(ONN) – The Ohio Division of Liquor Control released an interactive map of all the designated outdoor refreshment areas in the state.

This tool shows the DORA boundaries and locations and puts all information in one spot.

It also includes the hours of operation and holiday schedules.

There are 167 designated areas across Ohio for residents and tourists to explore.

Each city or town will have specific cups to give to you to take your drink on the go from their particular business.

The City of Findlay’s Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) opened in May of 2021 in downtown.

A DORA is a specific area in which alcoholic beverages may be sold by licensed liquor establishments for outdoor consumption.

The city says the DORA is designed to make it easier to stroll within the district and support local restaurants and bars.

Findlay City Schools’ Donnell Stadium is getting new turf and a new track.

Athletic Director Nate Weihrauch says the Donnell Family certainly blessed the community with such a tremendous venue in Donnell Stadium.

“We are truly thankful for the opportunity to play in the most exquisite high school stadium in Ohio, Donnell Stadium.”

He says the history of the stadium dates back to its first game in 1928 and the first night game in 1930.

Get more from Nate on the history of the stadium and the improvements over the years in the interview below.

(From the Findlay Police Department)

On 04-14-24 at approximately 1314 hours on Sunday, a Findlay Police Department patrol officer initiated a traffic stop on a green and white motorcycle without a visible license plate, which also failed to stop at a stop sign.

This stop was initiated on S. Blanchard Street near Blanchard Avenue.

The motorcycle operator failed to stop and began fleeing at a high rate of speed.

The operator committed numerous traffic violations as he fled at speeds in excess of 125MPH out of the City of Findlay and into Hancock County.

The initial pursuit lasted approximately 8 miles before the officer lost sight of the motorcycle and terminated the pursuit.

The operator of the motorcycle was suspected to be Gage Klopp.

Gage is currently under Findlay Municipal Court probation and has a GPS ankle monitor.

FMC Probation was contacted and assisted in identifying Gage as the operator of the motorcycle by his GPS history.

FMC Probation further assisted in providing Gage’s real time GPS location.

Gage was located on foot and taken into custody on CR 9 near TR 50 in Hancock County.

There were no injuries or property damage.

Gage is currently incarcerated at the Hancock County Justice Center on a charge of ORC 2921.331 Failing to Comply, a Felony of the 3rd degree as well as ORD 513.12 Possession of Drug Paraphernalia a Misdemeanor of the 4th degree.

(From the City of Findlay)

Total Solar Eclipse Banners will be available for purchase on a first-come, first-serve basis for $50.

To purchase a banner, please come to the Mayor’s Office (318 Dorney Plaza, Room 310) beginning Monday, April 22nd during normal business hours (M-F 8am-5pm).

Cash only.

(From the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library)

We would like to thank everyone who participated in this year’s Tell-a-Tale contest.

We had 96 entries this year!

The judges loved getting the opportunity to read all of these amazing stories and would like to commend all of the young writers and illustrators for their hard work and creativity!

Keep writing and illustrating! 

Kindergarten Story Winners

1^st – Grace Rodabaugh

2^nd – Corbin Keiser

3^rd – Charan Tej Badugu

Illustration Winners

1^st – Vudvitha Gopi

2^nd – Violetta Hagerty

3^rd – Rula Shannon

1^st Grade Story Winners

1^st – Kaira Sanghavi

2^nd – James Gase

3^rd – EJ Wisebaker

Illustration Winners

1^st – Kaira Sanghavi

2^nd – Adalie Schumaker

3^rd – Elowen Mowery

2^nd Grade Story Winners

1^st – Anderson Brown

2^nd – Theodore Jewitt

3^rd – Lailah Mompher

Illustration Winners

1^st – Aleigha Woodruff

2^nd – Sutton Jacobs

3^rd – Haven Lehman

3^rd Grade Story Winners

1^st – Henry Brown

2^nd – Hudson Matheny

3^rd – Lyla Feeney

Illustration Winners

1^st – Bentley Bower

2^nd – Henry Brown

3^rd – Claire Romanoski

4^th Grade Story Winners

1^st – Emma Fennig

2^nd – Leo Bower

3^rd – Jacklyn Glick

Illustration Winners

1^st – Jacklyn Glick

2^nd – Leo Bower

3^rd – Emma Fennig

5^th Grade Story Winners

1^st – Adelynn Woodruff

2^nd – Lillian Gase

3^rd – Maxwell Trice

Illustration Winners

1^st – Adelynn Woodruff

2^nd – Lillian Gase

3^rd – Sophie Reinsel 

(written by RaeLyn Ibarra, winner of our Partner Prize)

The Ohio Department of Education announced that 171 Ohio schools are receiving the Purple Star Designation as members of the Purple Star Class of 2024.

Purple Star schools show a significant commitment to serving students and families connected to our nation’s armed forces.

97 new Ohio schools received the esteemed award for the first time, and 74 schools earned a renewal after three years as dedicated Purple Star schools. 

Among the area schools receiving the designation are Liberty-Benton High School, McComb Local Schools, and Vanlue High School.

See the full list by clicking here.

