(From Blanchard Valley Health System)

Blanchard Valley Health System (BVHS) is excited to announce the launch of a new podcast, “Health Connect.”

The podcast features the many connections between Blanchard Valley Health System’s services and the communities the organization serves. “Health Connect” will educate the community on new physicians and providers, and technology, untangle the complexities of healthcare, and give listeners a glimpse into healthcare offerings available right here in Northwest Ohio.

This series is co-hosted by Eric Proctor, chief people officer at BVHS, and Sam Sprunger, a Bluffton podcaster. Proctor provides insights into the BVHS culture, career opportunities, and the unique stories of the organization’s patients, associates, and medical staff. Sprunger brings the layperson’s perspective, being outside the healthcare industry but eager to learn and help listeners understand.

“’Health Connect’ will spotlight BVHS as a connected care network serving individuals of all ages and needs,” Proctor said. “Our team has many great stories to tell, and we’re excited to share those stories through a BVHS podcast for the first time. We can’t wait for our community members to get to know some of our extraordinary people and hear some of the stories that make BVHS special.”

Episodes of “Health Connect” are approximately 20 minutes long, giving community members enough time to gain some insights and education while still being something they can listen to while commuting.

The first episode was released on April 18. “Health Connect” is available on major podcasting platforms and the BVHS website.

For more information, please visit https://www.bvhealthsystem.org/podcast

(From the City of Findlay)

Join Mayor Christina Muryn and the Blanchard River Watershed Partnership for an Earth Day litter cleanup walk!

We’ll meet at the Riverside Park Band Shell on Monday, April 22 from 5:30pm-6:30pm to clean up the banks of the Blanchard River and Riverside Park.

Protective gloves and trash bags will be provided.

All ages are encouraged to attend.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol recently kicked off its 174th Cadet Class with signing day events at district headquarters.

Recruits gathered at their closest district headquarters with family and friends to sign a letter of intent to become a member of the next Academy Class.

A signing day event was held at the Findlay District Headquarters on North Main Street in Findlay.

The 174th Cadet Class training began on Tuesday at the Ohio State Highway Patrol Training Academy in Columbus.

Learn more about becoming a state trooper by clicking here.

(From Cory-Rawson High School)

Cory-Rawson High School will hold its fourth annual Community Day on Friday, April 26, 2024. 

The purpose of Community Day is to strengthen our students’ connection with our local community – on our school campus and in the villages of Mt. Cory, Jenera, and Rawson. 

Staff members will lead student teams to each of the village parks throughout the morning performing acts of service including clean-up, painting, and landscaping. 

The afternoon will focus on our school community with students and staff enjoying games and snacks.  Our students and staff working alongside community leaders makes us #HornetStrong.

(ONN) – Some faculty members at Bowling Green State University are proposing a resolution regarding the school’s required active shooter training.

They want to make the ALICE active shooter training no longer mandatory.

They say the training can impact people emotionally and should be voluntary.

Dr. Montana Miller, associate professor in BGSU’s Department of Popular Culture, says some people find active shooter training detrimental to their mental health and participation should not be mandatory, but voluntary. 

The resolution will be introduced Tuesday.

If passed it goes to the administration formally asking for it to not be mandatory.

(From the City of Findlay)

The City of Findlay will be offering a bulk trash drop-off for Findlay residents from Saturday, April 22nd to Saturday, April 29^th.

Hours are 8 to 4 or until dumpsters are full on Saturdays and 8 to 8 or until dumpsters are full on weekdays.

Dumpsters will be at the Public Works Department, 330 N. Cory St., where city residents may dispose of unwanted debris.

The drop-off is in conjunction with the annual Backyard Mission Trip on Saturday, April 22nd.

The City will keep dumpsters open for an additional six days to encourage citizens to clean up the community in observance of Earth Week.

Hazardous materials, commercial tires, concrete, appliances, and electronics will not be accepted.

Proof of residency or ID may be required.

This year, the city will accept noncommercial vehicle tires on Saturday, April 22nd, and Saturday, April 29th. The tires must be off the rim. Proof of residency in the City of Findlay and/or ID will be required.

The city reminds people that it is illegal to transport more than ten scrap tires at any time without obtaining a registration certificate from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency per ORC 3734.83.

Findlay High School football standout Ryan Montgomery has revealed what college he will be attending.

The quarterback had his choices narrowed down to Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina.

Ryan ended up choosing the University of Georgia in front of family and friends inside the Findlay High School gymnasium.

Ryan will play his senior season for the Findlay Trojans in the fall.

Ryan’s brother, Luke, a lineman, is currently playing football at Ohio State.

Ohio State and Georgia met in a playoff game not long ago and could again as the programs are among the tops in the country each year.

Watch Ryan’s announcement below courtesy of 247Sports.com.

UPDATE- The Tornado Watch has since been canceled for Hancock and surrounding counties. 

ORIGINAL STORY-

The National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Watch that includes Findlay and Hancock County.

The Tornado Watch goes until 7 p.m. Wednesday.

Forecasters say storms that develop Wednesday afternoon could include powerful wind gusts of 70 miles per hour, large hail, heavy rainfall, and some tornadoes.

You can get the latest forecast and weather alerts by clicking here.

(From the United Way of Hancock County)

Attention chocolate lovers!

United Way of Hancock County’s sweet spring fundraiser, the Downtown Chocolate Tour, returns from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 11, falling on Mother’s Day weekend and Downtown Findlay’s Second Saturday.

Ticketholders will make their way to each of about two dozen participating retailers and restaurants during this four-hour window, collecting chocolate treats and taking advantage of special offers at each stop. Some establishments located outside the downtown area will be paired with shops downtown to allow their participation in the event.

Tickets are $25 each, and all sales directly support United Way’s Vulnerable Children Initiative, dedicated to protecting kids and helping them find a better path in life.

No more than 300 tickets will be sold, and the event is expected to sell out. Visit www.uwhancock.org and click the ‘Downtown Chocolate Tour’ button at the top right to buy tickets.

“Our Downtown Chocolate Tour is a great way to advocate for the youth in our community while supporting the organizations that serve them. That it falls on Mother’s Day weekend makes it all the sweeter,” said Angela DeBoskey, CEO of United Way of Hancock County.

Since 1955, United Way of Hancock County has funded local efforts to support children. Multiple local agencies receive United Way funding to support and protect kids, and other community collaborations are working to strengthen families while championing children’s needs.

Ticketholders can pick up bags and maps to be used the day of the Downtown Chocolate Tour at the United Way office, 318 W. Main Cross St. (above Kan Du Studio), from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 9-10; and at Hancock Hotel (a stop on the tour) beginning at 10:30 a.m. the day of the event.

Volunteers are needed to help distribute treats at the various stops along the tour. Call the United Way office at 419-423-1432 for more information or to register as a volunteer.

Officials say there are still some openings for Camp 911 in Hancock County.

“We would love to see your kiddo this summer!” the Findlay Fire Department said.

Camp 911 is an interactive safety camp for kids who will be entering kindergarten in the fall of 2024 and helps them learn basic safety.

At Camp 911 children will learn different safety lessons, such as bike safety, stranger danger and so much more while interacting with local first responders. 

Surprise visitors will make an appearance throughout the week to keep the kids engaged with the program. 

They will grow in their independence as they experience camp through hands-on activities.

Camp 911 is a joint effort led by local emergency response agencies, including Hanco, Findlay Fire and Police Departments, the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office and Hancock Public Health.

The camp will be held June 10-14 at First Presbyterian Church at 2330 South Main Street in Findlay.

There will be morning and afternoon sessions.

See some of the fun from last year by clicking here.