(From the City of Findlay)

CONSTRUCTION 6/2-6/6:

-Broad Ave. will be reduced to one lane in each direction from W. Trenton Ave. to W. Melrose Ave. for resurfacing.

-W. Melrose Ave. will be closed to through traffic from N. Main St. to Broad Ave. for resurfacing.

-East St. will be closed to through traffic from E. Lincoln St. to E. Lima St. for curb replacement.

-Carnahan Ave. will be closed to through traffic from Tiffin Ave. to the Railroad for curb replacement.

-Scott Court will be closed to through traffic from Main St. to the Railroad for curb replacement.

-Allen Ave. will be closed to through traffic from Main St. to the Railroad for curb replacement.

-Midland Ave. will be closed to through traffic from Main St. to the Railroad for curb replacement.

-Garfield Ave. will be closed to through traffic from Main St. to the Railroad for curb replacement.

-George St. will be closed to through traffic from Main St. to the Railroad for curb replacement.

-Twp. Road 80 (Baseline Rd.) will be closed to all traffic from Springlake Dr. (E.) to Springlake Dr. (W.) for a sanitary sewer project.

-Morrical Blvd. will be closed to through traffic from Logan Ave. to the North Dead End for waterline installation.

-The Westbound lane of Howard St. will be closed to all traffic from 7am-7pm from Broad Ave. to the Walmart entrance for construction of the Interstate Trail.

-Broad Ave. will be reduced to one lane in the Southbound direction from Howard St. to Trenton Ave. for construction of the FHS Trail.

Please call the Engineering Department with any questions (419) 424-7121.

(From Habitat for Humanity of Findlay/Hancock County)

Habitat for Humanity of Findlay/Hancock County will officially finish construction of three homes during a Home Dedication ceremony for all three homes on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. in the 1700 block of Bishop Lane, Findlay, Ohio. The event is open to the public.

The program for the dedication will include a blessing, words from Dream Builder Society members as well as the new homeowners, comments from Wendy McCormick, Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity of Findlay/Hancock County and Kelly Croy, Habitat’s Board President. Following the ceremony, homeowners will cut ribbons and enter their new homes for the first time. Guests are welcome to then tour the homes.

These are the first three of six homes to be built by Habitat for Humanity of Findlay/Hancock County in 2025. They are the third, fourth and fifth of 20 homes Habitat will build in the Krystal Ridge Addition neighborhood by the end of 2027. The first two homes were built in the fall of 2024.

“This year we are celebrating 25 years of building community in Findlay and Hancock County, and we can’t be more excited,” says Wendy McCormick, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Findlay/Hancock County. “We can’t wait to celebrate the completion of the first three homes of our biggest build year yet to close the gap on the affordable housing shortage in our community.”

Kara Summers and her two daughters will reside in Home #62. For them, the idea of “home” once felt more like a wish than a certainty. Kara works as a State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA), caring for others even as she dreams of becoming a nurse herself. Despite her determination, life has thrown its share of obstacles in her way. Housing in Findlay was either way too expensive or simply unavailable. One afternoon, Kara came across a newspaper article about Habitat for Humanity’s Financial Opportunity Center (FOC). Something about the program resonated with her. Kara became the very first FOC coaching client in 2021. After paying down debts and stabilizing her employment, Kara and her girls were selected as a Habitat Partner Family. For the Summers family, their new home represents security, stability, and a place to grow.

Amanda Gault and her 12-year-old daughter will reside in Home #63. For the past seven years they have called the basement of Amanda’s parents’ home. The space was full of love, but it wasn’t their own. The houses Amanda could afford to purchase needed significant repairs – more than she could take on. The stress of not having their own home weighed heavily on her. Amanda’s mom had been urging her to look into Habitat for quite some time. Finally, in January 2024, Amanda took a leap of faith. From that first meeting with Habitat, Amanda began to feel hope again. She learned how to manage her spending with guidance from the Financial Opportunity Center (FOC). Amanda began to feel more in control of their future. Amanda knows this home will be more than a place to live. It’s a fresh start, a foundation for their future, and a space where they can create new memories together. It will be “a place to call home.”

Chris Greiner will reside in Home #64. Her journey is one of unwavering resilience, love, and the quiet strength of a mother who never gave up. Born and raised in Findlay, her life has been anything but easy, but her heart has always been full of hope, determination, and an unbreakable drive to create a better life for her family. She raised her twin children as a single parent, always working full-time – sometimes even holding down two jobs just to make ends meet. Despite the challenges, Chris made sure that her kids had everything they needed: food, shelter, and love. Even though she worked tirelessly, the dream of owning her own home always felt out of reach, a distant star just beyond her grasp. She spent years working so hard, and now, after so many setbacks, she finally has a home of her own, a place where her children, her grandchildren, and even her cat can thrive in a space that is hers and hers alone.

During the past 10 weeks the three new homeowners have worked alongside more than 600 volunteers to build their homes. The Summers, Gault and Greiner families qualified as a low-income family unable to qualify for a conventional loan, who are willing to partner with Habitat and complete at least 400 sweat equity hours and purchase their home from Habitat through a 30-year low-interest mortgage.

