All posts by Matt Demczyk

Cryptocurrency Topic Of Next ‘Fridays At Findlay’ Lecture Series

(From the University of Findlay)

As more Americans are adding cryptocurrency to their wallets, these digital age dollars will be the theme of the November 21 “Fridays at Findlay” presentation at the University of Findlay.

Andrew Burchwell, executive director of the Ohio Blockchain Council, will give a presentation on “Cryptocurrency: Origins, Use, Security and Its Future,” followed by a question-and-answer session.

“The 21st century economy is predicated on the use of innovative tools like cryptocurrencies,” Burchwell noted, adding that he will explain how the cryptocurrency system works, how it is bought and sold, what a stable coin is, and much more.

People with no prior knowledge of cryptocurrency, those who are skeptical based on issues that have arisen in its early evolution, and those who already own digital assets will all find this presentation of interest.

The Ohio Blockchain Council, headquartered in Columbus, leads industry advocacy efforts for Bitcoin, digital asset mining, and blockchain technology.

Burchwell is an accomplished program manager with over a decade of experience advancing energy technology commercialization, infrastructure development, and public-private partnerships. He also has managed public-private partnerships across government and NGO partners including the Department of Energy, Department of Defense, World Bank, and others.

The event is open to the public and will take place in the Winebrenner Building, TLB Auditorium on the UF campus. Doors open at 7:30 a.m. for a breakfast buffet with the presentation from 7:50 to 9 a.m.

Sponsored by WesBanco, the Fridays at Findlay lecture series encourages continued educational opportunities for members of the community, the campus, and alumni.

Register online by Nov. 19 at www.findlay.edu/FridaysAtFindlay or call University Advancement at 419-434-5334 for more information. The fee is $12 for adults and $6 for students.

Hancock County Jail Receives High Marks In Annual Inspection

Hancock County Sheriff Michael Cortez has announced that the Hancock County Justice Center received a perfect compliance rating during its 2025 Annual Jail Inspection performed by the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction.

“This accomplishment is a direct reflection of the professionalism, dedication, and integrity of our Corrections Division,” Sheriff Cortez said.

“Our staff work tirelessly every day to ensure a safe, and secure environment for those in our custody.”

Get more details and comments from Sheriff Cortez about the perfect rating below.

Learn About CASA During ‘Paws With A Cause’ Event

(From CASA of Hancock County)

Our upcoming Paws with a Cause: Learn About CASA is a free, easy, no-pressure way to learn more about CASA, ask questions in a safe setting, and of course, get to meet & pet a certified therapy dog (or two)!

This will be a great way to learn, connect, and enjoy some puppy love, all while exploring how to help kids in need and learn more about what Woofcraft does!

All are welcome to attend, whether you are a community partner looking to learn more, a potential volunteer, an interested resident, or just someone who wants to pet a dog – we don’t judge!

Registration is not required, but it is preferred so we can prepare accordingly.

Register here: https://tinyurl.com/2s3kcrdu

Date & Time: Tuesday, December 9th 5:30-6:30pm

Location: Findlay-Hancock County Public Library; 206 Broadway St, Findlay, OH 45840; Lindamond Meeting Room (go down the steps to the lowest level for the meeting rooms)

Contact: hrlutz@co.hancock.oh.us

‘Guitars For Vets’ Believes In The Healing Power Of Music

(From the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts)

Happy Veteran’s Day!  MCPA is proud to partner with loanDepot Findlay, OH in our support to the Hancock County chapter of Guitars For Vets – Findlay, OH. Together, it is possible for MCPA to offer a safe and inclusive space to hold guitar lessons and jam sessions for vets in this program. Also, a reminder to G4V graduates and instructors to call MCPA ticket office to get your complimentary tickets to a Live @ Armes show or a Wildcard show!

