(ONN) – As state lawmakers debate a bill that would require public schools to allow release time for religious programming, a new church has entered the conversation.

The Satanic Temple posted on Facebook that it is establishing a program at Edgewood Elementary School in Marysville next month.

The post indicated the “HAIL” program or “Hellions Academy for Independent Learning” will offer off-campus, religious instruction, good works in the community, empathy, and problem-solving skills.

House Bill 445 is currently in the Ohio House Primary and Secondary Education Committee and would require school districts to allow optional religious release.

The bill’s sponsor, Republican State Representative Gary Click said the Satanic Temple is attempting to scare legislators away from adopting the bill.

(From the Findlay Police Department)

The Findlay Police Department is participating in the 13th annual Lights for Lives safety campaign, which is being hosted by the Ohio State Highway Patrol and focuses on saving lives over the upcoming holiday season.

“Lights for Lives” is a multiagency, multijurisdictional, cooperative enforcement campaign focused on officers activating their overhead LIGHTS and stopping as many vehicles as possible to save as many LIVES as possible.

The hope is that over a short period of time, if we all work together to send a message to the motorists of Northwest Ohio, our efforts will last through the holiday season.

“Lights for Lives” will run from November 25th at 1800 hours until November 27th at 0600 hours. During this enforcement period, officers from all law enforcement agencies in Northwest Ohio will be focusing on stopping cars and enforcing all traffic laws.

The focus for the Findlay Police Department will be on safety belt enforcement, impaired driving enforcement, speeding, failure to yield violations, traffic signal violations, as well as distracted driving enforcement.

(From the Tiffin Police Department)

Facebook Friends,

We are asking for assistance in identifying the male shown in these stills from store video footage.

He is involved in a theft investigation from Walmart.

If you recognize this individual, please reach out to Ofc. Perry at 419-447-2323 or via email at cmperry@tiffinohio.gov.

Thank you for helping us keep our community honest and safe!

(From the Ohio State Highway Patrol)

The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Norwalk Post is investigating a one vehicle fatal traffic crash that was reported on November 25, 2024 at approximately 11:54 AM. The crash occurred on Township Road 154 and Township Road 101, Jackson Township, Seneca County.

Stephen J. Hoover, age 64, of Fostoria, Ohio was driving a 2008 Chevrolet Trail Blazer west bound on Township Road 154. Mr. Hoover failed to yield to a stop sign at Township Road 101, traveled through the intersection and ran off the west edge of Township Road 101. Mr. Hoover’s vehicle went airborne, struck a yard and then a ditch. Mr. Hoover was not wearing his seat belt at the time of the crash and suffered fatal injuries.

It is unknown if alcohol and/ or drugs were a factor in the crash and the crash remains under investigation.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted by the Seneca County Sheriffs Office, Kansas Fire Department, Seneca County Coroners Office and John’s Towing.

(From Blanchard Valley Health System)

Blanchard Valley Health System is pleased to announce it has received Level 7 achievement for the Acute survey selection in Digital Health Most Wired Survey results from the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME).

“At BVHS, we have numerous support departments who do work behind the scenes to support our clinical staff,” praised Myron D. Lewis, president and chief executive officer. “Part of overall care for those we serve is ensuring our patients’ information is secure and protected. I applaud our support teams for the extraordinary work they do every day.”

This coveted honor reflects results from the 2024 data collection period. Among the nearly 48,000 facilities represented, BVHS ranked above peers in categories like analytics and data management, population health, infrastructure, and patient engagement. The survey evaluates the adoption, integration, and impact of technologies across healthcare organizations, from early-stage adopters to industry leaders.

John Fenton, director of information services for BVHS, noted that security is a continual priority.

“Cybersecurity is a concern in any field, but healthcare organizations need to be particularly cognizant of the risk,” Fenton said. “Patient health information is particularly valuable to hackers, and we take the responsibility of protecting this sensitive information very seriously. Just as patients need to feel sure that their medical care is safe, they also need to feel confident that their information is protected.”

