(From the American Red Cross of North Central Ohio)

The American Red Cross of North Central Ohio needs local volunteers to respond to disasters in Hancock County. To help recruit and train new volunteers, the Red Cross will be holding an informational presentation on Wednesday, January 28, 6:00 pm at the Hancock County Red Cross office, 125 Fair St. in Findlay.

The Red Cross responds to more than 60,000 disasters every year, said Executive Director Todd James. The majority of those disasters are local home fires. “People see major disasters in the news, like tornadoes and hurricanes, and they know the Red Cross is there providing shelter, food and comfort,” James said. “But it’s here at home where we handle most of our disaster responses, helping families who have lost their homes to fire or a local flood or storm.”

James said the Red Cross, like many other organizations, are still feeling the affects the COVID-19 pandemic had on their volunteer teams. “We had a lot of volunteers who had to step back from helping and haven’t been able to return. It’s vital that we have trained volunteers ready to answer the call for help at all times.”

James said he knows that there is a commitment of time and effort to being a local Red Cross volunteer disaster responder, but the return is well worth it. “Our volunteers will tell you that the feeling that comes with helping a family after a fire or other disaster is worth more than gold, knowing that on someone’s darkest day they are the light of hope.”

At the information session, attendees will learn the requirements to be a Disaster Action Team volunteer and will have the opportunity to speak with current volunteers to ask questions and learn about their experiences. Refreshments will be provided at the event and attendees will receive a Red Cross appreciation gift. RSVPs are requested but not required. For more information or to RSVP, contact the Red Cross at northcentralohio@redcross.org or call (419) 422-9322.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Become a Red Cross volunteer to help ensure families don’t face emergencies alone. Visit redcross.org/VolunteerToday to learn more and apply.

(From the Findlay Amateur Hockey Association)

We are excited to invite you to our upcoming Hockey Day on February 7—our organization’s biggest fundraising event!

All funds raised will go directly towards keeping ice fees affordable, purchasing new gear for our rental program, and providing scholarships to ensure every child can play, regardless of financial circumstances.

If you’d like more information or are interested in donating an auction basket or becoming a sponsor, we’d love to hear from you! Sponsors can also register, donate, and upload their logo using the link below.

Visit https://www.findlayhockey.com/hockeyday

Bring Cash!
Don’t miss out on the 50/50 drawings during each game, raffle baskets, and silent auction items.

Thank you for helping make our event a success!

(From the Black Heritage Library & Multicultural Center)

Please come out next Monday, and join us in honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

We will have a unity walk from the church to Winebrenner, and then our service will start upon our return to the church.

It is important now more than ever, to love our neighbor and to fight for what is right.

 Pastor Kristopher Johnson of Unity Christian Ministries, will be our guest speaker.

Event will be held at Church of the Living God, 701 N. Main St.

(From the Humane Society and SPCA of Hancock County)

Important update regarding our Spay and Neuter Clinic.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, our veterinarian is unable to continue performing surgeries.

At this time, we are unable to schedule future appointments for spay and neuter surgeries.

Please follow the link for a list of low-cost spay/neuter clinics in Ohio.

We understand how concerning this news is, and we appreciate everyone who cares deeply about spay/neuter access in our community. We’d like to clarify a few important points:

This update applies to our public, low-cost spay/neuter clinic only. All adoptable animals are spayed/neutered prior to adoption.

The current pause is due to an unforeseen medical issue affecting our clinic veterinarian. This is not something that can be resolved overnight by simply adding another veterinarian. Access to veterinarians, especially those able to provide high-volume, low-cost surgery, is a nationwide challenge affecting shelters across the country.

Yes, we are actively exploring options to resume public spay/neuter services and began doing so as soon as we learned of this change earlier this week.

At this moment, we do not have a confirmed timeline, which is why we shared a list of other low-cost clinics in Ohio.

Our priority remains responsible animal care, while also ensuring the professionals who provide that care are treated with the consideration they deserve.

When we have an update, we will share it here. Thank you to those who support our mission and the animals in our care.

