(From Findlay City Schools Orchestra)

A huge congratulations to Isaac Weese for winning the Toledo Symphony Orchestra’s 2025 Young Artist Competition.

Isaac is a junior at Findlay High School.

He is co-concertmaster of the FHS Symphony Strings and a member of the Findlay String Factor.

He has participated in OMEA Northwest Regional Orchestra (and was concertmaster of the group this fall) and OMEA All-State Orchestra for three years.

As a winner of this competition, Isaac will have the honor of performing his selection–Mendelssohn Violin Concerto E Minor OP.64 – 3rd mov. – with the Toledo Symphony on March 15 @ 2 p.m. in the Toledo Museum of Art Peristyle.

You can get tickets to this event here: https://www.artstoledo.com/…/young-artist…/245/ 

(From the Hancock County Veterans Service Office)

The upcoming Veterans Empowerment Spring Fair for Veterans provides an opportunity for area veterans, and their families and friends, to learn about local resources, helpful organizations, and employment opportunities.

The event will be held on March 8 on the campus of Owens Community College from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. inside the Community Education & Wellness Center.

A range of resource organizations will have information booths with representatives available to tell visitors about their programs in areas ranging from wellness and finances to home/environment, growth, and life resources.

We will kick off the event with Coffee and Donuts from Fort Findlay. Our meal sponsor, Details Auto Spa, will be providing Lunch.

There will be a performance from Guitars for Vets – Findlay Chapter Band “A.W.O.L.”

The Veterans Empowerment Fair is open to the public. This free event is proudly sponsored by Rate, a Fremont-based mortgage and loan company with locations in Findlay. Rate is a trusted USO partner and VA loan expert.

For more information, visit hancockveterans.com or CALL 419-424-7036.

(From the Seneca County Drug Task Force)

On March 4, 2025, the Seneca County Drug Task Force – METRICH Enforcement Unit, along with additional Officers from the Fostoria Police Division, attempted to stop a vehicle occupied by William “Billy” North in the front passenger seat and driven by David Helms Jr. out of Findlay, OH for a traffic offense. The suspect’s vehicle led officers on a short pursuit before stopping in a nearby alley, at which time William North fled from the front passenger seat of the vehicle on foot. North was eventually located in a nearby residence and suspected crack cocaine was located in his coat pocket. Also, located in the passenger door of the vehicle was a large amount of suspected cocaine.

The investigation led to an application for a search warrant which was executed at 345 W Lytle St, Fostoria Motel, Rm 14, Fostoria, Seneca County, Ohio. The search warrant was signed by Judge Damon Alt, Seneca County Common Pleas Court, which led to the confiscation of additional criminal tools and two firearms. One of the firearms was found to be stolen out of Allen County.

Arrested was William R. North, 38 YOA, Fostoria, Ohio for Obstruction of Official Business. Additional charges of Weapons Under Disability, Criminal Tools, and Trafficking in Cocaine a Felony of the Second Degree are pending on William North upon conclusion of the entire investigation. Also charged was David L. Helms Jr., 39 YOA, Findlay, Ohio for Failure to comply with order or signal of Police Officer.

“The immediate apprehension by our Officers was instrumental to the success of this investigation. The Task Force was receiving a lot of drug intelligence on that specific location reporting suspected drug activity for some time. We will continue to utilize all of the resources we have available to pursue these individuals who continue to poison our city. Today’s search warrant on this location and the apprehension of the suspects involved send a clear message that this activity is not welcome in this community!” Chief Gabe Wedge, Fostoria Police Division said.

I would encourage citizens to continue reporting suspicious activity to their local agencies or the Seneca County Drug Task Force – METRICH Enforcement Unit Crime Hotline at Local 419-443-0463, ext: 1140

(From the Black Swamp Area Council)

The Black Swamp Area Council of Scouting America is proud to announce its annual “Scouting for Food” initiative, a council-wide service project aimed at addressing hunger in our local communities. This year’s event is scheduled over two consecutive Saturdays:

Saturday, March 1, 2025: Scouts distribute door hangers in neighborhoods to inform residents about the upcoming food drive.

Saturday, March 8, 2025: Scouts will return to collect donated canned goods and non-perishable items for those that received a door hanger only,  delivering them to local food banks and pantries Please have your food out by 9am.

“A Scout promises ‘to help other people at all times.’ There is no better way to show our Scouting spirit than by participating in the annual Scouting for Food drive,” said Marc Kogan, Scout Executive of the Black Swamp Area Council. “This initiative exemplifies the Scouting values of being loyal, helpful, kind, and cheerful.”

For the 2^nd year in arow Chief, Community Markets and Great Scot Community Markets are serving as the sponsors of the Black Swamp Area Council’s Scouting for Food drive. 

Community members are encouraged to participate by filling a recycled grocery bag with canned goods and placing it on their doorstep for collection on March 8. This collective effort not only provides essential support to those in need but also instills a sense of responsibility and leadership in participating Scouts.

Scouting for Food is part of the national Scouting America program, “Good Turn for America,” and stands as the organization’s leading service initiative.

For more information or to get involved, please contact Marc Kogan at Marc.Kogan@scouting.org or (419) 422-4356.

