(From Dr. Bill Kose with Blanchard Valley Health System)

If you are experiencing pain, reaching out to a pain management specialist sooner rather than later could greatly improve your quality of life.

Pain is a signal from your body that something is wrong. Sometimes, the cause is obvious. If you pull a muscle and you feel sore afterward, you understand why, and if you have a history of a particular issue it may not surprise you if it occurs again.

To some extent, pain is unavoidable. None of us will go through life without pulling muscles and stubbing toes. However, all too often people who are experiencing chronic pain delay getting care for it.

Pain management specialists can not only help treat your pain, but come up with a diagnosis. Often it’s not clear exactly what is causing the pain. Pain management providers have expertise in the musculoskeletal system and have extensively studied the nerves, which can help them pinpoint why a specific part of the body may be hurting.

A more accurate diagnosis can then lead to more effective treatment. The goal is to start with the least invasive treatment. This might involve rest, periodically heating or cooling the affected body part, massage, or exercise like stretching. Medications often start with anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen.

Pain management today looks very different than it did 30 years ago. One reason people put off going to a pain management physician is a fear that they will be prescribed opioids and could become addicted. Today, however, these medications are rarely used for chronic pain treatment.

Pain management specialists have a variety of other types of medications they can prescribe, as well as a wide range of other types of treatment. In some cases physical therapy or exercise may be more effective, rather than prescription medication. Sometimes a procedure or surgery may be the best course.

Another misconception is that people may think, “They’re not going to be able to do anything anyhow.” However, this assumption too may be based on outdated stories about pain treatment loved ones received decades ago. We’d encourage you to seek treatment that might be able to truly help you.

A reduction in pain can improve not only how you feel, but how you function. It may allow you a better quality of life and let you take further steps to improve your health.

For example, less pain may make it easier to exercise, which in turn may further lessen pain. Additionally, chronic pain can lead to anxiety or depression, so adequate pain treatment may improve your mental health as well.

Often people see pain management as a last resort, to try only after nothing else had been effective, but we would urge you not to put it off. If you are experiencing chronic pain lasting more than six weeks, we would encourage you to seek out diagnostic testing.

Blanchard Valley Pain Management provides care in Findlay, Bluffton, Carey, Ottawa, Lima, and Kenton. For more information, please call 419.423.5555 or 1.888.458.5550.

William H. Kose, MD, JD

Vice President of Special Projects,

Blanchard Valley Health System

There was a fatal officer-involved shooting in Tiffin on Friday morning. 

The police department said the sheriff’s office received a call at 11:44 Friday morning that Blake R. Fleure, 19, of Tiffin, had cut his wrist.

Police received information about the truck Fleure was driving and pulled him over at 11:55 a.m. to check on his welfare and provide any necessary care for his injuries.

Police say Fleure pulled over and exited his truck carrying a knife and charged at a police officer.

The officer retreated and gave commands to stop but Fleure continued charging the officer.

The police department says the officer had no choice but to defend himself and shot Fleure two times.

Officers provided life-saving measures at the scene and Fleure was taken to Mercy Health – Tiffin Hospital where he died.

The officer was not injured.

The incident has been turned over to the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) for investigation.

(From the Ohio Treasurer’s Office)

Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague has announced the $30 million purchase of a two-year, fixed-rate Israel Bond.

“For thirty-plus years, the Treasurer’s office has turned to Israel Bonds as a way to bring strong returns and balance to its investment portfolio,” said Treasurer Sprague. “With its long track record of providing competitive rates and timely and reliable repayments, Israel Bonds continues to be a sound investment for Ohio. We’re proud to continue the state’s long-standing history of purchasing these bonds.”

With the purchase settled on May 1, the bond will mature in two years, on May 1, 2026, with an interest rate of 5.37%. The purchase replaces $30 million in bonds that had recently matured.

Since Israel Bonds was established in 1951, Israel has maintained a perfect record of interest and principal payments.

Since 1993, every Ohio Treasurer has invested in Israel Bonds, joining more than 115 other state and municipal public employee pension and treasury funds. After the purchase, the Ohio Treasury now holds a total of $262.5 million in Israel Bonds, continuing Ohio’s standing as one of the largest government holders of these bonds in the United States. This purchase brings Ohio’s total purchases to $357.5 million since Treasurer Sprague took office.

(From the United Way of Hancock County)

In a concerted effort to address food insecurity within our community, the United Way of Hancock County, City Mission, and CHOPIN Hall will proudly host the inaugural “Findlay Food for All”. The event is set to take place on June 8th, 2024 from 10 am – 2 pm at the City Mission warehouse located at 330 Walnut Street, Findlay, OH, 45840. Local organizations are encouraged to participate in a friendly competition to raise essential food supplies and awareness while showcasing creativity through a Canstruction challenge.

We spoke with Ron Rooker, Executive Director of Chopin Hall, about the event.

The ‘Findlay Food for All’ event will feature:

Business Competition:

Local businesses are invited to participate in a spirited fundraising competition to collect the most food donations. From May 1st to June 1st, businesses will mobilize their teams and networks to gather non-perishable food items. The business that raises the highest volume of donations will earn the coveted “Food Champion” title and receive recognition for their impactful contribution.

Canstruction Challenge:

Adding an exciting twist to the event, participating businesses can showcase their creativity and teamwork through a Canstruction challenge. Teams will use their collected food donations to construct intricate and imaginative structures, highlighting the transformative power of community collaboration. These structures will serve as powerful symbols of hope and solidarity in the fight against hunger.

