It’s the 46 year anniversary of the “Blizzard of ’78.”

The storm on January 26^th, 1978 brought heavy snow and wind gusts of 50 to 80 miles per hour to Ohio.

A freighter in Lake Erie reported a wind gust of 111.

Snow drifts reached 15 feet and the barometric pressure in Cleveland dropped to 28.28 – still the lowest reading ever recorded in Ohio.

51 people died across the state.

The Ohio National Guard was called into active duty with over 5,000 personnel to assist in rescue and recovery.

Agricultural losses in ohio totaled $73 million.

Get more information about the blizzard from the National Weather Service by clicking here.

(above pic courtesy of the National Weather Service)

(From Marathon Center for the Performing Arts)

Paramount presents the Laser Spectacular. It’s the smash hit multi-media laser and light show featuring the music of Pink Floyd “as you’ve never seen before.”

Laser Spectacular carries listeners away on a mind-expanding journey driven by cutting-edge effects, high-powered lasers, and large-screen video projection, all performed to the masterful soundtrack of Pink Floyd. The Laser Spectacular has become a must-see classic for Floyd fans of all ages.

“Pink Floyd’s music is theatrical and visual,” says Paramount’s producer Steve Monistere. “You can imagine images when you listen to Pink Floyd’s music, and with no visual stimuli, there is still a show in your mind.” Imagine using lasers, lighting, video, and other special effects to project what your mind is “seeing.” That is why people love this show so much. It excites their visual, audio, and creative senses.”

The first half, viewed through 3-D glasses, features the Dark Side of the Moon. The second half is viewed through mind-blowing prism glasses and rocks to Pink Floyd’s The Wall.

The Laser Spectacular is a night of great music, fantastic visuals, and audience participation. You will now see Classic Rockers and a new generation of Floyd fans! So, parents, score “cool points” with your teenagers and bring them along!”

Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular is on March 29^th at MCPA.

(From Blanchard Valley Health System)

The Blanchard Valley Health System (BVHS) Board of Trustees and the Blanchard Valley Health Foundation are announcing several recent changes to its members and officers.

The BVHS Board has appointed Thomas Lause, Kay Chester, and Christian Steiner, MD, as its newest trustees.

Lause retired in 2022 as vice president of business affairs, chief financial officer, and treasurer for the University of Findlay. He previously worked for Cooper Tire and Rubber Company for 35 years, retiring as vice president of treasury and tax and treasurer. His leadership was key to the Findlay-based business growing into a top 10 global tire manufacturer. He led Cooper’s European Operations and shorter-term assignments at the company’s Asian operations in China. As Cooper’s vice president and treasurer, overseeing global treasury operations and risk management, he led the design and execution of Cooper’s global debt and capital structure, negotiated global insurance coverage for the company’s risk profile, and was responsible for Cooper’s global tax. He served as vice president of finance and global operations controller from 2002-2014.

He earned a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Bowling Green State University (BGSU). He is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame’s Executive Leadership Program and holds a Certificate of Public Accounting from the State of Ohio.

Chester graduated from The Ohio State University and is a retired dietitian with experience in hospitals and long-term care. She joins the Board as the new president of the BVHS Auxiliary. Chester volunteers at the Auxiliary’s Nearly New Shop and has been a BVHS volunteer for nine years.

Dr. Steiner, a Bluffton native, began his medical career as a state-tested nurse’s aide at Mennonite Memorial Home at age 16. He went on to work as an orderly at the Findlay Surgery Center. He became an EMT at age 18, working for Hanco EMS and the village of Bluffton. As a lieutenant on the Ada EMS, he received the Star of Life from Ohio Emergency Medical Services. He was also part of the emergency response in Slidell, Louisiana, in the weeks following Hurricane Katrina.

After undergraduate studies at Ohio Northern University, he attended medical school at Sint Eustatius School of Medicine in the Netherlands Antilles. He completed his psychiatry residency at Case Western Reserve-MetroHealth in Cleveland, where he served as academic chief resident, specializing in rural mental health with additional training in intellectual disabilities and medical ethics. Dr. Steiner has been on the BVHS staff since 2014 and has been director of Orchard Hall and the Chair of the psychiatry department since 2018. In 2020, he completed the Yale Sumner Bioethics training program.

