(From Family Resource Center)

Family Resource Center (FRC) is expanding access to mental health crisis care in Hancock County by offering extended hours. Crisis services are now available seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., giving individuals and families more opportunity to receive help when they need it most.

This change is part of FRC’s ongoing effort to reduce barriers to care and ensure that people in crisis can connect with support outside of traditional business hours.

“We know that mental health crises don’t just happen from 9 to 5,” said Maria Cool, Crisis Supervisor at Family Resource Center. “By expanding our hours, we’re making sure people can get help when they need it, whether that’s at school, in the evening, on the weekend, or any day of the week.”

Crisis services are available to anyone in Hancock County experiencing a mental health crisis, or who may be concerned about a loved one. Trained professionals can provide immediate support including de-escalation, assessment, and connection to ongoing care as needed.

To learn more about FRC’s crisis services, visit: https://www.frcohio.com/crisissupport

(ONN) – A significant change is coming to laws regarding public records in Ohio.

The Cleveland Plain Dealer calls it the most significant alteration to Ohio public records law in more than 25 years.

Text messages and emails between Ohio lawmakers and among their staff will now be exempt from public records disclosure until the next legislative session. 

The changes are similar to new federal laws.

Proponents say it allows legislators to operate without fear of public scrutiny.

Opponents say it eliminates transparency and allows legislators to function under a veil of secrecy making preventive measures untenable.

(From the Ohio State Highway Patrol)

The Ohio State Highway Patrol will be highly visible and cracking down on impaired drivers during the Fourth of July holiday reporting period, which begins at midnight on Thursday, July 3 and will run through 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, July 6.

The Patrol’s zero-tolerance policy is part of the national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement campaign aimed at removing impaired drivers from the nation’s roadways.

“Fourth of July celebrations bring Ohioans together to celebrate the founding of our country,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “I encourage everyone to celebrate responsibly to keep the holiday safe and enjoyable for all.”

Many Fourth of July celebrations involve alcohol, which increases the possibility of impaired driving. Therefore, the Patrol urges Ohioans to designate a sober driver, if they plan to drink.

During last year’s Fourth of July reporting period, a total of 16 fatal crashes killed 18 people; of those, eight crashes and eight fatalities involved alcohol and/or drugs. Also, seven of the fatalities involved individuals not wearing safety belts.

Last year’s Fourth of July reporting period included the fatalities of seven motorcyclists, two pedestrians and two moped/motorized bicyclists. Ohio state troopers made 441 impaired driving arrests during that period.  

“Protecting those who travel Ohio’s roads during the Fourth of July holiday, and throughout the year, is at the heart of the mission of the Ohio State Highway Patrol,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent. “Impaired driving remains a leading cause of preventable crashes and loss of life. Our troopers are committed to addressing this issue through increased enforcement and public awareness to keep Ohio’s roadways safe.”

When it comes to impaired driving, alcohol impairment remains a prevalent issue on Ohio’s roadways. In fact, while overall fatal crashes went down 6% from 2023 to 2024, alcohol-impaired driving in fatal crashes increased 13%. Last year, troopers made 14,635 impaired driving arrests. This included 1,375 marijuana impaired arrests and 2,497 drug-impaired driving arrests for a drug other than marijuana.

Motorists are urged to buckle up, follow all traffic laws and safely call #677 to report impaired drivers, drug activity or stranded motorists.

Findlay High School’s award-winning show choir, Findlay First Edition, is holding its annual Garage Sale fundraiser at the high school.

FFE says the Garage Sale is the group’s biggest fundraiser of the year and proceeds go towards competition fees and the purchasing of costumes and other items needed throughout the season.

You can drop off your gently used items July 7-9 at Findlay High School.

You can Early Bird shop on July 10^th.

And then the Garage Sale Hours are:

July 11th: 8am-8pm

July 12th: 8am-12pm

The Wood County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal motorcycle crash.

On Wednesday at 12:01 a.m. the sheriff’s office received a 911 call about a single motorcycle crash in the 15000 block of State Route 199.

Responding deputies discovered that a Harley Davidson driven by William M. Szymanski, 67, of Wayne, was southbound when it crossed the centerline line and off the roadway and into the ditch.

The motorcycle overturned several times before coming to rest.

Szymanski was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The crash remains under investigation.

Assisting on the scene was Pemberville-Freedom Fire and EMS.

(From Blanchard Valley Health System)

Angela Harden-Mack, MD, an internal medicine physician with Blanchard Valley Health System, was recently named Ms. Corporate America Michigan 2025. Dr. Harden-Mack is located at Primary Care at Wellness Park, 3411 Wellness Way in Findlay.