(From the Findlay Rotary Club)

At the club’s Wednesday, April 10 meeting, The Findlay Rotary Club presented $50,100 to five local non-profit organizations. This year’s recipients include:

• Habitat for Humanity of Findlay/Hancock County: $8,700 for Critical Home Repair program
• Open Arms Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Center: $13,350 for mobile advocacy van renovation
• City Mission of Findlay, Ohio: $15,000 for expansion of services
• Findlay Hope House for the Homeless: $8,050 for new mattresses at the shelter
• Findlay City Schools: $5,000 for the Bookworm program

The Findlay Rotary Club’s Forward Fund was established in 1991 to build over the years through donations and bequests. The objective was to build a permanent fund which could make a substantial and lasting contribution to the local community. The Forward Fund is also supported through outright gifts, matching funds, contributions through wills, life insurance gifts, shares of stock and memorials. The Forward Fund is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and all contributions are tax deductible. To date, The Forward Fund has supported a number of local organizations including Hancock Public Health Foundation Mobile Health Clinic, Hancock County Center for Safe and Healthy Children, Findlay Digital Academy, Blanchard Valley Health Foundation, Miracle League of Findlay, Adopt-A-Door Boot Security System, Children’s Museum of Findlay, University of Findlay, Raise the Bar Hancock County, Findlay Family YMCA and among many others.

The Findlay Rotary Club was founded in 1920 and is a member of Rotary International, an association of Rotary clubs around the world, which today numbers almost 32,000 clubs in over 200 countries. The Rotary Club of Findlay was founded by the city’s leaders in 1920, and continues with the leaders of today. The Club also sponsors the Rotaract Club at The University of Findlay and an Interact Club at Findlay High School.

PHOTO CAPTION: Pictured at the April 10 Findlay Rotary Club meeting is (l-r): Sue Lehman and Laurie Poland of Hope House, Ashley Ritz of Open Arms, Andrea Barger of Findlay City Schools, Kathryn Bausman and Erin Dirksen of City Mission, Wendy McCormick of Habitat for Humanity of Hancock County and Scott Hohman, president of Findlay Rotary Club.

(From Awakening Minds Art)

Awakening Minds Art held its annual meeting on April 11th, 2024, at the Findlay Brewing Company. The event marked a transition in leadership, as new officers were appointed to guide the organization forward, as well as celebrating 15 years of programming in the community.

Outgoing officers include Sarah Crisp-Ricker (former Vice President), Tamera Rooney (former Secretary), and Melody Rinker (former Treasurer). Emily Sullivan, executive director said, “these officers’ dedication and service to Awakening Minds Art have been invaluable, and the organization extends its heartfelt gratitude for their contributions.”

Stepping into new roles are Allison Trutt as Vice President, Rachel Fix as Secretary, and Cassi Cronnin as Treasurer. These individuals bring a wealth of experience and passion to their positions and are committed to advancing the mission and vision of Awakening Minds Art.

Kyle Frias will continue to serve as the President for a second term, providing strong leadership and guidance to the board and staff.

The annual meeting also provided an opportunity to reflect on the organization’s history and achievements. Founded in 2009 by Sarah Crisp-Ricker, Awakening Minds Art has grown from a traveling program to a thriving hub for therapeutic and educational visual art programs. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization remained resilient, gradually resuming programming, and finding a new home at 1640 Tiffin Ave. in Findlay.

“Looking ahead, Awakening Minds Art is dedicated to continued growth and sustainability. With a renewed focus on the mission of providing inclusive art experiences for individuals of all ages and abilities, the organization is poised for a bright future,” said Kyle Frias, board president. “Awakening Minds Art is grateful for the support of its community and looks forward to continuing to make a positive impact through the transformative power of art.”

At the annual meeting, attendees had the opportunity to meet the entire board of directors, including Kyle Frias, Sarah Crisp-Ricker, Melody Rinker, Tamera Rooney, Allison Trutt, Rachel Fix, Katie Unverferth, and Shelby Cole. In addition, the dedicated instructors, including Emily Sullivan (Executive Director), Megan Hall, Mackenzie Earley, Bailey Taylor, and Jenn Denike, were recognized for their invaluable contributions to the organization.

For more information about Awakening Minds Art and upcoming events, visit awakeningmindsart.org.

Findlay and Hancock County are included in a Wind Advisory issued by the National Weather Service.

The Wind Advisory goes until midnight tonight (Friday).

West winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph are expected.

Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects.

Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.

Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle.

Secure outdoor objects.

Get the latest forecast and weather alerts by clicking here.

Hancock County Job and Family Services, in partnership with United Way of Hancock County and several other local agencies that advocate for children’s wellness, are observing April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month by displaying approximately 90 pinwheels outside the Hancock County Courthouse.

Randall Galbraith, Director of Hancock County Job and Family Services, says each pinwheel represents a child adjudicated as abused, neglected or dependent in Hancock County in 2023.

“Hancock County is not immune to the problem of child abuse,” Galbraith said.

“It’s everyone’s problem and everyone’s responsibility to help out and alleviate it.”

Several youth volunteers helped place the pinwheels to the fence surrounding the courthouse.