(From the University of Findlay)

The University of Findlay celebrated the naming of a classroom in the College of Business/Center for Student Life at a ribbon-cutting ceremony in November.

CBSL 222 is now known as the Dr. Dan A. and Aleta J. ’88 Yates Seminar Room.

UF President Katherine Fell, Ph.D., expressed her appreciation to the Yates family for their support of the University.

“We are thankful that they have shared their blessings with the University, and it is our pleasure to recognize them by naming this classroom in their honor,” she said. “Their generosity will make an impact on generations of Oilers to come.”

Dan has been a College of Business faculty member for 20 years, coming to the classroom in 2005 after retiring from Marathon Petroleum Co. He holds degrees from Tiffin University, University of Dayton, Bowling Green State University, and Northcentral University.

Aleta also is retired from Marathon Petroleum Co., working in business development and analysis, and she holds an associate degree in business administration from UF.

Their children are UF graduates – Abby in 2003 and Sam in 2016, along with Sam’s wife, Devony, who graduated in 2020.

For the Yates family, who live in Findlay, giving is a way of life rooted in gratitude, humility, and a desire to uplift others.

With a lifetime of generosity totaling more than a half-million dollars to UF, they made a planned gift to establish the Dr. Dan and Aleta ’88 Yates Business Scholarship and another leadership gift to support the Findlay Fund.

Their philosophy is simple but powerful: be intentional, be grateful, and give back to those who need a hand.

The couple’s planned gift reflects their shared commitment to education and their hope their scholarship will ease the financial burden for future students—allowing them to graduate with little to no debt. “We like the idea that students can earn this money, maybe work part-time, and still get help paying for school. That gives them skin in the game,” Dan explained.

Ken McIntyre Jr., vice president of University advancement, noted that Dr. and Mrs. Yates are members of the C.T. Fox Legacy Society at the University. Named in honor of Charles T. Fox, Ph.D., the third president of Findlay College, the C.T. Fox Legacy Society recognizes donors who have shared their intentions to remember the University through a planned or estate gift.

“UF is grateful that our students can rely on the support of Oiler alumni and friends, like Dan and Aleta,” McIntyre said. “We are pleased that their legacy on campus will include the special place of this classroom. The University of Findlay is grateful for their continued support, generosity, and leadership. The seeds they have planted will grow for generations to come.”

Pictured, from left, are: Ken McIntyre Jr., Abby Yates, Aleta Yates, Dan Yates, Sam Yates, Devony Yates, and President Katherine Fell.

(From Findlay High School)

Holiday Spirit Week is almost here, Trojans!

Get ready to wrap up 2025 with some festive fun! From December 15–19, we’re celebrating the season with themed dress-up days all week long. Check out what’s happening each day and join in to spread that FHS holiday cheer!

Monday 12/15 – Polar Express Day

Wear your coziest pajamas!

Tuesday 12/16 – Winter Wonderland

Dress in white or snowflake-inspired outfits.

Wednesday 12/17 – Holiday Characters

Come as Santa, a snowman, a reindeer, or any festive favorite!

Thursday 12/18 – Deck the Halls

Rock your holiday colors!

Friday 12/19 – Holiday Sweaters

Ugly, cute, funny — all sweaters welcome!

Let’s make the halls merry and bright next week!

(From the Office of Congressman Bob Latta)

Congressman Bob Latta (OH-5) re-introduced the Stop Penalizing Working Seniors Act, a bill to expand access to health savings accounts (HSAs) and fix a technicality prohibiting individuals who are receiving social security benefits from contributing to their HSA accounts. Congresswomen Stephanie Bice (OK-5) and Ashley Hinson (IA-2) are co-sponsors of this legislation.  

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) allow individuals to make tax-advantaged contributions and use the funds for qualified medical expenses. To contribute to an HSA, an individual must be enrolled in a High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP). Under current law, once an individual begins collecting Social Security benefits, they are automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A, which disqualifies them from making further contributions to an HSA. This bill would allow individuals enrolled only in Medicare Part A to continue contributing to an HSA. 

