A longtime Findlay educator who shared his passion for the stars with generations of students has died.

LeEdwin “LeEddie” Carl Smith passed away on November 25. He was 78 years old. 

You can read his full obituary below from Kirkpatrick-Behnke Funeral Home.

LeEdwin “LeEddie” Carl Smith departed on November 25, 2025, in Findlay, Ohio, at the age of 78.

He was born on August 18, 1947, to Carl E. and Betty J. (Burke) Smith, who knew their hazel-eyed boy needed a less common first name. A man of science and exploration, LeEddie was a lifelong wonderer, shaped by Nebish vacations, hours of cowboy play with his siblings, and a six-month voyage in his early career to South America.

“Mr. Smith” brought his passion for the stars and the natural world to generations of students at Donnell Middle School, where he taught for 35 years. His sister-in-law stood in for him while he took his South American tour and remembers that students were genuinely unhappy to miss out on his instruction.

During his time at Donnell, he launched the school’s first wrestling program, coached track, and mentored younger teachers. He taught his future wife to frog gig on their very first date, and together they later became expert green bean snappers.

With friends and family, “Smitty” shared the best asparagus, tomatoes, and grape leaves, a fresh-caught perch, or a bite of game from his most recent hunt. He enjoyed a cold brew with his buddies at The Moose, Lucky’s or The West End.

He shared it all with his children — and taught his grandchildren, his “little turds,” how to mow, hunt, and fish off rocks and docks at the quarry or on Lake Erie. “Pa” or “Crappa” entertained them in the garage and garden, sugared them up with Sammie’s, and got them to really listen to the outdoors.

Our “Mr. Wizard” amazed us, and the community and loved ones who surrounded him made him proud.

LeEddie is preceded in death by his parents and sister Ann (Stephen) Franklin. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Cynthia (Schmidt); daughter Adrienne (Brian) Mormino of Columbus, IN; son Josh (Keely) Smith of Ashland, OH; grandchildren Hunter and Wyatt Smith, and Max, Sam, and Tess Mormino; brother Mark D. (Phyllis Ann) Smith; along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family, many of whom experienced him as their teacher or coach.

The family will receive friends from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Kirkpatrick-Behnke Funeral Home, 500 Lima Avenue, Findlay, Ohio. If you have it, please feel free to wear your camo and ball caps.

Donations in memory of LeEdwin Smith may be made to The University of Findlay https://give.findlay.edu/ with a designation, “Planetarium,” or the Multidisciplinary Head and Neck Cancer Fund at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – The James https://giveto.osu.edu/makeagift/details/316444.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at http://www.kirkpatrickbehnke.com.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of LeEdwin Carl Smith, please visit our Tree Store.

(From the Hancock Historical Museum)

The Hancock Historical Museum has decked the halls and invites the community to its annual Christmas Open House from 5 – 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6. This year’s event is open to everyone free of charge, thanks to the generous support of Hancock Federal Credit Union!

Bring the whole family to enjoy the sounds of the holidays with live music by the Findlay String Factor, capture memories with photos alongside Father Christmas and Mrs. Claus, and taste complimentary seasonal refreshments. Children can take part in a variety of holiday-themed crafts and games, with the first 100 families to arrive receiving a free children’s book courtesy of the Richard P. Barchent Jr. Educational Fund. Guests of all ages can explore engaging activities hosted by community partners, including (but not limited to) the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library, Children’s Mentoring Connection, 50 North, the Children’s Museum, and Hancock County Parks District, while adults are invited to craft beautiful ornaments at the historic Davis Learning Institute.

Don’t forget to browse the museum’s gift shop for one-of-a-kind holiday gifts featuring tickets to the Historic Homes Tour: Holiday Edition (Dec. 14), vintage German nutcrackers from the private collection of Waltraud Mullinger, local history books, apparel, children’s toys, and unique Findlay Glass pieces.

Celebrate the spirit of the season with friends and neighbors at the Hancock Historical Museum’s Christmas Open House—thanks to Hancock Federal Credit Union, admission is free for all!

The Hancock Historical Museum is located at 422 W. Sandusky St. in Findlay, Ohio. For more information about the museum and upcoming events, visit HancockHistoricalMuseum.org or call 419-423-4433.

One of the remaining flood mitigation projects in Findlay is underway.

Phase 2 benching of the Blanchard River in downtown Findlay has begun.

Crews can be seen moving dirt on the north side of the river between North Main Street and North Cory Street.

Phase 1 benching was previously completed between Broad Avenue and the Norfolk Southern Railroad Bridge, and involved floodplain benching near Swale Park, and removal of several low‑head dams downstream of Lye Creek.

Two more flood mitigation projects still to come are the new Norfolk Southern Railroad Bridge – to eliminate a pinch point in the river – and the Eagle Creek Floodwater Storage Basin just south of town.

Mayor Christina Muryn says all the projects together will reduce floodwater levels in a 100-year flood event by three feet in downtown Findlay.  

Officials say the new Norfolk Southern Railroad Bridge could be completed before the end of the year or early next year.

As for the Eagle Creek Floodwater Storage Basin, officials say they’re waiting on formal signing of the grant for the project from FEMA.

(From Blanchard Valley Health System)

Recently, Myron D. Lewis, MSW, MBA, FACHE, president and chief executive officer of Blanchard Valley Health System, spoke at Fresh Brewed Business.

Fresh Brewed Business is a monthly event hosted by the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, where community professionals gather to make network connections and stay informed on local business, government, education, and health news.