“It has been really fun and fulfilling getting to know these amazing veterans that share in our belief that music heals. We appreciate their past military service and their continued service as a volunteer G4V instructor. They are truly an amazing group of individuals that give selflessly to support their fellow vets.” says Kelda Heitkamp, MCPA Outreach Coordinator.

You can learn more about this amazing resiliency program offered through Hancock County Veterans Service Office https://hancockveterans.com/guitars-for-vets/

City Mission Serving Thanksgiving Meals At Various Locations

(From the City Mission of Findlay)

We’re so excited to celebrate Thanksgiving with you!

City Mission, in partnership with other community organizations, is serving free Thanksgiving meals at the locations listed below to the community.

Join us for great food, warm company, and a spirit of gratitude- everyone is welcome!

Thank you to our partners, donors, and volunteers who are helping us prepare to serve over 3,500 meals to the community this Thanksgiving.

We couldn’t do it without you!

LB Celebrates Newest Members Of National Honor Society

(From Liberty-Benton Local Schools)

Proud moment for our Eagles!

On November 3, we celebrated the induction of our newest members of the National Junior Honor Society and the National Honor Society.

Pic 1 – Middle School NJHS inductees

Pic 2 – Incredible seniors who helped lead the ceremony:

Front row (L to R): Hannah Jenkins, Ella Rioch, Aidyn Levenhagen, Evie Parmelee

Back row (L to R): Isaac Schworm, Lincoln Holler, Jon Coldren

Pic 3 – High School NHS inductees

Congratulations to all on your leadership, scholarship, and service!

Ohio’s Secretary Of State Stops By The WFIN Studios

Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose was on with WFIN’s Chris Oaks.

During his visit to the WFIN Studios, LaRose spoke about how the November 4 election went across Ohio, the bipartisan agreement on congressional redistricting in Ohio, and his campaign to be Ohio’s Auditor.

LaRose also spoke of his support for Findlay’s Robert Sprague in Sprague’s bid for Secretary of State.

If you missed the interview when it aired, no worries, you can listen back to in the audio file below.

Hometown Hero Banners Honor Local Service Members

(From the City of Findlay)

Findlay, Ohio is proud to honor those who serve our country. The following Hometown Hero banners are currently being displayed. An asterisk indicates a banner that is being displayed for the first time. Those banners are located on the West side of Main St. from Center St. heading South.

The Hometown Hero banners honor local members of the military and include active, retired, and deceased service members.

Hometown Hero banners can be requested by visiting https://www.findlayohio.gov/community/hometown-hero-project.

A few frequent questions we receive:

  1. I purchased a banner, why don’t I see their name on the list?

Answer: The list is the names of individuals whose banners are being displayed during this current rotation. You will see your banner listed on a future rotation.

  1. Will banners be put up more than once?

Answer: Yes, we will continue to display your banner until you request to take it home with you.

  1. Why can’t all banners be up at the same time?

Answer: We are fortunate to have more heroes in our community than light poles! We ensure that everyone who applies for a banner is able to be displayed throughout the annual cycles.

  1. What if someone is unable to pay but would like to be honored with a banner?

Answer: There are sponsorships available for those that are unable to pay. Please check this option on the application form.

Increased Police Presence At BGSU After Swatting Incident

(From Bowling Green State University)

This morning, on Monday, Nov. 10, the City of Bowling Green Police Department received an anonymous call on their non-emergency line from an unknown caller stating that there was an active shooter in a library. No additional calls of a similar nature reporting a threat at a library were received.

BGSUPD immediately responded to the Jerome Library and checked the area, including talking with individuals on scene who confirmed they did not see or hear anything indicating there was a threat. BGSUPD immediately determined there was no threat, however, officers evacuated the Library as a precaution. Following two full sweeps, BGSUPD called an all-clear.

BGSUPD is working with the City of Bowling Green Police Department to further investigate the call, which is believed to have been a swatting call. BGSUPD will have an increased presence on campus in the coming days out of an abundance of caution.