By participating in the Findlay Food for All event, businesses will not only demonstrate their commitment to corporate social responsibility, but also play an instrumental role in alleviating hunger within our community. Every can, every dollar, and every effort counts towards making a meaningful impact. Ron Rooker, Executive Director of CHOPIN Hall stated, “CHOPIN Hall is excited to collaborate with United Way and the City Mission. The Findlay Food For All event is a great example of “It Takes a Community to Feed a Community.”

How Businesses Can Get Involved:

Register your business team beginning Monday, May 1st, 2024. Food can be collected through June 1st.

Kick-off a fundraising food drive campaign within your organization.

Engage employees and customers through creative initiatives and challenges.

Collect non-perishable food items and monetary donations.

Join us on June 8th at the City Mission Warehouse from 10 am – 2 pm for the ‘No Meal, Meal’ event where donated food will be redistributed back into the community. Donated food will be collected during the first week of June prior to the event.

Together, we can make a difference. Together, we can ensure that no one in our community goes hungry. For more information on how to participate in the Findlay Food for All event, please contact Ron Rooker, Executive Director, at rrooker@chopinhall.org or Kaleb Brown, Community Impact Manager, at impact@uwhancock.org.

(From Bowling Green State University)

In a historic announcement, Bowling Green State University and the Thompson Foundation will expand their philanthropic partnership to provide nearly a quarter of a billion dollars in student scholarships at the University.

The announcement comes following the successful pressure-testing of the Thompson Working Families Scholarship program at BGSU over the last decade, with a focus on shared accountability through University resources and philanthropy to achieve student success.

When combined with their past scholarship support, Bob and Ellen Thompson shared their intent to increase their contribution to scholarships at BGSU to total $121 million, with the possibility of an additional $30 million to extend the program past 2035. If realized, the Thompsons will have contributed $150 million to student scholarships at BGSU.

This contribution will be the largest in the University’s history, the largest single gift designated to student scholarships in the state of Ohio’s history and one of the largest non-endowed scholarship programs of its kind in the nation.

“This is a generationally defining gift for thousands of students who might not otherwise be able to earn a college degree,” said BGSU President Rodney K. Rogers.

“As a public university for the public good, access to higher education is at the very core of our mission, and we are incredibly grateful for the Thompsons’ unprecedented generosity in supporting student scholarships at BGSU. The impact of this gift is truly immeasurable.”

(From the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation)

As part of The Foundation’s Fun for All series, The NORTHWEST OHIO RAILROAD PRESERVATION, INC will open for the 2024 season on May 4 from 12 – 4 p.m.

An opening ceremony will be held at noon to dedicate the museum accessibility improvements made possible by a grant from the Foundation.

Come out for an afternoon of free train rides, model train displays, and kid’s zone activities!

(From Findlay Firefighters Local 381)

Engine 1 and Engine 2 A Shift recently were invited to take part in a water salute for a retiring pilot.

After 23 years of service to our great community partner, Marathon Petroleum, Ron Neds has decided to touchdown one last time at the Findlay Airport.

Local 381 is honored to be a part of such a lovely event, thank you to all involved and

Congratulations Ron!

(Pics courtesy of Findlay Firefighters Local 381)

The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office is being recognized for excellence in policy management and training by Lexipol, the nation’s leading provider of policy, training and wellness support for first responders and public servants.

“The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office has recently been recognized as a Lexipol Connect Gold level agency, reflecting our dedication to sound policy management and training,” the sheriff’s office said on Facebook.

The Lexipol Connect program tracks a law enforcement agency’s performance on five metrics proven to measure success in policy management.

The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office achieved Gold status, the highest level of recognition offered, for consistent and effective policy dissemination to personnel, timely policy updates as laws change, and officer training on policies.

“Policies are the foundation of operations; having and regularly training on good policies are essential in our service to the community. We are proud to be recognized by Lexipol Connect for our dedication to continuous improvement, professionalism and safety,” said Sheriff Michael Heldman.

(From the Ohio Governor’s Office)

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced today that a Presidential Disaster Declaration has been issued for the FEMA Individual Assistance Program as a result of tornadoes on March 14, 2024.  The Presidential Disaster Declaration was issued for Auglaize, Crawford, Darke, Delaware, Hancock, Licking, Logan, Mercer, Miami, Richland, and Union counties. The declaration includes the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program for all 88 Ohio counties.

Governor DeWine sent a letter to President Joe Biden on March 29, 2024 requesting a federal disaster declaration.

“Ohio EMA and my administration have worked tirelessly to advocate on behalf of the victims of the recent tornadoes in and around Indian Lake,” said Governor DeWine. “ I thank FEMA and the President for hearing our calls to provide needed federal relief to affected Ohioans as soon as possible.”

This FEMA assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, rental assistance, and replacement of personal property to help homeowners and renters recover from the effects of the disaster.  The Presidential Disaster Declaration also allows the Small Business Administration to offer low-interest loans to cover uninsured property losses for homeowners, renters, and business owners impacted by the disaster.

“This federal assistance will supplement the local and state recovery efforts, which are ongoing,” said Ohio Emergency Management Agency Executive Director Sima Merick. “It will provide assistance directly to homeowners, renters, and businesses affected by these storms.”

Join the Humane Society’s Dog Walkathon and turn your daily walks into a way to support the Humane Society and SPCA of Hancock County.

The Dog Walkathon will be held from May 20 to the 31^st. Click here to sign up. 

Each participant donates $15 with all the funds going to the Humane Society.

The top walker wins a gift basket full of treats and toys for their pooch.

Learn more about the Humane Society and SPCA of Hancock County by clicking here and click here to see the animals up for adoption.