The Blanchard Valley Health Foundation has also welcomed a new member of its Board of Directors. Anna L. Schroeder is an attorney at Eastman & Smith, LTD. in the firm’s Business Law and Estate Planning, Trust and Probate practice groups. She is serving her first term on the BVHF board and the Development Committee. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health from the University of Toledo in 2017 and her Juris Doctorate from The Ohio State University in 2020. She is an engaged community leader and a recipient of the 20 Under 40 Leadership Award.

In addition, three individuals were chosen to serve on the BVHS Quality Committee. They include Karim Baroudi, MPH, REHS, health commissioner, Hancock Public Health; Timothy J. Brennan, MBA, operations administrator, international quality and global consulting, Mayo Clinic; and Jigna Janani, MD, who is now vice president of the organization’s medical staff.

“We are happy to welcome these new members to Blanchard Valley Health System. The experience and guidance of these individuals will help shape a vision that strengthens the organization’s ability to provide quality healthcare to our community each and every day,” said Myron D. Lewis, president and chief executive officer of BVHS. “BVHS will greatly benefit from their knowledge.”

As president of the Auxiliary, Chester replaces Past President Cathy Lishawa on the Board of Trustees. As Medical Staff President, Dr. Steiner replaces Allison Westcott, MD, on the board.

Lewis thanked Lishawa and Westcott for their time serving on the Board of Trustees.

“Serving on the board is an immense and passionate commitment, with board members dedicating much of their time and energy to guide BVHS. This dedication is appreciated, and I am truly grateful to our outgoing board members for their commitment.”

To learn more about Blanchard Valley Health System and the services the organization offers to the region, please visit bvhealthsystem.org.

Findlay City Schools says the investigation into reports regarding student behavior and the culture of the Findlay First Edition program is finished. 

In November, the school district announced that a third-party investigator would be conducting the investigation.

FFE Director Kevin Manley was placed on administrative leave at the end of November and returned to his teaching position on December 21^st.

Superintendent Dr. Andy Hatton says Manley resumed his directing duties this week and provided the following statement now that the investigation has concluded.

The investigation has come to a conclusion, and Mr. Manley resumed his directing duties of FFE this week. After going over the findings of the investigation together, Mr. Manley took accountability for aspects that fell within his purview as director, and the current administration shares in a collective responsibility to support him in addressing cultural issues within the program. Mr. Manley and FHS administration together will be addressing student misconduct. 

FFE is a treasured program that is rich in talent and on stage excellence. Mr. Manley’s return signals just one of many steps in asserting FFE as a show choir that we can be proud of both on and off stage during the upcoming competition season and for years to come.

(From the Hancock Historical Museum)

The Hancock Historical Museum Board of Trustees is pleased to announce Sarah Foltz as the organization’s new Executive Director effective Monday, February 5, 2024. Foltz brings a diverse set of skills to the position including a background in leadership, fundraising, hospitality and marketing.

Foltz’s professional career has revolved around organizational leadership, community engagement and event planning in Hancock County. Most recently, Foltz served at the helm of Findlay Brewing Company’s philanthropic initiatives, marketing, and taproom operations since 2018. As a leading craft brewery in northwest Ohio known for its collaborative efforts, organizational culture and quality product, Foltz directed over 60 community events and initiatives per year, many of which raised funds for over 25 local and national nonprofit organizations.

“I’m incredibly honored to have the opportunity to continue my passion for organizational leadership and community engagement with the cherished Hancock Historical Museum,” said Foltz. “This organization is highly treasured because of the passion and forward-thinking commitment instilled over the years by the organization’s staff, board, and patrons. I’m excited to help elevate the talents of the organization’s driven team and continue the momentum that would make the Museum’s founders and supporters proud.”

