(From the Miracle League of Findlay)

Miracle League families, volunteers and supporters, it’s an exciting time for the Miracle League and the City of Findlay.   After several years of planning, community design and fundraising we are now ready for the final step in our $450,000 expansion. 

Installation of the fitness equipment! 

The project team elected to do a community build for the Fitness Park which results in a savings of approximately $38,000 worth of labor value vs having the vendor install the equipment.  By having the community build it provides a way to let the community participate and support this great project.  It also allowed us to maximize the amount of equipment for the Fitness Park.

The equipment has started to arrive and the site work will begin later this month. 

Final step is a call for volunteers who want to help with the 2-3 day process to install the fitness equipment.   We need individuals that are handy and can work with their hands and follow written instructions.   We will be installing 36 pieces of exercise equipment around the ballfield.   We will have supervisors from the vendor to lead us and help with the installation.  

One important role we need is someone that can layout the parts and equipment for the various work teams for each day.  If this is something that you would like to do please let me know.  Tools will be minimal –  impact drills, screwdrivers and wrenches.   Each day we will have two 5 hour shifts for a total of 10 hours each day.  We would prefer a 10 hour day but can handle 5 hour shifts if that works better with your schedule.  Lunch and water will be provided each day.   

For planning purposes we are looking at the following tentative schedule: Weather permitting

 Day zero  September 22nd (Monday), (no volunteers needed, layout of the site by Penchura, City of Findlay and the Project Team):

 Day 1 – September 23rd (Tuesday),   7:30am to 12:30 and 1pm to 6:00pm    

 Day 2 – September 24th (Wednesday),   7:30am to 12:30 and 1pm to 6:00pm  

 Day 3 – September 25th (Thursday),  7:30am to 12:30 and 1pm to 6:00pm (contingency day)

We need 20-25 volunteers for each hour of work.   We will break up into smaller independent teams and assemble the fitness equipment around the outside of the Miracle Field.  Please feel free to pass this onto family and friends who might like the opportunity to help out in this final step.   

Send Brad Koller your name, dates and times you want to help.   He will build a schedule and send it out to the daily volunteer teams. 

If you have any questions or want additional information please contact Brad Koller at (734) 395-5725.   If you can volunteer please email back at (goclev31@aol.com). 

(ONN) – Ohio Governor Mike DeWine is sending the Ohio National Guard to the nation’s capital.

150 members of the Ohio National Guard will aid in the president’s federalization of law enforcement as added security.

None are active law enforcement in Ohio.

The governor’s announcement comes as demonstrators against the federal takeover gathered to shine a light on the president’s actions.

More than 700 National Guard troops are already patrolling the city.

The president says the National Guard is needed to combat crime and make the city safe.

(From Findlay City Schools)

Get ready, Trojan Nation!

Join us for the Trojan Country Kickoff on Friday, August 22 from 5:00–6:30 PM at Donnell Stadium — right before the first home football game of the 2025 season!

Bring the whole family for:

-Bounce Houses

-Obstacle Course

 -Face Painting

 -Concessions

-District Support Organizations

 -Trojan Spirit Wear

…and so much more!

Let’s fill the stands with Trojan pride and kick off the year together! Don’t miss out! 

(From Blanchard Valley Health System)

Birchaven Village, a division of Blanchard Valley Health System (BVHS), is pleased to announce a new partnership with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Through this collaboration, Birchaven Village is now accepting VA insurance, opening the door for more local veterans to access high-quality senior care services and residential options.

This partnership allows eligible veterans to use their VA benefits to help cover the cost of living expenses and care at Birchaven Village. This includes short-term rehabilitation stays, long-term care, and memory care. The new agreement further supports Birchaven’s mission to provide exceptional, compassionate care while honoring those who have served our country.

“We are deeply committed to serving the needs of our community, and we are especially privileged to work with the veterans in our area,” said Judith A. Bishop-Pierce, LNHA, Director of Residential Care at Birchaven Village. “Our team is proud to provide the highest standard of care and support for those who have served our country, and this partnership with the VA ensures they have greater access to the services they deserve.”

Birchaven Village offers a full continuum of care to seniors living in Hancock County and the surrounding region. For those looking to simplify their lifestyle, Birchaven provides condominiums that are available for purchase within a vibrant and welcoming community. For individuals needing a bit more assistance, the campus features both independent and assisted living apartments available in various floor plans to suit personal preferences and care needs.

Birchaven also offers adult day services in the memory care unit. The Julien A. Faisant Adult Day Center serves the dual purpose of maintaining an individual’s maximum level of independence while providing relief, support, and education to caregivers and families of the participants. The Center provides family members with the necessary support to allow them to work outside the home or enjoy much-needed respite time.

For seniors recovering from surgery, illness, or a recent fall, Birchaven is recognized as Findlay’s premier rehabilitation destination. It offers skilled nursing and personalized therapy services. Additionally, Birchaven provides long-term care and specialized memory care, delivering support in a warm and respectful environment that prioritizes dignity and quality of life.

Veterans and their families who want more information about eligibility, available services, or how VA insurance can help cover care costs are encouraged to call Birchaven Village at 419.425.3850 or visit our website at birchaven.org.

(From Findlay High School)

Attention FHS Families-

As a reminder, both the bus lane and the typical car rider lane will now be available for morning drop-off and afternoon pickups. Please take a look at the recommended traffic patterns to help ensure a safe and speedy process.

Thank you!

Your FHS Administrative Team

(From the Hancock Park District)

Beginning September 1, 2025 Hancock County residents and landowners will be able to enter our Seasonal Hunting with Permission Lottery.

