(From the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce)

The Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce Bluffton Discovery Days, kicking off on June 21, 2024, and continuing monthly through October. This event, featuring exclusive in-store specials, will provide shoppers with Discovery Days deals. New this year, Bluffton Discovery Days will extend to both Friday and Saturday. The event dates are June 22-23, July 26-27, August 23-24, September 27-28, and October 25-26.

Visitors who explore participating businesses during Bluffton Discovery Days will be entered into a drawing to win Bluffton Dollars, which can be redeemed at any Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce member business. Prizes range from $25 to $100, offering winners an exciting opportunity to discover and enjoy various local establishments.

Bluffton Discovery Days is a celebration of our vibrant community, showcasing the unique businesses and charm that Bluffton has to offer. It’s a fantastic opportunity for both residents and visitors to support local commerce while taking advantage of special discounts and promotions.

Don’t miss out on Bluffton Discovery Days – your chance to save, win, and experience the best of Bluffton. Join us in June, July, August, September, and October for this incredible celebration of local business and community spirit.

(From ADAMHS)

The Hancock County Board of Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) says free training in the ‘Youth Thrive’ framework is available.

What is Youth Thrive?

Youth Thrive is a research-informed framework created by the Center for the Study of Social Policy (CSSP) to support the healthy development of youth ages 9–26. This training will include information on brain and youth development that is based on research in neuroscience, positive youth development, resilience, stress, and the impact of trauma on brain development.

Youth Thrive identifies five factors that can increase the likelihood of adolescents developing into healthy adults. These factors include youth resilience, social connections, knowledge of adolescent development, concrete support in times of need, and cognitive and social-emotional competence. This training will allow participants to explore these factors in depth, which may help youth and agencies understand the relationship between brain development, social and emotional growth, and how to take advantage of learning that occurs during this time.

Who would benefit from this training?

This training will give educators, social workers, policymakers, law enforcement personnel, and other direct-service workers in any setting the knowledge needed to understand young people and promote their long-term well-being.

When and Where?

July 12th, 2024 from 9am-4pm, in room 117 at The Family Center. Lunch will be provided.

How do I sign up?

To register, please use the link below

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=p1HjQuZV-UuDbniruJ6U-JpO5menoihAhaJgMbvcksdUMzlNNU1WUjc1SlhPT0dBOUxJMU1KM1pQVC4u

If you have any questions please reach out to Ashley Cheney, Email: ashley.cheney@frcohio.org Phone: 567-200-9781

(From the Ohio State Highway Patrol)

The time period from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend is referred to as the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer. The Ohio State Highway Patrol is reminding motorists to buckle up, drive focused and sober.

During this period last year, 67,305 crashes occurred on Ohio’s roadways, a 3% drop from 2022. Of those, 371 were fatal crashes that killed 397 people which was five less than the year prior. Even though the 100 deadliest days only represent 27 percent of the calendar year, in the last five years, they account for more than one-third of all fatal traffic crashes

“As we enjoy the summer months, it’s important to prioritize safety on our roads,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “By committing to wearing a seatbelt, avoiding distractions, and driving sober, drivers can help prevent unnecessary tragedies.”

The 100 deadliest days also encompass the primary motorcycle riding months. Last year, more than half of all motorcycle-involved crashes occurred during this time period. Motorcycle-involved crashes made up about 3% of all crashes during these 100 days. However, in 2023, they comprised almost one-in-three fatal crashes.  

“While we are encouraged by the decrease in fatalities, there is still much work to be done,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent. “We need everyone to drive sober, obey the speed limit, avoid distractions, and buckle up every trip. If you’re on a motorcycle, ride defensively and wear proper gear. Your safety, and the safety of others on our roadways, remains our top priority.”

Last year during this time frame, speeding citations of 20 mph or more over the speed limit accounted for nearly 29,000 citations. More than 1,200 of those citations involved speeds of at least 100 mph. Also, during this time period, troopers made more 4,490 impaired driving arrests and issued 19,143 safety belt citations.

