(From the Findlay Police Department)

In memory of fallen Findlay Police Officer Frank L. Arthur, mourning bands will be worn all day by all sworn Findlay Police Officers on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, from 0001 hrs. until 1159 hrs.

Police Officer Arthur was killed in an automobile accident on Lima Ave. while on duty on November 5, 1934.

He was the driver of the vehicle that struck a tree by Morrical Boulevard in West Park.

Two others in this vehicle were seriously injured in this crash; including Constable Carl Carlin.

We remember Police Officer Arthur for his ultimate sacrifice for the safety and protection of citizens in the City of Findlay, OH.

(From the Ohio Department of Transportation)

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is funding a student-led Safe Routes to School (SRTS) project at the Liberty-Benton Academic Complex.

“The initiative and dedication shown by these students is truly remarkable,” said ODOT District 1 Deputy Director Chris Hughes. “We are thrilled to see their efforts and active engagement rewarded, as they strive to create lasting improvements in their community. Their outstanding achievement serves as a powerful example of the profound impact a committed group can have,” said Hughes.

Applying for a SRTS grant is an extensive process not commonly undertaken by students, but by school districts, local governments, regional transportation planning organizations, or community-based organizations.

The project consists of constructing a multi-use concrete path beside the Liberty-Benton schools. The path will be located along County Road 9 and State Route 12 and will include a pedestrian crossing on County Road 9 at Early Drive. The SRTS grant will provide $462,945. Construction is planned for the summer of 2025. 

The students plan to apply again in 2025 for funding to extend the sidewalks to the nearby neighborhoods down Sandusky Street. 

A seventh-grade writing assignment that challenged them to consider what they would like to change in the world sparked the inspiration for pursuing the project. The students wrote a letter to Mayor Christina Muryn and County Engineer Douglas Cade about their idea to place sidewalks from Liberty-Benton’s K-8 school to Oakwoods Nature Preserve and Litzenberg Memorial Woods on U.S. 224. 

Cade met with the students to help their ideas come to fruition. He guided them through the development process and informed them about the SRTS program. To match their project to the grant guidelines, they condensed their plan to connect the neighborhoods around the school.

The SRTS application requires a demonstration of community engagement and support for the project. To gain support, the students organized encouragement activities within their community. They held a coloring contest with the elementary students, a door-decorating contest, and a walk-a-thon, during which students walked a combined 534 miles.

The students gained valuable skills throughout the process while making a difference in their community.

“It helped us with our communication and public speaking,” said Bekah Mast, Liberty-Benton freshman. “Especially intergenerational communication. Students wouldn’t usually talk to the superintendent very often. This project pushed us to talk to adults more,” she said.

The students behind this initiative will have progressed to tenth grade by the time the first phase is completed and may not see the project’s full fruition. Nevertheless, the students remain undeterred in their enthusiasm and commitment.

Liberty-Benton freshman Liz Niese explained, “Even if we are not going to be around to use them, it is still betterment to our community and leaving a mark on our school.”

The SRTS program provides resources, technical assistance, and funding to enable students to get to and from school safely. Funds are available for infrastructure projects within two miles of schools serving K-12 students. Projects are selected based on their ability to demonstrate improved connectivity, safety, demand, and need. Within the $500,000 limit, ODOT will reimburse up to 100% of eligible costs for all phases, including preliminary engineering, detailed design, right-of-way, construction, and construction engineering. Visit Safe Routes to School (SRTS) | Ohio Department of Transportation to learn more about the program.

(From the Findlay Police Department)

An unknown male caller contacted the Veterans Crisis Line on Friday, November 1^st advising that he was at the entrance of Northview Primary School with a rifle.

The school was notified and immediately initiated a lockdown.

Officers from the Findlay Police Department responded and cleared the entire interior and exterior of the school.

It was determined that this call was a hoax and similar calls were made to other Veterans Crisis Lines across the United States.

The Findlay High School Ice Hockey team is excited for the upcoming season.

The team held a Blue & Gold inter-squad game at The Cube and that’s where we caught up with Head Coach Ben Patey and asked him how the team is looking so far.

Coach Patey said they’re definitely looking to avenge the loss to Bowling Green in the playoffs last season.

The team has some scrimmages scheduled ahead of their season opener Friday night, November 15^th against Newark at The Cube.