Two of the spring homes are Signature Homes, which were financed by the donors who bought a “piece of the house” during Habitat’s 2024 Signature Fundraiser. Through donations of money and materials and volunteer labor, Habitat is able to build a Habitat Home and sell it at an affordable price. Major sponsors for the spring build include ADP, the City of Findlay, GSW, Kershner Excavating, Kreate, Marathon, McNaughton-McKay, National Lime & Stone, Ohio Logistics, The Reinhart Foundation, The Shelly Company, State Farm – Dan Maciejewski, Van Horn Hoover & Associates and Whirlpool.

The most recent housing study released last year indicated the Findlay community needs 150 single-family homes, costing less than $200,000, constructed during the next five years. Families seeking to become homeowners in the Krystal Ridge Addition can apply with Habitat for Humanity by visiting habitatfindlay.org or calling 419-429-1400.

(From the Office of Ohio Governor Mike DeWine)

Governor Mike DeWine is encouraging Ohioans to take advantage of this year’s Sales Tax Holiday, which is designed to provide meaningful savings for families across the state.

The 2025 Sales Tax Holiday will run for two full weeks, beginning at 12:00 a.m. on Friday, August 1, and ending at 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, August 14.

In 2024, Governor DeWine and the Ohio General Assembly expanded the Sales Tax Holiday to include more items and run for a longer period. Instead of the usual three days, it lasted ten days and was expanded to include a wide range of items up to $500, rather than limited to school supplies.

“The timing of this year’s sales tax holiday not only supports families preparing for back-to-school, but also provides relief on other important household needs,” said Governor DeWine.

“Ohio’s sales tax holiday is a practical way we can help working families keep more of their hard-earned dollars,” said Speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives Matt Huffman. “Whether it’s back-to-school shopping or everyday essentials, this is an opportunity for Ohioans to get more value for their money.”

“The hardworking taxpayers deserve this well-earned break,” said Senate President Rob McColley. “It is the people’s money first, and they know how best to spend it. I strongly support any opportunity to boost the ability of Ohioans to provide for their families.”

During the holiday, shoppers will be able to make qualifying purchases both in-store and online without paying state sales tax. The tax exemption does not apply to services or to purchases motor vehicles, watercraft, outboard motors, alcohol, tobacco, vapor products, or any item containing marijuana.

For full details, including eligible items and frequently asked questions, visit the Ohio Department of Taxation’s Sales Tax Holiday page. You can also contact the Department by email or by calling 1-888-405-4039.

(From the Tiffin Police Department)

Facebook Friends,

The police department is seeking help identifying the female in these photos.

She is wanted for questioning in a theft investigation.

If you have information, please send a private message or contact Ofc. Miller at (419) 447-2323 ext. 0.

Thank you for taking the time to look and share.

(From Blanchard Valley Health System)

The 36^th Annual Julie Cole Charity Golf Classic will be held on Monday, June 2, 2025, at the Findlay Country Club.

Who would have guessed that Findlay native Julie Cole would have made such a mark on women’s golf? She had an outstanding athletic career at Findlay High School and later at Ohio University (OU) where she earned a scholarship for basketball and golf. Following her graduation from OU, Julie played on the national amateur golf circuit and, in 1979, became a professional, later joining the LPGA. 

In 1988, Julie decided to collaborate with a local charity on a golf tournament and met with Karen Mallett Eubanks, the director of hospice. Eubanks connected her to Cooper Tire executive Ivan Gorr and Dr. Charlie Spragg, who became the tournament’s organizing chairman. This group created the Julie Cole Charity Golf Classic as we know it and partnered with Blanchard Valley Health System. While Julie has been all around the world, she never forgot her roots and has steadfastly maintained her vision to “give back.”

In the past 35 years, we have raised more than $3 million to support Bridge Hospice (a benefactor since 1989), additional healthcare service lines within Blanchard Valley, and other not-for-profits. We have also provided youth educational support through scholarships awarded by the Julie Cole Fund for Junior Golfers. None of this could have been possible without the continuous support of our sponsors.

(Pictured above is WFIN’s Bill Rice interviewing Julie Cole Monday morning)

Flag City Honor Flight’s second of four missions this year is on Tuesday.

Flag City Honor Flight flies Veterans to Washington D.C. to see the memorials that stand in their honor. 

“This year, we are proud to host four flights, honoring hundreds of Veterans who will join us on this unforgettable journey,” said Flight Director Allison Quinlan.

The first flight was on April 1 and the remaining flights are on June 3, September 9, and October 14.

The trips are entirely free for the Veterans. 

“We remain deeply grateful to our community partners, volunteers, and donors who make these flights possible,” said Steve Schult, President of Flag City Honor Flight.

Priority is given to terminally ill Veterans, followed by others in the order their applications were received. Eligibility includes those who served from World War II through the Vietnam War.

Learn more about Flag City Honor Flight by clicking here.

(From Findlay City Schools)

We are so excited to host Hancock County’s Summer Lunch Program, offering FREE lunches to everyone in our county under 18 years old!

June 9-July 31

Mondays-Thursdays (with a meal to take home for Friday!)

