(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.

(From Findlay High School)

Join us Sunday, March 16, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. in Findlay High School’s R.L. Heminger Auditorium for a celebration of the beautiful life of Gavin Creel.

Reserve your (free) seat here:
https://findlaytrojans.hometownticketing.com/…/1117…

For further information about the entire weekend dedicated to Gavin, click here:
www.fcs.org/gavin-creel-memorial-weekend

WFIN – Tony-winning actor Gavin Creel, a 1994 graduate of Findlay High School, passed away in September of cancer at the age of 48.  

(From Hancock Public Health)

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.

Tag a new parent who could benefit!

(From the Marathon Center for Performing Arts)

Join Dorothy, Toto, and all your favorite characters from Oz for a thrilling adventure perfect for the whole family. The Wizard of Oz Youth Edition performances will be held at the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts (MCPA), 200 W. Main Cross St., on Friday, March 14 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, March 15 at 2 p.m.

Join Dorothy and her loyal companion Toto as they “Follow the Yellow Brick Road” through the Land of Oz, determined to reach the Emerald City, where the great and powerful Wizard of Oz will help them get home. Of course, along the way, Dorothy encounters witches (both good and bad), Munchkins, talking trees and winged monkeys. But most importantly, she befriends three unique characters: a Scarecrow with no brain, a Tin Man with no heart and a Lion with no “nerve.” Their journey to happiness – and self-awareness – is a glowing testament to friendship, understanding and hope in a world filled with both beauty and ugliness.

This Youtheatre production includes 90 students in grades 3-5 performing in the cast and participating in the technical crew. The directing team includes Samantha Henry as director, Lindsay Taylor as assistant director, Zachary Thomas as music director and Jordan Gottschalk as choreographer.

All seating is reserved and tickets are $16 for adults and $13 for senior citizens and students. One dollar from every ticket will go toward the Youtheatre College Scholarship fund at MCPA.

For more information or to purchase tickets, contact MCPA’s Ticket Office by calling 419.423.2787 or stopping by the Ticket Office, Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets can also be purchased online at MCPA.org.

(From the Findlay Police Department)

Please join us in congratulating Sergeant Dill on his impending retirement.

Sergeant Brian Dill has had a distinguished career with the Findlay Police Department, beginning on March 8, 1999.

Over the course of his service, he contributed to the department in various roles, including Field Training Officer and Crime Prevention Officer.

During his time as the Crime Prevention Officer, Sergeant Dill was instrumental in developing several programs that have had a lasting impact, helping to shape the program into its current form.

In 2014, Sergeant Dill was promoted to the rank of Patrol Sergeant and assigned to the Patrol Division.

He spent six years in this capacity before transitioning to the Vice Narcotics Unit/METRICH Enforcement Unit as the unit supervisor, where he served for four years.

Ultimately, Sergeant Dill returned to the Patrol Division to complete his career.

During Sergeant Dill’s career, he was awarded five letters of commendation and three letters of recognition for his outstanding service.

Additionally, Sergeant Dill was named the 2011 Findlay Police Department Officer of The Year.

On March 29, 2025, Sergeant Dill will retire after twenty-six (26) years of dedicated service to the Findlay Police Department and the citizens of our community.

We would like to thank Sergeant Dill for his commitment, dedication, professionalism, and contributions over his career; he will be greatly missed.

(From Findlay High School)

Findlay High School will be operating on a remote learning day on Tuesday, March 11th.

Juniors will be taking the state-sponsored ACT at FHS.

All other buildings within the district will maintain typical in-person learning this day.

– Students in grade 11 taking the state-sponsored ACT should arrive at school by 7:45am and report to their testing locations by 8:00am. Student testing locations have been posted outside of the FHS Counseling Office. Students received an email last week asking them to check for their testing location. Students taking the ACT on March 11th are excused from any remote learning assignments.

– Students in grades 9, 10, and 12 will participate in remote learning. Students are not expected to log-in at specific times, but are expected to complete any assignments shared by their teachers. Most teachers will be posting assignments via Google Classroom. They will also have hard copies of assignments available on Monday for students to take home if needed/requested.

– Students in grade 11 that opted out of the state-sponsored ACT are expected to participate in the remote learning day.