Keep up with the happenings of the hockey team by following their Facebook page below.

(From the City of Findlay)

The City of Findlay will offer a bulk trash drop-off for Findlay residents from Saturday, November 2, to Saturday, November 9, 2024. Hours are 8am-7pm or until full on weekdays and 8am-3pm or until full on Saturdays.

Dumpsters will be at the Public Works Department, 330 N. Cory St. where city residents may dispose of unwanted debris.

Hazardous materials, commercial tires, concrete, appliances and electronics will not be accepted. Proof of residency or ID may be required.

The city will accept noncommercial vehicle tires. The tires must be off of the rim. Proof of residency in the City of Findlay and/or ID will be required.

Please note that it is illegal to transport more than ten scrap tires at any time without obtaining a registration certificate from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency per ORC 3734.83.

(From University of Findlay’s Mazza Museum)

Area residents of all ages are invited to join in the hands-on fun and exploration of the next “Funday Sunday” program at University of Findlay’s Mazza Museum, on November 3.

This weekend’s program, which is free and open to the public, features a theme of “Under the Sea.”

Guests enjoy art activities, games, hands-on educational stations, and interactive STEAM activities for the whole family. The family-friendly learning extravaganza encourages artistic expression, enhances literacy, and develops critical thinking skills.

“Explore an ocean of wonder with the Toledo Zoo, divers, planetarium shows, and more,” said Amanda Davidson-Johnston, education manager at the Mazza Museum. “Kids of all ages will love exploring 20 interactive activity stations in our ‘Under the Sea’ adventure.”

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

Funday Sundays take place at Mazza on the first Sunday of each month, November through April, from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The themes for Funday Sundays in 2024-25 are:

December 1: Arctic Adventures

January 5: Lego

February 2: Game on!

March 2: Accelerate!

April 6: Farmyard Fables

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, Mazza Museum education manager, at 419-434-4777 or amanda.davidson-johnston@findlay.edu.

(From the Hancock County Veterans Service Office)

Through Operation Green Light for Hancock CO. Veterans, our local government and residents will show veterans that they are seen, appreciated, and supported.

People are being asked to show support for Veterans by lighting their homes, buildings, churches, and schools green leading up to Veterans Day on November 11. 

These are actual photos from 2023 of various counties throughout Ohio, like Hamilton, Cuyahoga, Clermont, Montgomery, and Scioto.

We’ve reached out to Mayor Christina Muryn and she’s on board to make our version of this happen in Downtown Findlay November 4-11 in support of our Hancock County Veterans.

Help us shine a light for a veteran you know and love.

The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation has announced the schedule for its ‘Fun for All’ series of free community events for November.

According to the Community Foundation’s website, the November events are as follows:

1 – Ornament Decorating at the Findlay Inn during Art Walk
5-9 p.m.
City of Findlay

2 – Scrapbooking Crop Day
8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
50 North
Registration required: Find Yourself at 50 North, Findlay, Ohio

3 – Funday Sunday with the Toledo Zoo
1-3:30 p.m.
Mazza Museum

6 – Art Class for Adults – Alcohol Inks
5:30 p.m.
Awakening Minds Art
Space is limited, and registration is required: Community Programs — Awakening Minds Art

13 – Pottery for Adults
7-8:30 p.m.
Findlay Art League
**Cost is reduced, $35 per person, registration required**
Registration required: Findlay Art League or 419-422-7847

14 – Pottery for Adults
7-8:30 p.m.
Findlay Art League
**Cost is reduced, $35 per person, registration required**
Registration required: Findlay Art League or 419-422-7847

16 – Fitness and Wellness Event
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
50 North
Registration required: Find Yourself at 50 North, Findlay, Ohio

30 – Gnome for the Holidays
TBD
Findlay Art League
Registration required: Findlay Art League or 419-422-7847

“We’ve heard time and time again that finding affordable, family-friendly activities is a challenge in Hancock County. The Community Foundation is proud to provide Fun for All to help bridge the gap,” said Community Foundation President and CEO Brian Treece.

Brian says the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation is thankful to its community partners for making the events possible.

(From Liberty-Benton Local Schools)

The Liberty-Benton Board of Education celebrated 20 students who earned a total of 22 perfect scores on their 2024 Spring state tests! 

