The Black Swamp Area Council, Scouting America, is proud to announce the successful 2024 Eagle Scout and Youth Recognition Event. The event, held on March 8, 2025, at the UNOH Event Center in Lima, Ohio, honored the achievements of the 76 young men and women who earned the rank of Eagle Scout in 2024.
The evening was a resounding success, bringing together Eagle Scouts, their families, and community leaders to celebrate this significant milestone. Vicar Alan Fuhrhop served as the Master of Ceremonies. The event featured a keynote address by Charles “Rock” Rohrbacher, a former Philmont Staff Member, who delivered an inspiring speech emphasizing the importance of perseverance, leadership, and service – values central to the Eagle Scout journey. Veer Mehta, an Eagle Scout from Troop 322 in Findlay, OH, representing the 2024 Eagle Scout Class, shared his insights on the meaning of being an Eagle Scout and received the prestigious Class Scholarship. Scout Executive Marc Kogan shared words of encouragement and celebrated the dedication of the Eagle Scouts and their families. The evening culminated in a powerful reaffirmation of the Eagle Scout Oath, led by Veer Mehta, and joined by all Eagle Scouts present.
The Black Swamp Area Council extends its heartfelt congratulations to the 2024 Class of Eagle Scouts. These young men and women have demonstrated exceptional commitment, leadership, and service, embodying the values of Scouting America. We are confident they will continue to make a positive impact on their communities and beyond.
(ONN) – Some Ohio lawmakers are taking a page out of the Trump administration’s playbook.
Shrinking the bureaucracy and saving taxpayers money – that’s the goal of the new DOGE caucus at the Ohio Statehouse.
Named after the national Department of Government Efficiency headed by Elon Musk, Ohio-DOGE is led by Youngstown area State Representative Tex Fischer.
Central Ohio State Representative Brian Lorenz showed his support for Ohio-Doge on Twitter saying he’s looking forward to working on important issues and reining in the bureaucratic overreach.
The Findlay-Hancock County Public Library has announced the selection of Gaining Ground: A Story of Farmers’ Markets, Local Food, and Saving the Family Farm by Forrest Pritchard as the CommunityREAD 2025 book.
Library Director Sarah Clevidence was on with WFIN’s Chris Oaks to discuss this year’s CommunityREAD selection and more, and that interview can be heard below.
Forrest Pritchard will visit Hancock County on Thursday, March 20 during CommunityREAD month for a public presentation at 7:30 PM at the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts.
Tickets are available for $10.00 at mcpa.org/events. We are also presenting special companion programs. Please check the calendar and plan to attend!
What Is CommunityREAD?
CommunityREAD is a month-long community event that encourages reading and promotes the benefits of literacy. It was originally created by the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation in 2003. The administration of CommunityREAD was assumed by the library in 2012. Each year, a different book is chosen and read by community members. Various events are planned throughout the month of March at the library and throughout the community to celebrate literacy. CommunityREAD is funded by a Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation grant, as well as the library’s general fund, and business and private sponsors. For more information on CommunityREAD, please call us at 419-422-1712.
Blanchard Valley Health System (BVHS) has been recognized by healthcare supply chain leader Global Healthcare Exchange (GHX) as a recipient of the 2024 Supply Chains of Distinction Award. This award honors top performing hospitals and health systems in North America that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to supply chain excellence, innovation, and resilience.
The Supply Chains of Distinction Award is based upon a set of “perfect order” metrics, rated as a percentage of purchase order lines sent across the GHX Exchange (integrated) that are touchless and completely automated, from purchase through payment.
“Technology has allowed us to automate much of our process, such as sending notifications when certain supplies are likely to get low,” said Heather Crist, director of supply chain for BVHS. “The Distinction Award recognizes organizations that are using that technology and automation most effectively to ensure a smooth process to quickly receive supplies.”
“Supplies,” for the purposes of this award, include everything except pharmaceuticals. A hospital might order anything from cotton balls to gloves to catheters, and there are many types and sizes of some of these items. In 2024, BVHS had a total of around 185,000 different line items on its list, Crist said.
Crist noted that healthcare, like many other fields, has faced supply chain challenges in recent years. Effective use of technology is even more helpful in this current landscape, she said, since if there is any type of delay, or a particular item is on backorder, her office is notified immediately.
“With the significant transformation taking place across the healthcare ecosystem, organizations such as Blanchard Valley Health System are at the forefront of integrating automation and data-driven solutions into their supply chain operations,” said Tina Vatanka Murphy, President and CEO of GHX. “This commitment to innovation not only streamlines processes but also contributes to improved patient outcomes and advances health equity.”
Crist noted that BVHS has received this award multiple times, although the award previously had a different name.
