(From Garner Trucking)

On Saturday, January 18th volunteers are needed to support wreath clean-up and disposal effort from the Wreaths Across America event held in December.

Wreath clean-up will start at approximately 9:00am, at Maple Grove Cemetery in Findlay.

Volunteers are asked to pick up only those Wreaths Across America wreaths placed in December, leaving any other wreaths or decorations in place.

The National Wreaths Across America organization suggests that it would be helpful if volunteers bring a stick, pole, rake or something equivalent to support carrying multiple wreaths per dumpster trip.

Please dress for the weather and wear gloves and water-proof footwear.

In December, Findlay’s Maple Grove Cemetery was host to Wreaths Across America.

Local dignitaries, volunteers and coordinators laid wreaths on the graves of several hundred veterans.

Wreaths Across America is a national event whose mission is to Remember the fallen US Veterans, Honor those who serve our country and Teach future generations about the sacrifices made to preserve our freedoms.

(From the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office)

Congratulations to Ashton Sampson- the first GED graduate of 2025, and the 4th since the program first started a year ago.

He scored College ready in 3 out of 4 subjects, and will now begin working on college pre-courses to keep him productive while he is in jail until March.

Thank you to the teachers, Shelli and Melissa, and GED Coordinator, Grace, who are doing great work in preparing these people to re-enter society with better tools to stop their return.

– Sheriff Stevens

(From Blanchard Valley Health System)

Blanchard Valley Health System (BVHS) financial services associates are available to answer any questions or concerns regarding billing statements, including information about financial assistance that might be available.

The process of applying for financial assistance was recently simplified for the patient. BVHS has partnered with healthcare technology company Breez Health to streamline the application process.

Patients can now visit the BVHS website to apply and upload documents, which will then be sent to the Patient Financial Services (PFS) team.

“I’m excited about its simplicity,” said Brittney Larsen, credit and collections manager with PFS. “In the past, patients had to enter information manually, which was more time-consuming. This makes the process of applying for financial assistance much easier.”

“BVHS is here to serve our community with quality healthcare, but we are also committed to being exceptional throughout the organization,” said Myron D. Lewis, FACHE, president and chief executive officer of Blanchard Valley Health System. “Integrating this technology into our financial assistance programs streamlines the process of applying for financial assistance with an online platform that is easier to use. It’s just one more way we use the latest technology to ensure we can best support our community.”

Based on income guidelines, PFS associates can determine if the patient qualifies for Medicaid. If not, they may be eligible for assistance programs offered by BVHS.

“We encourage patients to start the conversation and reach out if they have any questions,” Larsen said. “We are here as a resource. Often, patients have questions about some aspect of their bill, such as what is covered by insurance and what is not. Our team is trained to explain these things and can review the bill with a patient. Sometimes, patients call their insurance company again after speaking with us and gathering more information.”

Additionally, PFS associates can provide information about available financial assistance to some patients. These associates ask questions about the patient’s income and household size and can help them apply for appropriate programs. In some cases, patients over the income levels for programs based on income might still qualify for other assistance, depending on their situation.

“If a patient has any questions, it’s better for both parties that they reach out and call us,” Larsen said. “We recognize that sometimes patients may have financial difficulties, and we may be able to help in ways they haven’t considered. If a bill is not paid, we need to resolve the situation, but we would rather discuss any issues than simply be left wondering. Please call us if you have questions and return the call if we reach out about a bill.”

In addition to discussing assistance programs, PFS associates can also review payment plan options. A payment plan of up to three months can be offered directly through BVHS, and a longer payment plan known as ClearBalance is also now an option. ClearBalance is an extended payment plan option where patients pay 0% interest through an account on the ClearBalance portal.

Larsen added that the associates in her department are happy to discuss the situation with the patient, especially if they can’t figure out an issue.

“Our associates will go the extra mile, as they want to help our patients and provide them with more information,” she said.

To apply for financial assistance, please visit https://www.bvhealthsystem.org/patient-and-visitor-information/im-a-patient/billing-and-insurance/financial-assistance.

If you have questions about a bill, please call 419.423.5310.

New Hancock County Sheriff Mike Cortez was on with WFIN’s Chris Oaks to discuss how he’s settling into his new position and following in the footsteps of longtime Sheriff Michael Heldman.

