(From the United Way of Hancock County)

Volunteers are needed to help run a free tax preparation program that is expected to return over $1 million to the community.

United Way of Hancock County is seeking volunteer tax preparers and greeters for its free income tax preparation program, called VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance). This IRS program serves income-eligible individuals who live, work or attend college in Hancock County and may not otherwise be able to afford to have their taxes prepared and filed. The United Way is again collaborating with the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library and 50 North, who will host the service at their sites.

The United Way is recruiting volunteers to serve as tax preparers and greeters at both the library and 50 North. Morning, afternoon and evening shifts are available Mondays through Fridays, plus Saturday mornings. Volunteers schedule their own hours during whatever days or months they are available.

Tax preparers will prepare and electronically file taxes for clients. No experience is necessary. Volunteers can work through training online or may attend training sessions with the VITA site coordinator in December to become certified. All new volunteers will work with an experienced tax preparer until they are comfortable with the program.

Greeters are needed to welcome clients as they arrive for appointments. Responsibilities include checking taxpayers in and ensuring that they have the necessary paperwork for their appointment.

During the 2025 VITA season, nearly 1,100 state and federal tax returns were filed by a group of 23 VITA volunteers. United Way of Hancock County has won a large federal grant that will allow for expansion of the program during the 2026 tax season to assist even more community members.

Appointments for the 2026 VITA season will begin Feb. 2 and will continue into the days leading up to Tax Day, based on demand.

Contact Bridgit at accounting@uwhancock.org or call 419-423-1432 to sign up as a volunteer or for more information.

The City of Findlay is asking people to be good neighbors and to remember to clear their sidewalk after it snows.

The city reminds residents that, per city ordinance 906.02, it is the responsibility of property owners to clear their sidewalks following snow events.

The ordinance states that snowfall must be removed from the sidewalk within 12 hours after it falls or within two hours after being notified by the city to do so.

Someone found to be in violation could be charged with a minor misdemeanor.

The owners or occupants of abutting lots and land in the City shall keep the sidewalk in front of and along their respective lots in good repair and free from filth, mud or any nuisance. The owners or occupants shall remove all snow, ice and dirt from the sidewalk along or in front of their respective property within twelve hours after any snowfall or within two hours after being notified by the Service-Safety Director to remove the same.

(From Primrose Retirement Community of Findlay)

Primrose Retirement Community of Findlay recently celebrated yet another heartwarming moment of generosity as 95-year-old resident Joyce Wilson continued her long-standing tradition of crocheting winter hats and scarves for individuals served by Findlay Hope House for the Homeless. 

 This year, Joyce created over 100 handmade pieces, each crafted entirely by hand and each stitched with intention. Joyce learned to crochet while making washcloths for World War II soldiers and has carried that skill forward for more than 30 years, using it to serve others with compassion and humility. 

 “God’s been good to me,” Joyce shared. “This is my way of giving back. I can’t serve food, but I can sit and crochet. Someone out there will have a warm hat and scarf because of it.” 

 Her winter sets are purposely designed to fit easily inside a backpack, offering practical comfort for individuals experiencing homelessness. According to Hope House, the impact of Joyce’s work goes far beyond warmth. 

 “Joyce’s generosity reminds people that they matter,” said Laurie Poland, Development Director at Findlay Hope House. “If someone has had a difficult year, receiving something handmade just for them can be deeply meaningful. Joyce’s kindness continues to touch lives in ways she may never fully see.” 

 At Primrose, we believe independence is not something our residents leave behind. It evolves. It grows. It creates new opportunities to give, serve, and thrive. Joyce is a shining example of what fostering independence can look like when older adults are supported, encouraged, and celebrated for using their gifts. 

 “Joyce is a true blessing to the Findlay community,” said Levi Heldman, Director of Sales. “She embodies everything we strive for here, and we’re truly grateful to have her as part of our Primrose family. Her generosity reflects the heart of who we are. We want our residents to thrive, stay connected, and use their gifts to serve others. Supporting Joyce as she continues to make an impact is an honor for all of us.” 

 Residents, team members, and Hope House representatives joined together at Primrose for a warm and joyful presentation as Joyce’s hats and scarves were packed up to support families in need this winter. 

 Primrose Retirement Community remains committed to creating an environment where older adults can thrive, explore meaningful interests, and continue contributing to the communities they love. 

(From Liberty-Benton Local Schools)

Home for the Holidays? Come tour LB!

Whether you’re a proud alum, LB family, or community supporter, if you haven’t had the chance to see the new school, field house, or high school renovations, now’s your chance!

Join us on December 29 for a Liberty-Benton Campus Tour at 10:00 a.m. or 5:00 p.m.

Sign up here: https://www.liberty-benton.org/tours

Bonus: Stick around after the evening tour to cheer on the boys’ basketball team at 6 p.m.!

(From the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office)

Our office has received several phone calls in regard to a subject going by the name of “Captain Emery”. They state they work at the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office, advise the caller of a warrant out for their arrest, and demand money to make the warrant go away.

THIS IS A SCAM!

We do not have anyone at our agency by that name. The Sheriff’s Office will not call you and advise you of a warrant or demand money.

Remember: do NOT give personal or financial information over the phone!

(From the University of Findlay’s Mazza Museum)

Area residents are invited aboard a holiday adventure, the “North Pole Express,” at the December 14 “Funday Sunday” program at University of Findlay’s Mazza Museum.

Free and open to the public, the program offers a joyful flurry of excitement with holiday-themed art and construction activities, games, hands-on educational stations, and interactive STEAM activities.

The family-friendly learning extravaganza encourages artistic expression, enhances literacy, and develops critical thinking skills.

“We invite families to step into a cozy, magical afternoon filled with holiday wonder and train-themed fun that brings the spirit of the season to life,” said Amanda Davidson-Johnston, assistant director at the Mazza Museum.

Santa Claus also will be a special guest at the event.

Registration is required and can be completed on the Mazza Museum’s website.

The Funday Sundays 2025-26 series takes place each month through April, from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. It is sponsored by Hancock Federal Credit Union.

Themes for additional Funday Sundays this year are:

January 11: Happy Birthday USA!

February 8: Jungle Expedition with the Toledo Zoo

March 15: Comics Unleashed

April 19: Weather Wonders

For more information on upcoming events, visit the Mazza Museum’s Events page online at www.mazzamuseum.org/events/. For specific questions regarding Funday Sunday, please contact Amanda Davidson-Johnston at 419-434-4777 or amanda.davidson-johnston@findlay.edu

Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague stopped by the WFIN Studios on Friday, ahead of his speaking engagement at the Hancock County GOP’s First Friday Luncheon.

We asked him how his campaign for Ohio Secretary of State is going and how he feels current Secretary of State Frank LaRose has done during his tenure in securing Ohio’s elections. 

“Frank has made Ohio the gold standard of elections in the United States of America. Truly, Ohio does it right, and our local elections officials are a huge part of that,” Sprague said. 

We also asked Treasurer Sprague about some of the latest initiatives from the Ohio Treasurer’s Office, and he spoke about the Buckeye Business Advantage Program which allows small business owners to get reduced interest loans.  

You can listen to our full interview with Treasurer Sprague in the audio file below.

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.

Work has begun at the Phase 2 benching site along the Blanchard River in downtown Findlay.

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

The work underway is brownfield work and soil remediation, and the benching will follow. 

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.