All posts by Matt Demczyk

Sheriff’s Office Investigating Fatal Crash

(From the Wood County Sheriff’s Office)

On August 8, 2025, at 8:37 am, The Wood County Sheriff’s Office investigated a two-vehicle crash on State Route 18 near Bushey Rd. in Bloom Township.

The crash involved a 2020 Dodge Grand Caravan and a 2021 Freightliner M2 (Prism Propane Truck)

The investigation showed that the Freightliner was disabled on the south side of State Route 18 facing east (with warning equipment in-place) and the Grand Caravan was also traveling eastbound. The Grand Caravan failed to slow for the disabled truck and struck the rear end.

The operator of the Grand Caravan, Kristine Krotzer, 58 of Bloomdale, OH was pronounced deceased at the scene by medical personnel. She was wearing her seatbelt at the time of the crash.

The operator of the Freightliner M2, Kenneth Mulkey, 37 of Portage, OH was not in the vehicle at the time of the crash and was uninjured.

Assisting the Wood County Sheriff’s Office on location was North Baltimore Police Dept. Bloomdale Fire and Eagleville 140 Medics. Also assisting at the scene was Tommy Boy Towing and Wright Tire and Auto.

The crash remains under investigation.

Findlay Man Injured In Motorcycle Crash

The Findlay Police Department says a motorcyclist was injured in a crash on Friday morning.

Police say Robert L. Courtney Jr., of Findlay, was operating a motorcycle westbound in the 200 block of East Pine Avenue at 7:40 a.m. Friday when he lost control of the motorcycle, struck a parked vehicle, and was thrown from the motorcycle.

Police say Robert was transported by HANCO ambulance to the hospital with suspected broken bones and his injuries are not considered to be life-threatening.

Police issued Robert citations for Operation Without Reasonable Control and for not wearing a helmet while operating a motorcycle with a temporary instruction permit.

Sheriff’s Office Warns Of Scam

(From the Wyandot County Sheriff’s Office)

SCAM Alert – we have been notified that someone is calling individuals stating that they are Deputy Holloway and that the person should call them back on a direct number of 419-757-8056.

While we do have a Deputy Holloway he is NOT making these calls.

If a Deputy calls someone they would be instructed to call our main business number of 419-294-2362 and then be forwarded to that deputy.

Please do NOT give them any personal information.

Nurse Recognized For Making Special Difference In Patient’s Life

(From Blanchard Valley Health System)

Congratulations to Stacey Tooman, RN, for being a July DAISY Award Recipient!

Stacey was nominated by a mother who brought her 4-month-old son to Blanchard Valley Hospital to be treated for RSV. She noted that Stacey went above and beyond to ensure that she and her son were comfortable during their stay. Those small actions made a big difference in helping the family feel cared for and prioritized.

“Her combination of professionalism, knowledge, and compassion made a lasting impression on us. She is an incredible nurse who deserves to be recognized for the outstanding care she provides,” said the nominator.

Thank you, Stacey, for your dedication to providing outstanding care. We are lucky to have you as part of #TeamBVHS

Pictured (left to right): Jessica Moore, RN, director of inpatient nursing; Kayla Tyree, RN, clinic manager of orthopedics and neurology; Stacey Tooman, RN; BJ Paztor, chief nursing officer and chief operations officer of acute care services; Christy Frymyer, orthopedics and neurology educator.

Still Some ‘Fun For All’ Series Free Pool Days Left

(From the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation)

All four local pools have just one free day left!

As part of our Fun for All series, The Community Foundation is excited to continue free admission at Arlington Swimming Pool, McComb Pool, Mt. Blanchard Pool, and Riverside Pool

The dates listed below are subject to change based on weather conditions.

Village of Arlington, Ohio, Village Of McComb – Ohio, Village of Mt Blanchard and Findlay YMCA received a grant from the Foundation to make these free pool days possible.

New Recycling Bin Location In Findlay

(From the Hancock County Solid Waste Management District)

NEW DONATION BIN LOCATION – South End….

Hancock County Building – 401 Olive Street – currently collected Monday & Thursdays.

*Remember to break down your boxes to accommodate more materials and put all items inside the containers – nothing on the ground, please. – Thank you

There are now 18 total recycling locations in Hancock County with the Recycling Hub located at the old Litter Landing location of 1720 East Sandusky Street in Findlay.

Hancock Leadership Accepting Proposals For Class Project

(From the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce)

The Hancock Leadership Class of 2026 is now accepting project proposals from the community!

If your organization has a need or idea that could benefit from a hands-on, collaborative class project, we encourage you to submit a bid for consideration.

Let’s work together to make a lasting impact in Hancock County!

The class project of the Hancock Leadership Class of 2025 was to beautify the area surrounding the Allan H. Davis Judicial Center on West Main Cross Street in downtown Findlay by planting flowers and shrubs.

