Nichole Coleman, an Air Force Veteran and Executive Director of the Hancock County Veterans Service Office, has announced that she’s running for Findlay City Council.

Coleman is seeking the Ward 1 seat on city council which is currently held by Holly Frische who has announced that she has filed to seek another term.

Coleman released the following news release announcing her candidacy.

Nichole Coleman is excited to announce her candidacy for Findlay City Council, seeking to represent Ward 1 with her proven leadership, service, and problem-solving skills.

A U.S. Air Force veteran and dedicated community leader, Coleman has spent a career bringing people together to solve challenges and drive meaningful change. After seven years of military service, she returned home to continue serving Findlay. Over the past 15 years, she has worked with the American Red Cross (3 years), 50 North (1 year), and, for the past 13 years, as the Executive Director of the Hancock County Veterans Service Office. During her tenure, the office expanded its services, now assisting eight times more veterans each year than before. Her leadership has directly enhanced veteran support in Hancock County, increasing benefits by more than $16.8 million and launching five innovative resiliency programs to improve mental health, recovery, and quality of life.

“I believe strong leadership starts with listening,” said Coleman. “Throughout my career, I’ve worked to bring people together to solve problems, and I see an opportunity to strengthen collaboration and unity on City Council. With a solution-focused, strategic and growth mindset, I’m ready to serve Ward 1 with thoughtful, forward-thinking leadership.”

Ward 1 represents a diverse group of residents, and Coleman is committed to ensuring that every voice is heard and valued.

“From longtime homeowners to young families starting out, from business leaders to those working hard to make ends meet, I believe in representation that works for everyone. Findlay thrives when we collaborate, listen, and take action together.”

Coleman’s education reflects her dedication to leadership and service. She completed the Public Leadership Certificate program for Veterans at The Ohio State University in 2021, and earned an Associate of Arts degree from Ohio Christian University in 2020, and graduated from the Hancock Government Leadership Academy in 2017.

Coleman will prioritize engaging with Ward 1 residents through community events, conversations, and outreach efforts as the campaign progresses.

For more information about Nichole Coleman’s campaign, visit votenicholecoleman.com or contact her at united@votenicholecoleman.com.

(From Bowling Green State University)

For two dozen Bowling Green State University students, Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans served as a window to what could be possible through a career in sports.

With help from the College of Education and Human Development and the School of Applied Human Development, 24 members of the BGSU Sport Management Alliance fundraised their way to volunteer at this year’s Super Bowl, which allowed students to gain valuable experience by helping to stage the biggest event on the American sports calendar.

Students used entrepreneurial skills to fund the trip, then found themselves at ground level of an event at the largest scale, including being at the Superdome on game day, during which the Philadelphia Eagles topped the Kansas City Chiefs.

“I didn’t know it was possible for a student like me to do such a big experience like that until I got to BGSU,” said Taryn Fraley, a junior from Waynesfield, Ohio.

“I was mainly thinking about events on campus prior to coming here, but once I was introduced to SMA, I saw all the opportunities that are available, and it let me know that I can think big.”

While in New Orleans, SMA students from majors such as sport management saw the behind-the-scenes efforts that go into the biggest day of the United States’ most popular sport.

Experiences that further careers are key part of many degree programs at BGSU, which The Wall Street Journal ranked No.1 in Ohio for career preparation.

For the students selected to be Super Bowl volunteers, the effort to make the New Orleans trip a reality was like a part-time job. The experience of funding and organizing travel for a large group, collaborating with a major organization and being in the middle of the action at the Super Bowl proved valuable as students prepare for careers in sports.

“We had to find the time to fundraise, to do paperwork, find times to meet and the time we were in New Orleans was all about time management,” said Jillian Windbiel, a senior from Elk Grove Village, Illinois, outside of Chicago.

“We had to do a lot of things that go into a career, which was a challenge in a good way. Especially for an event this big, a lot goes into it. It was a lot of great experience you can take into the future.”