Ms. Corporate America Michigan is a national platform and competition that celebrates the achievements of professional women, recognizing their brilliance, business acumen, and community service. The program goes beyond traditional pageants, highlighting professional women’s careers, passions, and community initiatives. 

Dr. Harden-Mack then advanced to represent the state in the national competition. She went on to claim third-place honors.

As a renowned physician, wellness lifestyle expert, and coach, Dr. Harden-Mack is passionately transforming lives by empowering individuals to embrace personal growth and purposeful living.

“My work bridges modern medicine, timeless healing practices, and feminine wisdom—because transformation isn’t about doing more, it’s about becoming more you,” explained Dr. Harden-Mack.

Dr. Harden-Mack earned her medical degree from Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit, Michigan, and completed her residency at the DMC Internal Medicine & Pediatrics Residency in Detroit.

Her specialties include obesity medicine and holistic wellness coaching. In previous roles, she has also been integral in the development of obesity medicine and the expansion of non-surgical weight management services. Additionally, she has created staff development and education seminars and collaborated with program directors, office managers, and registered dietitians to improve clinic efficiency.

“I believe in the power of positive thinking and the law of manifestation. I intentionally create space to dream, reflect, and evolve,” added Dr Harden Mack. “I also surround myself with people who uplift, challenge, and inspire me.”

Dr. Harden-Mack has been a lecturer for physician continuing medical education lectures and special community programs and events.

Dr. Harden-Mack and her team are welcoming new patients at Primary Care at Wellness Park. Appointments can be made by calling 419.423.5344.

To learn more about the services available at Wellness Park, please visit bvhealthsystem.org/wellness

(From the City of Findlay)

In a continued effort to humanely reduce the population of unowned, free-roaming cats within city limits, the City of Findlay is allocating an additional $5,000 from already appropriated funds to support the ongoing Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program. This initiative is a collaborative effort between the City, the Humane Society & SPCA of Hancock County, VCA Findlay Animal Hospital, and other local veterinarians.

TNR is a proven and humane approach to managing outdoor cat populations. Cats are humanely trapped, spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and ear-tipped (a small clip made to the ear under anesthesia to signal they’ve been fixed). After recovery, they are returned to the location where they were found. This method prevents future litters, reduces nuisance behaviors such as fighting and yowling, and, over time, allows colony numbers to naturally decline. This program is specifically for unowned, free-roaming cats in the City of Findlay.

Since the program began in February, more than 100 cats have been “fixed”. 

If you’re seeking low-cost spay or neuter services for a pet cat, please contact the Humane Society directly for available low-cost options.

TNR addresses the root cause of overpopulation in a way that’s not only humane but also a more sustainable alternative to reactive efforts, such as removal or repeated complaint response. While no solution is free, TNR helps reduce long-term strain on city resources, neighborhoods, and animal welfare organizations alike.

Residents are encouraged to report sightings of unowned, free roaming cats within the city limits, especially those without visible eartips, by heading to FindlayOhio.gov/i-want-to/report/problem and filling out the short form. The City will coordinate with the Humane Society and volunteer trappers to humanely manage cats in the reported areas. Your reports make a real difference in reducing cat-related issues across our neighborhoods.

For residents outside of Findlay City limits who also want to humanely manage unowned, free-roaming cats on their property, there is a low-cost TNR program available to them. Contact the Humane Society/ SPCA of Hancock County at (419) 423-1664 for details and to schedule your appointment.

If you’re feeding outdoor cats, your compassion is appreciated. Feeding without also ensuring the cats are spayed or neutered can unintentionally cause more harm than good. It leads to more kittens, larger colonies, and more neighborhood complaints. This TNR program is here to help. If the cats you’re feeding are unowned and live outdoors within the city limits, they can be included in this TNR effort. If you feed them, help fix them.

The City of Findlay thanks the volunteers, veterinary professionals, and community members who are committed to making this program a success.

(From AARP)

AARP announced that United Way of Hancock County has received a nearly $8,500 2025 Community Challenge grant, as part of AARP’s $4.2 million commitment to fund 383 quick-action projects aimed at making communities more livable for people of all ages, with a focus on the needs of older adults.

The United Way of Hancock County in partnership with CHOPIN Hall, is creating an accessible garden area in Findlay’s Community Garden with raised beds and gathering spaces designed for residents 50-plus. Designed to promote food security, nutritious food access and intergenerational engagement, enhancing the overall quality of life for the community.

