(From the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts)

On this day 11 years ago, the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts broke ground on a bold vision to transform the former Central Middle School auditorium into a vibrant cultural hub. Backed by strong community support, this moment marked the beginning of a new era for the arts in Findlay.

Since that groundbreaking, MCPA has become a cornerstone of arts and entertainment in Northwest Ohio, hosting national touring acts, Broadway performances, local talent, and thousands of guests each season.

What started as a dream in 2014 has grown into a vibrant, thriving hub that continues to inspire creativity, connection, and community.

Celebrate this milestone with us by making a donation to support the next decade of arts, culture, and community at MCPA.

(From the Office of the Ohio Governor)

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) Director Pamela Boratyn announced details of a new plan to address the shortage of safe, accessible commercial-truck parking in Ohio by adding at least 1,400 new truck parking spaces across the state.

Following an extensive review of ODOT property, Ohio has identified 33 sites in 19 counties where long-term truck parking lots will be created or expanded, more than doubling current truck parking capacity at ODOT-maintained sites. 

“As Ohio’s economy continues to grow, so do the number of trucks traveling on Ohio’s network of interstates and state routes,” said Governor DeWine. “By expanding safe, accessible places for drivers to rest, we’re supporting the people who keep our economy moving and making it safer for everyone on our roads.”

Perfectly situated within a day’s drive of 60% of the U.S. and Canadian population, Ohio is one of America’s most critical freight corridors. In 2023 alone, trucks logged 27.5 million miles on Ohio roads, and ODOT estimates that freight volume will increase 26% by 2045.

The 33 new truck parking areas will be located in Allen, Ashland, Ashtabula, Auglaize, Belmont, Clermont, Fayette, Franklin, Gallia, Guernsey, Henry, Lake, Mahoning, Medina, Ross, Summit, Warren, and Wyandot counties. Once complete, the American Transportation Research Institute projects that Ohio will lead the nation in the total number of long-term truck parking spaces available on state-owned property. 

“Ohio’s new truck parking plan is a major step forward in improving safety for truck drivers and everyone on the road,” said ODOT Director Pamela Boratyn. “These projects will make our state a national leader in total truck parking capacity—setting the standard for safety and service.”

According to the American Trucking Associations, there is one truck parking space for every 11 trucks on the road in the United States, forcing truck drivers who can’t find a spot to drive drowsy or pull over to sleep in unsafe areas such as highway shoulders and entrance/exit ramps. A total of 689 crashes were caused by drowsy semi-truck drivers in Ohio since 2015, resulting in 345 injuries and two fatalities.

DETAILS: List of 33 Truck Parking Expansion Sites

The Hancock Park District has many educational and entertaining activities and events happening in August.

The park district’s Michelle Rumschlag was on with The Big Kahuna of 106.3 The Fox to discuss their August schedule.

Among their August activities, they’ll be holding an event to highlight the animals that live along the Blanchard River on August 14th. 

Listen to Kahuna’s interview with Michelle below, and click here for the Hancock Park District’s website.

(From the United Way of Hancock County)

Many thanks to FHS students Ella, Alex, Makayla and Natalie for helping out with our Apples for Appreciation initiative at last week’s Do Good Thursday!

If you missed out on the fun, we’ll be back at City Apparel+Merch — along with the always delicious The Wailing Onion food truck — for another chance to write inspiring messages to our local educators.

Stop out for lunch from 11:30-1:30 Thursday and show your appreciation!

The Hancock County Commissioners are providing a community outreach program called “Town & Country Tuesdays” where each commissioner will be spending time on Tuesdays at local restaurants and parks throughout Findlay and Hancock County.

“Think of it as an informal town hall one-on-one casual meeting with individual commissioners,” said Commissioner Tim Bechtol. 

The schedule for each month will be posted on the commissioners’ website and the August schedule can be seen below.