While in New Orleans, students helped run booths at the Super Bowl Experience – which draws thousands of fans for games, music and fun in the week prior to the game – worked with professionals in their field, served on the welcome committee at the New Orleans airport and were on site for gameday as exterior fan services.

Lily Smith, a sophomore from Oregon, Ohio, a suburb of Toledo, said the chance to gain career experience at the Super Bowl was surreal.

“I never thought it was something I would be able to do, but it happened because of my opportunities and connections here at BGSU got me there,” Smith said. “It was really cool to apply some of the things I learned in my classes and in my smaller sport management experience to such a larger event and be able to experience something I never thought I would.”

(From the Humane Society and SPCA of Hancock County)

We are so excited to share with you all this next journey!

We want to say a BIG Thank you to Findlay Fire Department for joining us on this adventure and Dave Morrow in donating his amazing photography skills!

Meet your local heroes and their new furry friends!

Our firefighters have teamed up with Hancock County Humane Society to help these lovable animals find their forever homes.

Swipe through to see these brave men and women posing with adoptable dogs and cats, each ready to rescue your heart!

Sometimes even our brave Men and Women in uniform, just need that fury Friend to listen and confide in!

Because every hero deserves a companion.

Let’s give these animals the happy ending they deserve!

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

The Winter Weather Advisory goes from 1 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday.

Forecasters say rain will change to snow from northwest to southeast early Sunday morning as colder air overspreads the area.

Total snow accumulations of 2 to 5 inches are possible.

Winds will gust up to 35 miles per hour

Drivers should plan on slippery road conditions.

Forecasters say to expect sub-zero wind chills Sunday night as a frigid weather pattern settles into the region.  

Get the latest forecast, weather alerts, and road levels here, and school delays/closings here.

Hancock County Health Commissioner Lindsay Summit was on with WFIN’s Chris Oaks.

Summit discussed the latest Community Health Assessment Survey and Community Health Improvement Plan.

Summit said housing, transportation, and access to healthcare were the top concerns for Hancock County residents who filled out the Community Health Assessment Survey.

Listen to Summit’s conversation with Chris about how the health department plans on addressing those challenges in the audio below.

(From the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library)

The Findlay-Hancock County Public Library will celebrate 135 years of service to county residents on Sunday, February 23, 2025 from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. To commemorate the occasion, the public is invited to visit the library to look at historic photos and facts on display throughout the library.

This year’s anniversary is a special one as the library embarks on a new adventure, beginning with a refresh of the library. This project reflects the library’s ongoing commitment to the changing needs of our community. The public is invited to join us not only to celebrate this special milestone, but also to tour the exciting new paint colors, carpeting and department shifts to create a better flow for patrons and to make the most of our available space.

The Findlay-Hancock County Public Library opened on January 27, 1890. Today, the library continues the proud tradition of providing books, newspapers, magazines, and other physical material, but also provides vital education services that are available without charge to our community. The library can also be utilized to improve job skills, increase computer learning, attend our adult literacy program, as well as a variety of programming for children, teens and adults. Patrons can use our free Wi-Fi to gain access to digital material through hoopla, Kanopy, and the Ohio Digital Library.

Library Director, Sarah Clevidence said of this special anniversary, “Our library has a long history of supporting our community. We are excited to share the recent updates to library spaces that will help continue that tradition of support for years to come.”

For more information on services and programs that are available at the library, please visit www.findlaylibrary.org or call the library at 419-422-1712.

(From the United Way of Hancock County)

Safety net services across Hancock County will be strengthened by the allocation of $1.7 million by United Way of Hancock County.

Funding will be distributed among 19 local programs focused on the areas of championing children’s success, fighting hunger, promoting safety and health, supporting safe housing, and fostering financial stability. These priority areas were identified by a team of over 50 diverse community volunteers in a grant review process that is repeated yearly as part of United Way’s commitment to regularly assessing the community’s changing needs and responding accordingly.

“Working families and retirees continue to be impacted by our changing economy. Our funding distribution among 19 local programs serves as a safety net for the vulnerable population in our community,” said United Way of Hancock County CEO Kelley McClurkin.

