One of the remaining flood mitigation projects in Findlay is underway.

Work has begun at the Phase 2 benching site along the Blanchard River in downtown Findlay.

Crews can be seen moving dirt on the north side of the river between North Main Street and North Cory Street.

The work underway is brownfield work and soil remediation, and the benching will follow. 

Phase 1 benching was previously completed between Broad Avenue and the Norfolk Southern Railroad Bridge, and involved floodplain benching near Swale Park, and removal of several low‑head dams downstream of Lye Creek.

Two more flood mitigation projects still to come are the new Norfolk Southern Railroad Bridge – to eliminate a pinch point in the river – and the Eagle Creek Floodwater Storage Basin just south of town.

Mayor Christina Muryn says all the projects together will reduce floodwater levels in a 100-year flood event by three feet in downtown Findlay.  

Officials say the new Norfolk Southern Railroad Bridge could be completed before the end of the year or early next year.

As for the Eagle Creek Floodwater Storage Basin, officials say they’re waiting on formal signing of the grant for the project from FEMA.

(From Blanchard Valley Health System)

Recently, Myron D. Lewis, MSW, MBA, FACHE, president and chief executive officer of Blanchard Valley Health System, spoke at Fresh Brewed Business.

Fresh Brewed Business is a monthly event hosted by the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, where community professionals gather to make network connections and stay informed on local business, government, education, and health news.

Myron provided updates on how BVHS is addressing nationwide challenges faced by rural health systems, such as declining reimbursements, rising supply costs, and a shrinking workforce. He also emphasized the importance of maintaining high-quality care locally, explaining how BVHS continually adapts to support the needs of our community.

Thank you for helping keep the community informed and for representing TeamBVHS!

(From the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation)

Last opportunity to have your voice heard!

Community Foundation staff will be in Findlay, McComb and Mt. Blanchard Friday and Sunday as part of Community Conversations!

Stop by, share your thoughts, and help shape the future of our community.

And a bonus, get a free treat!

Visit our website for details https://www.community-foundation.com/cc25

(ONN) – With the temperatures dropping, heating bills are rising.

There are several programs available to assist people 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 High School)

Join Us for Our 4th Annual Pictures With Santa!

Kick off the holiday season with the FHS Student Council and Mr. and Mrs. Claus in the Findlay High School Great Hall on Saturday, December 6, from 10 a.m. to noon.

This festive event is FREE and open to the entire Findlay community.

Bring your family, enjoy holiday activities, and make memories that will last all season long.

It’s going to be snow much fun!

Hosted by FHS Student Council.

The Ohio Department of Transportation says eight of its snow plows were struck in just one week.

“Every crash takes critical snow-fighting equipment off the road and forces other plows to extend their routes. Please, give our crews room to work,” ODOT said on Facebook.

ODOT Press Secretary Matt Bruning urges drivers to pay better attention on the roadways.

In addition to giving snow plows room to work, the Ohio State Highway Patrol reminds all motorists to obey the state’s Move Over Law, which requires drivers to move over a lane and slow down when they see emergency vehicles and work crews on the side of the road.

(From Marathon Center for the Performing Arts)

Marathon Center for the Performing Arts (MCPA) is excited to open registration for its 2026 Winter Art and Music Classes, inviting students in grades K–12 to experience a season filled with creativity, discovery, and hands-on artistic fun. This winter’s programming features dynamic visual art clubs and lively music classes designed to spark imagination, build confidence and help young artists shine.

Winter Art Club

MCPA’s Winter Art Club offers students a welcoming, inspiring space where creativity thrives and imagination takes the lead.

Grades K–2
January 5, 12, 19, 26 and February 2, 9 | 4:30–5:30 p.m.
Instructor: Matt Bower
Young artists will explore painting, drawing, cutting, gluing and building imaginative 2D and 3D creations using a wide variety of colorful and engaging art materials.

Grades 3–5
January 7, 14, 21, 28 and February 4, 11 | 4:30–5:30 p.m.
Instructor: Jason Wagner
Students will dive into bold 2D and 3D projects across mediums including paint, printmaking and drawing, perfect for both budding artists and experienced creators eager to explore new techniques.

