(From the Ohio State Highway Patrol)

The Ohio State Highway Patrol is asking all motorists to do their part in promoting roadway safety during what has been characterized by safety officials as the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer. This time period, which runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day, sees an increase in traffic on the roads and an increased number of both serious-injury and fatal crashes.

“There is a clear connection between the summer’s rise in temperatures and the increase in traffic crashes,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “Whether you are headed to a cookout, a ballgame, or a weekend getaway, please buckle up, avoid distractions, and never drive impaired.”

The increased risk of serious-injury and fatal crashes during this time of year is attributed to several factors, including increased driving time, increased distractions and driver inexperience.

-Increased driving time – School is out and teens have more unstructured time, which leads to more driving, often times with friends in the vehicle.

-Increased distractions – Distracted driving, including phone use and multiple passengers being in the vehicle, increase the risk of a serious crash.

-Driver inexperience – Statistics show that teen drivers are more likely to be involved in a crash due to their inexperience.

This time period also encompasses the primary motorcycle riding months. According to Patrol statistics, more than half of all motorcycle-involved crashes last year occurred during the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer.

During this time period last year, a total of 65,035 crashes occurred on Ohio’s roadways, including 364 fatal crashes. Those fatal crashes resulted in 393 deaths, which equates to more than one-third of the fatal crashes recorded in 2024.

“As traffic increases over the summer months, so does our shared responsibility for keeping our roads safe,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent. “By making safe, intentional choices behind the wheel, we can prevent crashes and save lives.”

Similar to a year ago, troopers will be highly visible on roadways across the state promoting traffic safety for all those who live in and travel through Ohio. In 2024, troopers made 4,275 OVI arrests, issued 20,302 seat belt citations and cited 7,877 motorists for driving with a suspended license during the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer.

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

(From the Hancock Historical Museum)

The Hancock Historical Museum is bringing back a fan-favorite outdoor event that blends history with the art of mixology. History with a Twist, presented by Hixon Zuercher Capital Management, will return to the museum grounds from 4 – 7 p.m. Saturday, June 14.

In celebration of the museum’s Growing Up 90s: Hancock County Edition exhibit, eight of Findlay’s finest bartenders will compete by crafting original cocktails inspired by the 1990s. Each drink will pay homage to the decade through technique, ingredients, title or presentation.

Participating businesses include Alexandria’s, Bourbon Affair, Findlay Brewing Company, Findlay Country Club, Gillig Winery, Mancy’s, Main Street Deli & Barcade and The Baker’s Café. Competing mixologists will vie for two awards: Grand Champion, determined by a panel of anonymous judges, and People’s Choice, chosen by event guests.

Attendees will enjoy cocktail tastings, appetizers, and live music by Jason Wagner and Ryan Parker. Each ticket includes one vote for the People’s Choice award. Additional votes may be cast by submitting donations, which directly support the museum’s mission.

History with a Twist is a 21-and-up event held rain or shine at the Hancock Historical Museum, located at 422 West Sandusky Street in Findlay. A valid ID and ticket are required for entry. All proceeds benefit the museum’s annual operations, including the preservation of Hancock County’s rich history and educational programming for all ages.

Tickets are $55 for museum members and $65 for nonmembers. Quantities are limited and available for purchase at the Hancock Historical Museum or online at https://www.hancockhistoricalmuseum.org/event-details/history-with-a-twist

Sign up for any level of museum membership for the discounted ticket price and receive an exclusive Hancock Historical Museum cocktail glass at the event. Annual museum membership starts at $50 and includes reciprocal benefits at museums, science centers, botanical gardens and more throughout the United States.

For more information, contact the Hancock Historical Museum at (419) 423-4433 or visit www.hancockhistoricalmuseum.org.

(ONN) – A new Ohio law passed last year has gone into effect, making it harder for Ohio drivers to lose their licenses.

In 2024, state legislators adopted House Bill 29 to make it more difficult for Ohio drivers to lose their licenses for unpaid fees and fines.

The law went into effect in April of this year.

The Columbus Dispatch reports that over 170,000 Ohio drivers have had their suspensions and/or vehicle registration blocks removed and over 7,000 got their driver licenses back.

More than 24,000 are now able to take a driving test to restore their licenses as their suspensions have been removed.

Now, license suspensions are reserved for dangerous driving convictions.

(From the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts)

MCPA’s Boogie on the Block is back! This much-loved event, a staple in the Findlay community since the early 1990s, will take place on Friday, June 6, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM at the Roman-Jebitt Festival Grounds (MCPA Parking Lot).