– Buses and the cafeteria will operate on a typical schedule for 11th grade students

(ONN) – Ohio is doing poorly when it comes to tobacco use prevention, according to the American Lung Association.

Ohio received an ‘F’ in prevention funding, tobacco taxes, and flavored tobacco products and a ‘C’ in access to care.

Lance Boucher of the American Lung Association talked about how far behind the organization believes Ohio is today.

(ONN) – Ohio lawmakers are trying to keep kids safer on the way to and from school.

The School Bus Safety Act is making its way through the Ohio Legislature.

Senate Bill 62 aims to crack down on drivers who pass a stopped school bus either loading or unloading children.

The punishment…a $300 fine.

The money would go to school districts to install cameras on buses to catch violators.

The cameras would capture your license plate numbers.

That information would go to local law enforcement which will decide whether you’ll get a fine.

(From Habitat for Humanity of Findlay-Hancock County)

Habitat for Humanity of Findlay/Hancock County’s Financial Opportunity Center (FOC) will host a Bridges Out of Poverty Workshop on Saturday, March 22 from 8:30 am to 3 pm at its offices at 1200 Commerce Parkway, Findlay.

Bridges Out of Poverty is a nationally recognized, comprehensive approach to understanding the dynamics that cause and perpetuate poverty in our community. While the workshop is free and open to the public, seating is limited to 50 participants. Anyone interested in elevating others in our community will benefit from this training.

“Bridges is one of those rare courses that can benefit all of us,” says Dustin Fuller, Manager of the Financial Opportunity Center. “It provides insights that continue to influence my work and strengthen my relationships with families each and every day, helping me to build empathy and awareness of the challenges faced by individuals in poverty, rather than placing blame.”

The workshop, co-sponsored by the Findlay/Hancock County Community Foundation, focuses on educating participants about the dynamics of poverty through the lens of economic class, all with the goal of developing strategies to help people move out of poverty.

During the session participants will receive materials, tools and resources to empower a community that strives to:

• alleviate and prevent poverty
• revitalize neighborhoods
• strengthen education and job skills
• encourage and support individuals to seek self-sufficiency
• reduce costs related to crime and poor health
• enhance economic development

To register, contact Kris Lowry at Habitat for Humanity at 419-429-1400 x6. Check-in begins at 8:00 and the workshop begins at 8:30.

(From the Navy Office of Community Outreach)

Petty Officer 3rd Class Gabriela Hailey, a native of Findlay, Ohio, serves aboard USS Abraham Lincoln, a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier operating out of San Diego, California.

Hailey graduated from Findlay High School in 2020.

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Findlay.

“Two lessons I learned from my hometown were to always be accepting of others and to respect their opinions,” Hailey said. “In the Navy, there are people from all over the world and I have to be accepting of them so we can work together and accomplish our missions.”

Hailey joined the Navy four years ago. Today, Hailey serves as an aviation boatswain’s mate (handling).

“I joined the Navy because I had no idea what I wanted to do after I graduated high school,” Hailey said. “However, I always knew I wanted to see the world. So, when the Navy recruiters came to my school and told me about all the experiences they’ve had, I realized the Navy was exactly what I wanted to do for my life.”

Aircraft carriers are the centerpiece of America’s Naval forces. For more than 100 years, they have projected power, sustained sea control, bolstered deterrence, provided humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and maintained enduring commitments worldwide.

According to Navy officials, aircraft carriers are versatile and have unique mission capabilities that make them a more strategic asset for the Navy than fixed-site bases. They are often the first response in a global crisis because of their ability to operate freely in international waters anywhere on the world’s oceans. In addition, no other weapon system can deploy and operate forward with a full-sized aircraft carrier’s speed, endurance, agility and combat capability of its air wing.

The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.

According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”

With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.

Hailey has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy is being nominated for my department for Junior Sailor of the Quarter,” Hailey said. “I am proud of this because I worked hard for the last four years to earn all the qualifications I need. Even if I don’t win for the command, it is okay because I’m just glad my division acknowledged my hard work.”

Hailey serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.

“Serving in the Navy means that I am part of something bigger than myself and that I have a whole world of opportunities ahead of me,” Hailey said.

Hailey is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible. “I want to thank my family for supporting me in every way possible these last four years,” Hailey added.