(From the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce)

The Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce Bluffton Discovery Days, Friday, July 25, 2025 and July 26, 2025. This event, featuring exclusive in-store specials, will provide shoppers with Discovery Days deals.

Visitors who explore participating businesses during Bluffton Discovery Days can enter into a drawing to win Bluffton Dollars, which can be redeemed at any Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce member business. Prizes range from $25 to $100, offering winners an exciting opportunity to discover and enjoy various local establishments.

Bluffton Discovery Days is a celebration of our vibrant community, showcasing the unique businesses and charm that Bluffton has to offer. It’s a fantastic opportunity for both residents and visitors to support local commerce while taking advantage of special discounts and promotions.

Don’t miss out on Bluffton Discovery Days – your chance to save, win, and experience the best of Bluffton. Join us for this incredible celebration of local business and community spirit.

For more information, please contact:

James Enneking
Executive Director, Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce
(419) 369-2985
director@explorebluffton.com

(From the Hancock Historical Museum)

The Hancock Historical Museum invites the public to join them for the next installment of its 2025 Classic Movie Night series on Friday, July 18, with a screening of the critically acclaimed drama A Face in the Crowd (1957), directed by Elia Kazan and starring Andy Griffith in a powerful and unexpected performance.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the film will begin at 7:00 p.m. Admission is free, and popcorn and other refreshments will be available.

A Face in the Crowd tells the story of a drifter who rises to fame as a media personality, only to reveal a darker side as his power grows. The film is a gripping exploration of celebrity, media influence, and public manipulation, and it remains as relevant today as it was in the 1950s.

The evening will feature a special introduction by John King, President of the Ray Browne Pop Culture Association at Bowling Green State University, who will provide insight into the film’s historical and cultural significance.

The museum’s Classic Movie Night series offers a chance to experience timeless films in a historic setting, with commentary that brings added depth and appreciation to each screening.

This year’s remaining Classic Movie Night lineup includes: • August 16 – The Goonies (PG, 1985) – Bill and Gail Miller Outdoor Movie Night • October 24 – Bride of Frankenstein (PG, 1935) • November 21 – Dark Passage (PG, 1947) • December 19 – It’s A Wonderful Life (PG, 1946)

All films will be shown at the Hancock Historical Museum, located at 422 West Sandusky Street, Findlay, Ohio.

Don’t miss this opportunity to experience these timeless classics the way they were meant to be seen—on the big screen, surrounded by fellow film lovers. Whether you’re revisiting an old favorite or discovering a new gem, Classic Movie Night offers a nostalgic evening for all ages. For more information, please visit www.hancockhistoricalmuseum.org or call 419-423-4433.

(From the Hancock County Veterans Service Office)

The Hancock County Veterans Service Office is proud to host the 7th annual Operation Back to School supplies distribution for children of veterans (or grandchildren living with and being raised by veteran grandparents).

If your child attends school in Hancock County, you may qualify to receive a FREE school supply package to help kick off the school year! While this kit won’t cover every item, it will give families a helpful start before Ohio’s tax-free weekend.

Pick-Up Options:

Monday, July 28 through Friday, August 1

9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Veterans Service Office — 1100 East Main Cross, Findlay

Saturday, August 2

10:00 AM to 2:00 PM

At the Veterans Empowerment Summer Fair — Owens, Findlay Campus

What to Bring:

DD-214 or valid DoD, VA, or state-issued Veterans ID card

Let us help your family start the school year strong!

(From the University of Findlay)

The University of Findlay’s Mazza Museum is proud to announce that Dan Chudzinski will be the new director and Amanda Davidson-Johnston will be elevated to the role of assistant director, as of August 1, 2025.

“The impressive credentials of Dan and Amanda make me confident this jewel of our campus will continue to flourish under their leadership,” said Ken McIntyre Jr., vice president of University advancement. “With their passion, talent, and commitment, it was clear to me our way forward needs to rest in their capable hands.”

Chudzinski, who currently serves as Mazza’s director of curation and exhibitions, will oversee day-to-day operations, enhance the visitor experience for guests, and serve as the ambassador of the Mazza Museum collection. He will continue to design gallery exhibitions and curate the nearly 22,000 original works of art from picture books – the largest such collection in the world.

Chudzinski has served at UF for 10 years, helping Mazza to expand its influence through national exhibitions including the National Academy of Sciences (Washington, D.C.), the Norman Rockwell Museum (Stockbridge, MA), the Delaware Art Museum (Wilmington, DE) and was featured in the 2022 PBS feature documentary, The Magic of Mazza.

He also is the creator of Bessie the Lake Erie Monster – the school bus sized skeleton featured in Lape Great Hall of the Virginia B. Gardner Fine Arts Pavilion.

Chudzinski received a bachelor’s of fine arts in sculpture and a bachelor’s in history from Miami University, as well as a master’s of fine arts in three dimensional studies from Bowling Green State University. He is a four-time nominee and winner of the prestigious Chesley Award, from the Association of Science Fiction & Fantasy Artists. An image of his piece, Evasive Species, will be placed in a time capsule on the South Pole of the moon in November 2025.