“While our work is behind the scenes, my team is always aware that managing supplies effectively helps our physicians, providers, and nurses to care for patients,” she said. “This award is a true testament to how automation can make a real difference. It’s exciting to see BVHS once again recognized for the organization’s commitment to using this technology effectively.”
Eddie George, former All-Pro, Heisman Trophy winner, and the head coach at Tennessee State for the past four years, has been named the new head football coach at Bowling Green State University, Vice President for Athletics Strategy Derek van der Merwe announced today, Sunday, March 9. (video below)
George, Bowling Green’s 21st head football coach, was named the Big South-Ohio Valley Conference Coach of the Year in 2024 after leading Tennessee State to a share of the conference championship and an appearance in the NCAA Division I Football Championship. He was also the runner-up for the Eddie Robinson National Coach of the Year award.
“At BGSU, we always emphasize how our people and our community transform this great university and enhance the student experience. Today, we add another transformative leader to this campus in Eddie George,” said Vice President for Athletics Strategy Derek van der Merwe. “Our students are getting someone who has chased success in sports, art, business, and leadership. As our head football coach, he will pursue excellence in all aspects of competition in the arena. More importantly, beyond the arena, he will exemplify what excellence looks like in the classroom, in life, in business, and in relationships with people.”
“We are so pleased to welcome Eddie George back to Ohio as the next head coach of our football program,” said BGSU President Rodney K. Rogers. “Throughout his career in and outside of football, Eddie has embraced innovation and a growth mindset, founded in work ethic with a willingness to embrace continued learning and taking risks, when appropriate. These are core principles at Bowling Green and the reason we are experiencing the momentum we see today. Eddie is uniquely positioned to bring this mindset to our football program, leveraging our momentum and generating excitement in this shifting landscape of collegiate sports. In addition to his experience as a successful DI head coach, Eddie brings a deep understanding of holistic student-athlete development both in sport and in life, and we are excited for his leadership of this program.”
George took over a Tennessee State program that had averaged just over three wins per year in the previous four seasons and led the Tigers to back-to-back winning seasons in 2023 and 2024—their first since 2016-17. The 2024 season was a landmark for TSU, as the team finished with a 9-3 regular-season record, the program’s most wins since 2013, and achieved a No. 19 national ranking, its highest in seven years. He comes to BGSU with a 24-22 head coaching record.
“I am truly excited to be the head coach at Bowling Green State University,” said George. “Bowling Green is a wonderful community that has embraced the school and the athletics department. We are eager to immerse ourselves in the community and help build this program to the greatness it deserves. I am overwhelmed with excitement and joy for the possibilities this opportunity holds. I’m also thrilled to be back in the great state of Ohio, where I played my college football. I look forward to meeting the team, the coaches, everyone in the athletics department and everyone in the BGSU and Bowling Green community.”
Under George’s leadership at TSU, quarterback Draylen Ellis threw for 2,501 yards and 20 touchdowns in 2024, earning an HBCU Legacy Bowl invitation. Kick returner CJ Evans led the conference with a 37.4-yard average and two touchdown returns, making the All-Big South-OVC First Team and earning All-America honors. Freshman linebacker Sanders Ellis was named Big South-OVC Defensive Freshman of the Year after recording 72 tackles and 11.5 tackles for loss. Defensive back Boogie Trotter and offensive lineman Connor Meadows also earned All-America honors in 2024.
“Eddie George has been a winner in all that he has attempted in his storied career,” said Lieutenant Governor of Ohio, President Emeritus at Youngstown State and former head football coach at Ohio State and Youngstown State Jim Tressel. “His passion for young people and the game of football will serve the Bowling Green Falcon Family very well. I am so happy for Bowling Green and the Great State of Ohio!!”
“Bowling Green is a special place,” said College Football Hall of Fame Head Coach Urban Meyer. “We loved our time there, and to this day, I always check the game scores to see how the Falcons perform each weekend. The passion and tradition of BGSU football are unmatched, and I can’t think of a better ambassador for the Orange and Brown than Eddie George as the next head football coach. His track record of success—both on and off the field—along with his strong work ethic, leadership, and ability to inspire others make him an ideal fit. His experience as a player, coach, and mentor will bring invaluable knowledge and energy to the program, helping to continue elevate BGSU football.”
George played college football at The Ohio State University, winning the Heisman Trophy in 1995. That season, he rushed for a then-school-record 1,927 yards and 24 touchdowns—an average of 148.23 yards per game—while also catching 47 passes for 417 yards and another score. He left Ohio State ranked second in school history in career rushing yards (3,768) and third in rushing touchdowns (44). The Philadelphia native finished his collegiate career with 4,284 all-purpose yards, 45 total touchdowns, and a 5.5 yards-per-carry average.
