(From the Hancock County America 250 Committee)

Dear Community Members, The City of Findlay and Hancock County are excited to join America in celebrating its 250th birthday on July 4, 2026. Planning is underway across the nation—and right here in Findlay-Hancock County—to honor this historic milestone.

In Ohio, the America 250 Commission was established through Ohio Revised Code 149.309 on March 1, 2022. The Commission’s mission is to collaborate with all 88 counties to plan, encourage, develop, and coordinate a meaningful commemoration of the United States’ founding—while highlighting the powerful role Ohioans have played in shaping our nation’s past, present, and future.

From Findlay to Arlington, Bluffton to McComb, every village and city has its own story to tell. Now is the perfect time for businesses, service organizations, schools, non-profits, festival committees, and community leaders to begin making plans for how they’ll take part in the America 250 celebration. We invite you to share how you or your organization plan to celebrate or share any ideas for celebratory initiatives you would like to see in our community.

Please fill out the survey here: https://visitfindlay.com/america-250/public-suggestions/

Please share this message with anyone in your network who is passionate about history, community, and country. Whether you have time, resources, ideas—or all three—your involvement will help shape a lasting legacy.

We look forward to coming together to instill local pride and patriotism while honoring the past and inspiring future generations.

(From the University of Findlay)

The University of Findlay’s Mazza Museum will host its annual Art Camp, formerly the Young Artist Workshop, on July 28 to August 1, for area grade school and middle students.

Based on a theme of “Fantasy,” children will learn about the fascinating world of picture book art in a fun, exciting way with instruction from Mazza staff and local area teachers.

The young artists will create daily art projects using different techniques and media inspired by original illustrations from picture books. At the end of the week, families are invited to attend a reception to honor their young artists.

“Our goal is to give the students a sneak peek into the picture book world, focusing on art techniques that will embrace their curiosity and individuality,” said Amanda Davidson-Johnston, education manager at the Mazza Museum. “They will try new techniques promoting out-of-thebox thinking by using an array of media.”

Open to children in grades 4 to 8, as of fall 2025, the cost is $175. The camp will take place Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with a family reception from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Friday. Enrollment space is limited and provided on a first come, first served basis.

Registration includes:

• All project materials
• Five separate art projects with a Fantasy twist
• Art Camp T-shirt
• Activities in the Mazza Museum and the Joseph and Judith Conda STEAM Education Center
• Certificate of completion

To register, visit the Mazza Museum’s Events page online at www.mazzamuseum.org/events/. For questions regarding the camp, including scholarships to help with the cost, contact Amanda Davidson-Johnston at 419-434-4777 or send an email to amanda.davidsonjohnston@findlay.edu.

(From Tiffin Police Chief David Pauly)

I had the honor of officiating the marriage ceremony of Heather Briner and Jodie Henderson this morning at City Hall.

It was a joyous occasion, filled with love, laughter, and heartfelt celebration as Heather and Jodie exchanged vows, pledging to support and cherish one another for a lifetime.

It was a privilege to witness such a meaningful moment in their lives and to stand with them as they began this new chapter together.

Congratulations and good luck!

Chief David Pauly

Good news for people who enjoy shopping at Findlay’s two Kroger stores.

Kroger has confirmed to WFIN News that the company’s recent announcement that it will be closing about 60 stores over the next 18 months will not impact its two stores in Findlay.

“The closure announcement does not impact our Findlay stores, or any stores in the Columbus Division,” a Kroger spokesperson told WFIN News.

Kroger’s Findlay stores are located at 1996 Tiffin Avenue and 101 6^th Street.  

Kroger revealed the information about the upcoming store closures when it released its first quarter results.

Kroger said it expects to see a modest financial benefit from the store closures.

“Kroger is committed to reinvesting these savings back into the customer experience,” the company said.

Kroger said it will offer jobs in other stores to anyone working at a store that ends up closing.

(From the Ohio High School Athletic Association)

The Ohio High School Athletic Association has announced the divisional breakdowns for the upcoming 2025-26 winter sports seasons. Girls and boys basketball divisions are the only new assignments compared to last season, as those two sports are subject to the OHSAA’s competitive balance process and recalculate divisions every season.

Divisional breakdowns remain the same next season for swimming, bowling and boys wrestling, which do not utilize competitive balance and will be in the second year of the two-year base enrollment cycle. Gymnastics, ice hockey and girls wrestling have one division.

Divisional breakdowns for the fall sports were announced on April 27 and May 1.

More about the OHSAA’s competitive balance process is available at: https://www.ohsaa.org/School-Resources/Competitive-Balance-Resource-Center

Girls Basketball

   2025-26 Divisional Breakdowns: https://www.ohsaa.org/Sports-Tournaments/Basketball-Girls/Girls-Basketball-2025-26

   Girls Basketball Home: https://www.ohsaa.org/sports/girlsbasketball

Boys Basketball

   2025-26 Divisional Breakdowns: https://www.ohsaa.org/Sports-Tournaments/Basketball-Boys/Boys-Basketball-2025-26

   Boys Basketball Home: https://www.ohsaa.org/sports/boysbasketball

Boys Wrestling 2025-26 Divisional Breakdowns: https://www.ohsaa.org/sports/wrestling

Swimming and Diving 2025-26 Divisional Breakdowns (same as 2024-25): https://www.ohsaa.org/sports/swimming

Bowling 2025-26 Divisional Breakdowns (same as 2024-25): https://www.ohsaa.org/sports/bowling

(From the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office)

Join us for the 5K Foot Pursuit – In Pursuit of Suicide Awareness on Sunday, September 7th at 9:00 AM at Liberty-Benton High School!