Davidson-Johnston’s duties will include marketing and continued management of Mazza’s popular Funday Sunday events and community engagement, and she will expand the museum’s capacity for new programs and school offerings.

Davidson-Johnston serves on the Ohio Museum Association Board of Trustees and is the head of the Northwest Ohio Emerging Museum Professionals Network. She holds a bachelor’s in history from Cedarville University and is nearing completion of a master’s in museum studies from Johns Hopkins University.

(The Ohio State Highway Patrol)

The Bowling Green Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a crash involving a 14 year old that was struck by a vehicle in Center Township, Wood County. The crash occurred on State Route 25 at Union Hill Road at 4:16 p.m. Monday afternoon.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2016 Nissan Rogue was traveling north on State Route 25 when a 14 year old ran from a driveway into the roadway into its path. The 14 year old was struck by the 2016 Nissan Rogue near the center line of the two northbound lanes.

The 2016 Nissan Rogue was operated by Ian Reynolds, 19 years of age, of Toledo. Mr. Reynolds was not injured in the crash.

The pedestrian was identified as Sophia Dibling, 14 years of age, of Bowling Green. She was transported by Life Flight to St. Vincent Medical Center with serious injuries.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted at the scene by the Wood County Sheriff’s Department, Midcounty 120, Center Township Fire and Life Flight.

This crash remains under investigation.

(From the City of Findlay)

The City of Findlay is performing numerous construction projects throughout the city. The status of some of the projects is weather and contractor schedule permitting. Listed below are some of the projects and the restrictions that result from the ongoing projects. These restrictions are in effect from July 14, 2025, until further notice.

-Carnahan Ave. will be closed to through traffic from Tiffin Ave. to the Railroad for curb replacement.

-Allen Ave. will be closed to through traffic from Main St. to the Railroad for curb replacement.

-Midland Ave. will be closed to through traffic from Main St. to the Railroad for curb replacement.

-Garfield Ave. will be closed to through traffic from Main St. to the Railroad for curb replacement.

-George St. will be closed to through traffic from Main St. to the Railroad for curb replacement.

-Twp. Rd. 80 (Baseline Rd.) will be closed to all traffic from Springlake Dr. (E.) to Springlake Dr. (W.) for a sanitary sewer project.

-Morrical Blvd. will be closed to through traffic from Logan Ave. to Bliss Ave. End for waterline installation.

-N. Blanchard St. will be reduced to one lane in each direction from E. Melrose Ave. to Karen Ct. for curb replacement.

-Brookview Ct. will be closed to through traffic from Brookside Dr. to the cul-de-sac for curb replacement.

-Foxfire Ln. will be closed to through traffic from Fox Run Rd. to the cul-de-sac for curb replacement.

Please contact the Engineering Department with any questions (419) 424-7121.

(ONN) – Some of Ohio’s first responders are heading to Texas to assist with ongoing recovery efforts after deadly flooding hit earlier this month.

Five members of Ohio Task Force One will soon be arriving in Texas to help with recovery efforts.

Two K9 units are part of that team.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine is applauding the efforts of Ohio first responders.

“I couldn’t be more proud of those who volunteered for this mission. When Ohio sees another state suffering, we don’t hesitate to help.”

(From Blanchard Valley Health System)

Recently, Sarah Stine, RN, and Peyton Kern, RN, represented Blanchard Valley Health System on the Flag City Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. As recipients of the Nursing Congress Honor Flight Scholarship, they had the opportunity to accompany veterans on a trip to see the sights in our nation’s capital.

Since the scholarship’s founding in 2017, 21 recipients have served as Honor Flight Guardians. Thank you to everyone who helped make this a special day for our veterans.

Our long-term care facility, Birchaven, also offers programs geared toward veterans. If you and your family want a VIP tour of senior living options, please call 419.424.3000. To learn more about our connected care network, please visit bvhealthsystem.org/connect.

Pictured (1): Gary Bockbrader and Sarah Stine, RN, at the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

Pictured (2): Denny Garlic, Peyton Kern, RN, and Barry Baker at the Women in Military Service for America Memorial.

(From the City of Findlay)

On July 15, 2025, Lima Avenue between Main Street and Western Avenue will be reduced to one lane between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to allow for a water valve replacement project.

Traffic will be maintained with flaggers, but motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to seek alternate routes if possible.

The City of Findlay will provide updates on the project schedule and traffic conditions as new information becomes available.

(From the City of Findlay)

You’re invited to join Mayor Christina Muryn for the 2025 Playball with the Mayor event on July 16 featuring the Flag City Sluggers!

Youth will participate in drill stations followed by a softball game at the Miracle Field.

T-shirts will be given to participants courtesy of the United States Conference of Mayors.

After the Playball game, head over to the Sluggers game where admission will be free thanks to The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation‘s Fun for All series of free community events.

Tickets are first come, first served.

See more details in the flyer below. 

We hope you’ll join us for a night of free community fun!