Sheriff Cortez told Chris his priorities as Sheriff are; building stronger partnerships with local organizations and residents; strengthening relationships within the community through transparency in all aspects of service, and addressing challenges through collaboration with community-based resources to ensure a safer environment for everyone to live, work, and raise their families.

Listen to Chris’ full interview with Sheriff Cortez in the audio file below.

(From Hancock Public Health)

Do you have access to the internet and technology you need?

Are there barriers preventing you or others in our community from staying connected?

We’re conducting a Digital Equality Survey to better understand the technology needs of our community.

Your input will help us identify gaps and create programs that ensure everyone has equal access to digital resources.

Take the survey here: https://bgsu.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_d0QjfhffB6ezOg6

Together, we can work toward a more connected and equitable community.

Thank you for helping us make a difference!

(From Findlay City Schools)

The Findlay City Schools Board of Education has announced $6 million in budget cuts, following the failed levy attempt in November 2024. The reductions, which will take effect for the 2025-2026 school year, represent a pivotal moment for the district and the community.

Ohio’s school funding system requires districts to maintain financial stability, leaving the Board no choice but to make painful decisions to balance the budget. These cuts, affecting over 150 staff positions and all areas of district operations, will have a far-reaching impact on the quality of education and services provided to Findlay students.

“This is a heartbreaking moment for our district and community,” said newly-elected Board President Matt Cooper. “We have worked tirelessly to protect our classrooms, but these reductions are unavoidable without additional funding. There is no sugar-coating it, these cuts will be deeply felt by our students, staff, and families.”

The reductions include:

Proposed Reductions           Estimated Savings

Administrators (6 positions) $799,000

Teachers (43 positions + positions reduced through attrition) $3,578,300

Support Staff (23 positions) $820,800

• Eliminate high school busing
• Increase walking distance to two miles

Supplemental Positions (92 positions) $307,200

Middle School & High School Pay-to-Participate For Extracurriculars $340,000

Programming & Instructional Resources $170,300

Extended Work Days $75,000

TOTAL $6,090,600

In the same meeting, the Board passed a resolution to place a 1% Earned Income Tax levy on the May 6, 2025 ballot. If approved, this levy would generate operational funding required to prevent the next round of devastating cuts.

“We’re at a crossroads,” said Board Vice President Laura Eier. “With no new funding in 20 years, our community faces two clear choices: fund our schools to maintain the quality of education we desire, or accept further reductions to what Findlay City Schools has historically been able to provide its students. This is up to our community. We hope that all Findlay residents will weigh in on this important community decision on May 6.”

Findlay City Schools is committed to working transparently with the community throughout this process. Regular updates will be shared via the upcoming board discussions and the district’s website and social media pages.

(From the United Way of Hancock County)

Volunteers are needed to help run a free tax preparation program that is expected to return over $1 million to the community.

United Way of Hancock County is seeking volunteer tax preparers and greeters for its free income tax preparation program, called VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance). This IRS program serves income-eligible individuals who live, work or attend college in Hancock County and may not otherwise be able to afford to have their taxes prepared and filed. The United Way is again collaborating with the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library and 50 North, who will host the service at their sites.

During the 2024 VITA season, nearly 920 state and federal tax returns were filed by a group of 18 VITA volunteers. United Way of Hancock County has won a large federal grant that will allow for expansion of the program during the 2025 tax season to assist even more community members.

Appointments for the 2025 VITA season will begin Feb. 5 and will continue into the days leading up to Tax Day, based on demand.

Beginning Jan. 21, community members may call 567-245-5599 to schedule their appointment. Callers will be asked a series of questions to ensure that they qualify and will be informed of the items they must bring to their appointment.

To qualify, an individual’s combined household income must be $67,000 or less. All clients must live, work or attend school in Hancock County. In addition, trained VITA volunteers will provide guidance to senior citizens who no longer need to file taxes.

The United Way is recruiting volunteers to serve as tax preparers and greeters at both the library and 50 North. Morning, afternoon and evening shifts are available Mondays through Fridays, plus Saturday mornings. Volunteers can schedule their own hours during whatever month or months they are available.

