(ONN) – There are several programs available to assist Ohioans having trouble paying their heating bills.

The Home Energy Assistance Program, or HEAP, is a federally funded program that helps eligible people with their energy bills.

The HeatShare Program is a partnership between the Salvation Army and Columbia Gas of Ohio.

Columbia Gas also has the Warm Choice Program which can help income eligible customers receive free winterization of their homes.

And, Columbia Gas also offers a special reconnect order so those with outstanding fees can pay $175 dollars to have their service reconnected or avoid disconnection — and then set up a payment plan to pay back overdue bills.

The customer service number for Columbia Gas of Ohio is 1 800 344 4077.

(From Findlay City Schools)

Findlay City Schools is proud to announce the official launch of the Findlay City Schools Foundation. Established in December 2023 and modeled from several Northwest Ohio school districts, the Foundation was created to enhance and elevate educational opportunities for both staff and students, while providing a predictable source of longevity for the future of the district. Educational foundations provide a vital pathway to receive and distribute funds that augment, supplement, or enhance the resources available to a school district.

“A school foundation creates extra opportunities not only for students and staff, but for the future of the district as a whole,” said Andrea Barger, Coordinator of Development and Alumni Relations, and leader of the development of the Foundation. “Schools with successful foundations have the security of the longevity it provides and allows donors to truly leave a legacy for the next generation.”

The establishment of the Foundation was made possible through the generosity and vision of a group of committed community leaders. Findlay City Schools gratefully acknowledges the following Founding Donors of the Findlay City Schools Foundation:

Don and Pat Bauman ● Pam and Jon Beall ● Jack and Jane Bender ● Tom and Kate Donnell ● Chris and MaryBeth Hammond ● Kathy and Garry Peiffer ● The Reinhart Foundation ● Brad Redman ● Susan and Grant Russel ● Beth Waddell ● Jim and Laurie Wilkins ● Findlay City Schools Administration Team & Board of Education

Founding donors Chris and Mary Beth Hammond emphasized the importance of community involvement in education:

“We believe in and support education for all, and the stability it brings to our community. We are proud to be early supporters of these new funding sources.”

The Findlay City Schools Foundation Funds will be held and managed through a partnership with the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation. To ensure the greatest organized impact, a dedicated Findlay City Schools Foundation Advisory Committee will review, approve, and manage the distribution of monies.

“Our community has a proud tradition of investing in the future,” said Superintendent, Dr. Andy Hatton. “By investing in endowed funds, the Foundation will create dynamic opportunities and resources for our students for generations to come. Sustained commitment to the Foundation ensures that Findlay City Schools will be on a path to excellence that goes above and beyond what we are able to provide with our operating funds, elevating student experiences to prepare them for our ever-changing world.”

Findlay City Schools serves the community of Findlay, Ohio, dedicated to unlocking the potential of every student through academic excellence and diverse opportunities. For more information on the

Findlay City Schools Foundation or to make a donation, please visit www.fcs-foundation.org.

(By Bihu Sandhir, Chief Medical Officer, Blanchard Valley Health System)

As we move deeper into the 2025–2026 influenza season, one thing is clear: this is not a typical flu year. Preliminary estimates indicate approximately 11 million illnesses, 120,000 hospitalizations, and 5,000 flu-related deaths across the United States so far this season. These numbers represent a significant increase compared to this time last year, during a season that was the most severe we had experienced in more than a decade.

Much of the impact is being driven by a dominant strain of Influenza A (H3N2), often referred to as the “super flu.” This is a serious and potentially life-threatening illness, especially for older adults, young children, pregnant individuals, and those with underlying chronic health conditions.

Nationally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have classified the current flu season as “moderately severe”—a designation that carries real consequences for families, workplaces, and healthcare systems. Closer to home, Ohio is experiencing some of the highest flu activity in the nation. State surveillance data indicate very high levels, with emergency department visits for respiratory symptoms significantly exceeding the five-year average. Locally, the impact is being felt across clinics, urgent care centers, and hospitals.

At Blanchard Valley Health System (BVHS), we’re working closely with Hancock Public Health and other regional health departments to monitor influenza activity through multiple data sources, including laboratory testing, hospitalizations, statewide and national surveillance, and wastewater monitoring. What we’re seeing locally mirrors what’s happening across Ohio and the country, with early trends suggesting that we may exceed the severity of the 2024-2025 flu season.

Through the start of this month, BVHS has recorded more than 140 influenza-related emergency department visits—more than three times the number seen at this point last year. Influenza-related hospital admissions have also increased, rising to 24 compared to 17 during the same period the previous season. Outpatient practices, including primary care and urgent care, are also reporting higher-than-average numbers of influenza and flu-like illnesses.

While these statistics are alarming, they remind us of the importance of using precautionary measures to reduce the risk for our community. Annual flu vaccination remains the single most effective way to ward off severe illness, hospitalization, and complications from influenza. Even when vaccination does not completely prevent infection, it significantly reduces the severity of illness and the likelihood of serious outcomes. Basic preventive measures—such as frequent handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, wearing a mask when appropriate, and staying home when sick—continue to play a critical role in slowing the spread.