• August 5th
  • Commissioner Bateson @ Chic-Fil-A – 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
  • Commissioner Hunker @ Wilsons – 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
  • Commissioner Bechtol @ Benton Ridge Ice Cream Shop – 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• August 12th 
  • Commissioner Hunker@ The Dark Horse – 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
  • Commissioner Bechtol @ Waterfall Pavilion at Riverside Park – 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
• August 19th
  • Commissioner Bechtol @ Village of Rawson Depot – 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• August 26th
  • All Commissioners will be attending the Hancock County Fair 

(ONN) – Starting next year, it’s going to cost you more when you go to your local Bureau of Motor Vehicles.

Whether you’re going to get your driver’s license, your new tags, or even to title a new vehicle at the BMV, you will be paying more come January. 

Beginning in January, most BMV fees will be going up as the service fee jumps from $5 to $8.

Registration renewals are going to rise by $5, and title fees are going to increase by $3, with counties being allowed to add another $5 on top.

Cleveland.com is reporting that the main reason for the price increases is to raise money for the Ohio State Highway Patrol which the governor’s office said is facing a looming budget crisis.

(From the Office of the Ohio Attorney General)

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has filed a lawsuit against a now-defunct Findlay nonprofit and its founder, alleging serious misuse of charitable funds, mismanagement, and abuse of public trust.

The lawsuit, filed in Franklin County Common Pleas Court against Pawsible Angels Inc. and its former executive director, Michele S. Frank, alleges donations were diverted to cover Frank’s personal expenses.

“Ohioans donated to help people in need — not to pay someone’s rent, piano lessons, or dating services,” Yost said. “This is a blatant betrayal of public trust, and we’re holding her accountable.”

The organization was established to train and provide service dogs for people with chronic illness and disabilities.

The Attorney General’s investigation found that Frank, who controlled the nonprofit’s finances and operations, used charitable funds for rent and utilities at her residence, personal debt and overdraft fees, medical bills, clothing, meals, dating services and private music lessons.

The lawsuit also alleges that Frank failed to maintain financial transparency, refused to provide the organization’s board with access to financial records, and continued to act on behalf of the charity even after resigning.

Yost’s office is seeking restitution, civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation, and a permanent injunction barring Frank from operating or serving on the board of any charitable organization in Ohio.

The case was brought by the Charitable Law Section of the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, which is responsible for enforcing state laws governing nonprofits and protecting the integrity of charitable donations.

Ohioans who suspect a charitable organization of fraud or misuse can file a complaint at charitable.ohioago.gov or by calling 800-282-0515.

(From the Hancock County Veterans Service Office)

Your Hancock County Veterans Service Office invites veterans and their families to our summer Veterans Empowerment Fair and Family Picnic on August 2nd from 10am – 2pm at Owens Community College.

This event is free for Veterans and their families. We understand the sacrifice all family members make to support their veteran so we are holding a picnic to say thanks. The picnic will feature:

• Inflatables and outdoor games
• Touch a Truck
• Airsoft mobile target shooting experience
• Free haircuts for veterans and their families from Bless Up and Bloom
• A performance from the Guitars 4 Vets band AWOL
• Free lunch provided by Texas Roadhouse
• Multiple prize drawings

The Veterans Empowerment Fair will be inside the Community Wellness and Education building on the campus of Owens Community College Findlay. Resources are available for wellness, finance, growth, home, environment and living a quality life.

One special area of the resource fair will be Operation Back to School supply distribution. Children of veteran families who attend school anywhere in Hancock County can stop by and pick up school supplies that will help them have a successful start to the upcoming school year.

Thanks to our sponsors, Guaranteed Rate and Kreate for making this a free event for all of our attendees.

For More information, visit www.hancockveterans.com or call 419-424-7036.

(From Tiffin City Schools)

It is with great pleasure and excitement to inform the community that Mr. Monsour is one of four finalists for the Ohio Teacher of the Year.