Tax preparers will prepare and electronically file taxes for clients. No accounting background is necessary, and volunteers can work through training online or may attend three in-person training sessions with the VITA site coordinator in January to become certified. All new volunteers will work with an experienced tax preparer until they are comfortable with the program.

Greeters are also needed to welcome clients as they arrive for appointments and check them in, and to ensure that clients have the necessary paperwork for tax preparation.

Contact Bridgit at accounting@uwhancock.org or call 419-423-1432 to sign up as a volunteer or for more information.

(From the Ohio Department of Transportation)

WYANDOT COUNTY TRAFFIC ALERT

State Route 103/State Route 199/Findlay Street between Columbus Avenue and Ogg Street in the village of Carey will close on Tuesday, Jan. 14, for approximately one day to repair the railroad crossing.

Detours

• SR 103 detour: U.S. 23 south to SR 199 north, back to SR 103
• SR 199 detour: U.S. 23 south to SR 199

(From Blanchard Valley Health System President & CEO Myron Lewis)

As we enter a new year, each day offers an opportunity to refocus on what truly matters—our health and well-being. At Blanchard Valley Health System, we are passionate about supporting our community in taking meaningful steps toward healthier, more fulfilling lives. As you consider your goals for 2025, I encourage you to prioritize your health.

After all, health is the foundation of everything we do. Good health enables us to care for our families, excel at work, and enjoy life’s simple pleasures. Understanding your personal health numbers is among the most essential actions to improve your health. Metrics, such as cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and fasting blood sugar (or A1C), provide a clear snapshot of your overall wellness. Keeping track of them will guide you in making informed decisions to improve your quality of life and reduce your risk of a stroke, heart attack, or cancer.

I feel so strongly about encouraging others to track these three metrics that I am taking the message on the road. Throughout this year, I will speak on behalf of BVHS to the community and healthcare conferences. By working together, we can help our communities make informed healthcare decisions. In our region, dedicated BVHS teams are ready to help you manage your health journey.

Scheduling an annual wellness check allows you to establish a baseline for key health metrics and address potential concerns early. Changes to cholesterol, blood pressure, or fasting blood sugar (or A1C) frequently occur without noticeable symptoms, and your primary care provider can help you determine how often to check them. If you do not have a primary care provider, you can call 419.422.APPT to make an appointment with one at any of several Blanchard Valley Medical Practices locations throughout Northwest Ohio.

Knowing your numbers will empower you to make changes to improve your health. While some health conditions require medication, lifestyle changes can make a profound difference. Regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, weight management, effective stress management, daily routines, and enough sleep are all key to better health. Small, consistent actions—like a daily walk or incorporating more fresh fruits and vegetables into your meals—can have a significant impact over time. As an avid cyclist, I know firsthand how staying active can boost physical fitness, mental clarity, and overall well-being.

Your mental health is equally important. Life’s demands can be overwhelming, but seeking support when needed is crucial. Professional counseling, community resources, or simply taking time for self-care can all help you to prioritize emotional well-being.

At BVHS, we are dedicated to promoting physical and mental health for every community member. Our mission extends beyond patient care; we aim to inspire a culture of wellness and connection. Every step you take toward a healthier lifestyle benefits you and strengthens our community. Let’s continue supporting each other in prioritizing health and wellness, no matter the season or circumstance.

Here’s to your health and wellness—today and every day!

Myron D. Lewis, MSW, MBA, FACHE

President & Chief Executive Officer

Blanchard Valley Health System

The Humane Society and SPCA of Hancock County is reminding people to look out for their pets this winter, especially during times of extreme cold and wind chills.

The Humane Society’s Natalie Reffitt says her best advice to pet parents is to keep their pets inside during extremely cold weather and only let them out, with supervision, to go to the restroom and bring them in immediately when they finish.

Natalie also advises people with outside pets to bring them in as well, even if it’s only into a garage or spare room.

If you can’t bring in outdoor pets, make sure they have shelter and insulation, such as straw for bedding.

She says pets must always have access to fresh, clean water and people need to check it to make sure it’s not frozen.

Forecasters are calling for negative wind chills Monday night and Tuesday during the day and night. 

Get the latest forecast and weather alerts by clicking here.