5, Sheriff Wasylyshyn and the Wood County Sheriff’s Office, will proudly launch I.G.N.I.T.E. (Inmate Growth Naturally and Intentionally Through Education), joining a nationwide initiative developed by Sheriff Christopher Swanson, Genesee County, Michigan, and led by the National Sheriffs’ Association. This initiative transforms lives through education, rehabilitation, and second chances.

The launch in Wood County marks the fourth IGNITE site in Ohio and the 30th nationwide. Ohio now ranks second in the nation for the number of IGNITE program sites, reflecting the state’s growing commitment to expanding education and rehabilitation opportunities in its county jails, making communities safer.

“We are excited to be the fourth IGNITE site in the state. Education plays a crucial role in the rehabilitation of incarcerated individuals. By providing inmates with access to educational programs, they can gain essential skills and knowledge that can enhance their employability upon release.”

IGNITE offers a wide array of educational and personal growth opportunities within the jail. Prospective courses offered include: Skilled Trades Training (including Virtual Reality), Employment Counseling, Financial Literacy, ServSafe Certifications, Parenting Classes, Religious and Counseling Services, and more.

This merit-based initiative incentivizes positive behavior and engagement while connecting participants to vital resources upon release. Backed by researchers from Harvard University, Brown University, and the University of Michigan, the program has been shown to reduce recidivism, improve post-release employment, and foster a more positive environment within jails.

“Ultimately, investing in education for inmates not only benefits the individuals themselves, but also contributes to safer communities by reducing recidivism rates.”

The Sheriff’s Office is seeking community partners, volunteers, and sponsors to expand educational and workforce training offerings. Those interested in supporting this transformative effort are encouraged to contact Lt. Jamison Martinez at jlmartinez@woodcountyohio.gov or Lt. Brittany Brown at bbrown@woodcountyohio.gov.

The Salvation Army Findlay Corps is seeking bell ringers for its annual Red Kettle Campaign.

Majors Michael and Diana Morales were on with WFIN’s Chris Oaks to discuss how to volunteer to ring a bell and how the money raised helps the community.

As Major Morales mentioned in the audio above, the Red Kettle Campaign begins on November 7 and goes to Christmas Eve.

He said, last year, their Red Kettle Campaign brought in an all-time record of more than $100,000, and they’re hoping to reach or surpass that number this year.

Money raised from the campaign goes to cover the cost of food and toys for those looking for assistance and also helps them maintain other programs throughout the year, such as the soup kitchen, food pantry, and youth and music programs.  

You can sign up to ring a bell at registertoring.com.

 (From the Ohio Department of Transportation)

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) District 1, in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Executive Order 11988, is seeking public comments regarding the following proposed projects:

HANCOCK COUNTY

State Route 12 culvert replacement (PID: 123579) – ODOT is proposing to replace the culvert carrying Rocky Ford under State Route 12 between the city of Findlay and village of Arcadia.

Construction activities will result in temporary roadway closures. Vehicular traffic will be detoured. Access to all properties will be maintained throughout construction.

Construction is anticipated to begin in the summer of 2028.

Additional information about the project can be found on the project website:

https://www.transportation.ohio.gov/projects/projects/123579

(From the Findlay Airport)

Guess who is coming to the Findlay Airport on December 20th from 9am until noon?

If you guessed Santa and his elves, you are correct!!!

There will be plenty of signage directing you towards the big man himself.

Bring your wish list and your best smile to share with Santa and snap a few pictures while you’re here!

(From the Hancock County Veterans Service Office)

In advance of the upcoming Veterans Day Holiday, The Hancock County Veterans Service Office invites you to illuminate office buildings, government buildings, retail establishments and more green from November 4 – 11 as part of Operation Green Light for Veterans, a nationwide effort uniting communities to support military veterans and their families.

The initiative, led by the National Association of Counties and National Association of County Veterans Service Officers, raises awareness around the unique challenges faced by many veterans and the resources available at the county, state and federal levels to assist veterans and their families.

According to Nicole Jackson with the Hancock County Veterans’s Service Office, “Operation Green Light reminds us that our community’s strength comes from those who have served and sacrificed for our freedom. Lighting Hancock County in green is a small gesture with a big message, we stand united in support of our veterans and their families.”

In addition to lighting buildings, bridges and other meaningful landmarks, residents, businesses and other organizations are encouraged to participate by simply changing one light bulb inside or outside their home to a green bulb. By shining a green light, we let our veterans know they are seen, appreciated and supported and we open up the conversation about the needs of veterans in our community.

We encourage everyone to show your support on social media by using the hashtag #operationgreenlight #hancockveterans

(From the City of Findlay)

The City of Findlay will be picking up leaves from November 17, 2025, through December 5, 2025. City employees will collect leaves that have been placed in biodegradable PAPER bags at the curb. Plastic bags and loose leaves will not be picked up. Bagged leaves are to be placed by the curb.