You can help contribute to roadway safety by calling #677 to report drug activity and dangerous or impaired driving.

A statistical map detailing citations and other 100 Deadliest Days of Summer-related information can be found here.

(From Flag City Honor Flight)

Flag City Honor Flight (FCHF) prepares for its 27th mission, to take 91 Veterans to Washington, D.C., on June 11, 2024, to visit the memorials built in their honor.

Departing from Toledo Express Airport in the morning, Veterans will embark on a one-day trip of a lifetime. The itinerary includes visits to the Iwo Jima Memorial, Korean Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, WWII Memorial, and Arlington National Cemetery. Veterans do not pay to fly. 

Flight Details:

(5:30 a.m.) Veterans arrive at Grand Air Hangar, Toledo Express Airport (11777 W. Airport Service Rd, Swanton, OH 43558)

(7:00 p.m.) Doors open at the Hangar (Public is welcome)

(8:30 p.m.) Flight expected to return to Grand Air Hangar 

Veteran Breakdown:

Vietnam – 86

Korea – 4

Other – 1

Flight Highlights:

3 Veterans who served in multiple branches 

5 Purple Hearts 

7 Veterans with bronze stars one of those with 3 bronze stars 

Welcome Home Celebration: 

The public is invited to a Welcome Home celebration to honor returning veterans.

(8:30 p.m.) Flight expected to return to Grand Air Hangar

Location: 11777 W. Airport Service Rd, Swanton, OH 43558

Attendees are encouraged to wave flags, cheer loudly, and shake hands with returning Veterans. 

Honor Flight is conducting four flights in 2024, with the first one having been held on April 23^rd.

Remaining 2024 Flights: 

September 10

November 12

Hancock Public Health is letting people know that it will be conducting mosquito spraying in Hancock County communities over the summer.

The mosquito spraying will take place periodically from June 10^th through October 1^st.

Anyone who wants to have their residence excluded from having the sprayer go by should call the health department at 419-424-7870 or email environmental@hancockpublichealth.com

(From the United Way of Hancock County)

After a thorough nationwide search and interview process, United Way of Hancock County (UWHC) has named Kelley McClurkin its new CEO effective June 13.

The Findlay native, long-time resident and local entrepreneur will lead the agency in its year-round activities and fundraising efforts, community partnerships and collaborations, advocacy, programming and more.

McClurkin assumes the reins of the nonprofit agency from immediate past CEO Angela DeBoskey, who announced her planned retirement in February.

“Kelley is a great fit for this critical role in our organization and for the entire community,” said Blair Lane, UWHC board chair. “Her leadership style and past experience align well with our core values and the overall approach to United Way’s life-changing work. We are confident she is the right leader to guide this organization into its next chapter.”

The search for the new CEO stretched far beyond Hancock County. In addition to its board of directors and an executive hiring committee composed of corporate and community leaders, UWHC received consultation from United Way Worldwide in the facilitation of an executive search including numerous candidates across the country.

The executive committee conducted virtual and in-person interviews to narrow top candidates, who then had final interviews with UWHC’s board, staff and DeBoskey. Approximately 10-12 hours were invested in each finalist, including social receptions and in-depth one-on-one discussions to gain a clear understanding of each before reaching a decision.

McClurkin was born and has lived in the community the majority of her life, and today resides with her husband, Chip, in the house her grandparents built. The 19-year owner and operator of Bread Kneads Bakery & Deli in Findlay received the Findlay Hancock County Chamber of Commerce SBA Awards Female Entrepreneur of the Year in 2004.

She has been highly involved in the community, serving on several boards and committees throughout the years, including the Hancock County Task Force; Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce Advisory Board; Findlay Hancock County Alliance; Downtown Economic Restructuring Committee; and Findlay City Schools Millstream Career Center Culinary-Hospitality Advisory Board.

Most recently, McClurkin has served as UWHC’s Resource Development Director for the past three years, where she coordinated fundraising efforts, created strategies to increase awareness and engage donors, and increased campaign goals each year. She will remain in the role as she assumes CEO duties until the position is filled.