“Seniors deserve the flexibility to keep saving for both their current and long-term health care needs. Right now, many seniors who are still working and enrolled in Medicare Part A are unfairly prevented from contributing to their Health Savings Accounts. This needless restriction reduces their health care choices. That’s why I introduced the Stop Penalizing Working Seniors Act, to give seniors the freedom to plan for and afford the care they need,” Latta said.  

“I am proud to once again be an original cosponsor of Congressman Latta’s legislation, the Stop Penalizing Working Seniors Act. This bill broadens eligibility for Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and addresses a technical issue that prevents people receiving Social Security benefits from adding to their HSAs. I will continue to support legislation which provides relief for those living on fixed incomes,” Bice said.  

“Under current law, some seniors are unable to contribute to, or use, HSAs simply because they have chosen to remain in the workforce. This legislation fixes this technicality that unfairly punishes seniors who wish to use HSAs. I’ll continue working to lower costs and increase health care options for Iowans, especially our seniors,” Hinson said.  

NOTE: Congressman Latta first introduced this legislation during the 116th Congress after hearing directly from constituents impacted by the issue. He has since reintroduced the bill in the 117th and 118th Congresses.  

(From Findlay City Schools)

Better than a touchdown—this was a win for the heart.

While spending a month at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Wilson Vance student Cypress got the surprise of a lifetime: a visit from The Ohio State University quarterback Julian Sayin!

Cypress is one of those kids who makes everyone smile, so seeing him light up with joy was something truly special.

We’re so grateful to Julian Sayin for bringing encouragement and joy to one of our own.

And, we can’t wait to welcome Cypress back to school very soon.

You’ve got the whole Trojan Country cheering for you, Cypress!

The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office is reminding drivers that ‘tis the season to give yourself extra time to get where you’re going.

The sheriff’s office says, regardless of what road alert level has been issued, if any, road conditions can change quickly this time of year – snow, rain, wind, and everything in between.

The sheriff’s office is asking everyone to slow down, stay alert, and arrive at your destination safely.

Get the latest weather forecast and road alerts by clicking here, and school delays/closings by clicking here.

(The Marathon Center for the Performing Arts)

The Marathon Center for the Performing Arts (MCPA) is thrilled to invite students in grades 3–5 to step into the spotlight or behind the scenes for this year’s Youtheatre production of The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley Jr. Young performers and theatre-loving creatives will have multiple opportunities to get involved, including a free audition workshop, open auditions and technical crew positions.

This high-energy musical follows the unforgettable journey of Stanley Lambchop, an ordinary ten-year-old who becomes extraordinary overnight when a bulletin board falls on him flattening him like a pancake! Suddenly able to travel the world by mail, Stanley becomes the ultimate exchange student, zipping from Hollywood to France to Honolulu in search of a way to become three-dimensional again.

Key Dates & Opportunities

Show Performances March 13 at 7:00 p.m. March 14 at 2:00 p.m.

Free Audition Workshop Saturday, January 10 Sessions: 10:00–11:30 a.m. or 12:30–2:00 p.m. A great chance for first-time auditioners and returning participants alike to build confidence and learn what to expect during the audition process.

Auditions Monday, January 19 & Tuesday, January 20 6:00–8:00 p.m.

Students interested in acting, singing, dancing and technical crew are encouraged to register. No prior experience required, just enthusiasm and a willingness to learn!

For full details and registration information, please visit www.mcpa.org/education-community/youtheatre

For additional information regarding Youtheatre auditions contact Craig VanRenterghem, MCPA Education Director at education@mcpa.org

The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley Jr. is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.

(From The Findlay Fire Department)

Findlay’s B-Shift recently practiced various victim removal scenarios with our quint apparatus in the STRICT Center.

The training facility continues to prove its value to our first responders through realistic training.

Thanks to all the businesses and organizations who helped us make this possible.

(ONN) – Changes are ahead for hemp and marijuana laws in Ohio.

The State Senate passed a bill that would restrict most hemp sales in Ohio.

It would also roll back some of the freedoms afforded to recreational marijuana.

If signed into law by Governor DeWine, Senate Bill 56 would ban intoxicating hemp products from being sold in convenience stores, smoke shops, and gas stations.

The bill would also reduce the maximum THC allowed in extracts and in the actual flower as well as tighten public smoking rules.