(From the United Way of Hancock County)

Meet Dennis, one of our most dedicated VITA volunteers.

Dennis has countless stories about helping people understand their taxes, identifying past mistakes, and helping clients refile.

He has decades of experience preparing taxes with unique situations and enjoys sharing his knowledge with the community.

This year’s VITA season kicks off in early February, powered by dozens of volunteers just like Dennis.

If you’d like to get involved, call our office at 419-423-1432.

(From the University of Findlay)

Christine Denecker, Ph.D., has been appointed as the University of Findlay’s vice president of academic affairs, effective January 1.

Denecker has served as interim vice president since August 1. She succeeds Darin Fields, Ph.D., who served for 12 years in the role. He remains at UF as an English professor and assists in the institutional research office on University-wide initiatives, including academic program review.

President Katherine Fell, Ph.D., praised Denecker’s breadth of experience at UF and her service ensuring that Oiler students are equipped for meaningful lives and productive careers.

“There is a long legacy of the value of a University of Findlay education,” President Fell noted. “As the University continues to respond to current workforce needs, I am confident that Dr. Denecker will uphold the high quality and performance of our undergraduate, graduate, and professional academic programs.”

Denecker previously served as an English professor and as associate vice president for learning and innovation. Her current duties include overseeing the University’s Center for Teaching Excellence and its College Credit Plus (CCP) program, which has grown into the largest private dual enrollment program in Ohio with more than 2,000 students.

In her 22 years on campus, she earned the rank of professor; taught undergraduate and graduate courses in English, rhetoric, and education; served as department chair; guided campus assessment efforts; helped foster the culture of teaching and learning by crafting and facilitating in-house professional development; and contributed to general education reform.

“UF has been my home for more than two decades, and there is good reason for that,” Denecker said. “I believe in its mission and values—but more importantly, I am inspired by its people: those I work alongside and those I’ve had the privilege to teach. I am proud to be an Oiler and excited to serve in a new role where I can help plant the seeds of UF’s future.”

This fall, the academic affairs office launched planning around five strategic pillars: mission and vision, holistic learning, academic offerings, external reach, and community integration.

Denecker’s additional priorities include developing the Watterson Scholars Program, creating general education pathways that complement majors, and developing certificates as well as microcredentials in collaboration with local businesses to meet their workforce needs.

(From the Findlay Fire Department)

Please join us in welcoming our newest firefighter, Jacob Plummer!

Jacob is a graduate of Van Buren High School and joins our department with his EMT certification. He currently volunteers for Allen Township Vol. Fire Department.

Jacob will be attending the Ohio Fire Academy to obtain his Firefighter II certification in February.

We’re excited to support Jacob as he continues his training and career with us! Welcome aboard, Jacob!

(From Blanchard Valley Health System)

Blanchard Valley Health System (BVHS) has launched a new internal Medical Assistant (MA) Certification Program designed to expand career pathways for associates while strengthening clinical staffing across Blanchard Valley Medical Practices (BVMP). The program seeks exceptional candidates who take pride in helping patients and contributing to a culture that prioritizes exceptional service and a positive patient experience.

The five-week, full-time training program prepares participants for placement as Medical Assistants through a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on clinical skills training, and supervised clinical rotations. Associates are hired into a full-time temporary training role, with the expectation of transitioning into a full-time Medical Assistant position upon successful completion of the program and final assessment.

“This program reflects BVHS’s continued commitment to growing our own workforce and investing in the professional development of our associates,” said Kelly Shroll, RD, LD, MBA, chief operating officer of ambulatory services. “By creating a structured, hands-on training pathway, we are building a sustainable solution that supports both our team members and the patients we serve.”

The MA Certification Program offers comprehensive instruction in key clinical and administrative skills, including anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, vital signs, infection control, specimen collection, phlebotomy, EKGs, wound care, medication preparation and administration, EHR documentation, and clinical rotations at various BVMP office locations.

Participants must commit to the full five-week schedule, attending Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and achieve a score of 90 percent or higher on the final examination to successfully complete the program.

