All posts by Matt Demczyk

Red Cross Needs Donors For Blood Drives In Findlay

The American Red Cross is hoping you can help out and donate blood at an upcoming blood drive in Findlay.

Blood donations tend to drop during the summer while the need remains high due to summer accidents and trauma, often requiring more blood transfusions. 

The Red Cross says it is low on appointments for some upcoming blood drives and needs your help to avoid a blood shortage. 

July 30 – Cedar Creek Church from 9 am to 3 pm (2111 Stonehedge Dr.)

July 31 – Blanchard Valley Center from 9 am to 3 pm (1700 E. Sandusky St.)

August 1 – Findlay Elks from 10 am to 4 pm (900 W. Melrose)

Click here to see the full list of blood drives in the Findlay area.

Lisa Loeb & Joan Osborne To Kick Off ‘MCPA Amped’

(From the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts)

MCPA Amped is your go-to for high energy concerts that keep things casual and fun. These shows are announced throughout the year and often feature artists that get the crowd moving.

You might find yourself dancing, singing along, or just soaking in the vibe. It’s a more relaxed concert experience than our Mainstage series, perfect for those who like their live music loud, lively, and a little less formal.

Kicking off MCPA Amped is Joan Osborne and Lisa Loeb!

Joan Osborne and Lisa Loeb, two iconic voices of the ’90s, come together for a special evening celebrating the 30th anniversaries of their breakthrough albums: Loeb’s Tails and Osborne’s Relish.

These genre-blending records combined folk, pop, and rock with intimate, unforgettable storytelling.

From Loeb’s “Stay (I Missed You)” to Osborne’s “One of Us,” relive the anthems that defined a generation, along with new music and fan favorites from throughout their careers.

Click here for ticket information. 

Director Of Hancock Historical Museum Stepping Down

(From the Hancock Historical Museum)

The Hancock Historical Museum’s Board of Trustees has announced a leadership transition and is currently seeking qualified applicants for the role of Executive Director.

Sarah Foltz, who has served in the position since early 2024, will be stepping down on August 8 to pursue a new opportunity as Community Engagement Director at the Findlay-Hancock County Alliance. Her departure reflects a long-held professional goal to serve the community on a broader scale, and the Board is proud to support her in this next chapter.

During her tenure, Foltz brought fresh energy and vision to the organization, launching impactful collaborations, expanding educational outreach, and leading record-breaking fundraising events such as the 2024 Historic Barn Tour. Under her leadership, the museum saw student engagement grow from 4,000 to more than 9,000 annually.

“Sarah’s leadership has strengthened our museum and deepened our ties to the community,” said Judge Alan Hackenberg, Board President. “We are grateful for her many contributions and thrilled that she will continue to support the museum in a volunteer capacity.”

The museum now seeks a dynamic and visionary leader to continue this momentum. As Executive Director, the selected candidate will represent one of the region’s most comprehensive historical institutions, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving Hancock County’s rich heritage and inspiring future generations.

Since its founding in 1970, the Hancock Historical Museum has grown into a vital community asset, offering engaging exhibits, an expansive archive and artifact collection, and educational programming for all ages. Interested candidates are encouraged to learn more and apply by visiting www.hancockhistoricalmuseum.org.

Heat Advisory Issued

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

The Heat Advisory goes from noon to 8 p.m. on Tuesday.

Heat index values of above 100 degrees are expected.

Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses.

Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.

Take extra precautions when outside. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing.

Try to limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening.

Take action when you see symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Get the latest forecast and weather alerts by clicking here.

UPDATE – Woman Dies After Being Struck By Vehicle At Gas Station

UPDATE – The sheriff’s office said the woman who was struck, Leah Feay, 83, of Findlay, was pronounced deceased at Blanchard Valley Hospital.

The sheriff’s office said the driver of the vehicle that struck her was 55-year-old Carrie Reimer, of Findlay. 

The investigation is ongoing by the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office. 

ORIGINAL STORY –

A pedestrian was hit by a vehicle at the Speedway at the corner of Tiffin Avenue and Bright Road in Findlay.

It happened at around 11:30 Monday morning.

The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office told WFIN at the scene that a person was walking from the store back to their vehicle when they were struck by a vehicle that was pulling away from a gas pump.

The sheriff’s office said the person who was struck was seriously injured and taken to Blanchard Valley Hospital.

The driver was shaken up and is fully cooperating, and alcohol and/or drugs were not a factor in the crash, the sheriff’s office said.

Appeals Court Rejects Householder’s Request For Second Look At Conviction

(ONN) – A federal appeals court is standing by its decision and won’t be taking another look at the corruption conviction of former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder.

Householder’s legal team argued jurors were given faulty instructions in the racketeering trial tied to a $60 million bribery scheme involving FirstEnergy and House Bill 6.

But the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals denied that request, saying the issues had already been fully considered.

Householder is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence.

New Bill Would Allow Sunday Liquor Sales Without A Vote

(ONN) – A new bipartisan bill would allow local municipalities and governments to authorize Sunday liquor sales without a vote, saving thousands in taxpayer dollars.

Under current Ohio law, that decision is up to voter approval within the city or township.

Supporters say the bipartisan bill will reduce red tape, make life easier on businesses, and save governments money.

One of the co-sponsors of the bill is State Representative Jack Daniels, of New Franklin.

He explains how this change could save taxpayers money.

Nurse Honored For Making A Special Difference In A Patient’s Life

(From Blanchard Valley Health System)

Please join us in congratulating Jessica Muchow, RN, an intensive care unit (ICU) nurse at Blanchard Valley Hospital, on being a June DAISY Award honoree!

A fellow Blanchard Valley Health System associate nominated Jessica after witnessing the simple acts of kindness that Jess took on behalf of a patient’s wife. After receiving difficult news regarding her husband’s cancer prognosis, Jessica recognized that she was struggling to process the information and needed support from a loved one. Jessica selflessly offered the wife her phone so she could call a trusted friend who could comfort her through this challenging situation and help her navigate the next steps.

Jessica was a pillar of support to this family throughout the patient’s stay in the ICU, and did it all while providing excellent care and precepting a new nurse. “Cancer is awful, but nurses like Jess make it more bearable,” wrote her nominator.

Thank you, Jessica, for exemplifying what it means to provide compassionate care to all. We are proud to have you as part of #TeamBVHS

Pictured (left to right): Jessica Salsbury, RN, ICU educator; Betsy Ditto, ICU manager; BJ Pasztor, chief nursing officer and chief operations officer of acute care services; Jessica Muchow, RN; Jessica Moore, RN, director of inpatient nursing.

Liberty Township Fire Department Gets New Fire Truck

(From the Liberty Township Fire Department)

Your Liberty Township Fire Department is excited to announce that after nearly four years of planning Quint 595 is home.

Thank you to the residents of our township for their continued support.

In the next few weeks you will see the members of LTFD out training as we get accustomed to this new apparatus.

By early fall, 595 will be in service.

National ‘Hire A Veteran Day’

(From Putnam County Veteran Services)

Yesterday (July 25) was National Hire a Veteran Day, a great reminder of the value veterans bring to the workforce.

At our office, we’re proud to have veterans like Matt, Kyle, and Jon on our team. Their dedication, leadership, and drive make a difference every single day.

We encourage others to consider hiring veterans, not just to honor their service, but because they bring exceptional skills including but not limited to leadership under pressure, a strong work ethic, teamwork, adaptability, problem-solving, integrity, accountability, and technical training.

Veterans are assets to any workplace. Let’s continue to open doors and recognize the strength they bring.