All posts by Matt Demczyk

‘Fun For All’ Series Free Pool Dates Announced

(From the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation)

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 are listed below and are subject to change based on weather conditions.

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

 

Riverside Civic Concert Series Concert Moved Inside At MCPA

The first concert in the Riverside Civic Concert Series has been moved indoors due to the heat and threat of thunderstorms.

The concert by the Fostoria Community Band will be held at the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts at 7 o’clock Wednesday night June 19 instead of at the Allen P. Dudley Memorial Band Shell at Dick Daugherty Plaza in Riverside Park.

If you are unable to attend any of the concerts, WFIN will broadcast each performance on Sunday mornings at 11.

You can also visit the WFIN Music Audio Archive, presented by Coldwell Banker/Flag City, and listen to a podcast of each concert, plus past years.

Please note, if inclement weather on the day of a performance, the concert will be moved inside to Marathon Center for the Performing Arts.

 

2024 Schedule – concerts are at 7 p.m.

June 19 – Fostoria Community Band

June 26 – Findlay Civic Band

July 3 – Night Jazz

July 10 – Findlay Civic Band

July 17 – Northwest Ohio Low Brass Collective

July 24 – Lake Plains Barbershop Chorus

 

Hot Weather Safety Advice From Hancock Public Health

Hancock Public Health wants you to be safe during the heatwave that’s impacting Ohio this week and is providing residents with some tips for staying cool.

We spoke with Laura Reinhart, nurse practitioner for Hancock Public Health who says the most important things are to stay cool and hydrated and inside air conditioned buildings whenever possible.

“Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink, drink water throughout the day.”

 

 

As Laura mentioned in the audio above, never leave kids in a parked car as they heat up very, very fast even if the windows are cracked.

Get more tips from the health department below and at CDC.gov.

Temperatures are expected to be in the 90s all week, with feels-like temps around 100 or higher.

Get the latest forecast and weather alerts by clicking here.

 

New Director & Assistant Director Of Findlay First Edition Named

(From Findlay City Schools)

After an extensive search garnering interest from candidates across the midwest, and a process prioritizing student and parent voice, Findlay City Schools is excited to announce the following:

Mary Beth Coolidge has been approved by the Board of Education as the next vocal music director at Findlay High School, as well as Assistant Director for FFE. Mrs. Coolidge is an accomplished professional vocalist with significant training and experience at the collegiate level of performance. Her experience as a Voice and Movement Coach, instructor and guest lecturer across the country, as well as certification in the Alexander Technique will provide Findlay High School students a distinguished performing arts education.

David Coolidge has been approved to serve as the Fine Arts Specialist for Findlay City Schools and the next director of Findlay First Edition. A graduate of Findlay High School and former FFE member, Mr. Coolidge brings expertise in designing and enhancing fine arts and performing arts programs at the collegiate level, along with vast experience including the Broadway National Tour of Parade, countless roles and performances in theaters across the country, and director of six national tours with TheatreworksUSA.

We have full confidence that Mary Beth and David will hit the ground running, ready to inspire and guide our talented students towards artistic excellence. Their dedication to nurturing creativity, teamwork, and individual growth promises to continue to elevate our nationally-recognized show choir.

Former longtime FFE Director Kevin Manley left Findlay City Schools for Arlington Local Schools where he’ll be teaching vocal music next school year.

 

Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run To Go Through Findlay

The Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special Olympics Ohio is back this year as an intrastate relay that involves law enforcement officers collectively running hundreds of miles while carrying the “Flame of Hope” to raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics.

The flame symbolizes courage, perseverance, and the inclusion movement taking place in Ohio and across the globe.

This year’s events will take place from June 24-28th, and are open to any law enforcement or public safety officer as well as members from the Special Olympics Ohio community.

There are many ways to participate in the Torch Run: come join us on the day of the local event, make a financial donation, volunteer your time, or participate in whatever way works best for you!

The Findlay Leg of the Torch Run will start at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 26 at the University of Findlay Arch and head south on Main Street.

It will stop at the Hancock County Courthouse before continuing south on South Main and making a left on Hardin Street and ending at the Marathon Headquarters. See video from last year by clicking here. 

You won’t want to miss the Final Leg on Friday, June 28th at 7 p.m. as the Torch Run culminates in Columbus and nearly a hundred officers run with athletes into Ohio Stadium at The Ohio State University officially commencing that Summer Games has begun!

 

County Fairs Getting Financial Boost From The State

(ONN) – County fairs across Ohio are getting a financial boost from the state.

State leaders are announcing $10 million in grants to support 94 county and independent fairs.

Almost every county fair is getting a little more than $100,000.

The money will go toward a variety of projects, including new grandstands, renovating the restrooms and improving accessibility.

The Paulding County Fair kicked off the 2024 fair season on June 8, and the season will wrap up on October 12 with the Fairfield County Fair.

The Putnam County Fair will be June 24-29 while the Hancock County Fair will run August 27 – September 2.

See the full list of county fairs by clicking here. 