As Findlay’s biggest block party and the kick-off to summer, Boogie on the Block offers a perfect opportunity for friends, families, and neighbors to come together before their busy summer schedules begin.

The outdoor event will feature live music from two exciting bands: Amelia Airharts, a Toledo-area, female-led band with an explosive presence and soulful sound, and Doc Robinson, known for their “backyard BBQ breakup” music from Columbus, Ohio.

With a range of food vendors and non-alcoholic beverages sponsored by Ball Corporation, plus beer booths featuring Beerco products and craft brews from Findlay Brewing Company, partygoers are in for a night of great food, music, and fun.

Tickets for Boogie on the Block are priced at $7 for general admission and $3 for youth.

This event is proudly sponsored by Hancock Federal Credit Union.

Boogie on the Block is made possible by the incredible support of volunteers.

Volunteering at Boogie on the Block is a great way to get involved, support the community, and be part of this Findlay tradition.

Those interested in lending a hand can sign up on the MCPA website.

For more information about Boogie on the Block and volunteer opportunities, please visit www.mcpa.org or call the MCPA office at 419-423-2787.

(From the City of Findlay)

On Tuesday, June 3, Mayor Christina Muryn updated the City of Findlay Parks & Recreation Board on progress made toward the proposed improvements for the downtown recreation area. Over the past three years, the City of Findlay has worked diligently to advance plans for recreational enhancements within the planned Phase 2 benching area. This 19-acre property in downtown Findlay is expected to flood a few times a year. When not flooded, it offers prime open space in the heart of the city.

“The benching area is expected to flood a few days each year. My goal is to ensure that the other 355+ days it serves as a usable community asset. All amenities currently under consideration are designed to withstand flooding and allow for easy cleanup afterward, ensuring they do not negatively impact our primary focus of flood mitigation,” said Mayor Christina Muryn.

A video rendering of the entire area is available on the City of Findlay website at www.findlayohio.gov, giving residents an opportunity to better understand the proposal and complete a survey. The current conceptual plan includes:

• ~2.5 miles of multiuse paths
• 320+ trees and meadow areas
• A 18,000 sq. ft. playground designed for children of all abilities
• A 21,000 sq. ft. skate park
• A discovery play/peace garden
• Outdoor eating areas
• Shelter houses and restrooms
• A 4,400 sq. ft. splash pad
• A 5,700 sq. ft. multipurpose stage capable of hosting a full orchestra, workout classes, and educational programming
• River access points for kayaking and fishing
• A new 460-foot pedestrian suspension bridge connecting East Front Street to the north side of the river

The City aims to proceed with design and engineering over the next 6 to 9 months. The Mayor shared that the expected cost for the remaining design and engineering work is $3,909,343, which will be requested for appropriation by City Council in the coming month. The total estimated project cost—assuming all currently proposed amenities are included—is between $30 million and $35 million. This estimate includes a 20% contingency on most items, as well as an additional 8.76% cost escalation buffer, anticipating continued increases in construction costs through 2027, when construction is expected to begin.

One of the most significant elements under consideration is the pedestrian bridge. Due to its suspension design and the wide span it must cover—both intended to minimize flow impediments during flooding—the bridge is estimated to cost between $7.3 million and $7.8 million.

“I understand this is a significant cost, and we do not take that lightly. The decision we have to make is: do we believe a pedestrian bridge in this location provides a meaningful benefit to the area now and into the future? If the answer is yes, then we must acknowledge that it will come at a cost to ensure it meets the design constraints of this space.

Additionally, if a bridge is not constructed as part of this project, it will not be feasible to add it in the future due to the required Letter of Map Revision that will be submitted following the completion of benching. That submission includes all downtown recreation area amenities as part of the hydraulic analysis. Once that is finalized, it will be nearly impossible to add anything further.”— Mayor Christina Muryn

Advancing these efforts now allows time for fundraising through private donations, public and private grants, and setting aside City funds over the coming years. Construction of the amenities is targeted to begin in 2027.

In addition, the City plans to reconstruct the existing south bank Riverwalk in 2026, explore the potential for a dog park at the existing Anchor Park properties, and fully rebuild Clinton Court as part of the final phase of the downtown recreation area enhancements.

To learn more about this project and share your feedback, visit www.findlayohio.gov.

Background

The City of Findlay anticipates breaking ground in Fall 2025 on the final three major flood mitigation projects: the Norfolk Southern Railroad Bridge, Phase 2 Benching, and the Eagle Creek Basin. Together with Phase 1 Benching, these projects will reduce floodwater levels in a 100-year flood event by three feet in downtown Findlay, removing over 2,000 parcels from the floodplain. This will significantly reduce flood risk for thousands of properties and lower — or eliminate — the need for flood insurance.

