The Ohio Department of Education announced that 171 Ohio schools are receiving the Purple Star Designation as members of the Purple Star Class of 2024.

Purple Star schools show a significant commitment to serving students and families connected to our nation’s armed forces.

97 new Ohio schools received the esteemed award for the first time, and 74 schools earned a renewal after three years as dedicated Purple Star schools. 

Among the area schools receiving the designation are Liberty-Benton High School, McComb Local Schools, and Vanlue High School.

See the full list by clicking here.

(From the Findlay Rotary Club)

At the club’s Wednesday, April 10 meeting, The Findlay Rotary Club presented $50,100 to five local non-profit organizations. This year’s recipients include:

• Habitat for Humanity of Findlay/Hancock County: $8,700 for Critical Home Repair program
• Open Arms Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Center: $13,350 for mobile advocacy van renovation
• City Mission of Findlay, Ohio: $15,000 for expansion of services
• Findlay Hope House for the Homeless: $8,050 for new mattresses at the shelter
• Findlay City Schools: $5,000 for the Bookworm program

The Findlay Rotary Club’s Forward Fund was established in 1991 to build over the years through donations and bequests. The objective was to build a permanent fund which could make a substantial and lasting contribution to the local community. The Forward Fund is also supported through outright gifts, matching funds, contributions through wills, life insurance gifts, shares of stock and memorials. The Forward Fund is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and all contributions are tax deductible. To date, The Forward Fund has supported a number of local organizations including Hancock Public Health Foundation Mobile Health Clinic, Hancock County Center for Safe and Healthy Children, Findlay Digital Academy, Blanchard Valley Health Foundation, Miracle League of Findlay, Adopt-A-Door Boot Security System, Children’s Museum of Findlay, University of Findlay, Raise the Bar Hancock County, Findlay Family YMCA and among many others.

The Findlay Rotary Club was founded in 1920 and is a member of Rotary International, an association of Rotary clubs around the world, which today numbers almost 32,000 clubs in over 200 countries. The Rotary Club of Findlay was founded by the city’s leaders in 1920, and continues with the leaders of today. The Club also sponsors the Rotaract Club at The University of Findlay and an Interact Club at Findlay High School.

PHOTO CAPTION: Pictured at the April 10 Findlay Rotary Club meeting is (l-r): Sue Lehman and Laurie Poland of Hope House, Ashley Ritz of Open Arms, Andrea Barger of Findlay City Schools, Kathryn Bausman and Erin Dirksen of City Mission, Wendy McCormick of Habitat for Humanity of Hancock County and Scott Hohman, president of Findlay Rotary Club.

(From Awakening Minds Art)

Awakening Minds Art held its annual meeting on April 11th, 2024, at the Findlay Brewing Company. The event marked a transition in leadership, as new officers were appointed to guide the organization forward, as well as celebrating 15 years of programming in the community.

Outgoing officers include Sarah Crisp-Ricker (former Vice President), Tamera Rooney (former Secretary), and Melody Rinker (former Treasurer). Emily Sullivan, executive director said, “these officers’ dedication and service to Awakening Minds Art have been invaluable, and the organization extends its heartfelt gratitude for their contributions.”

Stepping into new roles are Allison Trutt as Vice President, Rachel Fix as Secretary, and Cassi Cronnin as Treasurer. These individuals bring a wealth of experience and passion to their positions and are committed to advancing the mission and vision of Awakening Minds Art.

Kyle Frias will continue to serve as the President for a second term, providing strong leadership and guidance to the board and staff.

The annual meeting also provided an opportunity to reflect on the organization’s history and achievements. Founded in 2009 by Sarah Crisp-Ricker, Awakening Minds Art has grown from a traveling program to a thriving hub for therapeutic and educational visual art programs. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization remained resilient, gradually resuming programming, and finding a new home at 1640 Tiffin Ave. in Findlay.

“Looking ahead, Awakening Minds Art is dedicated to continued growth and sustainability. With a renewed focus on the mission of providing inclusive art experiences for individuals of all ages and abilities, the organization is poised for a bright future,” said Kyle Frias, board president. “Awakening Minds Art is grateful for the support of its community and looks forward to continuing to make a positive impact through the transformative power of art.”

At the annual meeting, attendees had the opportunity to meet the entire board of directors, including Kyle Frias, Sarah Crisp-Ricker, Melody Rinker, Tamera Rooney, Allison Trutt, Rachel Fix, Katie Unverferth, and Shelby Cole. In addition, the dedicated instructors, including Emily Sullivan (Executive Director), Megan Hall, Mackenzie Earley, Bailey Taylor, and Jenn Denike, were recognized for their invaluable contributions to the organization.

