(From the Sprague for Secretary of State Campaign)

Today, Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague announced that his supporters can now contribute to his Ohio Secretary of State campaign with Bitcoin, becoming the first campaign for statewide office in Ohio history to welcome cryptocurrency donations.

Today’s announcement follows the vote by the Ohio Board of Deposit, chaired by Treasurer Sprague, to approve Grant Street Group as the vendor tasked with preparing the state for the use of cryptocurrency as an accepted form of payment for state fees and transactions.

Said Treasurer Sprague, “Ohio has a long, storied history of innovation and technological advancement, and last month the State paved the way for digital currency to become a fixture in our state economy.  We should all be proud that Ohio has become a leader in financial technology, and I am excited that my campaign is joining the State of Ohio in breaking new ground on digital currencies.”

The campaign’s website, www.SpragueforOhio.com, is one of the few campaign sites with the capability of accepting crypto for donations. Upon receipt, the Sprague for Secretary of State campaign will not hold the Bitcoin donation; rather, the donation will be immediately converted to U.S. dollars, which will then be reported on campaign finance reports as a traditional contribution.  To avoid any appearance of impropriety, Sprague for Secretary of State will not accept any contributions from Grant Street Group.

In 2021, the Ohio Elections Commission issued an advisory opinion concerning the use of Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies as campaign contributions.  In it, the Commission considered cryptocurrency to be an acceptable form of an in-kind contribution, provided that the donation complies with campaign contribution limits.  Additional reporting requirements would be necessary if a campaign were to hold the digital currency over time, and the asset appreciated or depreciated in value.

(From the Ohio Department of Commerce)

Dozens of cemeteries across Ohio will soon receive financial assistance to help preserve their history and make them safer for visitors. The Ohio Department of Commerce’s Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing (REPL) has awarded $104,000 in grants to 45 Ohio cemeteries located in 31 counties through the Fiscal Year 2025 Cemetery Grant Fund.

The Division currently registers more than 4,100 cemeteries throughout the state. During the submission window, which was open from July 1-31, 2025, the Division received 172 applications for funds this fiscal year, which is an 11% increase from 155 applications submitted in 2024.

The program awards grants to properly registered cemeteries, except for-profit corporations, to defray the costs of exceptional maintenance or training of cemetery personnel in the maintenance and operation of the cemetery. 

“This is the seventh year the Division has awarded grant funds to assist registered nonprofit cemeteries in completing critical projects that may otherwise never be addressed due to lack of funding,” REPL Superintendent Daphne Hawk said. “We are honored to provide these important funds to help Ohio’s beautiful cemeteries repair roadways, restore monuments, repair fencing, improve signage and enhance visitor safety, all of which helps preserve an important piece of our state’s history.”

Below is a complete list of this fiscal year’s grant recipients, categorized by region. Additional details, including grant amount awarded to each cemetery, is available via download here.

Northwest Ohio

• Mt. Zion Cemetery (Crawford County)
• Tedrow Cemetery (Fulton County)
• Keene Cemetery (Fulton County)
• Wakeman Township Cemetery (Huron County)
• Hamilton-Bethel Cemetery (Mercer County)
• Kalida Cemetery (Putnam County)
• St. Mary’s Cemetery (Putnam County)
• Riverside Cemetery (Williams County)

Northeast Ohio

• Ashland Cemetery (Ashland County)
• Cork Cemetery (Ashtabula County)
• Cherry Valley Township Cemetery (Ashtabula County)
• City of Conneaut Cemetery (Ashtabula County)
• Dorset Township Cemetery (Ashtabula County)
• Grandview Cemetery (Carroll County)
• Oakdale Cemetery (Columbiana County)
• Brecksville Cemetery  (Cuyahoga County)
• Mayfield Union Cemetery (Cuyahoga County)
• Lakeside Cemetery (Cuyahoga County)
• Maple Shade Cemetery (Geauga County)
• North Chardon Cemetery (Geauga County)
• Camden Cemetery (Lorain County)
• Lowellville Cemetery (Mahoning County)
• Lexington Township Cemetery (Stark County)
• South Lawn Cemetery (Stark County)
• Brookfield Cemetery (Stark County)
• Vienna Township Cemetery (Trumbull County)
• St. Patrick Cemetery (Trumbull County)
• Howland Township Cemetery (Trumbull County)

Central Ohio

• Berkshire Cemetery (Delaware County)
• Asbury Cemetery (Franklin County)
• Hedding M.E. Cemetery (Morrow County)
• Roseville Cemetery (Perry County)

Southeast Ohio

• Linwood Cemetery (Belmont County)
• Franklin Cemetery (Coshocton County)
• Campbell Cemetery (Jackson County)
• Holy Resurrection Serbian Orthodox Church Cemetery (Jefferson County)
• White Cemetery (Scioto County)

Southwest Ohio

• West Union Village Cemetery (Adams County)
• Fincastle Cemetery (Brown County)
• Decatur Cemetery (Brown County)
• Newson Cemetery (Champaign County)
• Jefferson Township IOOF (Clinton County)
• Sabina Cemetery (Clinton County)
• Dayton Memorial Park Cemetery and Mausoleum (Montgomery County)
• Jackson View Cemetery (Shelby County)

The annual grant is funded by $1 of every $2.50 from burial permit fees received by the Division. Cemeteries that applied for and did not receive funding this year are encouraged to apply again next year when the application submission window opens on July 1.

