(From the Ohio Department of Transportation)
Hancock County: I-75/CR 99 nightly closures
June 18 – 21 nightly closures, 11 PM-5 AM, for bridge deck demolition
– CR 99 over I-75 will be closed
– CR 99 at I-75 northbound ramps closed
I-75 northbound traffic maintained up and over on the CR 99 entrance and exit ramps.
I-75 NB/CR99 Detour: U.S. 224 to Bright Rd to SR 12 to CR 236 to CR 212, back to CR 99
Work is expected to switch to southbound side June 23-26.
(From the University of Findlay)
Area residents are invited to a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the University of Findlay at 12:30 p.m., Friday, June 20, to celebrate the new pickleball courts on campus.
The courts are located at 201 College Street, in front of the College of Business/Center for Student Life building.
The pickleball courts were established this spring through a generous gift from Eric and Julie Anderson of AR Marketing in Findlay. An adjacent pavilion with shaded seating also was constructed through a grant from the Findlay Hancock County Community Foundation.
“We appreciate this generous support from the Andersons and the Community Foundation enhancing the recreational opportunities on campus, and creating another venue for students to interact with community members,” said Ken McIntyre, vice president of University advancement.
The ceremony will take place in between bracket play of the Oil Can Classic, a two-day pickleball tournament, on June 20 and 21, that UF is hosting and is sponsored by AR Marketing and Visit Findlay.
“We are ready to serve up some fun for the entire community,” said Lee Ann Ireland, director of UF’s Wolfe Center for Alumni, Parents, and Friends. “We invite all UF alumni, friends, area residents, and everyone who loves pickleball to come out to join us and watch the friendly competition.”
Pavi’s Subs & Beyond food truck also will be at the pickleball pavilion, selling subs, pizza and chef salads on Friday. Puck Coffee truck will be there Saturday.
(From Owens Community College)
Often misunderstood and wrongly feared, honeybees are vital to sustaining agricultural production, with the U.S. Department of Agriculture saying about 35% of the world’s food crops depending on animal pollinators to produce.
Unfortunately, honeybee populations have steadily declined, with 2025 feared as an especially harsh year – as much as 70% colony losses are projected this year, according to various studies.
Part of the solution is happening at Owens Community College, which houses apiaries at both the Toledo-area and Findlay-area Campuses. It’s a small but significant step needed to help a large part of our food production cycle.
The apiary on the Toledo-area Campus started in Spring 2019, with the Findlay apiary predating that. Krista Kiessling, director of the Campus and Community Connections who runs the hives, was a bee keeper at home. She knew the honey produced by the bees would be a good way to raise funds to support the Garden Harvest food pantry and community garden efforts.
Kiessling does not harvest all the honey available in the hives. She sells the small amount they take for $10 per pint, with the funds directed into the foundation account that supports the food pantry, community garden, free store, career closet and apiary.
“Most people are fearful of honeybees because they don’t understand them. We want to help as many people as possible to understand the nature of honeybees and their importance to our food systems locally and beyond,” Kiessling said. “Not only can students learn about bee behavior, but they learn about the impact of poor land management, chemical pesticides and irresponsible agricultural processes. They begin to ask questions and those questions lead to action.”
Anyone interested in learning more about the apiaries or volunteering their time can contact Kiessling. She makes weekly trips to check on the hives, but that schedule is dependent upon various environmental and weather-related factors.
“Ideally, we would like to see more students and faculty involved in the apiary to educate on the importance of pollinators, especially those that are endangered,” Kiessling said. “The Findlay area campus has a significant apiary as well. They started before we did.”
Selling the honey is a small part of the bee keeping process. Most of the time is spent inspecting the hives for health, ensuring the bees are reproducing and continuing on to a new generation.
It’s a unique educational opportunity not found at many other community colleges.
“As with many things we do, it’s an unexpected project at a community college campus,” Kiessling said. “I enjoy taking innovative approaches to education and hands-on learning is the best tool there is. I have yet to introduce someone to the hives without them becoming fascinated with bee behavior and impact. It’s a wonderful way to connect with the food we eat.”
The Findlay Police Department says a woman was taken to the hospital after getting struck by a car.
It happened at East Melrose Avenue and North Blanchard Street at 3:11 p.m. on Tuesday.
Police say Rachel Core, 30, of Findlay, was crossing East Melrose Avenue walking southbound on the west side of North Blanchard Street when she was struck with the front bumper of a car being driven by Tamara Pryor, 24, of Findlay.
Core was taken to Blanchard Valley Hospital with injuries that are not life-threatening, police said.
Pryor was issued a citation for failing to yield the right of way to a pedestrian in a crosswalk.
(From the Navy Office of Community Outreach)
KINGS BAY, Ga. – Petty Officer 2nd Class Cameron Matz, a native of Fostoria, Ohio, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to USS Alaska, homeported at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay.
