Findlay Mayor Christina Muryn declared January 22 Calvin Rettig day in Findlay in honor of the 100-year-old Veteran’s birthday.
Calvin, a World War II Veteran, was born on January 22, 1925.
The proclamation reads, “I, Christina M. Muryn, Mayor of the City of Findlay, Ohio, do hereby take official note of the joyous occasion of Calvin Rettig’s 100th Birthday; and do hereby proclaim January 22, 2025 as CALVIN RETTIG DAY.
Read the full proclamation below.
(From Findlay-Hancock County Economic Development)
Findlay-Hancock County Economic Development, a division of the Findlay-Hancock County Alliance, is pleased to announce Matt Gilroy is joining as their new Director of Strategic Initiatives.
Gilroy brings a wealth of experience to the role, having served as the Director of the Fulton County Economic Development Corporation (FCEDC) in Wauseon, Ohio, since 2014. In this role, he spearheaded business development and project management initiatives. Prior to his time at the FCEDC, Gilroy held the position of Chief Development Officer at Defiance College. He is a Certified Economic Development Practitioner through the Ohio Economic Development Institute and the Ohio Economic Development Association.
Matt has been a member of Rotary International for more than twenty years and has served in several leadership roles including Treasurer of the Fulton County Airport Authority. He also served as President of the Northwest Ohio Regional Economic Development Association (NORED) and currently serves on the Northwest Ohio Development Assistance Corporation (NODAC) Board of Directors.
“We are thrilled to welcome Matt to our team,” said Economic Development Executive Director Chris Keller. “His extensive experience in economic development, coupled with his established relationships at regional and state levels, will be invaluable. Matt will play a key role in supporting our economic development efforts, including company retention and expansion, strategic new company attraction, workforce development, community planning, small business assistance, and downtown Findlay development.” Key tasks will include leading business outreach efforts, engaging residential developers and expanding Foreign Trade Zone opportunities.
“The addition of Matt to the Economic Development team will significantly enhance its capabilities,” said Alliance President and CEO Dan Sheaffer. “Our team is already well-organized and effective, and Matt’s expertise will further strengthen our ability to create new opportunities for business and industry in our community.”
Matt graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2002 from Defiance College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Marketing and Management. He and his wife Jennie have two daughters and are relocating to Findlay-Hancock County.
(From Blanchard Valley Health System)
Kimberly M. Thomas, Esq., corporate compliance officer at Blanchard Valley Health System (BVHS), has been named the 2024 Compliance Officer of the Year by Healthicity. This prestigious award celebrates healthcare compliance professionals who go above and beyond to foster safer, more compliant practices across the industry. Thomas is the second-ever winner of this national award.
Corporate Compliance is responsible for overseeing the development, implementation, and adherence to policies, practices, and standards to ensure the organization meets external legal and key regulatory requirements and internal standards. This department also follows up on compliance issues as they arise.
“Compliance includes risk management, but it goes beyond that into ensuring that the organization always adheres to the highest ethical standards,” said Rick Lofgren, manager of corporate compliance. “State and national regulations related to healthcare are complex, and the details change continually. Our work involves staying abreast of this changing landscape and ensuring that the leaders of each department understand their role in ensuring BVHS follows these standards.”
“Kim provides valuable guidance to BVHS leadership across the organization every day and is dedicated to staying up to date on healthcare regulations,” said Myron D. Lewis, MSW, MBA, FACHE, president and chief executive officer of BVHS. “This national honor reflects how she continually goes above and beyond to make BVHS a stronger organization, and we are grateful.”
Healthicity is a national leader in the healthcare compliance field, so Thomas will be recognized by peers across the nation.
“I’m honored to receive this award,” Thomas said. “BVHS has a great compliance team, and, while I am pleased Healthicity is recognizing my work, compliance is a team effort and not something one individual can do alone. I’m proud to be in this role at this organization and to work with this team every day.”
Thomas is the director of legal and risk management services as well as the corporate compliance officer for BVHS. She received her bachelor’s degree in nursing from The Ohio State University, then worked at Blanchard Valley Hospital for a few years before earning her law degree from Ohio Northern University.
Upon graduating, she worked as an associate attorney at a regional law firm, where she gained exposure to the defense of medical malpractice claims and general healthcare law before returning to BVHS in 2006. In 2015, she earned her master’s in law in Health Law from Loyola University. As a member of the ethics committee at BVHS, she provides legal and ethical consults to physicians for clinical situations.
Healthicity leadership noted the following of Thomas’ accomplishments in selecting her for the award: spearheading the implementation of a comprehensive Corporate Compliance Program for BVHS; conducting proactive audits and reviews to ensure regulatory adherence; providing strategic legal counsel to address risk and compliance challenges effectively; and educating future healthcare professionals as an adjunct faculty member at Ohio Northern University.
Lofgren added that Thomas also has a long history of volunteer and board involvement with other organizations in the community.
“Her name is synonymous with working to make BVHS a better place, but it extends beyond that into making the community a better place,” Lofgren said. “Kim is passionate about this organization and the Northwest Ohio region and is a phenomenal leader.”
As part of this recognition, Healthicity will donate $1,000 to a local charity, Welcome to a New Life, reflecting Thomas’ commitment to giving back and making a difference beyond the workplace.
(From the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library)
Big things are happening at the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library!
Starting January 27, we’re bringing a colorful refresh to the library with new carpet, fresh paint, and a reimagined layout for some of your favorite collections.
Library Director Sarah Clevidence was on with WFIN’s Chris Oaks to discuss the changes.
What’s changing?
Don’t worry—your favorite items will still be available for request through our catalog at findlaylibrary.org!