The funds being distributed were raised through United Way’s 2024 Annual Campaign, which engages individual donors and retirees, as well as employees through workplace philanthropy.

“The United Way is honored to contribute to and protect our community in such an impactful way. We are sincerely thankful to our fundraising team and to everyone who trusts us with their financial gifts, including individual donors and workplace campaign partners,” McClurkin said. “You are all Difference Makers for the people who need it most.”

Championing children’s success

Local programs falling under United Way’s Vulnerable Children Initiative will receive a total of $285,000 in support of advocacy, prevention and crisis response efforts designed to protect kids and put them on a path to success.

Children’s funding will be distributed among CASA/GAL of Hancock County, whose trained volunteers advocate for youth who are navigating the court system; the Center for Safe and Healthy Children’s forensic interview program that follows a report of child abuse; child victim services offered by Open Arms Domestic Violence & Rape Crisis Services; Children’s Mentoring Connection of Hancock County’s various youth mentoring programs; Scouting and Exploring programs offered through Boy Scouts of America and Girl Scouts of Western Ohio; and the Salvation Army’s summer enrichment camp.

Fighting hunger

Food security programs have been allocated $291,000. Among rising grocery prices, United Way’s partner agencies have reported a significant increase in individuals and families seeking help through local food assistance programs.

Food security funds will support the YMCA’s Feed-A-Child program, which provides weekend backpack meals for students; vouchers for individuals and families in need of supplemental

grocery items through Christian Clearing House; West Ohio Food Bank’s distributions to Hancock County food pantries; and the emergency food pantry at the Salvation Army.

Promoting safety and health

Safety and health allocations focused on strengthening Hancock County residents’ physical and mental health will receive $316,500.

Funds distributed for safety and health will provide direct financial assistance for cancer patients living or working in Hancock County through Cancer Patient Services; adult victim services offered by Open Arms; equine-assisted therapy for veterans and people of all ages with disabilities through Challenged Champions Equestrian Center; and disaster response services programs though the American Red Cross.

Supporting safe housing

A total of $232,500 has been awarded to two Hope House programs aimed at helping people who are unhoused or who are at risk of becoming homeless. The family shelter and independence programs work to provide housing solutions, support and education to individuals and families.

Fostering financial stability

Financial stability funds totaling $50,000 will support HHWP Community Action Commission’s Hancock Area Transportation Services (HATS) program, which provides low-cost rides to employment, medical appointments and more.

Additional funding will continue to help United Way deliver its free tax preparation service, called VITA, which is taking place now, as well as the Halt Hunger Initiative. United Way’s volunteer center, Volunteers United, placed 10,200 volunteer hours in 2024.

All money raised in Hancock County stays local to support vital services, unless otherwise designated by the donor. United Way of Hancock County regularly seeks state and federal grants to help bolster funds raised locally and to allow the organization to use campaign dollars most effectively.

Visit uwhancock.org to donate or to learn more about the United Way’s mission and work.

UPDATE – A Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for 1 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday. 

Click here for the details. 

The advisory below has expired. 

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

The Winter Weather Advisory goes from 1 a.m. Saturday until 10 a.m. Saturday.

Mixed precipitation is expected.

Total snow accumulations up to one inch and ice accumulations less than one tenths of an inch.

Drivers should plan on slippery road conditions.

Snow will overspread the area overnight into Saturday morning and change quickly to a mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain.

This mixed precipitation is then expected to change to rain by late morning as warmer air at the surface and aloft overspreads the area.

Then on Sunday, snow showers are expected to develop with 1 to 2 inches of snow possible.

Get the latest forecast, weather alerts, and road levels here and school delays/closings here.

(From Awakening Minds Art)

Awakening Minds Art (AMA) is bringing an electrifying evening of music and entertainment to Findlay with its Dueling Pianos fundraiser on Saturday, March 15, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Hancock Hotel.

Featuring the high-energy performance of “T” and Rich Dueling Pianos, guests will enjoy an interactive, crowd-pleasing show filled with music, laughter, and unforgettable moments—all while supporting AMA’s mission to provide therapeutic and educational art programs for individuals of all ages and abilities.