As a submariner, Matz is part of a small percentage of Navy personnel continuing a 125-year tradition of service under the sea to help ensure Americans’ safety.
Matz graduated from Bethel High School in Hampton, Virginia, in 2013 and attended Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Fostoria.
“My hometown taught me the value of hard work,” Matz said. “As a kid, I ran my own lawn mowing business, and I learned that if you start something, you finish it. In the Navy, when you start something, it is very important that you see it through.”
Matz joined the Navy three years ago. Today, Matz serves as an information systems technician (electronic warfare).
(From the Hancock Historical Museum)
The Hancock Historical Museum invites the public to join them for the next installment of its 2025 Classic Movie Night series on Friday, June 20, with a screening of the Technicolor musical State Fair (G, 1945), starring Jeanne Crain, Dana Andrews, Dick Haymes, and Vivian Blaine.
Based on the novel by Phil Stong and brought to life with music by Rodgers and Hammerstein, State Fair follows the Frake family as they head to the Iowa State Fair, each with their own dreams and expectations. As blue-ribbon hopes and unexpected romances unfold against a backdrop of livestock judging, carnival rides, and talent contests, the fair becomes a transformative experience for all. With charming performances and unforgettable songs like “It Might as Well Be Spring,” the film captures a slice of Americana that continues to resonate.
Classic Movie Night is free and open to the public, but seating is limited. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the film begins at 7:00 p.m. Guests will enjoy a brief introduction with historical context before the screening and are welcome to stay for a lively discussion afterward. Complimentary popcorn and refreshments will be served.
This year’s remaining Classic Movie Night lineup includes:
All films will be shown at the Hancock Historical Museum, located at 422 West Sandusky Street, Findlay, Ohio.
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience these timeless classics the way they were meant to be seen—on the big screen, surrounded by fellow film lovers.
Whether you’re revisiting an old favorite or discovering a new gem, Classic Movie Night offers a nostalgic evening for all ages.
For more information, please visit www.hancockhistoricalmuseum.org or call 419-423-4433.
(ONN) – Ohio is taking recent events very seriously and increasing security for its lawmakers.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine is increasing security for state lawmakers ordering the Ohio State Highway Patrol to increase its presence indefinitely.
This is in direct response to the Minnesota shootings.
State Senator Casey Weinstein says the attack is chilling.
Authorities say all of the suspect’s targets were Democratic politicians from 45 states including Representatives Joyce Beatty, Marcy Kaptur and Greg Landsman from Ohio.
The Hancock County Commissioners are providing a community outreach program this summer called “Town & Country Tuesdays” where each commissioner will be spending time each Tuesday at various local eateries and village parks throughout Findlay and Hancock County.
“Think of it as an informal town hall one-on-one casual meeting with individual commissioners,” Commissioner Bechtol said.
The schedule for each month will be posted on the commissioners’ website and the remainder of the June schedule can be seen below.
(From the University of Findlay’s Mazza Museum)
The University of Findlay’s Mazza Museum will showcase a selection of the world’s finest fantasy artists in its 11th annual Enchanted Brush exhibit, open now through August 29.
This year’s exhibit, free to the public in the Lea Gallery of UF’s Gardner Fine Arts Pavilion, has a theme of “Legendary.”
“This exhibition brings to life the characters, myths, and moments of epic tales,” explained Dan Chudzinski, director of curation and exhibitions at Mazza and founder of the Enchanted Brush exhibition.
There are 27 works of art, representing 22 international fantasy artists, in the display of oil paintings, scratchboard, bronze sculpture, 3D-printed digital sculpture, and more.
The theme emphasizes the connection between fantasy artwork and great literature, and how both transcend time.
“It has the power to transport us to the shadows of Sherwood, through the mists of Avalon, and beyond the boundaries of our imaginations,” Chudzinski explained. “This is art that provokes thought and curiosity.”
Among the featured pieces is “St. Petroch and the Dragon,” an oil painting by Scott Gustafson, whose work ranges from creating tea box artwork for Celestial Seasonings to covers for the Saturday Evening Post. Illustrating children’s books is his favorite creative outlet, and he currently has five books in print.
Gustafson’s painting for the exhibit features the legend of St. Petroch, a monk in Wales during the sixth century. The story tells of a distraught dragon upsetting nearby residents, and when Petroc confronted the beast, he learned that it had a splinter in its eye and needed help. The painting illustrates Petroch’s removal of the splinter, which resulted in the dragon leaving the village in peace.
Another featured artist in the exhibit is Don Maitz, with his oil paintings “Arthur in Battle” and “Arthur Knights Lancelot.”
Maitz is the original creator of the Captain Morgan Spiced Rum character and an award-winning cover artist of more than 300 books, magazines, game art, and advertising for National Geographic, DC & Marvel Comics, Paramount, and Warner Pictures, among others. Maitz twice won science fiction’s Hugo Award for Best Artist, and he has exhibited in over 40 museums.