Myron provided updates on how BVHS is addressing nationwide challenges faced by rural health systems, such as declining reimbursements, rising supply costs, and a shrinking workforce. He also emphasized the importance of maintaining high-quality care locally, explaining how BVHS continually adapts to support the needs of our community.

Thank you for helping keep the community informed and for representing TeamBVHS!

(From the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation)

Last opportunity to have your voice heard!

Community Foundation staff will be in Findlay, McComb and Mt. Blanchard Friday and Sunday as part of Community Conversations!

Stop by, share your thoughts, and help shape the future of our community.

And a bonus, get a free treat!

Visit our website for details https://www.community-foundation.com/cc25

(ONN) – With the temperatures dropping, heating bills are rising.

There are several programs available to assist people having trouble paying their heating bills.

The Home Energy Assistance Program, or HEAP, is a federally funded program that helps eligible people with their energy bills.

The HeatShare Program is a partnership between the Salvation Army and Columbia Gas of Ohio.

Columbia Gas also has the Warm Choice Program which can help income eligible customers receive free winterization of their homes.

And, Columbia Gas also offers a special reconnect order so those with outstanding fees can pay $175 dollars to have their service reconnected or avoid disconnection — and then set up a payment plan to pay back overdue bills.

The customer service number for Columbia Gas of Ohio is 1 800 344 4077.

(From Findlay High School)

Join Us for Our 4th Annual Pictures With Santa!

Kick off the holiday season with the FHS Student Council and Mr. and Mrs. Claus in the Findlay High School Great Hall on Saturday, December 6, from 10 a.m. to noon.

This festive event is FREE and open to the entire Findlay community.

Bring your family, enjoy holiday activities, and make memories that will last all season long.

It’s going to be snow much fun!

Hosted by FHS Student Council.

The Ohio Department of Transportation says eight of its snow plows were struck in just one week.

“Every crash takes critical snow-fighting equipment off the road and forces other plows to extend their routes. Please, give our crews room to work,” ODOT said on Facebook.

ODOT Press Secretary Matt Bruning urges drivers to pay better attention on the roadways.

In addition to giving snow plows room to work, the Ohio State Highway Patrol reminds all motorists to obey the state’s Move Over Law, which requires drivers to move over a lane and slow down when they see emergency vehicles and work crews on the side of the road.

(From Marathon Center for the Performing Arts)

Marathon Center for the Performing Arts (MCPA) is excited to open registration for its 2026 Winter Art and Music Classes, inviting students in grades K–12 to experience a season filled with creativity, discovery, and hands-on artistic fun. This winter’s programming features dynamic visual art clubs and lively music classes designed to spark imagination, build confidence and help young artists shine.

Winter Art Club

MCPA’s Winter Art Club offers students a welcoming, inspiring space where creativity thrives and imagination takes the lead.

Grades K–2
January 5, 12, 19, 26 and February 2, 9 | 4:30–5:30 p.m.
Instructor: Matt Bower
Young artists will explore painting, drawing, cutting, gluing and building imaginative 2D and 3D creations using a wide variety of colorful and engaging art materials.

Grades 3–5
January 7, 14, 21, 28 and February 4, 11 | 4:30–5:30 p.m.
Instructor: Jason Wagner
Students will dive into bold 2D and 3D projects across mediums including paint, printmaking and drawing, perfect for both budding artists and experienced creators eager to explore new techniques.

Grades 6–12
January 7, 14, 21, 28 and February 4, 11 | 5:45–7:00 p.m.
Instructor: Jason Wagner
Students will explore exciting 2D and 3D projects using a wide range of mediums, from painting and intricate printmaking to dynamic drawing and more. Whether they’re seasoned creators or simply love to make art, each session offers fresh inspiration and hands-on creative exploration.

Winter Music Class Offerings

Mini Orff Makers (Grades K–2)
January 7, 14, 21, 28 and February 4, 11 | 4:30–5:30 p.m.
Instructor: Katie Ferren
A lively, movement-filled introduction to music, this class uses the Orff approach to help young musicians explore rhythm, melody, language and instruments through playful rhymes, chants and creative expression.

The Orffestra (Grades 3–5)
January 5, 12, 19, 26 and February 2, 9 | 4:30–5:30 p.m.
Instructor: Katie Ferren
Students transform poems and stories into rhythm patterns, songs and group compositions. With singing, movement, improvisation and instrumental play, every session supports confidence, collaboration and joyful music-making.

Registration & Additional Information

MCPA’s Winter Class Series gives students the opportunity to explore their creativity, connect with peers, and discover new artistic passions. Classes fill quickly, register early to secure your spot!

For registration and more information, visit www.mcpa.org/education-community

(From Blanchard Valley Health System)

The Golden Apple Volunteer Program was recently gifted with beautifully hand-sewn and embroidered homemade cart covers created by Judy Balister. Judy is a dedicated BVHS volunteer, and we extend our heartfelt thanks for the time, care, and craftsmanship she put into these stunning covers.

The Golden Apple Volunteer Program focuses on the specific needs and preferences of older adults, helping to optimize their well-being and quality of life during their inpatient stay. Volunteers participate in a structured, supportive environment and receive training tailored to this unique opportunity. Responsibilities include evaluating in-room patient care, interacting and visiting with patients, and assisting with small tasks. Clinical staff conduct pre-shift and post-shift huddles to support volunteers and ensure high-quality patient engagement.

Volunteers also benefit from mentorship, gain clinical experience, receive a certificate upon program completion, and accumulate volunteer hours. If this opportunity sounds like a great fit for you, please apply today at bvhs.info/GoldenAppleApplication.