“It’s been an honor and privilege to go through this process and be chosen for this role,” said McClurkin. “The United Way has allowed me to live out a passion of mine — to be a part of a solution that connects people to the resources they need for success in life. I’ve been fortunate to be a part of a wonderful, impactful team, and to have learned from Angela’s (DeBoskey) extraordinary leadership. I’m grateful for this opportunity.”

She holds degrees from Miami University of Ohio; the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy: Principles & Techniques of Fundraising; and Wharton Online ESG/CSR Certification in Business Strategies for a Better World.

DeBoskey, who has pledged to make the transition “uncommonly strong,” will remain active in a structured and thorough onboarding before the start of the organization’s annual campaign season this fall.

(From Flag City Sluggers)

The Flag City Sluggers are bringing baseball back to Findlay with an upcoming season in the Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League.

Joe Fenimore, the team’s founder, said he wanted to bring the sport back to Findlay, a city with a rich history of baseball. Along with Joe, a team of student interns have spearheaded the initative: general manager Joe Kroeger, assistant manager Charles Anderson, marketing intern Jacob Klein and social media intern Ethan Franks.

The team released their new logo featuring a bat-swinging slug earlier this week on social media. The logo features Slider, the blue slug mascot, and incorporates the red, white and blue of the American flag, a proud focal point for “Flag City, USA.”

“Slider is a quick witted, faster than molasses slug. He’s got fast speed lines to prove it. He’s also pretty good at baseball,” the website states.

“His only downside is a constant trail of slime that follows him wherever he goes.”

Unveiling this milestone marks one of the major first steps of breakthrough groundwork to get the team ready for its debut season next year. For a full look at the new logo, see the Sluggers’ website and Facebook page.

“We wanted to give off a minor league feel, similar to the Toledo Mud Hens,” Jacob Klein, the team’s first marketing intern, said. To get the crowd roaring with excitement, the Flag City Sluggers also announced its first line of fancentric merchandise. T-shirts and sweatshirts featuring the team’s logo will be sold online prior to the 2025 season, at bonfire.com.

The sale of merchandise, and donations to the Flag City Sluggers, will help ensure the team is well underway to make its debut next year. For more information, visit our website flagcitysluggers.com and stay up to date on our social media sites.

Deriving it’s name from Findlay’s “Flag City” nickname, the Sluggers were founded in 2023 as a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization, the Flag City Sluggers are proudly affliated with the National Alliance of Collegiate Summer Baseball and backed by the Major League Baseball. The league is committed to providing a competitive and educational summer baseball experience for collegiate players in Findlay, Ohio.

(ONN) – Secretary of State Frank LaRose has published a list of 158,000 names of inactive registered voters that could be purged from the system.

LaRose says the names are eligible for removal because records show they haven’t lived at their registered address for at least four years.

It could be because of death or a change of address or because you moved and are no longer eligible to vote at your former address.

You have until July 22nd to check if your name is on the list.

That’s when county board of elections will purge the names.

If your name is on the list and you want to reactivate your registration, you can contact your local board of elections.

The list of voter names that are potentially going to be purged can be found at registrationreadiness.ohiosos.gov.

Owens Community College in Findlay held a surprise 90^th birthday party for someone who has meant so much to the college.

Dr. Peggy Bensman served the Owens community from 1968-92.

She started the Nursing program, serving as the first Nursing department chair.

She was promoted to dean of all Health programs and then vice president of Academic Affairs before retiring.

The top nursing student award is presented annually in her name.

Originally from Minster, Ohio, she attended Mount St. Joseph University in Cincinnati for her bachelor’s degree, Xavier University for her master’s degree and Bowling Green for her doctoral degree.

Dr. Bensman resides in Minster.

College officials and former colleagues gathered Wednesday in Findlay to celebrate Dr. Bensman’s 90^th birthday and WFIN had a chance to chat with her for a few minutes.

