(From Liberty-Benton Local Schools)
Liberty-Benton students and community members came together to provide two semi-truck loads of disaster relief items, including water, cleaning supplies, diapers, food, and more for those affected by Hurricane Helene.
Special thanks to LB Bus Driver Drew McGuire and McGuire and Sons Trucking for delivering the supplies to Irwin, Tennessee.
There’s a link on the WFIN website where you can donate to people affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office says two people were injured when their SUV was struck by a train.
It happened at 9:35 Thursday morning on Main Street in Columbus Grove.
The sheriff’s office says Honesty Mallory, 23, of Lima, was driving southbound on Main Street when her vehicle was hit by a train that was traveling southbound on the CSX railroad tracks.
The sheriff’s office says there were three people in the SUV and all three were able to exit the vehicle.
Two of the people who were in the SUV were taken to a hospital in Lima for injuries that are not life-threatening.
The crash remains under investigation.
(From the United Way of Hancock County)
Local bars and restaurants will be serving up their tastiest bites during United Way of Hancock County’s annual Downtown Restaurant Tour, returning from 5-9 p.m. Nov. 7.
This self-guided tour features over 15 restaurants offering samples of their finest foods, beverages, desserts and more. Patrons prepurchase a ticket, or “Passport,” for $40 and travel through the downtown area at their leisure during this four-hour window, getting their Passport stamped at each location.
This event is expected to sell out, as only 400 Passports will be sold. All proceeds from Passport sales will be put toward fighting hunger across Hancock County, meaning that this year’s event alone will raise $16,000.
“The Downtown Restaurant Tour is a fun night out in downtown Findlay, showcasing so many great restaurants – you might even find your new favorite,” said United Way of Hancock County CEO Kelley McClurkin. “Since all of our proceeds go to the Halt Hunger Initiative, this event also shines a light on the need for food security in our community.” Passports can be purchased for $40 each through United Way’s website at www.uwhancock.org – click the Downtown Restaurant Tour link at the top right of the homepage.
Passports can be picked up starting Oct. 28 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.
(ONN) – The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has released its winter outlook report for 2024-25.
Ohio is expected to have warmer than usual temperatures this winter.
The central and eastern portions of the state could see temperatures as much as forty to fifty percent above average while the western portion of the state will only be slightly warmer than normal.
Southeast Ohio can expect fifty to sixty percent more precipitation than usual with the rest of the state also seeing increased precipitation.
A condition called La Nina is driving this trend due to cooling ocean surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean near the equator.
(From Blanchard Valley Health System)
Blanchard Valley Health System (BVHS) is celebrating its five-year anniversary as a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network. Through this clinical collaboration, the organization’s providers get special access to Mayo Clinic resources, knowledge, and teams of specialists.
BVHS was the first Ohio-based healthcare facility to join the Mayo Clinic Care Network, a group of carefully vetted, independent healthcare systems that have special access to Mayo Clinic’s knowledge and expertise.
The clinical collaboration has allowed BVHS physicians to combine their understanding of their patients’ medical needs with Mayo Clinic expertise, allowing patients to get the care they need, close to home. There is no additional cost to patients.
“BVHS and the Northwest Ohio community have benefited extensively from these five years of clinical collaboration,” said Myron D. Lewis, president and chief executive officer of BVHS. “For example, oncologists treating patients at The Armes Family Cancer Care Center consult with the Mayo Clinic Care Network on cases, amplifying their expertise with additional knowledge and resources from the Mayo Clinic and experts worldwide. This relationship has strengthened care in Findlay. Additionally, our clinical and non-clinical associates have access to Mayo Clinic Care Network educational resources that have helped the organization continually improve all that we do.”
As a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network, Blanchard Valley Health System has access to a variety of resources.
These include AskMayoExpert, a point-of-care tool which offers concise clinical information on hundreds of medical conditions, and includes medical protocols, treatment recommendations and medical references. The tool can be used wherever healthcare is provided.
Additionally, eConsults enable BVHS physicians to contact Mayo Clinic specialists for second opinions on specific patient cases when they believe additional input will benefit their patients.
Another tool is eBoards. These live video conferences enable BVHS’s medical teams to review and discuss complex cases with a Mayo Clinic panel and other doctors in the Mayo Clinic Care Network.
In addition, BVHS has access to healthcare consulting, and can access Mayo’s extensive experience, knowledge and subspecialty expertise to attain clinical, operational and business goals.