Chudzinski noted that the exhibit also highlights several “cryptids,” which are creatures whose existence is not yet scientifically proven. One of these is the curator’s own sculpture of the Loveland, Ohio Frogman.
Three other pieces feature a jackalope, a jackrabbit with antelope horns. These are an oil painting by Alan Douglas, and a skeleton and sculpture by Chudzinski.
Other participating artists in the exhibit are Iris Compiet, Allen Douglas, Quintin Gleim, Scott Gustafson, James Herrmann, Kelley Hensing, Elliot Lang, Ashly Lovett, Don Maitz, Jason Mowry, Reiko Murakami, Colin Nitta, Kristine Poole, Ruth Sanderson, Danny Schwartz, Chris Sickles, Andrew Sides, Melissa Stanley, Alex Stone, Jeremy Wilson, and Janny Wurts.
A reception will take place Tuesday, July 15, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., with a gallery tour and some of the artists attending to discuss their work.
Many of the pieces of artwork on display are available for purchase, with all of the proceeds going to the artists.
For more information on the exhibit, visit mazzamuseum.org.
(From the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall Fostoria Committee)
The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall will be in Fostoria June 26-30, 2025.
The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall is a 3/5 scale replica of the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall was dedicated on Veterans Day in 1982. Its purpose is honor those who served and sacrificed during the Vietnam War.
The original was designed by Maya Lin. She was 21 years old at the time. Etched into the black granite are the names of more than 58,300 American service members who lost their lives during the Vietnam War. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall is the most-visited memorial on the National Mall in Washington, attracting more than 5 million people each year.
The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall will be at the Fostoria Community Schools, 1001 Park Ave. The Wall’s visit to Fostoria is especially significant as 2025 is the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War. The Traveling Wall is a program of the Vietnam and All Veterans of Brevard in Brevard County, Florida.
The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall will arrive in Findlay early on the morning of June 26, a Thursday. It will leave from Findlay Reineke Ford at approximately 9:00 a.m. It will proceed on South Main St. and turn east on Center St. which becomes Tiffin Ave. then the route goes left onto Fostoria Ave. (State Route 12). It will travel through Arcadia on SR12 and into Fostoria (Lytle St.), taking a left at the Mid-Block, turning west on South St. and proceeding north on North Countyline St. The route will turn left on Park Ave. and on to the Fostoria Community Schools. The public is encouraged to line the route and participate in its arrival in Fostoria.
The Vietnam Wall frequently travels with a motorcycle escort comprised of individual riders and groups like the American Legion’s Legion Riders and the Black Swamp Veterans Motorcycle Club. Event organizers are anticipating an escort of 200 or more motorcycles.
Once the Wall arrives, some two dozen volunteers will assemble its panels. The Wall stands 6 feet tall and measures 300 feet from end to end. The Vietnam Wall in Washington is 493 feet long and 10 feet tall at its highest point.
Event organizers will have a trailer nearby for security volunteers and to serve a first aid station. There will be at least two volunteers working two-hour shifts providing 24-hour security as long as the Wall is in Fostoria. In addition, the Fostoria Police Department will regularly patrol the Wall.
Visiting the Wall can be an emotional experience for Vietnam veterans who lost comrades-in-arms and for family members who lost loved ones. There will be counseling services on site for anyone who needs them.
The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall’s visit to Fostoria is made possible because of the generous support received to date from many Fostoria and area individuals, businesses and organizations, including the Fostoria Amvets Post 69, the Fostoria Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 440, the Greater Fostoria Community Foundation, the Fostoria Eagles Aerie 430, the Fostoria Police and Firefighters Benevolent Funds, and the Fostoria High School National Honor Society.
The amount owed the Vietnam and All Veterans of Brevard to transport the Wall here has been raised. The committee is continuing to raise funds to meet local expenses, including lodging for the individuals accompanying the Wall. In the event that there are unspent funds once the Wall has left Fostoria, those funds will be donated to the Seneca County Honor Bus which is also a 501-c-3 organization.
Also on display will be the Eyes of Freedom traveling memorial. Eyes of Freedom is dedicated to the service and sacrifice of all who have answered our Nation’s call. It specifically honors “Lima Company” from central Ohio. L-Co. lost 22 Marines and one Navy Corpsman in Iraq in a four month period in 2005. Eyes of Freedom also brings awareness to “The Silent Battle,” the struggle many veterans have with post-traumatic stress disorder and the issue of suicide among veterans. It is estimated as many as 22 veterans commit suicide each day.
Opening ceremonies will take place at 4 p.m. on June 26, the day the Wall arrives in Fostoria. The Star Spangled Banner and the hymns of each branch of the service will be performed by the Fostoria Community Band. It is planned that there will also be remarks by local officials and Sgt. Major Steve Kosinski.
(picture courtesy of the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall on Facebook)