To learn more about flood mitigation efforts in Hancock County, visit www.hancockcountyflooding.com.

(From the Fourth of July Parade Planning Committee)

Findlay’s Independence Day Parade registration is now open. Taking place on July 4th and beginning at 11 a.m. the annual parade will step off at South Main and Lima, travel north on Main Street through Downtown Findlay, ending at the Hancock County War Memorial located at the intersection of North Main Street and Center Street.

The parade has no cost for entries. Businesses and community organizations are invited to join – all floats and vehicles are highly encouraged to display the American Flag and patriotic decorations. Military personnel, veterans, police officers, firefighters, and EMS personnel are invited as they are our heroes that served and are serving our country and community.

Children are invited to decorate their bikes, trikes, and scooters in red, white, and blue and be part of the bike parade. Children will meet for judging prior to the parade; awards will be given in various categories.

Registration for both the parade and bike parade are available at VisitFindlay.com/Fourth-of-JulyParade. Registration is due no later than July 1. Paper registration forms can be downloaded online and dropped off at The Alliance, 123 E. Main Cross St.

The Fourth of July parade is organized by a group of community volunteers. Any questions regarding the parade can be answered by calling Scott Sterling, 567-525-1612 or Mike Benavides 419-348-7922.

Other Fourth of July festivities taking place in Findlay include the July 4th Spectacular, Presented by the Hancock County Agricultural Society fireworks and day of family fun at the Hancock County Fairgrounds on July 3, and the Hancock Historical Museum’s annual Ice Cream Social following the parade on July 4. For information on these events and others taking place in the community go to VisitFindlay.com

(From Raise the Bar Hancock County)

We’re proud to celebrate another graduating class of WorkAdvance, and this one came with a big first:

𝗔𝗹𝗹 𝗳𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝟮𝟳 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗹𝗲𝘀! (Only 13 are required for graduation.)

This dedication means every graduate is eligible to sit for the Certified Manufacturing Associate exam, a nationally recognized credential that opens doors to high-quality manufacturing careers.

Beyond their achievements on paper, this group stood out for their positivity and the way they encouraged each other every step of the way. We couldn’t be more proud.

Congrats, grads! Now it’s time to help each of you land your next good job in Hancock County.

If you’re interested in this free training and certification to help you land you next job, or if you know someone who could benefit, apply now or share to help a friend out.

(From the Hancock County Commissioners)

Our Hancock County Commissioners are providing a community outreach program this summer called “Town & Country Tuesdays” where each commissioner will be spending time each Tuesday at various local eateries and village parks throughout Findlay & greater Hancock County.

Think of it as an informal town hall one-on-one casual meeting with individual commissioners.

The schedule for each month will be posted on the commissioners’ website and can also be seen below.

• June 3rd
  • Commissioner Hunker @ The Dark Horse – 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
  • Commissioner Bechtol @ City BBQ – 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• June 10th 
  • Commissioner Bateson @ Panthers Pizza (McComb) – 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
  • Commissioner Bechtol @ Baker’s Café – 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
  • Commissioner Hunker @ Chick-Fil-A – 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• June 17th 
  • Commissioner Bateson @ Smoking BBQ – 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
  • Commissioner Bechtol @ Wilson’s Sandwich Shop – 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
  • Commissioner Hunker @ Coffee Amici – 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
• June 24th
  • Commissioner Bechtol @ Dietsch Brothers (W. Main Cross St.) – 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

(From Awakening Minds Art)

Awakening Minds Art (AMA), a nonprofit dedicated to providing therapeutic and educational visual art programs to all ages and abilities, has announced the launch of The Forever Fund, a newly established endowment at the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation.

This summer, AMA is rallying community support to build a lasting financial foundation through its 2025 Summer Campaign for The Forever Fund. With a benchmark goal of $10,000, this initiative will ensure AMA’s mission lives on forever, supporting inclusive one-on-one and group programming for generations to come.

“An endowment is like a piggy bank that never stops giving,” said Emily Sullivan, Executive Director of AMA. “This fund will grow year after year, helping us provide confidence-building, sensory-friendly, and skill-developing art programs to individuals of all ages and abilities, no matter what the future brings.”

AMA invites community members to be among the first founding donors of The Forever Fund. Donations of $25 or more will be honored with unique recognitions. Top-tier donors, dubbed Masterpiece Makers, will receive prominent placement on a permanent recognition plaque at AMA’s headquarters.

