All posts by Matt Demczyk

Buckeye Babies Receiving Special National Championship Swaddle

(From The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center)

Born a Buckeye. Born a Champion.

All Buckeye Babies born through the end of the month will receive a special swaddle commemorating Ohio State’s National Championship win.

Health Department Conducting Digital Equality Survey

(From Hancock Public Health)

Do you have access to the internet and technology you need?

Are there barriers preventing you or others in our community from staying connected?

We’re conducting a Digital Equality Survey to better understand the technology needs of our community.

Your input will help us identify gaps and create programs that ensure everyone has equal access to digital resources.

Take the survey here: https://bgsu.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_d0QjfhffB6ezOg6

Together, we can work toward a more connected and equitable community.

Thank you for helping us make a difference!

Traffic Advisory From The Ohio Department of Transportation

(From the Ohio Department of Transportation)

PUTNAM COUNTY TRAFFIC ADVISORY

Motorists can expect temporary traffic signals at the following bridge locations this week and potentially next week:

– State Route 115 between Road I and Road H-13

– U.S. 224 in the village of Kalida

– U.S. 224 between Road M-10 and Road M

Crews will be working to adjust the bridge approaches for a smoother transition.

Note: No work will be done during winter weather events.

Schools Closing For Another Day Due To Extreme Cold

Findlay City Schools says due to the forecasted extreme temperatures there will be no school again on Wednesday, January 22.

Findlay City Schools were also closed on Tuesday due to the extreme cold.

There was no school on Monday for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, although that day was also extremely cold and school probably would’ve been canceled for extreme cold that day as well.

Get the latest forecast, weather alerts, and road alerts here, and the latest school closings and delays here.

Free Tax Prep Program Scheduling Appointments

The United Way of Hancock County’s free income tax preparation program, called VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) is now scheduling appointments.

The 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 locations.

During the 2024 VITA season, nearly 920 state and federal tax returns were filed by a group of 18 VITA volunteers.

The United Way of Hancock County has received a federal grant that will allow for expansion of the program during the 2025 tax season to assist even more community members.

Community members may call 567-245-5599 to schedule their appointment.

Callers will be asked a series of questions to ensure that they qualify and will be informed of the items they must bring to their appointment.

To qualify, an individual’s combined household income must be $67,000 or less. All clients must live, work or attend school in Hancock County.

Appointments for the 2025 VITA season will begin February 5 and continue into the days leading up to Tax Day, based on demand.

Hancock Park District Photography Contest Winning Photo

(From the Hancock Park District)

Congratulations to our 2024 Photography Contest winner, Michael Anderson!

His photograph, Two Raccoons, was taken at Riverbend Recreation Area.

Thank you to all who participated in our contest this year!

See the other pics that were entered in the contest below.

Fire Crews Respond To Sheriff’s Office To Investigate Smoke Smell

The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office says the fire department and EMS were dispatched to the sheriff’s office for the smell of smoke Monday night.

The sheriff’s office said there was no fire at the sheriff’s office and the the smoke smell was found to be coming from a business near the sheriff’s office.

Sheriff Brian Siefker thanks all the fire, EMS, and law enforcement personnel for their quick response.

Extreme Cold Warning Issued

Findlay and Hancock County are included in an Extreme Cold Warning issued by the National Weather Service.

The Extreme Cold Warning goes from Tuesday night through Wednesday morning.

Forecasters say dangerously cold wind chills as low as -27 are possible.

Wind chills that low can cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes and hypothermia.

The extreme cold will lead to greater impacts to infrastructure, including increased risk of frozen pipes, dead car batteries, and structure fires.

There is also an increased risk of carbon monoxide poisoning from improper use of secondary heat indoors.

If you must go outside, dress in layers and wear a hat, face mask, and gloves.

To prevent water pipes from freezing, wrap or drain them or allow them to drip slowly and keep cabinets open.

Keep pets indoors as much as possible.

Make sure outdoor animals have a warm, dry shelter, food, and unfrozen water.

Make frequent checks on older family, friends, and neighbors.

Ensure portable heaters are used correctly.

Get the latest forecast, weather alerts, and road alerts here, and the latest school closings and delays here.

Drivers Could Be Reimbursed For Pothole Damage To Vehicles

(ONN) – As winter weather wreaks havoc on Ohio roads, people whose vehicles are damaged by a pothole could be reimbursed for the cost of the repairs. 

If it happens on an interstate, federal, or state route file a damage report on ODOT’s website.

ODOT will contact you to let you know what entity to contact to file a claim.

Your claim will be investigated, and the Ohio Court of Claims will make a final decision.

Youth Hockey Day Fundraiser Being Held

(From the Findlay Amateur Hockey Association)

We are looking for local businesses and people that have a passion for supporting our local youth athletes.

Hockey Day is the biggest fundraising event for our organization with all money raised being put towards keeping ice fees low, purchasing new gear for our rental program, and scholarships, so all kids have the ability to play regardless of financial situations.

If you would like more information or are interested in donating an auction basket or becoming a sponsor please feel free to reach out.

Sponsors can also use the link below to register, donate, and upload your logo.

Link to Register as a Sponsor:

https://www.findlayhockey.com/hockeyday