The Findlay City Planning Commission approved the applications for two cannabis dispensaries.

One will be located at 2205 Tiffin Avenue, which was formerly a Dollar General, and the other will be located at 1501 West Main Cross Street, which was formerly Guaranteed Auto.

The application for the location on Tiffin Avenue was filed by Curaleaf OGT Inc., and the application for West Main Cross was filed by Trulieve, Oh Inc.

The applications for conditional use were approved on the condition that the applicants comply with all requirements from the Ohio Division of Cannabis Control.

Earlier in the year, Findlay City Council approved an ordinance creating the zoning code to allow for the retail sale of cannabis in the city for recreational or medical use.

A Cannabis Overlay District allowing for adult-use cannabis dispensaries has been added to the Findlay Zoning code.

The city said the purpose of the Cannabis Overlay District allows for up to two dispensaries to operate in the city.

The district regulations are designed to encourage compatibility with adjacent or nearby land uses, the city said.

The overlay district consists of four areas:

Tiffin Avenue

I-75 exit 161 / CR 99

Trenton Avenue (west of I-75)

West Main Cross Street / I-75

The city previously placed a 12 month moratorium on the establishment of dispensaries.

Ohio voters approved the legalization of recreational marijuana in November of 2023.

(From the Chamber of Commerce Agri-Business Committee)

The Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce & the Hancock County Agriculture Hall of Fame is proud to announce the induction of four outstanding individuals at the annual Farmers Share Breakfast.

This year, we honor Michael Biery, S. David DeVore, Paul William Lauck, Sr., and John E. Wolfe for their remarkable contributions to agriculture and the community.

The breakfast was held on June 12, 2025 at the Old Millstream Centre with 350 people in attendance.

Michael Biery

Mike Biery’s agricultural journey began in his youth, working alongside his father, Dean Biery, in their Purebred Duroc pig operation. This early experience ignited a lifelong passion for agriculture, leading Mike to establish a 1200-acre grain farm with his family, focusing on corn, beans, and wheat while continuing to raise Purebred Durocs for 4-H projects and market. Beyond farming, Mike played a pivotal role in the community, serving on the boards of Blanchard Valley Farmers Co-Op and Hancock County Farm Bureau. He co-founded the Cory-Rawson FFA alumni association, championing Junior Fair Livestock Auctions and volunteering for FFA programs. Mike’s dedication extended regionally as an elected trustee of the Northwest Ohio Antique Machinery Association, where he curated displays and promoted agricultural history. Recognized with an Honorary FFA Degree in 2015, Mike Biery’s legacy as a servant leader, mentor, and advocate for agriculture leaves an enduring impact on Hancock County and beyond. Biery was honored posthumously.

 David DeVore

Born in 1943, Dave DeVore has been a dedicated resident of Hancock County for 81 years, devoting his life to farming since the age of 8. He began farming independently in 1961, growing his operation to roughly 1,000 acres and 100 head of sheep, and continues to farm today alongside his son-in-law. A lifelong member of the Hancock County Farm Bureau—where he served as President—Dave has also been an active member of the Hancock County Ag Council since 1988 and the Agri-Business Committee since 1989. He played a key role in establishing the Hancock County Ag Hall of Fame in 2006. Beyond the county, Dave has represented Ohio Farm Bureau at national conferences and met with legislators in Washington, D.C. to advocate for agriculture. He earned his State Farmer Degree in 1960 and remains deeply involved in both agricultural and faith communities, serving as a trustee and food pantry donor at Good Shepherd Church in Benton Ridge. Dave’s lifelong commitment to agriculture and helping others has made a lasting impact across Hancock County and beyond.

Paul William Lauck, Sr.