 “AARP Ohio is proud to work with communities across the state to help make them more livable for people of all ages,” said Jenny Carlson, state director for AARP Ohio. “United Way of Hancock County’s project will bring real improvement to Hancock County by improving access to food and providing the 50-plus population with opportunities to engage in the community. We’re excited to see this come to life.”

The Community Garden has operated for more than 10 years and continues to serve as a vital resource in the community, especially for 50-plus residents, low-income individuals and families, and people living with disabilities. With food insecurity ranked among the top five health disparities in Hancock County, the Community Garden offers the opportunity to access a reliable and economical source of healthy food. The garden space is located next to the CHOPIN Hall food pantry and 50 North Senior Center.

“Support from AARP is helping to further enhance accessibility with the addition of accessible garden areas, raised beds, ergonomic tools, and ADA-compliant features,” said Kaleb Brown, community impact manager for United Way of Hancock County. “This space not only addresses food insecurity and expands access to nutritious food but also supports the physical and emotional well-being of those who utilize it. CHOPIN Hall Food Pantry, United Way of Hancock County and the Hancock County Community Garden Collaborative are grateful for AARP’s support in making Hancock County a more livable and thriving community.”

Now in its ninth year, the Challenge has awarded $701,852 through 58 grants in Ohio since 2017 to nonprofit organizations and local government entities across the state. Grant projects will be funded in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

(From the City of Findlay)

Findlay, Ohio is proud to honor those who serve our country. The following hometown hero banners are currently being displayed. An asterisk indicates a banner that is being displayed for the first time. Those banners are located on the West side of Main Street from Center Street heading South.

Hometown Hero banners can be requested by visiting https://www.findlayohio.gov/community/hometown-hero-project.

A few frequently asked questions we get:

1. I purchased a banner, why don’t I see their name on the list below?

Answer: The list below is the names of individuals whose banners are currently being displayed.

2. Will banners be put up more than once?

Answer: Yes, banners are on a rotation to allow time for everyone to be honored. We will continue to display your banner until you request to take it home with you.

3. Why can’t all banners be up at the same time?

Answer: We are fortunate to have more heroes in our community than light poles (over 300)! Banners are displayed on rotation to ensure that everyone who applies for a banner is able to be displayed throughout the cycles.

4. What if someone is unable to pay but would like to be honored with a banner?

Answer: There are sponsorships available for those that are unable to pay. Please check this option on the application form.

(From the Ohio State Highway Patrol)

With summer travel season in full swing, the Ohio State Highway Patrol is reminding drivers of the importance of adhering to posted speed limits. Speeding remains a leading cause of crashes, injuries and fatalities on Ohio roadways, and slowing down is a simple yet impactful action every driver can take to promote safety for themselves and others.

“Speed-related crashes are preventable, and slowing down could save your life or the life of a loved one,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “Speed limits are there for everyone’s safety, and I encourage all drivers to remain fully attentive to the road and adhere to posted speed limits.”

Posted speed limits are not suggestions, they are carefully determined based on a variety of factors including road design, traffic volume and surrounding environment. Speed limits are chosen with one goal in mind – to keep everyone traveling on the road safe.

There are several reasons why it is important to slow down and adhere to posted speed limits. Those reasons include:

Increased reaction time – Slower speeds provide more time to perceive and react to hazards, pedestrians or unexpected road conditions.

Reduced stopping distance – The faster you go, the longer it takes to bring your vehicle to a complete stop.

Minimized crash severity – In the event of a collision, the forces involved are significantly greater at higher speeds, leading to more severity of injuries and fatalities.

Protecting roadside workers and emergency responders – Adhering to “Move Over” laws and slowing down in work zones and near emergency vehicles is crucial for the safety of those working to keep our roads safe.

“Speeding is a choice, and it’s a choice that can have devastating consequences,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent. “Every time you exceed the speed limit, you’re not just putting yourself at risk, you’re endangering everyone else on the road.”

From 2020-2024, a total of 146,983 crashes occurred on Ohio roadways in which a driver was traveling at an unsafe rate of speed. Patrol statistics also calculate a total of 1,713 speed-related fatal crashes, resulting in 1,890 deaths, over that same timeframe.

Additional information regarding Ohio crash statistics is available on the Ohio Statistics and Analytics for Traffic Safety (OSTATS) dashboard. That dashboard can be located here.

The Patrol will continue to monitor and enforce all traffic laws, including speed limits, to deter dangerous driving behavior. However, the most effective tool in preventing speeding-related crashes is the responsibility of the individual driver.

The public is encouraged to safely call #677 to report reckless or impaired drivers and drug activity.