(From Bowling Green State University)

Under the guidance of Chair Drew Forhan ’81, the Bowling Green State University Board of Trustees recently welcomed three new trustees to the learning community.

Following appointments by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, graduate student Kathryn Ware ’22 of Findlay and Paula M. O’Reilly ’93 of Columbus began terms on the BGSU Board of Trustees beginning May 31. The board also voted on May 3 to name alumnus Paul J. Hooker ’75 as national trustee.

“The momentum we are experiencing at Bowling Green State University is absolutely a reflection of the strength of our Board of Trustees,” said BGSU President Rodney K. Rogers. “The appointments of Trustees O’Reilly, Hooker and Ware will further add to the depth of our board, with experience in the technology sector, business and entrepreneurship and as a graduate student. We are grateful for their time and leadership in serving the University as trustees, and we are excited to leverage their unique skillsets, perspectives and expertise in continuing to move the University forward.”

Kathryn Ware ’22
BGSU doctoral student and alumna Kathryn Ware ’22 was appointed to a non-voting term as graduate student trustee through May 2026.

Currently in her third year of graduate school, Ware is pursuing a doctorate in biological sciences. Her research focuses on how birds respond to various forms of disturbance, including forest management and hurricanes.

At BGSU, Ware enjoys engaging with the learning community and has served as the Graduate Student Senate environmental affairs representative for two years. She also serves in various other capacities, including as a teaching assistant in anatomy and physiology, an officer of the Biology Graduate Student Association, member of the Biology Departmental Seminar Committee and founding member of the Biology Research Forum Committee.

Ware holds a master’s degree from BGSU in biological sciences and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Findlay in biology and animal science.

Paula M. O’Reilly ’93
An experienced consultant and strategist, Trustee Paula M. O’Reilly ’93 joins the BGSU Board of Trustees for a nine-year term through May 2033.

Currently, O’Reilly serves as senior managing director and Midwest technology lead for Accenture, a global professional services company with leading capabilities in information technology and consulting. She recently was appointed to lead the company’s Columbus office.

Throughout her career, O’Reilly has held several leadership roles with Accenture, focusing on managing capital markets, banking, insurance and risk and operations. In 2005, she was named partner, and her expanded portfolio now focuses on technology, digital, cloud and security.

Additionally, O’Reilly is active in the greater Columbus community, serving as a member of the Ohio Business Roundtable and the Ohio Chamber of Commerce. She was also included in Columbus CEO Magazine’s Future 50 Class of 2022.

O’Reilly graduated from BGSU in 1993 with a bachelor’s degree in finance and international business.

Paul J. Hooker ’75
At May’s board meeting, trustees appointed Paul J. Hooker ’75 as national trustee in recognition of his professional accomplishments, national reach and contributions to the learning community.

After graduating from BGSU in 1975 with a bachelor’s in business administration, Hooker spent most of his professional career with SFERRA Fine Linens – a luxury bedding, bath and home decor store based in Edison, New Jersey – and eventually retired as CEO.

Previously, he served as a member of the BGSU Foundation Board and was a member of the Changing Lives for the World Campaign steering committee. Hooker also has supported the Alumni Laureate Scholars and the Allen W. and Carol M. Schmidthorst College of Business Building Fund.

Hooker is the namesake for the Paul J. Hooker Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership in the Schmidthorst College of Business, which is one of only 20 centers worldwide recognized by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. The center serves as northwest Ohio’s premier resource for entrepreneurial education, featuring a weeklong Entrepreneurship Week each April that brings entrepreneurial leaders from around the country to campus.

In 1990, he and his wife founded a nonprofit to help children with disabilities and their families become involved with programs in basketball, soccer, Little League softball, golf, flag football and tennis. Now known as RallyCap Sports, the program has chapters at various colleges and universities across the Midwest and Northeast, with the BGSU chapter serving as the first and largest.

Hooker was named a top 100 graduate in the first 100 years of BGSU and was inducted into the Paul J. Hooker Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership Hall of Fame in 2012.

Hooker’s term as national trustee ends in May 2027.