BVHS physicians, providers, and associates can also use Mayo Clinic’s patient education materials and access opportunities for professional development and continuous medical education.
Created in 2011, the Mayo Clinic Care Network has more than 40 member organizations across the U.S. and in Asia, Mexico, and the Middle East. This partnership supports BVHS independence; while leveraging a large academic institution to our community’s benefit.
For more information on this clinical collaboration, please visit bvhealthsystem.org/mayo
(From Habitat for Humanity of Findlay/Hancock County)
Habitat for Humanity of Findlay/Hancock County held a Home Dedication ceremony for its second set of builds of the year, homes number 60 and 61 located in the 1700 Block of Bishop Lane in the Krystal Ridge Addition in Findlay.
These are the third and fourth homes to be built by Habitat for Humanity of Findlay/Hancock County in 2024. They are the first two of 20 homes Habitat will build in the Krystal Ridge Addition neighborhood by the end of 2027.
Both homes were each built in just 10 weeks by nearly 300 volunteers representing many corporate build teams and organizations that enable their employees and team members to take part.
The dedication included a blessing, words from the new homeowners as well as comments from Wendy McCormick, Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity of Findlay/Hancock County and Kelly Croy, Habitat’s Board President.
The McMaster family consists of a single mother and her two sons. For a number of years, they struggled off and on financially. For almost a year they lived with family and friends. After a lengthy search, they found a landlord willing to accept their housing voucher. Six years later the landlord sold the duplex, and the new landlords raised the rent an $250 monthly. Their previous landlord suggested they apply for Habitat. Within the past year, with the help of the Financial Opportunity Center, their credit score has risen more than 80 points and they are living within their budget and saving. This opportunity allows them to not only have a home, but a legacy!
The Butler family consists of a single mother and her daughter. Their housing situation left them cost burdened due to continued high rent increases. Additionally, their living conditions were unsafe with no ventilation in the bedrooms and an exterior door in the daughter’s bedroom. For the past two years the Butler family has been working with Habitat for Humanity after seeing several close friends go through the process. After a year of financial education and savings they were chosen to be a Partner Family. They are forever grateful that everyone at Habitat chose to put their faith into them and grant this opportunity. They have gained so much knowledge already in the program and cannot wait to move into their own home!
Through donations of money and materials and volunteer labor, Habitat is able to build a Habitat Home and sell it at an affordable price. These families qualified as a low-income family unable to qualify for a conventional loan who were willing to partner with Habitat and complete at least 400 sweat equity hours.
Habitat for Humanity is accepting applications from families now for new homes. To apply for a home or a home repair, visit habitatfindlay.org or call 419-429-1400.
The Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce presented its 2024 Small Business Awards on Wednesday afternoon at the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts.
Each year, the Chamber highlights local individuals and companies, who through their independent entrepreneurial spirit, play a vital role in building the community and the economy.
The Hancock Hotel won the “Our Spirit Shows” Hospitality Award and we caught up with General Manager Dirk Bengel and asked what it means to him to be presented with that award.
The following is a full list of small business and community awards that were presented:
Small Business of the Year
Presented to: RCR Technology Group
Sponsored by: Premier Bank
Small Business Person of the Year
Presented to: Joy Barger – Swan House Tea Room
Sponsored by: University of Findlay
Emerging Business of the Year
Presented to: 3 Oaks
Sponsored by: State Bank
Nonprofit Leader of the Year
Presented to: Marc Kogan – Black Swamp Area Council Inc., Scouting America
Sponsored by: The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation
Professional of the Year
Presented to: Sarah Foltz – Hancock Historical Museum
Sponsored by: RCR Technology Group
“Our Spirit Shows” Hospitality Award
Presented to: Hancock Hotel
Sponsored by: Hancock County Convention & Visitors Bureau
Agriculture Enterprise Champion of the Year
Presented to: Von Stein Hay & Straw
Sponsored by: Citizens National Bank
Diverse Small Business Champion of the Year
Presented to: Airborne Outfitters
Sponsored by: Marathon Petroleum Corporation
Do Good! Award