Along with infrastructure, security, and administrative/supply chain, survey categories included analytics/data management, interoperability/population health, patient engagement, clinical quality and safety, and innovation.

Fenton said applying for the award also meant BVHS associates needed to document these processes, and one reason the organization wanted to apply was that documentation also helps them gain insight into where they might continue to grow as they set future goals.

“Achieving CHIME Digital Health Most Wired recognition is a testament to our ongoing commitment to leveraging technology to deliver exceptional care,” said Gulshan Mehta, chief digital and information officer for BVHS. “This honor reflects the dedication of our teams in embracing digital innovation to enhance patient outcomes, streamline operations, and ensure our community receives the highest standard of healthcare. However, this is just one milestone in our journey. We remain focused on continuously advancing our capabilities to meet the evolving needs of our patients, providers, and staff.”

Amid escalating challenges posed by growing cybersecurity threats, evolving care models, staffing shortages, and budget constraints, the call for revolutionizing healthcare through technology is moving forward rapidly. The Digital Health Most Wired survey and recognition program is a comprehensive “Digital Health Check-up” for healthcare organizations worldwide.

The next 30 years will bring profound changes driven by emerging technologies. Advancements in digital health – facilitated by fully interoperable data, artificial intelligence, and secure platforms – are expected to significantly transform the care landscape. A strategic roadmap will be essential to navigate these changes.

As success in digital health increasingly determines the quality of patient care, the scope of the CHIME Digital Health Most Wired survey reflects the progress of leading healthcare providers as they reinvent healthcare for a new century. This remarkable achievement stretches beyond information technology and reflects an organization’s commitment to improving healthcare by advancing digital health strategies.

“The CHIME Award encompasses everything from supply chain to digital analytics to innovation,” Fenton said. “It’s about how we create a digital front door for our patients, and receiving this award reflects the dedication of associates across the health system.”

For more information on BVHS, please visit bvhealthsystem.org.

(From Findlay City Schools)

We are incredibly proud to share the impact of our community, staff, and students through Turkeys for Trojans.

Thanks to the support and enthusiasm of Taylor Automotive Family and Great Scot Community Markets, 100 Thanksgiving meals were prepared, packaged, and delivered this morning to families & students of Findlay High School for a bit of joy and warmth over the holiday.

This is *double* the number of meals from last year, and it’s already been dreamed of to try for 200 next Thanksgiving.

What a community we have here, to wrap our families in love and support, even outside the walls of our school buildings.

Thank you, Findlay.

The owner of the Findlay Village Mall is starting to send out notices to mall tenants who will be affected by a big box retailer’s plans to build a store on the mall site.

In September, The Findlay City Planning Commission approved the application for site plan review submitted by the owner of the mall for a new 131,809 square foot retail big box store at 1800 Tiffin Avenue, the location of the mall.

Planning commission documents show that the plan is to demolish the middle section of the mall, a 188,000 square foot structure designated lot 8 in the picture below, to build the new 131,809 square foot retail store.

As for the name of the retailer, Findlay Mayor Christina Muryn says that will be released on the retailer’s timeline and no sooner. 

Planning commission documents show that the plan is to demolish the middle section of the mall to build the new store.

The demolition will create separation of the new big box store from Dunham’s, Michael’s, and Tokyo Steakhouse to the west, leaving room for a 24-foot drive and additional parking spots on the west side.

The newly open space in the front will allow to keep a consistent drive aisle along the front of the new retail store lining up with the Runnings store.

The new retail store will have 406 parking spots, which is above the minimum required.

Mayor Muryn is urging affected mall tenants to contact the Findlay-Hancock County Economic Development Office at 419-422-3313 for assistance.  

(From The Hancock County Veterans Service Office and Garner Trucking)

The Hancock County Veterans Service Office and Garner Trucking invite the community to join in a meaningful event on Saturday, December 14, 2024, as we honor the service and sacrifice of our veterans by placing wreaths on their graves at local cemeteries. This annual event is part of the national Wreaths Across America initiative, a mission to Remember, Honor, and Teach, ensuring that the memory of our nation’s heroes endures.