A longtime resident of Findlay, Foltz completed her Bachelor of Arts degree with a focus in public relations at the University of Findlay. She began her professional career in the nonprofit sector as the Event Director at The Arts Partnership where she directed festivals, concerts, and arts education programs throughout Hancock County. Foltz went on to lead facilities and operations at Alexandria’s multi-level restaurant, bar, and event venue where she broadened her skills in hospitality and operations management. She also served as a marketing specialist for the University of Findlay, where she coordinated marketing for over 60 academic programs.

Being no stranger to the Museum, Foltz has served on the Museum’s board of trustees and chaired its marketing and fundraising committee, assisting with the organization’s strategic planning and fundraising initiatives. Since its inauguration, Foltz has played a vital role on the Oktoberfest Findlay! planning committee. This German heritage festival serves as the Museum’s greatest fundraising event and Hancock County’s largest single-day event.

In addition to her involvement with the Museum and numerous volunteer positions with local nonprofits, Foltz formerly headed marketing for the Flag City BalloonFest and currently serves on the Findlay-Hancock County Convention and Visitors Bureau Advisory Board.

“Community engagement and service has been a priority of mine since I planted roots in Hancock County,” Foltz explained. “We are blessed with a remarkable and giving community and I cannot wait to help celebrate our community’s story in meaningful ways that connects with everyone.”

Findlay Mayor Christina Muryn and a small group of other mayors visited the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum while in Washington D.C. for the U.S. Conference of Mayors.

“It was a sobering experience as we heard of how quickly the rhetoric of Hitler permeated culture, changed minds and hearts, and dehumanized those that were different than you.”

Mayor Muryn says hate is a scary and powerful weapon that cannot go unchecked.

“As we see the hate that is occurring around our world and the normalization of dehumanization it is incumbent upon all of us to say it has no place in our world.”

“Evil does not win with physical weapons but when we no longer believe our neighbor is worth defending. Today that is most evident in Israel and the Gaza Strip but sadly that is just one example.”

International Holocaust Remembrance Day is on January 27th. 

(From Blanchard Valley Health System)

Renee Matthews, RN, has been named the new administrator of Bluffton Hospital, a division of Blanchard Valley Health System.

Matthews, a Bluffton native, has worked for BVHS in various roles, beginning as an emergency department technician at Bluffton Hospital.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from Anderson University (Anderson, Indiana), followed by her nursing degree from Rhodes State College (Lima, Ohio).

Matthews has been a nurse at BVHS since 2014, working at Blanchard Valley Hospital and Bluffton Hospital in roles ranging from emergency department nurse to medical/surgical nursing supervisor. Most recently, she served as clinical manager of Blanchard Valley Obstetrics & Gynecology in both Findlay and Bluffton.

“I was just always drawn to helping others,” she said.

Even in high school, she had worked as a state-tested nurse’s aide and took post-secondary classes in psychology and sociology at Bluffton College (now Bluffton University).

“I explored hospital social work while pursuing my social work degree and quickly realized how much I loved the hospital setting,” she said. “I enjoyed meeting people where they were and connecting them to needed resources. It allowed me to feel like I was making a difference, and I have continued that commitment to forging connections and relationships throughout my career.”

Both Matthews and members of her immediate and extended family were born in Bluffton Hospital, and she gave birth to her youngest daughter there. Her late mother worked for 30 years as a housekeeper in the environmental services department and then as a volunteer after her retirement.

“I’m just really passionate about this place,” Matthews said. “Bluffton Hospital simply feels like part of who I am.”

Matthews also has long-standing connections to the Bluffton community. A 1998 Bluffton High School graduate, she lives in Bluffton and is committed to helping the hospital become even stronger to best serve that community.

Working in the emergency department helped her see how healthcare serves a community and how healthcare organizations and their communities are deeply intertwined.

“The emergency department doesn’t turn anyone away,” she noted. “In that setting, we cared for our community and got to know people from all walks of life. They would come in at their most vulnerable, and we were there to help.”

Along with serving the community, Matthews wants to prioritize associate engagement.

“People often say Bluffton Hospital is special. It’s because of the people and their ties to the community,” she said. “I want working here to feel like family.”

She has seen firsthand how associates support one another. Matthews was in her early thirties, with three young children, when she went back to school to pursue her registered nursing degree.