In addition to registering cemeteries in Ohio, the Division administers the Ohio Cemetery Dispute Resolution Commission, which assists in resolving complaints filed against registered cemeteries through mediation and conciliation.

For more information on how the Division works with Ohio cemeteries, visit com.ohio.gov/Real. 

(From Blanchard Valley Health System)

Blanchard Valley Health System (BVHS) is redefining convenience in healthcare with the launch of online mammogram scheduling, enabling patients to take control of their health in a new way.

This new digital feature allows patients to book mammogram appointments directly through the BVHS website, selecting the date, time, and location that best fit their schedule. Whether at home, at work, or on the go, healthcare is now only a few clicks away.

In today’s fast-paced world, BVHS recognizes that balancing work, family, and daily responsibilities often leaves little time for preventive care. By introducing online scheduling, BVHS empowers patients to manage their health on their own terms, ensuring important screenings don’t get postponed.

“As smartphones, tablets, and laptops become everyday tools for managing our lives, healthcare should be just as easy to access,” said Gulshan Mehta, chief digital and information officer at BVHS. “Technology should make life simpler. With online scheduling, we’re reducing friction so more people can take control of their health. Booking a mammogram should take minutes—not motivation.”

A screening mammogram can detect breast cancer in its earliest stages, when it’s most treatable. With BVHS’s new online scheduling system, patients can easily arrange their screening in minutes, helping ensure early detection doesn’t wait for a phone call.

Online mammogram scheduling is part of BVHS’s ongoing commitment to creating a more connected, patient-centered healthcare experience. The initiative builds upon other recent digital advancements, including online appointment scheduling for primary care, pediatrics, and urgent care services.

“Providing access to high-quality health services is a top priority at BVHS,” said Myron D. Lewis, MSW, MBA, FACHE, president and CEO. “We are committed to honoring our mission and ensuring that families in our region have access to exceptional care for generations to come.”

As a trusted community health partner, BVHS continues to deliver advanced diagnostic and specialty services throughout the region, offering patients the expertise of experienced physicians and providers close to home. By combining local care with modern technology, BVHS is ensuring that compassionate, high-quality healthcare remains both personal and accessible.

Patients can visit bvhealthsystem.org/mammogram to schedule their mammogram online. Early detection saves lives—and with BVHS, it’s never been easier to prioritize your health.

(From the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation)

The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation is hosting a panel presentation and Q&A session on local housing needs on October 22.

This event is open to the public, and the media are welcome to attend.

The panel will be moderated by Foundation President & CEO Brian Treece and will feature representatives from the local housing coalition.

What: Housing in Hancock County Panel

Who: Brian Treece, President & CEO of the Foundation; Kathryn Bausman, City Mission; Scott Brecheisen, Metzger Brecheisen Company; Chris Keller, Economic Development; Sue Lehman, Hope House; Wendy McCormick, Habitat for Humanity; Christina Muryn, City of Findlay; Jill Wagner, Wasbro Rental Property.

When: Wednesday, October 22, 4:30-6 p.m.

Where: 50 North, 339 Melrose Ave., Findlay.

Why: The Community Foundation debuted its State of Work and Play Report in June. One of the significant areas of need is housing. A lack of available, affordable housing has created a crisis in Hancock County and has caused families to drown financially. The strain on the housing system affects many other systems, including childcare, transportation and workforce.

The Foundation is committed to being part of the solution. We have dedicated $50,000 to the Community Housing Fund for long-term support and an additional $100,000 to the Interim Housing Program Fund to help transition families into short-term, affordable rental housing while they work toward home ownership.

(From the Tiffin Police Department)

The police department is seeking help identifying the individual in these photos.

They are wanted for questioning in an investigation.

If you have information, please send a private message or contact Ofc. Illig at (419) 447-2323 ext. 0.

Thank you for taking the time to look and share.

(From the City of Findlay)

On October 14, 2025 – October 18, 2025, CSX will be closing 2nd Street from Bank Street to Blanchard Street for railroad work. No traffic will be able to go across for the time that the road is closed.

Avoid these blocks if possible. Delays are expected in these areas through the duration of the project. Weather and Contractor schedule is permitting.

The Engineering Department will release updates on information and schedules when it becomes available. Please don’t hesitate to contact CSX if you have any questions about this project.

(From the United Way of Hancock County)

Ticket sales for United Way of Hancock County’s upcoming Downtown Restaurant Tour will generate $16,000 to fight hunger in our community.