While at Ohio State, George also won the Doak Walker Award, the Maxwell Award, and the Walter Camp Award. A unanimous All-American in 1995, he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2011.
In 1996, George was a first-round draft pick of the then-Houston Oilers. He won the NFL Rookie of the Year award that season and was the Oilers/Titans’ starting tailback through 2003, never missing a start. He was selected to four consecutive Pro Bowls (1997–2000) and helped lead the Titans to a Super Bowl XXXIV appearance.
George is one of only two NFL running backs—along with Jim Brown—to rush for 10,000 yards while never missing a start. Only Walter Payton (170) started more consecutive regular-season games than George (130).
In 2004, George signed a one-year contract with the Dallas Cowboys, starting eight games and finishing the season with 432 rushing yards and four touchdowns. He officially retired in 2006.
George’s NFL career totals include 10,441 rushing yards, 268 receptions for 2,227 yards, and 78 touchdowns (68 rushing, 10 receiving).
He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2011 and the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame in 2013. He is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and serves on the board of Music City Baseball.
A native of Philadelphia, George graduated from Ohio State in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science degree in landscape architecture. He later earned an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management in 2009.
Beyond football, George has built a successful career in business, philanthropy, and entertainment. He is the managing partner of The Edward George Wealth Management Group, which provides strategic financial planning, wealth management, and legacy-building services. He also founded EDGE Group, a landscape architecture and design firm that focuses on innovative and sustainable design solutions. Through the Tamara and Edward George Legacy Fund, he promotes youth empowerment and community enrichment, and he organizes the annual Eddie George Celebrity Golf Classic, which generates significant funds for scholarships and community initiatives.
George has previously taught The Business of Professional Sports as an adjunct professor at The Ohio State University and Vanderbilt University. Before entering the coaching ranks, he starred as Billy Flynn in Chicago on Broadway (2006) and in the play Topdog/Underdog by Suzan-Lori Parks. His acting career also included a recurring role on NCIS: Los Angeles and appearances in NBC’s American Dream Builders, BET’s The Game, and The Best Man Holiday. In addition to his work in entertainment, he has been a sports commentator and motivational speaker at high-profile events.
George is married to Tamara “Taj” George, a member of the R&B group Sisters with Voices (SWV). They have two sons, Eriq and Jaire. His son Eriq led Tennessee State with 11.5 tackles for loss in 2024, earning second-team All-Big South-OVC honors on the defensive line. His son, Jaire, played football at Vanderbilt (2015-18) as a running back.
(From Findlay-Hancock County Economic Development)
Target Corporation finalized a purchase-sale agreement with Findlay Mall owner and developer Rocky Companies on March 6, 2025. This spring, demolition will begin on 188,000 square feet of the existing mall to pave the way for a modern 139,809-square-foot Target store, marking a significant milestone in the mall’s redevelopment and for Findlay.
This transformative project is the result of a collaborative effort between Rocky Companies, the City of Findlay, and Findlay-Hancock County Economic Development (FHCED). The addition of Target underscores the region’s growth and appeal as a retail destination.
“We are thrilled to welcome Target as a cornerstone of The Findlay Mall’s revitalization,” said Christina Muryn, Mayor of Findlay. “This project showcases our community’s progress and the strong partnerships we’ve forged with Rocky Companies and FHCED. It’s a major step forward, bringing new opportunities and convenience to our residents.”
The Findlay store aligns with Target’s ambitious expansion plans, which include opening over 300 primarily full-sized locations nationwide over the next decade. The new store will feature a reimagined design with a larger footprint than Target’s smaller-format locations, integrating its innovative “Stores As Hubs” model—blending in-store shopping with fulfillment capabilities.
“Securing Target for Findlay has been a decade-long goal,” said Chris Keller, Executive Director of FHCED. “The store will elevate our retail landscape while driving economic growth and opportunity for the community.”
Dan Sheaffer, President & CEO of the Findlay-Hancock County Alliance, added, “The Findlay location will offer a fresh, expansive store design, reinforcing Target’s commitment to blending convenience and innovation. It’s a great moment for retail in our region as we join Target’s nationwide expansion.”
After months of speculation about the identity of the big box retailer that will be building a store on the location of the Findlay Mall we finally have the answer.
We’re launching a Postpartum Support Class: “The Nest” for all new families!
This free program offers guidance on safe sleep, car seat safety checks, lactation support, postpartum depression awareness, blood pressure monitoring, baby weight checks, and a welcoming space for new parents to connect.
Every other second Monday of the month
March 10, May 12, July 14, September 8, and November 10
Hancock Public Health
2225 Keith Pkw Findlay OH 45840
10:00 am to Noon
Join us for expert support, helpful resources, and a community that cares.