“It was a challenging time to be balancing all that at once. It wasn’t only my husband and family, but also all my Bluffton Hospital coworkers, who encouraged and supported me through it,” she said.” Everyone encouraged me to pursue nursing, from my supervisor to the nurses I worked alongside to the ER physicians. That kind of work environment is what Bluffton Hospital has always been for me, and I want to continue cultivating that going forward. “

She said that while healthcare constantly changes, that change goes more smoothly with strong relationships. “I love to get to know people and figure out how each of us can do our work better with one another’s support or collaboration.”

“I am pleased to announce that Renee Matthews, BSW, RN, has accepted the position as the administrator of Bluffton Hospital. Renee has been with Blanchard Valley Health System since 2007 and has worked in diverse roles, including front-line staff, supervisor, and management in the Findlay and Bluffton emergency departments, Bluffton maternity, Bluffton inpatient, and our women’s health physician practices,” said BJ Pasztor, chief operating officer, acute care services/chief nursing officer.

“She is a lifelong resident of Bluffton and is very committed to the community. Her knowledge of BVHS and the region makes her well-suited for this role. Renee’s new responsibilities will include oversight of the Bluffton Hospital campus, as well as

leadership for service excellence. Please join me in welcoming Renee to this position and back to Bluffton Hospital.”

Matthews said that she will be able to draw upon her experiences in various healthcare fields as a leader.

“It’s pretty amazing to realize just how many lives we touch in a given day,” she said. “And when you witness all the skills, labor, and collaboration involved, it’s impressive and humbling. All these people working together help provide truly quality care for their patients. I am excited and honored to get to lead Bluffton Hospital going forward.”

For more information about the services offered at Bluffton Hospital, please visit https://www.bvhealthsystem.org/locations/locations-details?practice=8

(From the City of Findlay)

Findlay officials are pleased to announce that they have selected Energy Harbor for the next term of the City’s electric aggregation program. Energy Harbor recently won a competitive proposal process and was chosen by the City because the company provided the best overall value for the program. The City has set a fixed rate of 6.44 cents/kWh for a 2-year term starting with March 2024 meter reads. Residents and small businesses should look for a mailer to arrive around January 22, concerning the new electric aggregation program offer from Energy Harbor.

The mailer will explain the offer the City negotiated and the means to opt-out should a customer not want to participate in the program. Residents will have 21 days to return an opt-out card to Energy Harbor if they decide not to participate.

The new rate will allow residents to predict their costs and will protect them from rising rates over the next two years. As before, the program will have no early termination fee.

The default supply rate from the local utility has risen sharply and will continue to be elevated until the summer. Again, the rate offered through the City’s program provides a valuable alternative for residents to consider as they seek to manage their electric bills.

We remind you that the aggregation program is simply another option for you to consider, and it is important that you make yourself aware of the other options available to you, specifically:
• The Public Utility Commission of Ohio provides a list of other publicly available offers on their website, www.energychoice.ohio.gov.
• The utility’s default supply, also known as your Price to Compare, this is a variable rate option.
Eric Burns, Director of Aggregation for Independent Energy Consultants, added that residents who have already chosen a supplier on their own can still join the program and get the same rate, terms, and conditions as their neighbors if they wish. These residents will have to contact Energy Harbor to join the program, and they should review their current supply contracts to make sure there are no early termination fees.

The City is pleased to have made this program. Any residents with questions about their letter or status in the aggregation program should contact Energy Harbor at 866-636-3749.

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

The Dense Fog Advisory will be in effect from 9 p.m. Wednesday until 10 a.m. Thursday.

Driving conditions could become hazardous due to low visibility.

If driving, slow down, use your headlights and leave plenty of distance ahead of you.

Get the latest forecast, weather alerts and road alerts by clicking here, and school delays and closings by clicking here.

A summer collegiate baseball team called the Flag City Sluggers will call Findlay home.

“A brand-new baseball era is about to unfold, and we can’t wait to see the talent that will shape this team,” the team said on its Facebook page.

“Stay tuned for updates as the Sluggers gear up to hit it out of the park and make Findlay proud!”

Click here for their Facebook page and get more details in the post below.