This popular annual event will return Thursday, Nov. 6, with over 15 local bars and restaurants offering samples of some of their tastiest offerings. From 5-9 p.m. that evening, ticketholders can visit each business to sample the featured food, drink or dessert and get their “Passport” stamped.

Tickets are $40 each and can be purchased through the United Way’s website at www.uwhancock.org. Only 400 Passports will be sold, and this event is expected to sell out.

All proceeds from Passport sales will be put toward fighting hunger across Hancock County, meaning that this year’s event will raise $16,000. United Way’s partners in food security include Christian Clearing House, the Findlay Family YMCA, West Ohio Food Bank and the Salvation Army.

“We hear from people every year who tell us the Downtown Restaurant Tour is their favorite night out in Findlay,” said United Way of Hancock County CEO Kelley McClurkin. “We are proud to shine a spotlight on all our downtown destinations have to offer while raising critical funds to boost food security in our community.”

Passports can be picked up starting Oct. 29 at the United Way office, 318 W. Main Cross, second floor. Business hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and elevator access is available in the back of the building.

Call 419-423-1432 for more information or to arrange for pickup outside of these hours.

(From Blanchard Valley Center)

We’re pleased to announce the top candidates for the 2025 BVC Effect Awards.

The BVC Effect Awards represent four categories in which we choose to recognize people in our community who are committed to bettering the lives of people with developmental disabilities in Hancock County. Below are the four categories, the finalists, and the 2024 award recipients listed.

Kenny Bender Award for Advocacy and Success

-Roman Mauricio

-Alena Russell

-Jackson Doll

-2024 Award Recipient: Marci Janton

The Extra Mile Award

-Katie Gruenemeyer, PT Services

-Tais Roberts, 1st Choice Family Services

-Christina Frankforther, Unique Choices

-Robin Glick, COR Services

-2024 Award Recipient: Steve McConkey, New Vision

Hurdle to Success Award

-Jerry McNamee & Chandlar Cramer, Findlay YMCA

-Clayton Richardson, NAMI

-Abby Mercer, Metro Housing

-2024 Award Recipient: Jennifer Little, OSU Extension Hancock County

Kelli Grisham Award

-Scott Keller, The Keller Team – Key Realty

-Lindsey Buddelmeyer & Erin Hastings, Blanchard Valley Health System

-Melissa Soto, Juvenile & Probate Court

-2024 Award Recipient: Josh Reams, Millstream Area Credit Union

A private dinner will be hosted in November to recognize the above mentioned and award recipients will be announced at a later date. Please join us in congratulating these finalists.

For more information on these awards and what they mean, visit https://www.blanchardvalley.org/awards-recognition

(From Awakening Minds Art)

Awakening Minds Art hosted its 15th Annual Art Auction on Saturday, October 11, 2025, in Findlay. The event featured original artwork created by participants of all ages and abilities from the organization’s therapeutic and educational visual art programs.

The annual event serves as Awakening Minds Art’s primary fundraiser, providing critical support for program operations and accessibility. Proceeds from this year’s Mission Auction were designated for the organization’s Forever Fund, an endowment established to strengthen the long-term financial sustainability of its programming.

The event included dinner, live music, and a live auction where students presented their artwork to attendees.

“Fifteen years of the Awakening Minds Art Auction and our community continues to show up in powerful ways,” said Sarah Ricker, founder of Awakening Minds Art. “The ongoing support from donors, sponsors, and families makes it possible for us to keep creating inclusive spaces for all ages and abilities in Northwest Ohio. I continue to be overwhelmed with the support this event receives.”  

Each year, Awakening Minds Art also recognizes an Honorary Family, individual, or agency for their contributions to the organization. The 2025 Honorary Family was the Holly family of Lima, Ohio (Tim, Heather, Harrison, & Logan), recognized for their long-term dedication and participation in programming.

Awakening Minds Art, founded in 2009, provides therapeutic and educational visual art programming for individuals of all ages and abilities throughout Northwest Ohio.

More information about the organization and its programs is available at www.awakeningmindsart.org.

(From the City of Findlay)

Mayor Christina Muryn has issued a proclamation declaring October 2025, as Disability Employment Awareness Month in Findlay, Ohio, and encourages all citizens to join in this observance and to embrace the talents and skills of workers with disabilities.

We call upon employers to review their hiring and retention policies to ensure they are fully inclusive and accessible.

By doing so, we can continue to advance our shared message that people with disabilities add immense value and talent to our workplaces and communities. (read the full proclamation below)

(From Blanchard Valley Center)

It’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month?

Approximately 22% of the people we support, who are of working age (16+), are employed at a job in the community. Twenty-three people are employed full-time, 77 have part-time positions and 2 are working seasonally.

We look to you, our community members and employers, to assist in breaking the barriers that hold back people with disabilities from obtaining employment opportunities. Help us recognize and celebrate the value and talent people with disabilities bring to their workplaces.