We can’t wait for you to experience the new and improved library!
(From the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce)
The Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation will host Hancock County Safety Council, featuring a presentation titled “Team-Based Solutions for Language Barriers to Improve Safety” on Thursday, February 6, from 11:30 am – 1:00 pm at the Hilton Garden Inn in Findlay. The event costs $25 to attend. The event will feature Nathan Frasure of Ohio Logistics.
In this session, attendees will learn that safety often relies on teamwork due to the shared responsibilities of all individuals in the workplace and clear communication between associates, which language differences can hinder if you do not break down those barriers.
Registration can be done online at www.HancockCountySafetyCouncil.com.
(From the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office)
On January 22nd, 2025 at approximately 1:30pm Deputies attempted a traffic stop with a 2023 Hyundai SUV whose driver had been identified as having two active warrants. The driver failed to stop and started a pursuit heading southbound on Blanchard Ave near 6th Street in the City of Findlay. The vehicle maintained speeds of 90MPH up until the SR 15 entrance ramp where the vehicle traveled southbound on SR 15 from SR 37. Speeds continued upwards of 95MPH and at several points reached 115MPH. Several Stop Stick deployments were attempted but unsuccessful. The vehicle continued south on SR 15 turning into US 23. Approximately 1 mile north of State Highway 199 on US 23 in Wyandot County, the vehicle came to a complete stop. The driver exited the vehicle and complied with Deputies commands before being placed in custody. The pursuit lasted approximately 28 miles over the span of 20 minutes.
As a result of this pursuit Chaz I. Holley of Columbus was incarcerated at the Hancock County Justice Center. He is being held on fresh charges for Failure to Comply (M1) and Driving Under Suspension.
Chaz is also being held on his active warrant through Franklin County Sheriff’s Office for failing to appear for abduction (F3), tampering with evidence (F3), possession of drugs (F5), weapons under disability (F3), improper handling of a firearm (F4), failure to comply with the order or signal of a police officer (F4) and receiving stolen property (F4). Chaz’s second warrant is through the Columbus Police Department for domestic violence (M1).
Assisting at the scene was the Wyandot County Sheriff’s Office, The Ohio State Patrol and Danner’s Towing.
(From Hancock Leadership)
The Hancock Leadership Class of 2025 announced their class project at the Findlay Hancock County Chamber of Commerce’s Fresh Brewed Business last Tuesday. This year’s class will beautify the area surrounding the Allan H. Davis Judicial Center on West Main Cross Street in downtown Findlay, working alongside the Hancock County Commissioners, Master Gardeners, and RCM Architects.
The announcement was made by class project manager, Wade Hiatt, towards the end of the program. He explained, “Some of the folks coming through these doors are experiencing the hardest moments of their lives and need support. With this project they’ll be able to walk out and at least stop and smell the roses.” He adds that with the generous support of donors and volunteers, this year’s leadership class will be able to transform the public space, improve sustainability, and provide a welcoming atmosphere for all.
Fundraising initiatives are now underway for the project on the Chamber’s website, complete with donor tiers. Money raised will go to support materials, plants and other project-related costs. If you would like to donate, please go to bit.ly/HLspon25
The theme of the project is “Firmly Planted: Honoring the Roots, Resilience, and Growth of Hancock County”. Amber Wolfrom, a member of HL Class of 2025 explained, “We hope to honor the organizations within the walls of the new judicial center by creating a peaceful outdoor space. Roots, resilience, and growth are all words that lend to the mission of the justice system as well as the plants.”
For more information on Hancock Leadership, a program of the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, please email HancockLeadership@HancockCountyChamber.com.
(From Whittier Primary)
Meet Jules, our beloved school therapy dog!
Jules is more than just a furry friend—she’s a calming presence, a source of comfort, and a big supporter of our young learners and staff too.
Whether it’s a wagging tail during reading time, a gentle nuzzle to ease worries, or simply her joyful energy brightening our halls, Jules helps create a warm and welcoming environment for everyone.
We’re so lucky to have Jules as part of our school family, spreading love and making a difference every day!
(From the Findlay Police Department)
Officers were dispatched to 404 Lester Ave. on Wednesday for a report of a deceased female outside of the residence.
Officers arrived and located 76 year old Kathleen Spiegel of Findlay, deceased on the front porch in the extreme cold weather.
Upon search of the residence, Officers located, 50 year old Gary Spiegel in the residence with multiple stab wounds to the head and face.
Gary was transported to Blanchard Valley Hospital with non life threatening injuries and is in stable condition.
A suspect was developed and determined to be 45 year old David Spiegel of Findlay.
David was located at 405 Lester Ave. and arrested for domestic violence.
The investigation is ongoing and David has been incarcerated at the Hancock County Justice Center for domestic violence.
An autopsy has been ordered on Kathleen and additional charges could be considered pending the outcome of the investigation.
At this time foul play is not suspected in Kathleen’s death.
(From Blanchard Valley Health System)
At Blanchard Valley Health System, every baby is welcomed with compassionate care and a special tradition – a soothing lullaby to celebrate their arrival. For generations, we have been honored to be a part of this incredible journey, helping families grow and thrive.
We are proud to hear people say, “I was born in Findlay,” as it reflects our commitment to the health and happiness of our community. Our mission is “Caring for a lifetime.”
Through this unique pop-up shop, you can support that mission. Proceeds from your purchases will go directly to the Blanchard Valley Health Foundation’s Women & Children’s Fund, helping us continue to provide exceptional care for mothers and children in our community. Shop and make a difference. Your support positively impacts the families we serve.
Thank you for participating in this initiative and for helping us continue to welcome new lives with love and care.