(From Blanchard Valley Health System)

Bridge Home Health & Hospice is proud to celebrate Christy Montgomery, RN, community nurse liaison, who was recently awarded a Wood County Committee on Aging (WCCOA) “Golden Care Award” in the category of Medical or Professional Care Provider—an honor recognizing exceptional caregivers working in facility or home-based settings.

Christy was announced as the winner during the awards ceremony on Monday, November 17, marking a truly special moment for both Christy and her colleagues. What made the celebration even more meaningful is that Christy has supported this very program for years, helping with event planning and award ceremonies—never expecting to be recognized herself one day.

This year, however, her peers decided it was time for Christy to be honored. They worked closely with WCCOA professionals to secretly nominate her, ensuring the surprise remained intact until the moment her name was announced.

The response in the room spoke volumes. Christy’s win was met with enthusiastic applause—not just from her team, but even from fellow nominees—a true testament to the respect she has earned from healthcare professionals throughout Wood County. Her compassion, collaboration, and commitment to seniors and their families have made her a trusted partner within the community.

Christy’s recognition reflects not only her personal dedication but also the compassionate and collaborative spirit of the entire Bridge Home Health & Hospice team.

The Golden Care Awards shine a spotlight on caregivers who demonstrate extraordinary service, advocacy, and compassion for older adults. Christy embodies all these qualities and more, and we are honored to have her represent Bridge Home Health & Hospice.

Pictured: Jenna Cotterman, MOT, OTR/L, CEHCH, COQS, director of operations, Bridge Home Health & Hospice; Amanda Montgomery, bereavement coordinator; Christine Montgomery, RN, community nurse liaison; Misty Schnipke, RN, community nurse liaison.

(From The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation)

The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation awarded $20,000 to support veterans and first responders. These four grants are awards from the president’s discretionary fund, which supports urgent or special requests outside The Community Foundation’s various grant cycles. The President & CEO of The Community Foundation is allocated an amount each year. These grants typically do not exceed $5,000 individually.

This year, Foundation staff dedicated the 2025 president’s discretionary funds to show appreciation for those who help others. Earlier in the year, grants were awarded to public schools in Hancock County for staff appreciation efforts.

“The first responders are critical to the health and safety in our community and serve daily,” said Brian Treece, President & CEO of the Foundation. “Additionally, our local veterans deserve our continued thanks and support for selflessly serving our country. These grants are a token of our appreciation for both groups. We are grateful for all you have done and continue to do.”

Findlay Fire Department was awarded $5,000. “We can’t thank The Community Foundation enough for using the President’s Discretionary Grant on showing appreciation for our local fire and EMS personnel,” said Josh Eberle, Chief of the Findlay Fire Department. “This job is very rewarding, but over time it can take a toll on people. Using the grant for this purpose reminds our firefighters and EMS personnel that our work is appreciated and that there is a network of support for us within the community.”

Findlay Police Department was awarded $5,000. “We are grateful to The Community Foundation for their generous support,” said James Mathias, Chief of the Findlay Police Department. “Their grant helps our first responders feel recognized and appreciated for their hard work and reminds them that the community stands behind them. We appreciate this partnership and the Foundation’s commitment to those who keep our city safe.”

Hancock County Sheriff’s Department was awarded $5,000. “We are incredibly grateful to The Community Foundation for awarding the Sheriff’s Office a $5,000 President’s Discretionary Grant,” said Michael Cortez, Sheriff of Hancock County Sheriff’s. “This support is more than a contribution awarded by a grant. It is a direct investment in the well-being of the men and women who serve our county every day. This grant helps recognize the dedication, professionalism, and positive impact our employees have on our community every day. From an external perspective, this grant helps reinforce that our employees are valued by those in our community. Our employees work tirelessly, often in difficult and unseen circumstances, and this support allows us to continue encouraging, uplifting, and honoring the good work they do for the people of Hancock County.”

Hancock County Veterans Services Office was awarded $5,000. “We are honored to partner with The Community Foundation for this President’s Discretionary Grant,” said Ed Newton, Resiliency Operations Manager. “It will allow the Hancock County Veterans Service Office the opportunity to have positive outreach with hundreds of Hancock County veterans and their families. Thank you so much for providing this opportunity.”