11:30-12:30

Glenwood Middle School

1715 North Main Street

There will be activities provided each day, so this is more than just a meal…it’s fun, too!

Adult Meals are available for $4.25!

We have so much incredible help to make this amazing summer opportunity available.

Thank you to Findlay YMCA and VFW Post 5645 for your support, as well as the support of our entire community to take care of our kids when they’re away from school for the summer. 

(From the Bluffton Center for Entrepreneurs)

The Bluffton Center for Entrepreneurs (BCE) is proud to announce the winners of the 2025 Ropp Triplett Business Plan Competition, held on April 29, 2025. This annual event highlights emerging entrepreneurs from across the region, showcasing their creativity, commitment, and potential for long-term impact.

• 1st Place: Furry Tales Mobile Workshop 
  A mobile stuffed animal experience on a themed bus, Furry Tales offers creative, story-based adventures that encourage literacy and eco-conscious fun for children at parties and events.
• 2nd Place: Worship Wearables
  This online Christian apparel brand features licensed lyrics from contemporary Christian music, offering stylish, faith-based clothing and lifestyle products for everyday worship.
• 3rd Place: Empowering Integration Solutions (E.I.S.)
  E.I.S. supports Ohio’s immigrant communities through Creole/French interpretation, workforce training, and cultural consulting—bridging language and opportunity gaps with community-rooted services.

Additional finalists included:

• Adkins Entertainment LLC – Owner of “Abstract Space,” a flexible event venue in Ottawa, Ohio with plans for business expansion.
• A-Z Woodworking – A custom woodworking shop in Ada, specializing in handcrafted furniture and kitchen cabinetry.
• Zac Kohli Realtor Corp – A real estate business focused on residential and commercial property solutions across Ohio.

The competition was judged by a panel of experienced business and community leaders:

• Larry Triplett, entrepreneur and founder of several ventures including Yodel.Today, is the son of Ropp Triplett—one of the original founders of the Bluffton Center for Entrepreneurs.
• Jed Metzger, former CEO of the Lima/Allen County Chamber of Commerce and current CEO of the Lima Chamber Foundation, brings decades of leadership in business and economic development.
• Tammy Gladwell, Vice President at Diamond Manufacturing of Bluffton, has been with the company since its founding in 2010. She also serves on the Allen Economic Development Group (AEDG) Board of Directors and is Secretary of the BCE Board of Directors.

To qualify, businesses had to be three years old or younger and complete the Small Business Information Series offered by the Small Business Development Center at Rhodes State College and hosted locally by the Bluffton Center for Entrepreneurs. Finalists presented their business plans before the judging panel, competing for startup funding, mentorship, and exposure.

“We are inspired by the passion and purpose each entrepreneur brought to this competition,” said Jim Enneking, Executive Director of the Bluffton Center for Entrepreneurs. “These businesses reflect the innovation, resilience, and community-minded spirit that make our region’s small business ecosystem so strong.”

For more information about BCE programs and future competitions, visit blufftonce.com or contact director@blufftonce.org.

(From the Humane Society and SPCA of Hancock County)

When Sam came through our doors, he didn’t cry or panic. He simply stood up on his hind legs behind the counter… quietly watching the door his person had just walked out of. As if he thought maybe, just maybe, they’d come right back.

Sam is 14-years-old. He spent his whole life with someone who loved him deeply. But when they had to move into a care facility, they made the hardest decision of all – to let Sam go. Not because they stopped loving him, but because they still did.

That kind of goodbye isn’t something we take lightly. We were entrusted with a beloved friend, a family member.

Sam went to Wet Nose Wednesday, where he stole the show with his gentle eyes and sweet soul. And shortly after, he found a new family. The kind of family that doesn’t see “14 years old” and think “too old.” They saw Sam for who he is, a good boy, still full of love.

Now Sam is home again. Settling in. Safe.

We are grateful to his original person, for 14 years of devotion and for trusting us to carry the love forward.

To the radio team for showcasing Sam and giving him the chance to be seen. Legacy Country Corner 100.5 WKXA @Rex Howard.

And to his adopter, who looked past his age and gave him the one thing he needed most. A soft landing and a warm heart.

Some stories break you a little before they mend you. This was one of them. And we’re so lucky to be part of it.

(From the Ohio State Highway Patrol)

The Bowling Green Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a single-vehicle fatal crash in Portage Township, Wood County. The crash occurred on Interstate 75 near milepost 178 at 2:42 P.M. on May 29. 

The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2003 Mercury Mountaineer was traveling northbound on Interstate 75 when the driver lost control of the vehicle, traveled off the right side of the roadway, and overturned several times. The driver, and sole occupant, was ejected from the vehicle.

The Mercury Mountaineer was operated by Makayla Lee, 24, of Sidney. Ms. Lee was pronounced deceased at the scene. Her safety belt was not in use at the time of the crash.

The Ohio State Highway patrol was assisted on scene by the Wood County Sheriff’s Office, Mid County EMS, Central Joint Fire Department, Ohio Department of Transportation, Wood County Coroner’s Office, and Wright’s Towing.

Motorists are reminded to always wear their safety belt.

The crash remains under investigation.