Special shoutout to six students who achieved perfect scores for two consecutive years, and to Jonathan Coldren and Arthur Gottardi-Lopes for their impressive three-year streak! 

Bryson Collert and Isaac Koenig earned perfect scores in both math and science this spring. Congrats to all—keep up the amazing work!

Pictured left to right: Row 1: Caroline Smith, Evan Buckley, Parth Lalji Row 2: Board Member Heather Franks, Board President Jim Mace, Cameron Pickens, Drew Sharpe, Brayden Butler, Sawyer Robb, and Superintendent Bruce Otley. Row 3: Board Member A.J. Granger, Isaac Koenig, Bryson Collert, Emery Swaisgood, Ellianna Huckins, Board Member Brian Christiansen, Board Member Steve Benson. Row 4: Reagan Knapke, Arthur Gottardi-Lopes, Lucas Theiss, Jonah Todd. Row 5: Jonathan Coldren, Cooper Cox, Josiah Leichty. Not pictured: Andrew Tomlinson, Henry Trautman

(From Visit Findlay)

ArtWalk, a family-friendly free event taking place quarterly will mark the beginning of the holiday season in Downtown Findlay on Friday, November 1.

ArtWalk is an opportunity for Downtown Findlay businesses and local creatives to come together, with artists and musicians located within walking distance of each other at local shops, restaurants, and businesses. Visitors can view artwork and talk to artists, listen to the talents of musicians, and also support local business. Artwork is available for purchase at nearly all locations.

Visitors are invited to show off their own art skills, creating ornaments that will be hung on the City of Findlay Christmas Tree. The ornaments and supplies are provided in partnership between City of Findlay Mayor’s Office and Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation. The University of Findlay will be performing at Findlay Inn at 6 and 7:30 p.m.

Marathon Center will be bustling with activity throughout the evening of ArtWalk. The Fisher/Wall Art Gallery will be open featuring the work of local artist, Emily Sullivan, and University of Findlay’s national-scope literary magazine, Slippery Elm, will be releasing their 11th edition with a party open to the public beginning at 7 p.m. Findlay High School’s String Factor will perform at 5:30 & 7 p.m., with a silent auction featuring hand-painted violins benefiting the high school’s orchestra taking place. Additionally, Stichin’ Time Quilters will feature a collection of handmade quilts.

Findlay Art League will host the opening reception of their Fall Show, featuring the work of over 60 artists. Jones Building Artists will have their studios open, inviting the public into their creative spaces to see the work created, demonstrations, as well as special events. Late local creator in the Jones Building, Barb Lockard, will be honored with an opportunity for those who knew her to share memories at the studio of the ArtWalk committee member, Findlay Art League secretary, and community champion.

Local businesses will be hosting artists throughout Downtown Findlay. RooBarb Studios will kick off their 10 year anniversary celebration during ArtWalk, LBE Vintage will host Millstream Career Center’s Flow Print Co. doing on-site screen printing, and Findlay-Hancock County Public Library will be hosting their annual AuthorFest. AuthorFest celebrates local literary talent with 20 authors on-site to discuss their books and process. New to ArtWalk is The Findlay Office, located on the fourth floor of 323 S. Main Street, with an extensive collection of art from the estate of George B. Reddin III, featuring original oils, prints, and more from European artists, including R. Schneider. Entrance to The Findlay Office is located in the alley behind the building with elevator access.

ArtWalk kicks off the holiday shopping season with the introduction of Downtown Findlay ‘Shop Findlay First’ holiday passports and the first of many shopping events taking place in November and December. More details about the passports and holiday shopping hours can be found at VisitFindlay.com/Shop-Local.

ArtWalk is held four times a year and is a free family-friendly event on the first Fridays of February, May, August, and November in an effort to promote the arts and integrate them throughout the Downtown Findlay business community. This event is a collaborative effort between Visit Findlay: Hancock County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Findlay Art League, Jones Building Artists, and Marathon Center for the Performing Arts.

A complete list of participating locations and artists, as well as a virtual map, can be found at VisitFindlay.com/ArtWalk. Printed maps of ArtWalk locations are available at the Visit Findlay Welcome Center, 123 E. Main Cross St., with limited copies at all participating locations the evening of the event. For more information, go to VisitFindlay.com/ArtWalk.