The program is open to high school graduates or individuals with a GED who demonstrate a strong interest in healthcare and patient care delivery. Graduates are eligible for placement in available Medical Assistant roles across BVMP locations. The BVHS MA Certification is an internal credential and is not equivalent to a nationally recognized Medical Assistant certification.

Through this program, BVHS continues to invest in associate development, building a strong and sustainable clinical workforce for the community.

For more information about career opportunities at Blanchard Valley Health System, visit bvhealthsystem.org/careers.

(From the Ohio State Fire Marshal)

As Ohio braces for another round of extreme cold later this week, the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal is urging Ohioans to take precautions when heating their homes, especially when using alternative heat sources like space heaters, fireplaces, and wood stoves.

Last winter in Ohio, there were 108 fires that were attributed to space heaters. Nationwide, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports heating equipment as the second-leading cause of home fires as well as the second-leading cause of home fire deaths during the winter months, with cooking and smoking materials being the top causes respectively.

According to the NFPA, nearly half of all U.S. home heating equipment fires (46%) occur between December and February, which is why Ohio State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon says now is the time for Ohioans to rethink how they’re heating their homes to ensure they’re not putting their loved ones at risk.

“Every winter, we see a spike in home fires caused by unsafe heating practices,” said Marshal  Reardon. “Simply put, when the temperature drops, the risk of fires goes up. The reality is the majority of these fires are preventable, which makes it all the more important for Ohioans take the time to ensure they are following basic safety measures.”

To help buck these local and national trends, the Division encourages Ohioans to follow the below safety tips during the winter months:

Space Heaters

• Keep all space heaters, regardless of type, at least three feet away from anything that can burn, such as curtains, bedding, furniture or combustible items.
• Never leave a space heater unattended or running while you sleep.
• Plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet; never use extension cords or power strips or plug two space heaters into the same outlet.
• Choose space heater models with automatic shut-off features in case they tip over.

Fireplaces and Wood Stoves

• Have chimneys and flues professionally inspected and cleaned each year.
• Use a fireplace screen to keep sparks and embers from “jumping” into the home.
• Keep combustible items at least three feet from the fireplace.
• Burn only dry, seasoned wood. Do not burn trash, cardboard or treated lumber.
• Allow ashes to cool completely before disposing of them. When you do dispose of them, only use a metal container that is stored outside.

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

• Test smoke and CO alarms monthly and replace batteries at least twice a year.
• Replace any smoke alarms that are more than 10 years old. Dates of manufacture can be found on the back panel of the alarm. If an alarm has a manufacture date of 2015 or older, it should be disposed of and replaced with a new device.
• Smoke alarms should be on every floor of your home, in bedrooms, and in common hallways outside of rooms.
• Install carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home, especially near sleeping areas.

In December 2024, January 2025 and February 2025, Ohio fire departments responded to 1,786 incidents involving the presence of CO.

“Staying warm shouldn’t come at the cost of safety,” Reardon added. “A few simple steps can protect your home and your loved ones both during this code spell and all winter long.”

In addition to heating safely, Marshal Reardon encourages Ohioans to make sure their families are prepared with a home fire escape plan in case of a fire. These plans should include two ways out of every room and should be practiced regularly with everyone in the household. Designate a meeting place outside and make sure children and guests know how to get out quickly and safely because, in an emergency, every second counts.

For more winter heating safety tips, visit com.ohio.gov/WinterSafety.

Night to Shine is a worldwide event sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation, offering an unforgettable prom night experience for individuals with special needs ages 14 and older.

The 2026 Findlay event is being hosted in partnership with St. Marks Findlay, Movement Findlay, and College First Church of God.

The event will take place on Friday, February 13, 2026, from 6:00–9:00 PM at a new location: the Alumni Memorial Union (AMU) at the University of Findlay.

Beth Yoder was on with WKXA’s Rex Howard to share details about the new location and the ongoing need for volunteers to help make the night truly special for every honored guest.