Supporters Can Give Today at:

🔗 www.community-foundation.com/funds/awakening-minds-art-fund

Fundraising efforts this year will emphasize support for one-on-one programming, a key initiative for AMA during its inception in 2009. This program provides customized, therapeutic art instruction tailored to individuals with developmental disabilities, mental health needs, aging-related challenges, and more.

“Art is how our students find their voice, grow their confidence, and build skills that serve them far beyond the classroom,” said Sullivan. “By contributing to The Forever Fund, you’re not just giving to AMA, you’re becoming part of its legacy.”

About Awakening Minds Art

Founded in Findlay, Ohio, Awakening Minds Art is a nonprofit organization offering inclusive, visual art programs that serve individuals of all ages and abilities. Whether in the classroom, at senior care facilities, or through one-on-one sessions, AMA’s mission is to empower people through creativity, confidence, and connection.

By Sheri Trusty, Seneca County Sheriff’s Office Public Relations Coordinator

Seneca County Sheriff Fredrick Stevens received a call from Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s office on Friday with the good news that the state will award $124,781 in non matching grant funds to the Seneca County Jail for some security upgrades. The governor and Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction Director Annette Chambers-Smith announced that the state will award $50 million in grants to support construction and renovation projects at a total of 19 local jails across the state.

The grants are distributed through the Ohio Jail Safety and Security Program, which is administered through the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction’s Bureau of Adult Detention. The program is designed to fund construction/renovation projects or structural/security upgrades at “functionally obsolete and structurally failing jails,” according to information from the State.

Sheriff Stevens applied for the grant money with the assistance of Fostoria Economic Development Corporation President, Renee Smith. Smith provided invaluable counsel and processed the grant for the Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Stevens is grateful for her expertise and help.

The Sheriff has applied for the Ohio Jail Safety and Security Program grant funding every year since he took office in 2021, and this is the first time the jail was chosen as a grant recipient.

“I’m happy we’re getting some help,” he said. “All 88 counties fight for this money, so it’s nice to get some money back from the State after trying for 4 ½ years.”

Jail renovation was a top priority when Sheriff Stevens took office. His goal to improve living conditions for inmates and working conditions for staff aligns with the governor’s purpose behind the Ohio Jail Safety and Security Program.

“This funding will not only support safer environments for those living and working in our local jails, but it will also help prepare inmates for release by creating improved spaces for workforce development, educational opportunities, and other programming,” Governor DeWine said.

Of the 19 jails receiving funding, seven will utilize the funds for new jail construction, expansion, or major renovation projects. Eleven counties received funding for structural upgrades, security enhancements, and small renovation projects, and one county will invest the funds in a needs assessment/feasibility study.

“This funding will provide more safety and security in facilities and more space for programming, which will improve conditions for both staff and incarcerated people,” said Director Annette Chambers-Smith. “We are helping these jails provide what they need to better meet the demands of the criminal justice system in their county and prepare the incarcerated population for release back into their communities.”

This year’s Ohio Jail Safety and Security Grant Program funding comes from the current capital budget. Since the program’s inception, over $228 million in state funding has been awarded to 50 jails serving over 50 counties.

Sheriff Stevens is very grateful that Governor DeWine’s office chose the Seneca County Jail as a recipient for this round of funding, but he has been advocating at the state level for a change in the current method of funding distribution. On May 7, the Sheriff traveled to the Ohio Statehouse to testify before the Ohio Senate Government Oversight Committee on House Bill 96, which determines state operating appropriations for fiscal year 2026-2027.

During his testimony, Sheriff Stevens expressed his gratitude for the millions of dollars that Gov. DeWine’s office has invested in jail construction and renovation, but Sheriff Stevens said the “current method of funding distribution creates few winners and many losers across the state.”

Rather than distribute the grants through a competitive process that leaves the majority of county jails without funds, Sheriff Stevens suggested that funding be allocated to all counties with jails.

“I would like to suggest a new method that would help all Ohio sheriffs better maintain their jails and, in some counties, prevent the need for new construction,” he said during his testimony. “Instead of dispersing the money as a competitive grant, I would like to suggest that the State simply disperse it equally among all the counties that have sheriff-run jails. Although this would not address new construction, it would allow for the bulk of the aging facilities to receive yearly funds that can be earmarked specifically for remodeling and renovation projects. There are far more aging facilities with renovation/remodel needs than new construction needs.”

Sheriff Stevens will continue his efforts to advocate for the change. For now, he is focusing on utilizing the Ohio Jail Safety and Security Program funds for security upgrades throughout the jail.