Sheriff’s Office Holding 5K For Suicide Awareness

(From the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office)

Come join us on September 7th for our 5K Foot Pursuit – In Pursuit of Suicide Awareness!

Runners and Walkers Welcome!

Sign up here: https://runsignup.com/…/5KFootPursuitInPursuitOfSuicide…

You Matter. will be joining us to help raise awareness.

Read about their journey below of how a life changing moment is helping them change lives!

“In 2018, our 16 year old son, Brady, tragically lost his life to suicide. His story, like many others, highlights the urgent need for open discussion about mental health.

We were heartbroken and devastated. We were left with so many unanswered questions: Why did this happen?

There were no signs at all.

Following Brady’s death, we realized that it was crucial to raise awareness about suicide and mental health.

We were aware of the stigma surrounding mental health, and we were uncertain if anyone would join our cause. However, the overwhelming support we received from the community demonstrated that every contribution matters in our mission to spread awareness.

Many people are facing deep emotional pain. We need safe places where they can talk openly about depression and mental illness. These conversations are important for creating understanding and support in our communities. It’s time to encourage those who suffer to share their experiences and seek the help they need.

We are hoping to help get those conversations started.

At You Matter. we are committed to fostering open discussions about challenging topics. We understand the struggles parents face when talking to their children about suicide. We welcome the curiosity of younger ones asking, “What does You Matter. mean?” and empathize with the older generation who may feel hesitant to discuss depression. Together, we can make these important conversations easier and more approachable, empowering everyone to share their feelings and connect with one another.

Although we do not understand why this has happened, we choose to place our trust in our Lord.

The world is broken and hurting, yet together, we can spread hope to those in need.”

Together, let’s share the message of:

“It’s Not Weak To Speak – You Matter.”

Brooke & Rod Dudgeon

You Matter, Inc Founders

Bluffton History Day

(From the Bluffton Historical Society)

Bluffton History Day is almost here!

It will be held on Saturday, August 9th from 10 to 1 at Buckeye Park.

Join us and Board & Brush Bluffton, OH for displays, presentations, activities, entertainment and food!

Celebrating Bluffton and railroad history!

BVHS President On Senator Husted Visit

(By Myron Lewis, President & CEO, Blanchard Valley Health System)

This week, Blanchard Valley Health System (BVHS) had the honor of hosting Senator Jon Husted for a thoughtful discussion on the future of healthcare in rural Ohio. His visit was more than a courtesy call, it was a genuine demonstration of leadership and concern for the communities we serve every day.

In an era where rural hospitals face mounting challenges—financial, operational, and demographic—it matters when elected leaders take the time to listen and learn directly from those on the front lines. Senator Husted’s presence in Findlay and his willingness to sit down with our leadership team was not just appreciated, it was necessary.

Rural hospitals are, quite literally, lifelines. In our region of Northwest Ohio, BVHS serves over 100,000 households across eight counties. We’re not just a place to receive care. We’re a critical part of the community fabric. And yet, like many rural health systems across the state, we’re feeling the squeeze.

During our time with Senator Husted, we outlined the harsh economic realities we face. The rising cost of everything—from medical supplies and pharmaceuticals to food service, utilities, and staffing—has not been matched by the reimbursements we receive for providing care. For Medicare patients, hospitals like ours are reimbursed less than 80 cents on the dollar. That means we’re at a $99.2 billion shortfall nationwide that makes it increasingly difficult to keep services accessible and local.

Add to that the shifting payor mix and the fact that more patients are delaying care due to their own rising household costs, and the equation becomes both concerning and unsustainable. Rural hospitals don’t operate with the financial cushions of larger urban systems. We walk a fine line between sustainability and sacrifice.

That’s why Senator Husted’s visit and his voice is so necessary—not only for BVHS but for the community we serve. Alongside Senator Bernie Moreno, he championed the Rural Health

Transformation Program, which secured $1.3 billion for rural hospitals through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. That’s a win for every rural family in Ohio who depends on local care like us.

During my conversation with Senator Husted, his message was clear: rural doesn’t mean forgotten. He came not with prepackaged solutions but with questions, curiosity, and an open ear. That kind of leadership is rare—and it’s what we need more of.

We left the meeting with a renewed sense of purpose and a shared commitment to keep moving forward, together. At BVHS, quality care is our most important job. But it’s not a job we can do alone. It requires partnerships between providers, communities, and policymakers alike.

I’m grateful to Senator Husted and his team for investing their time here. I’m also grateful to the providers, associates, and volunteers at BVHS who continue to deliver exceptional care despite extraordinary pressure. And I’m hopeful—because when government listens, and health systems collaborate—real progress is possible.

We’re not asking for special treatment. We’re asking for a fair shot. Rural Ohio deserves healthcare that is close to home, high in quality, and built to last. With continued advocacy and innovative partnerships, we can make that a reality.

The work is far from done, but this week reminded me that we are not alone in the fight. And for that, I’m thankful.

Myron Lewis, President & CEO, Blanchard Valley Health System