This event is not only a chance to honor and remember but also to unite as a community in patriotic commemoration. By working together, we ensure that no veteran is forgotten. Wreaths Across America came to Hancock County through Jon Brumbaugh’s Eagle Scout project in 2016. In the first year of the program locally, 500 wreaths were placed at Maple Grove Cemetery in Findlay.

Since then, the Fort Findlay DAR added the Benton Ridge Cemetery, the Knights of Columbus added St. Michael’s Cemetery, American Legion Post 539 added North Baltimore Cemeteries, and Don Stine brought the program to Eagle Township Cemeteries.

The Village of Arlington Cemetery has been one of the Wreaths Across America local sites for the past few years, but is on pause this year in search of site coordinators. If you are interested in leading the efforts or want more details about the volunteer position for that location next year, please email Nichole Coleman, nrcoleman@co.hancock.oh.us.

In the video below, Sherri Garner Brumbaugh told us that 2,100 wreaths were placed at Maple Grove Cemetery in 2023, an increase of 600 from 2022.

More than 4,000 wreaths were placed at the seven area cemeteries participating in 2023. 

The Wreaths Across America mission began as a simple gesture of gratitude and has grown into a national movement uniting communities across the country. This year, more than 4,500 locations will participate in National Wreaths Across America Day, with over three million volunteers coming together to place veterans’ wreaths and teach the next generation about the value of freedom.

In Hancock County, our goal is to place 5,260 wreaths on veterans’ graves at Maple Grove, St. Michael’s, Benton Ridge, North Baltimore, and Eagle Township cemeteries. Sponsoring a wreath is a personal gift of gratitude and remembrance for someone who served this country to protect our freedom. Donations will be accepted through November 30, 2024, and details on how to sponsor a wreath can be found at www.hancockveterans.com.

How You Can Help:

1. Sponsor a Wreath: A $17 donation sponsors a wreath to honor a veteran. Visit www.hancockveterans.com to donate.

2. Volunteer to Place Wreaths: Join us on December 14th with your family, friends, church groups, youth organizations, schools, or scout troops to lay wreaths at one of the five cemeteries. It’s a wonderful opportunity to teach younger generations about the value of freedom and the importance of remembering those who served. Maple Grove, St. Michael’s, Benton Ride and North Baltimore cemeteries ceremonies will all take place at 10:00 AM and the Eagle Township Cemetery will hold their ceremony at 1:30 PM. Full details can be found at www.hancockveterans.com.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, December 14, 2024, and plan to join us for this important tribute.

For more information about the event, sponsorships, or volunteering opportunities, please visit www.hancockveterans.com or contact the Hancock County Veterans Service Office at veterans@co.hancock.oh.us or call 419-424-7036.

The Ohio Department of Transportation is letting drivers know that the Interstate 75 southbound flyover ramp in Findlay will be closed for a few hours on the morning of Tuesday, November 26.

“Interstate 75 southbound to U.S.68/State Route 15/Lima Avenue (flyover ramp) will close Tuesday, Nov. 26, for a couple hours between 8 a.m. – noon to reset a light pole,” ODOT said.

Two area teams have advanced to the state semifinals in the high school football playoffs.

Bluffton defeated Patrick Henry 24 to 7 Friday night November 22, and Columbus Grove beat St. John’s 14 to 0.

“Following the football regional championships last Friday night, the Ohio High School Athletic Association has announced the pairings and sites for this week’s state semifinal games. In late July, 707 schools began the football season, and now 28 are still playing in the Final Four during Thanksgiving week.” Said the OHSAA.

Bluffton (13-1) will play Coldwater (13-1) on Friday, November 29 at 7 p.m. at Wapakoneta High School in the Division VI state semifinals. The winner will play in the State Title game on Saturday, December 7 in Canton at 10:30 a.m..

Columbus Grove (14-0) will play Maria Stein Marion Local (14-0) on Friday, November 29 at 7 p.m. at Lima Spartan Stadium in the Division VII State Semifinals. The winner will play in the State Title game on Friday, December 6 at 10:30 a.m.

See the full pairings by clicking here.