 

Driver Arrested On Warrant After Causing Crash

The Findlay Police Department says a driver who caused a crash was arrested for having an outstanding warrant.

The crash happened on Monday on West Trenton Avenue at Morey Avenue.

Police say Marcus Spikes, 29, of Findlay, was northbound on Morey Avenue and ran a red light and was struck by a vehicle that was eastbound on West Trenton Avenue.

Both vehicles sustained disabling damage.

A passenger in the second vehicle who is pregnant was taken to the hospital as a precaution.

Police say Spikes was issued a citation for running the red light and driving under suspension, and he was later arrested for an outstanding warrant.

 

Riverside Civic Concert Series

UPDATE- The Wednesday night concert has been moved indoors at MCPA.

WFIN invites you to the Riverside Civic Concert Series at the Allen P. Dudley Memorial Band Shell at Dick Daugherty Plaza in Riverside Park, presented by the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts.

Concerts are on Wednesday nights beginning at 7.

If you are unable to attend, WFIN will broadcast each performance on Sunday mornings at 11.

You can also visit the WFIN Music Audio Archive, presented by Coldwell Banker/Flag City, and listen to a podcast of each concert, plus past years.

Please note, in the event of inclement weather on the day of a performance, the concert will be moved inside to the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts.

2024 Schedule

  • June 19 – Fostoria Community Band
  • June 26 – Findlay Civic Band
  • July 3 – Night Jazz
  • July 10 – Findlay Civic Band
  • July 17 – Northwest Ohio Low Brass Collective
  • July 24 – Lake Plains Barbershop Chorus

 

Deputy Fatally Shoots Man In Wood County

A deputy fatally shot a person in Wood County after the individual pointed a gun at the deputy.

The Wood County Sheriff’s Office says deputies responded to an address on South Dixie Highway near Rudolph to conduct a welfare check on a person on June 16 that the caller said was suicidal.

The sheriff’s office said, during de-escalation attempts by the deputies, the individual pointed a rifle at a deputy.

In response, the deputy fired his handgun once, striking the person, later identified as George E. Taylor.

The deputies performed CPR but Taylor died.

The Wood County Sheriff’s Office requested the assistance of the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation to look into the shooting.

 

Hancock County Agriculture Hall Of Fame 2024 Inductees

(From 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 Craig Holmes, John Deeds, Marvin Tuttle, and Tom Walter for their remarkable contributions to agriculture and the community.

Craig Holmes

Craig Holmes is celebrated for his significant impact on agriculture through his business, Findlay Implement Company, which he founded in 1972. His dedication to customer service and agricultural innovation led to the expansion of his business across multiple locations, benefiting countless farmers. Craig’s influence extends beyond his business endeavors; he served as the director of the Ohio/Michigan Equipment Dealers Association and was a member of the John Deere Managers Club. His community contributions include support for the Hancock County Fair, the Boy Scouts of America, and the establishment of the Adoption Assistance Fund through the Community Foundation. Craig’s legacy is also marked by his active involvement in St. Andrews United Methodist Church.

John Deeds

John Deeds, a lifelong resident of Rawson and a 1965 Cory-Rawson High School graduate, has been a cornerstone of the agricultural community. Starting his farming journey at age 7, John’s passion for agriculture led him to acquire a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from The Ohio State University and Findlay College. He transitioned from dairy to crop farming, implementing sustainable practices such as no-till farming and cover crops. John’s dedication to youth education is evident through his roles with Ag Days, 4-H, and the Hancock Historical Museum. Beyond farming, John is an active musician and community volunteer, contributing to the Findlay Civic Band and the Cory-Rawson Pep Band.

Marvin Tuttle

Marvin Tuttle’s agricultural roots run deep, beginning on his family’s farm and expanding through his leadership in managing a 740-acre farm. His involvement in livestock and crop farming, along with his contributions to the Hancock County Pork Producers Association, Cattlemen, and various boards, highlight his dedication to the industry. Marv’s passion for community service includes a long tenure with the Hancock County Fair board, earning him the Outstanding 4-H Alumni Award and a lifetime pass for his contributions. His commitment to public service extends to his role as a volunteer firefighter and active member of Good Shepherd Church of Benton Ridge.

Tom Walter

Tom Walter’s 60-year career in auctioneering and farming exemplifies his commitment to agriculture and community service. As part of Walter Bros Auctioneers, Tom has facilitated numerous farm machinery and livestock auctions, supporting agricultural operations across multiple counties. His dedication to youth in agriculture is recognized by a Lifetime Membership to Wyandot County’s 4-H. Tom’s community involvement includes service with Grace United Methodist Church and various charitable efforts through his auctioneering services. His contributions have left a lasting impact on both the agricultural and broader community.

Please join us in honoring Craig Holmes, John Deeds, Marvin Tuttle, and Tom Walter as the newest inductees into the Hancock County Agriculture Hall of Fame.

For more information, please contact the Chamber of Commerce Agri-Business Committee at DJenkins@FindlayHancockChamber.com or (419) 422-3313

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.