Born in 1917, Paul William Lauck, Sr. devoted his entire 100 years as a Hancock County resident to farming and community service. A lifelong grain and vegetable farmer, he cultivated corn, soybeans, wheat, tomatoes for Campbell’s, and pickles—farming 720 acres alongside his brother, Forest. Paul was a local pioneer in agricultural innovation, among the first in the county to use drainage tile and anhydrous ammonia, while also implementing conservation practices like grass waterways and crop rotation. After a farm accident in 1945 resulted in the loss of his right hand, Paul’s determination never wavered, he adapted and continued farming, always advocating for farm safety. His service extended beyond the fields, serving as a supervisor for the Hancock Soil and Water Conservation District from 1955 to 1961, earning two conservation awards and being named Outstanding Farmer of the Year in 1961. A devoted member of Houcktown United Methodist Church, Paul served as Sunday School Superintendent, treasurer, and teacher. In retirement, he shared his love of woodworking through handcrafted gifts, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, innovation, and service. Lauck was honored posthumously.

John E. Wolfe

John E. Wolfe is a lifelong resident of Hancock County and a third-generation farmer, carrying on the legacy of Wolfe’s Produce which was founded over 80 years ago by his grandparents, Howard and Rose Wolfe, and later run by his father, Richard Wolfe. John began working on the farm in grade school and chose to forgo college football at Findlay College to fully dedicate himself to the family operation. As the full-time owner of Wolfe’s Produce, he is known for growing high-quality sweet corn, pumpkins, and other vegetables, using both conventional and no-till practices while embracing innovation rooted in tradition. A mentor to young farmers and a resource to peers across county lines, John has played a vital role in advancing agricultural practices regionally. He also serves his community as a Marion Township Trustee, a member of the Republican Central Committee, and an active member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church. Each fall, Wolfe’s Produce brings vibrant seasonal offerings to Northwest Ohio and beyond, making John a cornerstone of local agriculture and a model of dedication, service, and hard work.

Please join us in honoring Michael Biery, S. David DeVore, Paul William Lauck, Sr., and John E. Wolfe as the newest inductees into the Hancock County Agriculture Hall of Fame. 

About Hancock County Agriculture Hall of Fame:
The Hancock County Agriculture Hall of Fame, run by the OSU Extension Office, honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the agricultural industry and the community. Through recognition and celebration of these achievements, the Hall of Fame aims to inspire future generations of agricultural leaders.

The Marathon Center for the Performing Arts has released its Mainstage Series lineup for the new season.

The lineup includes The Book of Mormon on September 25, 2025, Straight No Chaser on October 17, 2025, Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol on December 4, 2025, Richard Thomas in Mark Twain Tonight! by Hal Holbrook on February 22, 2026, and Chris Thile on April 8, 2026.

The member-only season ticket presale goes from June 10 until June 13 at 11 a.m.

The season ticket public sale begins June 13 at 11 a.m.

Click here for more details.

(From the University of Findlay)

The University of Findlay’s Board of Trustees welcomes two new members this spring: environmental management executive Vincent Passaro ’81 and engineering firm president Conlan Swope.

“These new board members are leaders in their industries who will offer valuable governance from their professional experiences,” UF President Katherine Fell, Ph.D., said. “We look forward to working alongside them to support our students and advance the University.”

Passaro, who earned a bachelor of science in biology at Findlay College in 1981, is the vice president of marketing/business development at Groundwater & Environmental Services, Inc., a large environmental consulting and engineering company headquartered in New Jersey.

His career accomplishments include building a company of five employees into a company of 100, making it one of the fastest-growing privately-held companies on the Inc. 500 list.

He managed the City of Cincinnati’s environmental term contract for nine years to help the city progress with economic development projects along the riverfront. He also facilitated the winning proposals for three large water treatment plant design-build projects ranging from $20 to $160 million in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Since 1988, he has served as a technical expert at the National Institute of Standards & Technology.

At UF, Passaro and his wife Victoria Nager-Passaro have generously donated to the Findlay Fund and Findlay Forward Scholarship, and he has spoken on campus, encouraging current students in their studies and sharing his life experiences with them. In 2024, he received a Distinguished Alumnus Award.