Limbs that are placed beside the bagged leaves will also be picked up. The limbs will be picked up at a separate time from the leaves.

Crews will start picking up leaves on November 17, 2025. Crews will make several rounds throughout the whole City through December 5, 2025. There is no specific schedule by location.

Biodegradable bags are readily available at local hardware, building supply, and some grocery stores.

Raking leaves into the street has many negative aspects. Leaf piles in the street can be a dangerous temptation to children who like to play in the piles and in many areas reduce the traffic to one lane or cause drivers to drive around the piles into oncoming traffic. Piled leaves tend to wash into and clog storm sewers, causing maintenance issues and potential localized flooding during storm events. Residents who blow or rake leaves onto City streets are in violation of long-standing City Codified Ordinance 311.01(d). Complaints should be forwarded to the Police Department.

City residents may continue to drop leaves at the green waste site located at 330 North Cory Street at no charge.

The current hours for the site are Tuesday through Friday 2pm-7pm and Saturday 8am-1pm, closed Sunday and Monday.

Beginning November 4, 2025, hours for the site will be Tuesday through Friday 1pm-6pm and Saturday 8am-1pm, closed Sunday and Monday. Beginning November 15, 2025, Saturday hours will be 8am-4pm.

Holiday hours for the green waste site:

Open: Veterans Day – November 11, 2025

Closed: Thanksgiving Day – November 27, 2025

Open: November 28, 2025, and November 29, 2025.

The last day for the green waste site will be December 6, 2025.

The green waste site is intended for residential use only. No contractors are permitted to use this site. Only tree trimmings, brush, leaves, and grass clippings can be dumped in designated areas at the site.

(From the Ohio Department of Transportation)

In an effort to reduce serious and deadly crashes, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) will join several other state transportation departments to mark Buckle Up Phone Down Day on Wednesday, October 29. This national effort aims to bring attention to two of the most common factors in deadly crashes each year.

“Drivers can protect themselves and those nearby by simply wearing a seatbelt and putting away their phones,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “These small actions make a big difference because they vastly increase the odds of surviving a crash or preventing one in the first place.”

Ohio has recorded a steady decline in overall traffic deaths over the last three years, but too many people continue to die on Ohio roadways.

“Our mission is to save lives. Buckling up and putting your phone down are not suggestions, they are life-saving commitments,” said ODOT Director Pamela Boratyn. “When you get behind the wheel, your sole purpose is to make safe choices that ensure you and everyone else on the road make it home safely.”

Buckle Up
According to the Ohio Department of Public Safety and Ohio Traffic Safety Office, a 2024 survey showed the state’s seat belt compliance rate was only 85.2%, below the national average of 91.2%.

Last year, 64% of people killed in Ohio traffic crashes were not wearing a seatbelt when one was available – the fifth straight year that rate was over 60%.

In July, Governor DeWine and Lieutenant Governor Jim Tressel announced a new safety campaign to raise awareness about how vehicle occupants who fail to buckle up threaten the safety of others traveling with them.

You can learn more about Ohio’s efforts to increase buckle up rates at buckleup.ohio.gov.

Phone Down
In Ohio, it is illegal to use or hold a cell phone or electronic device in your hand, lap, or other parts of the body while driving on Ohio roads. If an officer sees a violation, they can pull you over.

Since Ohio strengthened distracted driving laws in 2023, the number of crashes and fatalities have steadily declined. In 2022, there were 10,280 crashes with 35 deaths tied to distracted driving. Last year, there were 8,570 crashes with 27 deaths in crashes where distraction was a factor. So far this year, there have been 6,508 crashes and 21 deaths. Distracted driving crashes are under-reported as it is difficult to prove distraction in many crashes.

You can learn more about Ohio’s effort to combat distracted driving at phonesdown.ohio.gov.

History of Buckle Up Phone Down Day
Buckle Up — Phone Down Day is a cooperative safety observance promoted by transportation and safety agencies across the U.S. The challenge asks drivers to commit to two straightforward actions: buckle every occupant in the vehicle and put phones away while driving. The program is supported by state departments of transportation, highway safety offices, and law enforcement partners who use the day to amplify public education and enforcement messages encouraging safer behavior behind the wheel.

The Buckle Up Phone Down concept was launched in 2017 by the Missouri Department of Transportation. MoDOT took the message on the road across the state urging people to sign a pledge to take both important actions for every trip. To date, more than 56,000 individual pledges and 760 business pledges have been signed in Missouri. More than a dozen other states, including Ohio, have joined the national effort.

(From the City of Findlay)

Beginning at 7 a.m. on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, Columbia Gas will conduct gas line repairs in the intersection of North Main St. and East/West Bigelow St.

During the repair work, traffic signals at the intersection will be set to red, and flaggers will direct traffic through the area.

Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes if possible.

Updates will be provided as additional information and scheduling details become available.