About Black Swamp Area Council

Scouting in the Black Swamp Area Council began in 1915 when the Scouting program was introduced to the young people of West Central and Northwestern Ohio.  The council serves the counties of Allen, Auglaize, Defiance, Fulton, Hancock, Hardin, Henry, Mercer, Paulding, Putnam, Seneca, Van Wert and Williams.  The Black Swamp Area Council has two unique and outstanding outdoor leadership centers, Camp Lakota in Defiance and County Camp Berry in Hancock County.

Scouting provides the adventure of camping, hiking, and outdoor fun while using these outdoor educational programs to teach personal responsibility, citizenship, character development, achievement of specific goals and service to others.  The Scout Oath and Law provide the foundation of the Scouting movement.

More than 5,000 individuals are participating in the local programs of Cub Scout, Scouts BSA, Venturing, Explorers, and/or adult volunteers.  They are served by the Black Swamp Area Council living out the Scout Oath and Scout Law one Scout at a time.  For more information about finding Scouting near you, visit www.BeAscout.org or call (419) 422-4356.

(From the Ohio Department of Transportation)

We are excited to announce that the Wyandot U.S. 23 reimagined rest areas are now OPEN!

These brand-new facilities provide an enhanced experience for all visitors, featuring universal changing stations, vending machines, covered picnic areas, paved walking paths, and expanded truck parking.

As you’re traveling Ohio, The Heart of it All, remember to check out our rest area map to better plan your visit:

https://www.transportation.ohio.gov/traveling/rest-areas

(From Blanchard Valley Center)

Jackson and his parents accepted the city proclamation from Mayor Muryn and council members designating March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.

Representing BVC, Jackson is an intern through our Project LIFE program that offers life skills education, along with 10-week work rotations for young adults ages 18-25.

The Project LIFE team and Jackson’s parents have expressed the tremendous growth he has exhibited since he started.

He has gained experience in a variety of industries and we can’t wait to see where his future takes him!

As always, we appreciate the continued support from our community.

Thank you for seeing the VALUE people with developmental disabilities bring to the table.

(From the Hancock METRICH Enforcement Unit)

On 03/05/25 at approx. 0430hrs the Hancock County METRICH Drug Task Force assisted by the Findlay Police Department Emergency Response Team (ERT) executed a narcotic search warrant at 225 Cherry St Findlay, OH 45840.

The search of the residence yielded approximately 96 grams of liquid cocaine, and multiple items indicative of drug trafficking.

As a result of the search the following person was arrested and incarcerated at the Hancock County Justice Center:

Porshia Frisbie (34 year old)

225 Cherry St

Findlay, Ohio

Charge: Hancock County Sheriff’s Office warrant for trafficking in drugs (F4)

Additional charges of drug trafficking and possession of drugs are expected at the conclusion of this investigation.

The Hancock METRICH Drug Enforcement Unit is supported by METRICH in Mansfield, OH and funded in part by the Office of Criminal Justice Services.

METRICH Crime Tip Hotline: 419-52-CRIME (419-522-7463) or download the METRICH enforcement unit mobile app to “Submit a Tip.”

(From the City of Findlay)

The City of Findlay officially announces the confirmation of Robert L. Feighner, Jr. to the position of City Law Director. Feighner was sworn in by Mayor Christina Muryn on February 19, 2025.

Robert E. Feighner, Jr. is a native of Findlay, Ohio. He obtained his undergraduate degree in business from Bowling Green State University in 1996 and his law degree from Ohio Northern University in 1999. Rob was an assistant city law director and municipal prosecutor for Findlay from 1999 through 2025. He managed a private practice in Findlay during the same period of time to which he was partner for over eighteen years. Rob was appointed to the full-time position of City Law Director in 2025 and is expected to be on the November 2025 ballot. Rob is a member of the Ohio State Bar Association, Hancock County Bar Association and member of the Ohio Municipal Attorneys Association.

“I am thrilled to welcome Robert Feighner as the City of Findlay Law Director. With his expertise and dedication to our community, I have no doubt he will strengthen our legal framework and serve the best interests of our community,” says Mayor Muryn.

“I am honored and humbled to be sworn in as the City Law Director. I look forward to working closely with our city officials, council, staff, and public to ensure that our legal needs are met with integrity and commitment to process,” says Law Director Feighner.

The Hancock County Republican Central Committee confirmed his appointment unanimously. This appointment will last through the results of the next general election where the winner of that election will finish the term.

Former Law Director Donald J. Rasmussen retired effective January 12. 

(ONN) – A discount retailer is acquiring former Big Lots locations in Ohio.

Ollie’s Bargain Outlets has now acquired a total of 63 former Big Lots locations.

The chain is based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and the acquisitions come as Columbus-based Big Lots navigates bankruptcy.

Locations in Findlay, Bowling Green, Chardon, and Middletown are on the list of sites being converted to Ollie’s.

Big Lots is not completely closing its doors.

The company is reported to continue operating 200 stores.

(From Camp 9-1-1)

Calling all future safety superheroes!

Camp 911 is back and open for registration!

This fun and interactive safety camp is designed for Hancock County kids entering kindergarten and is led by our local first responders.

Dates: June 23 – June 27

Two Sessions Available:

AM Session: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM – Tuesday, June 24 – Friday, June 27

PM Session: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM – Monday, June 23rd – Thursday, June 26

Kids will learn essential safety skills, meet real-life heroes, and have a blast in hands-on activities!

Register Now:

AM Session: https://forms.gle/8mf6rurdbepcpi4v8

PM Session: https://forms.gle/fjYJZxopZWHQMXDj9