Entries will be accepted online only through September 30, 2025.

Winners will be contacted via email no later than 4:30 pm on October 3, 2025.

Visit the “Park News” section of our website, hancockparks.com to register beginning September 1!

(ONN) – Transportation planners in Ohio are considering the request of a congressman from southwest Ohio to move forward with a new north-south interstate in Ohio.

The idea for what would be Interstate 73 has been around since 1978.

It would connect northern Michigan with Myrtle Beach, and run roughly along U.S. 23 into the Appalachian Mountains.

The Cincinnati Enquirer reports that the Ohio Department of Transportation is conducting a $1.5 million study for Ohio’s part in the project, set to be released by the end of next year.

That would also mean automatic upgrades to U.S. 23.

An ODOT spokesman says the state highway department will upgrade U.S. 23 as funds become available whether a new interstate is built or not.

(From Cancer Patient Services)

Join us for the 4th Annual Flock Walk on Saturday, September 13th at the University of Findlay’s Koehler Center — a morning full of inspiration, remembrance, and community support for local cancer patients and survivors.

What to Expect:

• Doors open at 8:00 AM
• Survivor Breakfast at 8:30 AM
• Free for survivors
• $15 for guests
• Welcome & Awards at 9:00 AM, followed by the
• Survivor Picture & Lap
• Walk & 5K begin at 9:30 AM

NEW! Can’t join in person? Register for our Virtual Walk Option and participate from anywhere!

Honor a Loved One:

Purchase a flamingo for $15 to honor a survivor or remember someone lost. These will be displayed during the event.

Visa Raffle Tickets:

Enter to win — just $10 per ticket!

Event Highlights:

• Raffle Baskets
• Photo Booth Fun
• Kids Zone Activities
•  

Registration Details:

• Adults: $30
• Children (ages 6–12): $15
• Kids 5 & under: FREE
• Register as an individual or gather your flock and form a team!

Sign up now at: cancerpatientservices.org

Let’s flock together to celebrate survivors, support local cancer patients, and honor loved ones. Your participation helps make a difference.

We can’t wait to see you there!

(From the Ohio Department of Transportation District 1)

The following ODOT construction projects are anticipated to affect roadways in Hancock County.

• All outlined work is weather permitting.
• Click the project title to view the project location on OHGO.com. 
• Follow the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) District 1 on Facebook or X for current Hancock County construction information.

Interstate 75 and County Road 99 interchange and corridor improvement:  The project will reconstruct the interchange with a diverging diamond design and upgrade the County Road 99 corridor between Technology Drive and North Main Street. Visit the project webpage: PID 102375.

CONTINUING TRAFFIC IMPACTS

• Intermittent single lane closures on I-75 will continue through the project.
• CR 99 restricted to one lane in both directions.

Interstate 75 rest areas

Interstate 75 rest areas between the village of Bluffton and the city of Findlay will close for maintenance according to the schedule below:

• Southbound work is complete; rest area is open.
• Northbound closed Aug. 4-24

State Route 12 resurfacing

State Route 12 between the cities of Findlay and Fostoria will be restricted to alternating one way through September for a resurfacing project.  A micro-surface will be applied. Traffic will be maintained by flaggers. Visit the project website: 113033

State Route 15/County Road 193 intersection improvement

State Route 15 at County Road 193 between the city of Findlay and the village of Vanlue is restricted to one lane, April 7-Nov. 14, to construct an overpass on County Road 193 over State Route 15.

Visit the project webpage: PID 114008

TRAFFIC IMPACTS

• SR 15 is restricted to one 12-foot lane with a 3-foot buffer on both sides.
• CR 193 over SR 15 is closed. 

UPCOMING TRAFFIC IMPACTS

• SR 15 will close overnight 10 p.m. -5 a.m. for beam setting.
  • Westbound: Wednesday night-Thursday morning, Sept. 3-4
  • Eastbound: Thursday night-Friday morning, Sept. 4-5

State Route 235 culvert replacement

State Route 235 and Township Road 111, at the intersection, will close Monday, Aug. 18, for approximately five days for a culvert replacement.

TRAFFIC IMPACTS

• Detour: SR18 to I-75 to SR 613, back to SR 235 (see map).

State Route 568 bridge rehabilitations (2)

State Route 568 on the southeast side of the city of Findlay is open following a closure to rehabilitate two bridges.

(From Hancock County Sheriff Michael Cortez)

To the Hancock County Community,

I am proud to deliver the July report of activity for our Office operations. I am profoundly grateful for your collaboration and confident in our shared commitment of transparency and accountability through these monthly reports.

Operational Statistics – July 2025

• Total Incidents Closed: 2706
• Traffic Stops Conducted: 347
• OVI/Reckless Operation Investigations: 22
• Traffic Crashes Investigated: 67
• Court Documents Served: 292
• Arrest Warrants Executed: 46
• Detective Bureau/METRICH Operations: Search warrants and continued investigations.
• Body-Worn Camera (BWC) Program: Maintained full compliance with Ohio Collaborative standards, and we are awaiting the opening of the grant this fall.
• Policy and Procedure Review: The final roundtable discussion was held and final policy is in review
• Emergency Communications: 991 calls received through 9-1-1 services
• Sheriff’s App: We continue to work with the developers to have this ready for public use by mid-October 2025.

Corrections Division:

– Average Daily Inmate Population: 75

– Total Book-ins: 122 (including both felony and misdemeanor classifications, male and female)

– Internal Incidents Managed: 143

– Meals Provided: 7,796

Thank You,

Sheriff Michael A. Cortez