For more information about Awakening Minds Art and upcoming events, visit awakeningmindsart.org.

Findlay and Hancock County are included in a Wind Advisory issued by the National Weather Service.

The Wind Advisory goes until midnight tonight (Friday).

West winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph are expected.

Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects.

Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.

Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle.

Secure outdoor objects.

Get the latest forecast and weather alerts by clicking here.

Hancock County Job and Family Services, in partnership with United Way of Hancock County and several other local agencies that advocate for children’s wellness, are observing April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month by displaying approximately 90 pinwheels outside the Hancock County Courthouse.

Randall Galbraith, Director of Hancock County Job and Family Services, says each pinwheel represents a child adjudicated as abused, neglected or dependent in Hancock County in 2023.

“Hancock County is not immune to the problem of child abuse,” Galbraith said.

“It’s everyone’s problem and everyone’s responsibility to help out and alleviate it.”

Several youth volunteers helped place the pinwheels to the fence surrounding the courthouse.

A semi went off the right side of Interstate 75 southbound in Findlay a little before the Lima Avenue overpass and into a creek about 1:15 Thursday afternoon.

Crews were on the scene to help the driver from the wreckage.

No word yet on injuries to the driver.

Traffic was slowly getting by, but traffic was getting backed up and crews may have to shut down all southbound lanes to pull the semi from the creek and remove it from the scene. 

Drive with caution in the area.

Findlay and Hancock County are included in a Flood Watch issued by the National Weather Service.

The Flood Watch is in effect until Friday at 2 a.m.

Forecasters say saturated ground along with the expectation of moderate to heavy rain has increased the likelihood of flooding.

Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.

Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop.

Get the latest river levels by clicking here and forecast by clicking here.

(ONN) – Ohio Governor Mike DeWine delivered his annual State of the State Address and it focused on helping Ohio’s children thrive.

Over the one hour and three minute speech he laid out some initiatives on child safety, health, and how to help them succeed.

DeWine then announced a new childcare choice voucher program for families of 8,000 more children to access childcare.

The governor also proposed expanding the state’s mobile response stabilization service to help children in a mental health crisis, he proposed an initiative to ensure every child who needs glasses, gets them, and he called on the legislature to ban flavored tobacco products statewide and ban intoxicating hemp known as delta-8.

The governor also discussed his support of a measure requiring schools to minimize smart phone use by students in classrooms to help with grades and alleviate mental health issues.

(From the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library)

Ready, set, library! National Library Week is April 7–13, 2024, and the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library encourages everyone in the community to visit the library to take part in the festivities and explore all the library has to offer.

Director Sarah Clevidence says libraries are places where everyone belongs and the library is grateful to be able to be a part of so many people’s lives.

Libraries give us a green light to experience something truly special: a place to connect with others, learn new skills, and pursue our passions through book clubs, storytimes, movie nights, crafting classes, lectures, and more.

The Findlay-Hancock County Public Library offers a wide array of programs, classes and resources. Libraries also play a pivotal role in economic development by providing resources and support for job seekers, entrepreneurs, and small businesses.

No matter where you find yourself on the roadmap through life’s journey—preparing for a new career, launching a business, raising a family, or settling into retirement—we offer the resources and support you need! So, get ready to explore, become inspired, and connect with others this National Library Week. The Findlay-Hancock County Public Library is there for you, all the way to the finish line. 

Visit us this week to enter to win a fabulous gift basket! 

(From the Fostoria Police Division)

Exciting News! The Fostoria Police Department is thrilled to announce that Brady’s K9 Fund has generously donated a ballistic vest to the department’s four legged officer Creed!

Brady’s K9 is passionate about supporting our four-legged officers who work tirelessly to keep our community safe. Their organization is dedicated to providing essential equipment and resources to these brave K9s, ensuring they are well-equipped and protected for their entire shift.

Brady’s K9 Fund was founded by an 8-year-old boy who felt K9 officers deserve body armor, just like their human partners. Since 2018 Brady’s Fund has raised over $1.25M and vested 950+ K9s across all 50 states. Their mission is ongoing!

You can make a difference too! Join Brady’s mission by visiting his website and learning
more about his cause. Your support and donations go directly to providing essential life
saving equipment for these incredible K9 officers. Together, we can ensure our K9 officer
and their partner come home safe together.

Visit www.Bradysk9fund.com to learn more and contribute to the cause.
Every little bit counts!