“As a proud alumnus, I am enthusiastic to support UF in any capacity where my 40+ years of business/strategic planning experience can be used to continue the success it has experienced, and more importantly achieve its current and future mission,” Passaro said. “This is just one way for me to give back to the University that provided me with opportunities of a lifetime.”

Swope is the president of Warfel Construction, in East Petersburg, Pennsylvania, which is a fullservice construction management company serving industries across the Mid-Atlantic region. He has worked at Warfel since 2008, ascending through roles of increasing responsibility, and is dedicated to the firm’s mission of “Clients for Life.”

He holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Penn State University and is a LEED (Leadership in Environmental Energy and Design) accredited professional.

A member of New Providence Church of God, he also serves on the Crossroads Mission Haiti board of directors and has frequently traveled to Haiti to assist in building a school, orphanage, and church.

“I am thrilled to join the UF community as a trustee and uphold our strong legacy as we continue to provide more engaging experiences for the student body, preparing them for the next stages of their lives,” Swope said. “It is a blessing to serve alongside so many fantastic trustees and faculty members. The future is bright!”

The 45th annual Torch Run for Special Olympics was held in Findlay on Wednesday.

Officers from the Findlay Police Department and the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office carried the torch through the streets of Findlay as part of the lead up to the Ohio Special Olympics Summer Games in Columbus.

The Torch Run began at the University of Findlay and proceeded to the Hancock County Courthouse where Special Olympics athletes joined in for the stretch run to St. Marks United Methodist Church.

Nadine Weininger, with Blanchard Valley Center, says the support from the community means a lot to their athletes. 

The annual torch run, with law enforcement officers escorting the Special Olympians at the end of the run, has been a Hancock County tradition since 1981.

The Ohio Special Olympics Summer Games will be held June 13-15 at Ohio State University in Columbus.

Hancock County will have 33 athletes competing in track and field, powerlifting, and bocce.

(From the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles)

Ohio Residents have reported receiving text messages from scammers claiming to be from BMV and informing the recipients that they have an outstanding traffic ticket.

Ohio BMV will never send you a text demanding payment or for your personal info.

More at https://bit.ly/45i4Wc0

(From the Wood County Sheriff’s Office)

On Wednesday, June 11, 2025, The Wood County Sheriff’s Office investigated a two-vehicle crash which resulted in one fatality.

The crash occurred on SR-582 near Tontogany Road which is located inside of Washington Twp.

The crash involved a Honda Goldwing motorcycle and a Hyundai Santa Fe.

The investigation showed that the motorcycle was headed east on SR-582 when it struck a deer and crashed in the middle of the roadway.

While in the roadway, the SUV also came east bound and struck both the motorcycle and its operator.

The operator of the motorcycle was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The operator of the SUV was not injured.

The operator of the motorcycle was identified as Jonathan Little, (53 years old) and was from Bowling
Green, Ohio.

The operator of the SUV was identified as Paul Turner, (36 years old), also from Bowling
Green, Ohio.

Assisting on location were Middleton Township Medic 680 EMS, Middleton Township Fire Department, BG Towing, and Frank’s Automotive.

The incident is still under investigation.

(From Owens Community College)

Finding a safe and accepting community is vital for the success of any college student.

For quite a few Owens Community College students, the Sexuality and Gender Activists club (SAGA) has filled that void. It’s been so important to them that some students aren’t sure they’d still be succeeding and even enrolled in college without it.

SAGA is a student group focused on issues and topics associated with the LGBTQ community at Owens and at large. The group’s faculty advisor is Krista Kiessling, the director of Campus and Community Connections (CCC) at Owens. The CCC office in College Hall has become like a second home for the students.

“If I hadn’t found Krista, I wouldn’t have found SAGA, I wouldn’t have found all of this and I probably wouldn’t have stayed in school,” Psychology student Letitia Hatch said.

“Her acceptance for students and meeting them where they are is huge. That reflects on how we want to be. We want that kind of role model in our life, and she’s a really amazing role model. SAGA wouldn’t be SAGA if Krista wasn’t the advisor.”