Co-Hosted by the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office Peer Support Team and the Crime Prevention Association of Findlay/Hancock County. This event raises awareness for suicide prevention and supports mental wellness in our community.

Want to help? We’re looking for volunteers to assist with setup, water stations, and other various areas!

Click below to sign up!

(From Blanchard Valley Center)

At tonight’s board meeting, the Board recognized the Special Olympics athletes for their achievements at the State Summer Games.

They also extended their appreciation to the volunteers and coaches who dedicate their time throughout the year.

Congratulations to all athletes!

Bocce

Kyle Fruth & Dakota Bower – Gold

Kay Green & Jeannette Smith – Silver

Cypress Moneer – Silver

Bocce Coaches: Loren Charles, Lexi Charles, & Dave Charles

Powerlifting

Brandon Heldman – Bronze

Xander Whitaker – Gold

Brandon Koch – 6th place

Powerlifting Coaches: Emma Kristofferson, Kristofer Kristofferson, & Timothy Lemire

Track & Field

Andrew Austin – 100m Run – Silver; Softball Toss – Bronze

Hope Babb – 100m Run – 5th place; Long Jump – Bronze

Sara Bower – 50m Run – Silver; Softball Toss – Silver

Michael Brooks – 100m Run – 7th place; Mini Jav – 6th place; 4×100 Relay – Bronze

Ethan Cooper – Pentathlon – Gold; High Jump – 1st; 400m Run – 1st; Shot Put – 2nd; Running Long Jump – 1st; 100m Run – 1st; 4×100 Relay – Bronze

Amanda Gillen – 50m Dash – Bronze; Softball Toss – Bronze

Wally Kintner – 100m Dash – Bronze; Shot Put – 4th place; 4×100 Relay – Bronze

Jude Kiser – 100m Dash – 4th place; Mini Jav – Silver

Alex LeVeck – 100m Run – Gold; Softball Toss – 5th place

Trevor Mahler – 50m Run – 7th place; Softball Toss – Bronze

Samantha Milum – Long Jump – Bronze; Softball Toss – Gold

Ryley Sherick – 100m Dash – 7th place; Mini Jav – 4th place

Cody Stahl – 100m Run – Gold; Mini Jav – 4th place

Caleb Tong – 100m Run – Bronze; Shot Put – 4th place; 4×100 Relay – Bronze

Aleiah Warnement – 100m Run – Bronze; Long Jump – Silver

Track & Field Coaches: Ray & Mandy Henley, Austin Cornette, Destiny Kirkland, and Lauren Warnement

(From the Findlay Civic Concert Band)

We love this country and can’t wait for you to join us as we offer “A Salute to America” from the Dudley Bandshell on Wednesday, June 25 at 7pm!

This is the perfect way to get in the patriotic spirit, to thank our veterans, and to wear your RED, WHITE, and BLUE! This FREE concert is family-friendly and sure to be a fun time for all ages.

Thanks to our season sponsors, Coldwell Banker Flag City, Flag City Mobile Veterinary Clinic, St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, Marathon Center for the Performing Arts, University of Findlay, and the one who has been with us since day one in 1951… 1330 WFIN!

Learn more about the band, including how you can support us at findlaycivicband.com

WFIN – (Each week’s concert of the Riverside Civic Concert Series will be aired Sunday morning at 11 on 1330, WFIN, 95-five FM and WFIN.com. presented by Coldwell Banker/Flag City)

You can also visit the WFIN Music Audio Archive, presented by Coldwell Banker/Flag City and listen to a podcast of each concert, plus past years concerts as well. (click on the “Community” link and search “Riverside Concerts”)

Camp 911 is being held this week in Findlay.

The fun and interactive safety camp is for Hancock County kids entering kindergarten and is led by local first responders.

At the camp, kids learn essential safety skills, meet real-life heroes, and enjoy hands-on activities.

Beth Baker with the Findlay Fire Department explains the wide range of activities the kids will take part in. 

When we stopped by on Monday some folks from the Family Resource Center were reading a book called ‘Kind Ninja’ and talking with the kids about ways to show kindness.

In the picture below, each time they hit the balloon back up into the air they had to say something kind.

Camp 911 is a joint effort led by local emergency response agencies, including Hanco, Findlay Fire and Police Departments, the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office, and Hancock Public Health.

(From Liberty-Benton Local Schools)

Looking back on a special moment from May 23rd…

For the first time, Liberty-Benton held a “Passing the Torch” ceremony, bringing together our graduating seniors and kindergarten students on the football field. Each senior gifted a small graduation bear to a kindergartner as they met at the center of the field—a symbolic and heartwarming exchange between the oldest and youngest members of our school community.

After a group photo, the seniors walked hand in hand with their kindergarten buddy for a memorable “clap out” through the PreK–8 building.

Don’t miss the drone footage of this unforgettable day: https://youtu.be/AZrNd78us1I