Presented to: Culvers of Findlay
Sponsored by: City Apparel+Merch
Go Local Small Business Champion of the Year
Presented to: Village of McComb
Sponsored by: First National Bank
Small Business Manufacturing Excellence
Presented to: PTFE Fine Powders
Sponsored by: The Companies of Tall Timbers Industrial Park
ATHENA Award
Presented to: Andrea Kramer – City Apparel + Merch
Sponsored by: Huntington Bank
Manufacturing & Distribution Leadership Impact Award
Presented to: Sean Goodman, Techcorr
Sponsored by: CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA)
Downtown Champion of the Year
Presented to: False Chord Brewing
Sponsored by: Fifth Third Bank
Family Owned Small Business Champion of the Year
Presented to: Findlay Village Hardware
Sponsored by: Hancock Federal Credit Union
Customer Service Champion of the Year
Presented to: Blanchard Valley Center / Hancock County Board of Developmental Disabilities
Sponsored by: Trust Company Family Offices
Women in Business Champion of the Year
Presented to: Pampered Pooch
Sponsored by: WFIN-WKXA-106.3 The Fox Radio
(From the Kiwanis Club of Findlay)
The Kiwanis Club of Findlay launched the 2024-25 service year with the installation of officers and directors. Ohio District Past Lt. Governors Rick Kidwell and Rich Ulmes officiated the installation and presented the incoming officers and board of directors to the membership: President Jeremy Strapp, President-Elect Ashley Ritz, Vice President Gabi Faulkner, Secretary Karen Brannan, Treasurer Kim Leeper and Immediate Past President Cassie Turner. Members of the Board of Directors are Daniel Clinger, Grace George, Brett Gies, Carl Hayslett, Susan Kayser, Brandon Shoemaker, and Deb Wickerham.
Members retiring from board service are Jack Bindel, Matt Leddy, Jason May, Danielle Fisher, and Danielle Wilkin. Annette Shaffer was also recognized as the outgoing treasurer, as was outgoing board member Joan Sayer, who is relocating away from Findlay alongside her husband and fellow Kiwanian Jim.
Kiwanians celebrating anniversary years included Larry Nold, 35 years; Jamie Stall and Annette Shaffer, 30 years; Jim Sayer, Tony Fuller, and Phil Cole, 25 years; Becky Bowman, 20 years; Anne Whitman and Ashley Ritz, 15 years.
Outgoing President Cassie Turner recognized several members for their contributions this year, including Brandon Shoemaker who was named the 2024 Kiwanian of the Year, commemorating a Kiwanian who has gone above and beyond in service to the community and the club. Katie Abbott was honored as the 2024 Emerging Leader, recognizing Katie’s significant contribution to club activities as a new Kiwanian, and Danielle Wilkin was named this year’s recipient of the McNish, Menges, and Sayer Award, an award named after three longtime Kiwanians who are known for their quiet service and awarded to a Kiwanian following in their footsteps.
Chartered in 1920, the Kiwanis Club of Findlay is open to those who want to make a difference in their community and world. A snapshot of the community, with members from all walks of life and at every step of the career ladder, Kiwanians are unified in the belief that children and their communities benefit from the efforts of a proficient group of caring and involved volunteers.
Those wishing to learn more about Kiwanis are encouraged to reach out through social media, attend a meeting as a guest, or visit the club’s website at FindlayKiwanis.com. The Kiwanis Club of Findlay meets every Wednesdays at noon at the D.O.C.K. at St. Mark’s.
(From Blanchard Valley Health System)
The community pharmacy team at Harry’s Pharmacy, a division of Blanchard Valley Health System, will partner with the Carey Police Department to hold a Medication Take Back Day from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 26.
This will be a drive-thru and drop-off event. Harry’s Pharmacy is located at the Carey Medical & Diagnostic Center, 30 Sheriden Drive, Carey, Ohio.
All medications will be accepted except liquid drugs and medicines with needles.
The Findlay High School Student Leadership Class will be honoring Findlay Veterans at a special dinner on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at 6 p.m. in the Findlay High School cafeteria.
This RSVP is for A Findlay Community Veteran Dinner hosted by the Findlay High School Student Leadership Class & Findlay community sponsors.
November 6th 6pm – 7:30pm in the Findlay High School Cafeteria. Please enter through the front main entrance doors.
Dinner will be provided by Lee’s chicken and Texas Roadhouse. Drinks provided by We Serve Coffee and Hempy water. This dinner is free for all attendees.
The Findlay High School Student Leadership class would like to honor our Veteran community.
We also have optional games and gift card prizes to local businesses for game winners!
We hope many can attend this special evening and enjoy a free dinner.
Sincerely,
FHS Student Leadership Class