Hatch has a bachelor’s degree from Wells College in Aurora, New York. She was in charge of the Pride Club at that school as well.

“For me, it’s acceptance, understanding and mutual support,” Hatch said. “And a lot of fun times and very funny conversations.

“Owens definitely promotes that, ‘Hey, we love you, we accept you for who you are.’ You don’t always get that in other places.”

Culinary Arts student Madi VanDyke said the unique population of Owens students makes the campus a welcoming place for people of all walks.

“It has something special to it, just because it’s such a vast difference in students,” VanDyke said. “Owens has a diverse student reach, a wide variety of different students – adults, younger people, high school CCP students, all those kinds of things. Owens has a wide variety of non-traditional students and a wide range of people gathering under one roof.

“SAGA is about bringing people together for that equality. It’s people who are gathering together for one cause.”

SAGA membership isn’t limited to students in the LGTBQ community. Students, faculty and staff are all welcomed to join, regardless of their sexuality identity. In fact, that diversity of membership helps create a more vibrant group.

“While we do have things centered towards our different topics, we still accept everybody and love everyone for who they are, no matter the circumstance,” VanDyke said. “That’s pretty special.”

With Pride Month being celebrated in June, it’s a special time for many members of SAGA. Graphic Design student Elijah Stimmage said that to him, Pride Month means being authentic to yourself. It’s also a reminder to keep pushing for the changes in society that will hopefully one day lead to LGTBQ individuals being another part of regular, everyday life.

“I feel like the more backwards we go, the harder we have to push forward,” Stimmage said. “Some people feel like they’re doing it by themselves, and that can get hard and lonely. Pride Month and things like SAGA are reminders that you’re not alone. If you can’t pick yourself up, someone will be there to help you.”

Mike Young, a Literature major, added that while Pride Month is an opportunity to call for more equality, it should also be a time to celebrate.

“It’s a time to celebrate rather than just push,” Young said. “You can celebrate while pushing forward during Pride Month. I think a lot of the time, a lot of effort is focusing on pushing and fighting for what we want, and a lot of times people miss out on celebrating. June and Pride Month helps boost that celebration side while fighting.”

According to Hatch, there are many people who want to be visible but are worried about their safety, so they’ll choose to celebrate Pride Month quietly.

That’s where a supportive and safe community can make a difference. Young admitted that his mental health and life circumstance “would be much worse off it I hadn’t found this place.”

SAGA will remain visible around Owens, helping students remember that they’re not alone.

“We want to keep promoting that we’re here. You can still be unapologetically you with us,” Hatch said.

“We accept people for where they are. We don’t ask them note to be themselves.”

(Above photo courtesy of Owens Community College. IDs, left to right, Owens students and SAGA members Letitia Hatch, Mike Young, and Madi VanDyke)

(From the City of Findlay)

S. Cory St. between W. Crawford St. and W. Main Cross St. will be closed to the public effective Wednesday, June 11th at 8 a.m. for 90 days.

The East/West alley behind the Post Office between S. West St. and S. Cory St. will also be affected.

Eastbound traffic in the alley will be required to turn South and exit the alley on W. Crawford St.

The bike lane will remain open.

WFIN – The city said the closure is for safety reasons for pedestrians as well as employees of the new judicial center building, police department, sheriff’s office, and municipal building which are all in that area.

After gathering data for 90 days the road closure would become permanent if approved.

(From the Findlay YMCA)

The 42nd Annual Flag City Invitational is this weekend! It will necessitate the following Riverside Pool closures:

Thursday, June 12 – closing at 4 p.m.

Friday, June 13 through Sunday, June 15 – closed for the swim meet.

Come cheer on our Y Frogs who will compete against multiple teams from Ohio and other states!

The meet is free and open to the public.

Also keep in mind: FREE RIVERSIDE POOL ADMISSION on Saturday, June 21.

This will be the first of three free swim days at the pool, with the other two scheduled for July 12 and Aug. 9, sponsored by The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation’s Fun for All program.