(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.”

(From the Findlay Police Department)

The Findlay Police Department is requesting your assistance in identifying the subject in this photo.

The subject pictured is believed to be responsible for a hit/skip crash in the parking lot of the YMCA (1400Manor Hill Rd.) on 12/03/2025.

Anyone with information can contact police dispatch at (419) 424-7150 and reference the case number above, or message this page.

You can also contact Crime Stoppers at (419) 425-TIPS (8477) and you may be eligible for a cash reward.

(From Findlay City Schools)

Our amazing Show Choirs—Findlay First Edition and Voices in Perfection—have been touring our elementary and middle schools this holiday season, bringing music, energy, and a whole lot of festive spirit!

But it’s more than just a performance. For the students in the audience, it’s a glimpse into what they can be a part of one day.

Big thanks to our talented performers for sharing their gifts and showing what it means to be #TrojanTrue!

(From the City of Findlay)

Interested in a career that makes a difference?

We’re sharing firsthand perspectives from our employees about the impact, opportunities, and culture that make the City of Findlay an exceptional place to build your career.

Check out www.FindlayOhio.gov to learn more and visit our actively updated job board.

(From the Hancock County Engineer’s Office)

Hancock County Engineer Doug Cade was officially sworn in as President of the County Engineers Association of Ohio (CEAO) on December 4 during the association’s annual winter conference.

The CEAO represents Professional Engineers and Surveyors serving as County Engineers across Ohio’s 88 counties. Since its founding in 1940, the association has united its members in delivering the highest quality transportation, drainage, surveying, and land record-keeping services. From ensuring the safe and efficient movement of people, goods, and services to supporting ongoing land development, CEAO works to provide innovative solutions to the many challenges facing Ohio’s local infrastructure.

As President, Cade will represent CEAO on state committees and play a key role in shaping legislation that impacts county roads, bridges, and economic development. In addition to this leadership role, Cade serves as a Commissioner for the Ohio Public Works Commission and contributes to numerous other infrastructure-related organizations.

(From the Findlay Family YMCA)

We’re attempting something new this holiday season – our first Toy Drive! But, while our hearts are full, our donation bins are looking light for our Dec. 19 giveaway. The donation deadline THIS FRIDAY, Dec. 12.

If you can, please help us bring joy to local kids this season by donating a new or gently used, unwrapped toy. Big toys, small toys, noisy toys (sorry, parents) – we’ll take them all!

Drop off toys at either our Downtown Branch or East Branch during regular operating hours. Bins are located in the lobbies. We plan to give toys to members of the public on a first-come, first-serve basis in the Downtown Branch’s West Pool Lounge on Friday, Dec. 19, from 9-11 a.m. and from 4-6 p.m. We ask that only adults attend the distribution event.

For more information, contact Derek Draper, Community Outreach Director, at ddraper@findlayymca.com or at 419-422-4424 ext. 113.

Thank you for helping us spread some Christmas cheer this year!

(From Sheetz)

Today Sheetz, a major Mid-Atlantic restaurant and convenience chain, announced significant progress on its $169 million distribution facility in Findlay, Ohio. Sheetz confirmed the project is advancing on schedule, positioning the facility for an official opening in fall 2026.

When opened, this state-of-the-art building will house new food preparation and distribution services for Sheetz. The facility will directly support Sheetz’s growing presence across Ohio, where the company already operates more than 130 stores and is rapidly expanding in Columbus, Dayton and Toledo.

Hiring & Job Creation

When Sheetz broke ground on this facility in October 2024, it announced plans to create more than 700 jobs at the distribution center over the next five years. This is a commitment the company continues to advance with its next round of hiring.

Sheetz is announcing immediate plans to hire Department Managers across its distribution and bakery/ready-to-eat operations at this facility. These managers will oversee labor, equipment and production processes within their respective departments. Preferred candidates will bring at least five years of experience in supply chain or production operations, along with a minimum of one year in a supervisory role. Prospective candidates can review the full job responsibilities and apply directly here: Findlay Department Manager positions.

Named to Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For® list for the 10th straight year in 2025, Sheetz will offer Department Managers an industry-leading benefits package, including medical, vision and dental insurance, 12-week fully paid maternity leave, two weeks of paid paternity leave, a 401(k) retirement plan, college tuition reimbursement, an employee stock ownership plan, adoption assistance, flexible schedules, opportunities for advancement, quarterly bonuses, vacation time and more. Sheetz also ranked second on the most recent Best Workplaces in Retail list by Fortune and Great Place To Work®.

Sheetz currently operates 800+ store locations across Pennsylvania, Michigan, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio and Maryland, with locations open 24/7, 365 days a year. Sheetz opened its first Toledo location in September 2024, followed shortly by the opening of its second store in the market. Today, the convenience chain operates seven Toledo-area locations and plans to open several more in the coming years.   

(From the Hancock Historical Museum)

Step into the magic of the season with the 2025 Historic Homes Tour: Holiday Edition! Mark your calendars for December 13th and 14th as this beloved biennial tradition returns, offering a rare chance to explore Findlay’s architectural heritage. Experience some of the city’s most beautiful historic homes, spanning from the 1870s to the 1900s, each decked in festive holiday décor.

Kick off the weekend in style at the exclusive Yuletide Preview on Saturday, December 13th, from 6–10 pm. Enjoy a VIP evening touring these stunning homes at your own pace, followed by an elegant soiree at Swan House Tea & Coffee, complete with tea, gingerbread cookies, and delightful refreshments.

Tickets for this special preview are limited—secure yours online or at the museum before they’re gone!

On Sunday, December 14th, from 11 am to 4 pm, the tour continues as six remarkable homes open their doors to the public. Explore at your leisure while docents share the fascinating histories and architectural highlights of each property. Start at any home and create your own path through Findlay’s storied neighborhoods. The Hancock Historical Museum is still seeking volunteers for this one-of-a-kind event. All training and historical information will be provided. Please visit our website for more information or to sign up.

Featured homes on this year’s tour include:

Decker-Hopkins House (c. 1874) – 1214 Hurd Avenue

Messinger-Aldrich House (c. 1903) – 1035 S. Main Street

Job Chamberlin Jr. House (c. 1874) – 1014 S. Main Street

George Treece House (c. 1888) – 908 S. Main Street

Emmor L. Entrikin House (c. 1885) – 844 S. Main Street

Swan House Tea & Coffee (c. 1857)– 225 W. Sandusky Street

The Historic Homes Tour is more than a walk through history; it’s a celebration of Findlay’s unique architecture and the homeowners’ passion and dedication. Your participation directly supports the Hancock Historical Museum’s programming and operations, ensuring these stories endure for generations to come.

Tickets for the Yuletide Preview are $65 for members and $75 for non-members. Advance purchase required. Sunday tour tickets are $25 in advance and $35 on the day of ($25 for museum members), available at the museum (422 W. Sandusky Street) or online at hancockhistoricalmuseum.org.

Special thanks to Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices – Koehler Realty, Swan House Tea & Coffee, and Burlwick & Co. for their generous support. For more details, including a tour map, visit hancockhistoricalmuseum.org or call (419) 423-4433. Don’t miss this festive journey through Findlay’s history!