Grades 6–12
January 7, 14, 21, 28 and February 4, 11 | 5:45–7:00 p.m.
Instructor: Jason Wagner
Students will explore exciting 2D and 3D projects using a wide range of mediums, from painting and intricate printmaking to dynamic drawing and more. Whether they’re seasoned creators or simply love to make art, each session offers fresh inspiration and hands-on creative exploration.

Winter Music Class Offerings

Mini Orff Makers (Grades K–2)
January 7, 14, 21, 28 and February 4, 11 | 4:30–5:30 p.m.
Instructor: Katie Ferren
A lively, movement-filled introduction to music, this class uses the Orff approach to help young musicians explore rhythm, melody, language and instruments through playful rhymes, chants and creative expression.

The Orffestra (Grades 3–5)
January 5, 12, 19, 26 and February 2, 9 | 4:30–5:30 p.m.
Instructor: Katie Ferren
Students transform poems and stories into rhythm patterns, songs and group compositions. With singing, movement, improvisation and instrumental play, every session supports confidence, collaboration and joyful music-making.

Registration & Additional Information

MCPA’s Winter Class Series gives students the opportunity to explore their creativity, connect with peers, and discover new artistic passions. Classes fill quickly, register early to secure your spot!

For registration and more information, visit www.mcpa.org/education-community

(From Blanchard Valley Health System)

The Golden Apple Volunteer Program was recently gifted with beautifully hand-sewn and embroidered homemade cart covers created by Judy Balister. Judy is a dedicated BVHS volunteer, and we extend our heartfelt thanks for the time, care, and craftsmanship she put into these stunning covers.

The Golden Apple Volunteer Program focuses on the specific needs and preferences of older adults, helping to optimize their well-being and quality of life during their inpatient stay. Volunteers participate in a structured, supportive environment and receive training tailored to this unique opportunity. Responsibilities include evaluating in-room patient care, interacting and visiting with patients, and assisting with small tasks. Clinical staff conduct pre-shift and post-shift huddles to support volunteers and ensure high-quality patient engagement.

Volunteers also benefit from mentorship, gain clinical experience, receive a certificate upon program completion, and accumulate volunteer hours. If this opportunity sounds like a great fit for you, please apply today at bvhs.info/GoldenAppleApplication.

(From Putnam County Habitat for Humanity)

When you enter the holiday-decorated Schroeder Center for the Arts on December 4, you can sample a variety of soups, breads and desserts while supporting Putnam County Habitat for Humanity’s (PCHFH) mission for safe, decent, affordable housing throughout Putnam County. “Soup for Shelter” will take place this Thursday at the Schroeder Center for the Arts at 162 W. Main St., Ottawa, from 4:30 to 7 p.m. This event will be an evening of hearty feasting that features soup bowls made by local school students, teachers and artists.

“Soup for Shelter” tickets for adults are $25. Adult tickets include one handmade bowl, one soup cook-off vote, and all the samples they can eat until the crockpots are empty. Tickets are also available for $5 for children aged 4 to 12; children under 3 admitted free (does not include the hand-made bowl.) Tickets are available December 4 at the door. 

While ticketholders dine, they can vote for their favorite soup. The winner of the evening’s soup cook-off will take home a golden bowl created by mosaic artist Martha Erchenbrecher. 

Since its inception in 2009, PCHFH has built 12 new homes and rebuilt an entire house. Homeowners purchase their homes through low- or zero-interest mortgages provided by PCHFH or through USDA direct loans. Critical home repair projects completed by Putnam County Habitat for Humanity include bathroom remodels, roof repairs and replacements, electrical repairs, window replacements, wheelchair ramp additions and replacements.

(ONN) – Ohio U.S. Senator Bernie Moreno has introduced a bill that would eliminate dual citizenship in America.

Under current law, certain U.S. citizens can have multiple citizenships.

For example, if you were born in another country but obtained citizenship in America.

Senator Moreno claims this creates conflicts of interest and his bill would require people to forfeit their dual citizenship.

Moreno saying in part, “being an American citizen is an honor and a privilege, and if you want to be an American, it’s all or nothing.”