Mr. Monsour will have a final round interview before the decision is made.

Congratulations, Mr. Monsour!

Chris Monsour earned his Bachelor of Science degree in May 1999 from Heidelberg University, originally planning to pursue a career in environmental biology. However, after graduation, he found himself without a job. At the same time, Tiffin City Schools was in desperate need of a high school science teacher. Chris began his teaching journey as a substitute for the first two years, during which he discovered his passion for teaching and the importance of obtaining a formal teaching license.  

Since then, Chris has pursued graduate work in biology, ecology, and inquiry, earning two master’s degrees: a Master of Arts in Education from Heidelberg University and a Master of Science from Montana State University. He has extensive experience developing course curricula and organizing field trips, laboratory exercises, service projects, and other hands-on activities that extend beyond traditional classroom instruction.  

Currently, Chris teaches a variety of advanced science courses, including College Credit Plus (CCP) Environment and Society, CCP Oceanus, CCP Anatomy and Physiology, Honors Biology, and AP Biology. Over the years, he has taught six different CCP courses while serving as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Findlay, Heidelberg University, and Terra State Community College. With 26 years of teaching experience, he has taught a wide range of subjects before finding his true calling in advanced sciences.  

Chris’s teaching background also includes four years as a student study session consultant for AP Biology, ten summers of teaching at the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth, where he served as both an instructor and the Academic Dean for Science and Math, and two summers teaching English as a Second Language at Tianjin Normal University in the People’s Republic of China.  

In addition to his teaching experience, Chris has participated in numerous global expeditions, both on land and at sea, which enhances his ability to keep students engaged and excited about the sciences.

(From Visit Findlay)

ArtWalk, a family-friendly free event taking place quarterly, will take place this summer on Friday, August 1.

During ArtWalk, businesses and local creatives will come together to offer a free event for the community. Artists and musicians will be located at local shops, restaurants, and businesses, all within walking distance of each other. Visitors can view artwork and talk to artists, listen to the talents of musicians, and support local business. Artwork is available for purchase at nearly every location.

Summer ArtWalk musicians and artists can be found throughout Downtown Findlay at nearly 30 locations on Friday evening. Oh Happy Rea, Ma Vie Events, and Mon Coeur are all recently opened locations and will be taking part in their first ArtWalk. In addition to hosting artists, Ma Vie Events will hold their inaugural Karaoke Night beginning at 7 p.m. with a $5 cover. Opening their doors during ArtWalk is Truly Natural Therapies on Main Street with violinist Isaac Weese.

Trinity Episcopal Church will be open during ArtWalk for a presentation exploring the different icons that can be found throughout the church. The presentation will take place at the top and bottom of the hour and will last about 20 minutes.

The Jones Building local artists will welcome guests into their studios to see their work and chat with them about their process. Next door, Findlay Art League will open their August show, Food and Agriculture, with harpist Josh Haudenschield. Live Music will also be at The Baker’s Café, Findlay Brewing Company, The Lavender Hour, Logan’s Irish Pub, and Open Mic Night at Coffee Amici.

The summer season is a great time to try new seasonal beverages and take advantage of DORA. ArtWalk takes place within DORA boundaries and beverages can be purchased and enjoyed at participating bars, restaurants, and shops. Full DORA details are available on the city’s website.

ArtWalk is a quarterly, family-friendly, free event that takes place the first Friday of February, May, August, and November in an effort to promote the arts and integrate them throughout the Downtown Findlay business community. This event is a collaborative effort between Visit Findlay: Hancock County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Findlay Art League, Jones Building Artists, and Marathon Center for the Performing Arts.

A complete list of participating locations and artists, as well as a virtual map, can be found at VisitFindlay.com/ArtWalk. Printed maps of ArtWalk locations are available at the Visit Findlay Welcome Center, 123 E. Main Cross St., with limited copies at all participating locations the evening of the event. For more information, go to VisitFindlay.com/ArtWalk.