Influenza is often underestimated because it returns every year. Seasons like this one remind us that the flu is not just a bad cold; it is a serious public health issue that requires vigilance, preparation, and community cooperation.

As a physician and a member of this community, I encourage everyone to take this flu season seriously. Visit bvhealthsystem.org/schedule to make an appointment online, and talk with your healthcare provider about vaccination and any potential symptoms. Together, we can reduce the impact of this challenging flu season and keep our community healthier through the winter months.

(From the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation)

Hancock County families need our help.

Childcare shortages are leaving parents scrambling and businesses struggling.

We’ve committed $150,000 to the Childcare Challenge and we’re asking YOU to join us.

Give today and help build a stronger community: https://www.community-foundation.com/rooted

Hancock County faces a severe childcare shortage, with high costs, limited availability and staffing challenges leaving families, especially low-income households, struggling.

For every one childcare spot, ten children are waiting. This is not just a family issue; it’s a workforce and economic stability issue for our entire region.

This is a problem we can address together. We’ve committed $150,000 to kickstart this initiative, and now we invite you to join us.

By making a gift to the Hancock County Childcare Fund or the Tri-Share Childcare Fund, you can help us ensure the children of our community have the care they need.

(From Findlay Trojan Sports)

We love celebrating our Findlay High School alumni and the incredible things they’re accomplishing at the next level.

With so many Trojan athletes continuing their journeys beyond FHS please use this form to share athletic honors, milestones, or updates so we can spotlight and celebrate our alumni.

Nominate a Findlay High School alum here:

bit.ly/FHSAthleticsAlumniNomination

“Once a Trojan, always a Trojan.”

The Humane Society and SPCA of Hancock County is reminding people to look out for their pets this winter, especially during times of extreme cold and wind chills.

The Humane Society’s Natalie Reffitt says her best advice to pet parents is to keep their pets inside during extremely cold weather and only let them out, with supervision, to go to the restroom and bring them in immediately when they finish.

Natalie also advises people with outside pets to bring them inside, even if it’s only into a garage or spare room.

If you can’t bring in outdoor pets, make sure they have shelter and insulation, such as straw for bedding.

She says pets must always have access to fresh, clean water and you need to check it to make sure it’s not frozen.

Blowing and drifting snow is causing counties to issue road alerts.

Click here to see the latest road alerts and weather forecast, and here for school closings/delays.

The following is an explanation from the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office about the three levels.

-A Level 1 Road Alert means roadways are hazardous, drive with extreme caution.

-A Level 2 Road Alert means roadways are extremely hazardous with blowing and drifting snow and/or flooding. Only those who feel it is necessary to travel should be on the roadways.

-A Level 3 Road Alert means most roadways are closed and extremely hazardous/flooded. Employees should comply with workplace policies or contact their employer. Violators may be cited.

Click here for the latest road alerts and weather forecast, and click here for school closings/delays.

Fire crews responded to a fire at a building at Marathon Pipe Line at 709 Glessner Avenue in Findlay on Sunday morning.

WFIN spoke with Fire Chief Josh Eberle at the scene (video below) and the chief said the fire was in a maintenance shop on the premises. 

When fire crews arrived on scene at 9:05 they went defensive immediately with the amount of fire from the structure, and the roof and sides of the building collapsed.

The fire was contained to the building, which is separated from pipeline and tankage infrastructure, Marathon said in their statement below. 

No injuries were reported. Get more from Chief Eberle in the video below.

Marathon Petroleum provided WFIN the following statement on the fire:

Marathon personnel are working with local firefighters who are responding to a fire at a maintenance building on Marathon property on the west side of Findlay near I-75. The fire is contained to the building, which is separated from pipeline and tankage infrastructure, which remains unaffected. The safety of responders, our personnel and the public is our top priority. All employees have been accounted for and there are no injuries reported. Marathon is grateful for the rapid response from the Findlay Fire Department and Findlay Police Department. An investigation will be conducted to determine the cause of the fire.

Members of the 153rd Basic Peace Officer Class received training certificates during a graduation ceremony at the Ohio State Highway Patrol Training Academy.

The 48 graduates will now assume duties as peace officers for 29 Ohio agencies.

Among the new graduates is Brooklynn Downing of the Findlay Police Department.

Downing is a graduate of McComb High School and attended Owens Community College before completing the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy.

Officer Downing will be assigned to the department’s Patrol Division.

Officer Downing is pictured with Findlay Police Chief James Mathias and Lt. Dave Hill.

The 21-week basic course began in August.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol Training Academy’s Basic Peace Officer course meets and exceeds the training requirements developed by the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission and offers comprehensive instruction in more than 150 topics, including criminal law, traffic law, community relations, physical training, self-defense, firearms, emergency vehicle operations, standardized field sobriety testing and electronic speed measuring devices.

The Patrol’s Training Academy is recognized as a “STAR-certified” academy by the Ohio Attorney General for its excellence in training.