Tickets are now available:

General Admission: $60 per person, includes snacks and desserts.

Reserved Table for Eight: $480, includes eight reserved seats and eight drink tickets.

Sponsorship opportunities are also available for businesses and individuals looking to support the cause:

‘AMAzing’ Headlining Sponsor – $3,000 (1 available)

‘Happy Little Piano’ Sponsor – $1,500 (1 available)

‘Let There Be Dancing’ Sponsor – $1,000 (2 available)

‘Giving Tree’ Sponsor – $750 (3 available)

Each sponsorship package includes reserved seating, drink tickets, and various levels of recognition in event promotions and marketing materials.

Proceeds from the event will directly support AMA’s programming, ensuring continued access to inclusive and impactful art experiences for the community.

To purchase tickets or secure a sponsorship, visit https://awakeningmindsart.org/pianos.

For more information, please contact: Emily Sullivan, executive director at Emily@awakeningmindsart.org  or Jordan Hamilton, board member, hamiltonj@bluffton.edu.

(From Dr. Bill Kose with Blanchard Valley Health System)

Amid these dreary, cold February days, we at Blanchard Valley Health System encourage community members to take care of themselves mentally as well as physically.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of major depression with a seasonal pattern. The decrease in sunlight in the winter can cause the body to produce too much of some hormones while decreasing other chemicals, leading to fatigue, irritability, and sleep disturbances.

Keep in mind that there are things that can help. Stay active, eat healthy, and maintain as regular a sleep routine as you can. Many people benefit from exposure to full-spectrum light. Make it a priority to spend time outside on those rare days when the sun is shining. Remember that this is an illness, and treatment such as counseling and medication may help.

Keep socializing with others. This can be a challenge not only because of the lack of sunlight but also for people with SAD and for all of us. When it’s cold and icy outside, people tend to stay home. This intense flu season also leads to isolation.

However, we need to remain connected to other people to function at our best. Loneliness can lead to depression and anxiety. It also can make it more likely a person will develop heart issues, diabetes, or dementia. It is important that we connect with others as much as we can.

Help others to connect, too. If you are part of a prayer circle, support group, or any other kind of network dedicated to offering people comfort and support, please make an extra effort to check in these days. If, for whatever reason, meeting up in person isn’t possible, stay in touch with loved ones however you can. Call them or reach out on social media.

Finances can cause stress around this time, given that higher heating bills and taxes will soon be due. Often, even people who tried to budget for holiday shopping found they overspent in December. If this sounds familiar, keep in mind that you’re not alone. This is a very giving community, and individuals and organizations are eager to help.

If you know someone you love is struggling financially, check in on their emotional well-being. Make sure your older neighbors can get the food they need. Bridge Bereavement Services at BVHS can offer education and support if grief or loss is a concern.

This can be a gloomy and discouraging time of year. Perhaps you set an ambitious New Year’s resolution on Jan. 1 and now feel like you’ve made no progress. Or maybe you especially love the Christmas season and, now that it’s over and there are still several weeks to spring, feel let down.

These stresses are understandable and may lead people to wonder, “Why wouldn’t I be depressed under the circumstances?” However, if this distress is affecting your ability to function, I urge you to seek treatment to help you feel better.

Your primary care provider may be a great place to start. He or she can prescribe medication or recommend lifestyle changes and refer you to counselors or psychiatrists for further treatment. A pharmacist may also be helpful if you have noticed a change shortly after starting a new medication since prescription drug interactions can affect mood.

BVHS is here to help. We have therapists who can provide counseling, psychiatrists, and other providers who can prescribe medication. Blanchard Valley Hospital also has a nine-bed psychiatric unit on the premises. Throughout Northwest Ohio, our primary care offices work closely with psychiatry and other specialties. Please call our physician referral line at 419.422.APPT to make an appointment.

Keep in mind that the days are getting longer, and spring is on the way.

William Kose, MD, JD

Vice President of Special Projects,

Blanchard Valley Health System