(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)

The Marathon Center for the Performing Arts says all tickets are now on sale for its Mainstage Series lineup it revealed a few weeks ago.

The lineup includes The Book of Mormon on September 25, 2025, Straight No Chaser on October 17, 2025, Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol on December 4, 2025, Richard Thomas in Mark Twain Tonight! by Hal Holbrook on February 22, 2026, and Chris Thile on April 8, 2026.

This is the 10^th anniversary season of MCPA’s Mainstage series.

Click here for more details.

(From the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office)

On Tuesday, June 24, 2025 at 2004 hours, the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office responded to a single vehicle injury crash on CR 2 East of TR 177 in Madison Township.

Through investigation it was learned Kenneth Reed (65 y.o. male) of Lima, OH was operating a 1995 Honda Goldwing WB on CR 2. Kenneth struck a deer near TR 177, causing him to travel off of the right side of the roadway. Kenneth was ejected from the motorcycle, and not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. Kenneth was transported to Blanchard Valley Hospital in critical condition. Kenneth later succumbed to his injuries.

Assisting at the scene was Appleseed EMS, Blanchard Dunkirk EMS, Jackson Forest Fire and EMS, Northern Hardin County Fire, Ohio State Highway Patrol, the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office and Dick’s Towing.

(From the Hancock County America 250 Committee)

Dear Community Members, The City of Findlay and Hancock County are excited to join America in celebrating its 250th birthday on July 4, 2026. Planning is underway across the nation—and right here in Findlay-Hancock County—to honor this historic milestone.

In Ohio, the America 250 Commission was established through Ohio Revised Code 149.309 on March 1, 2022. The Commission’s mission is to collaborate with all 88 counties to plan, encourage, develop, and coordinate a meaningful commemoration of the United States’ founding—while highlighting the powerful role Ohioans have played in shaping our nation’s past, present, and future.

From Findlay to Arlington, Bluffton to McComb, every village and city has its own story to tell. Now is the perfect time for businesses, service organizations, schools, non-profits, festival committees, and community leaders to begin making plans for how they’ll take part in the America 250 celebration. We invite you to share how you or your organization plan to celebrate or share any ideas for celebratory initiatives you would like to see in our community.

Please fill out the survey here: https://visitfindlay.com/america-250/public-suggestions/

Please share this message with anyone in your network who is passionate about history, community, and country. Whether you have time, resources, ideas—or all three—your involvement will help shape a lasting legacy.

We look forward to coming together to instill local pride and patriotism while honoring the past and inspiring future generations.

(From the University of Findlay)

The University of Findlay’s Mazza Museum will host its annual Art Camp, formerly the Young Artist Workshop, on July 28 to August 1, for area grade school and middle students.

Based on a theme of “Fantasy,” children will learn about the fascinating world of picture book art in a fun, exciting way with instruction from Mazza staff and local area teachers.

The young artists will create daily art projects using different techniques and media inspired by original illustrations from picture books. At the end of the week, families are invited to attend a reception to honor their young artists.

“Our goal is to give the students a sneak peek into the picture book world, focusing on art techniques that will embrace their curiosity and individuality,” said Amanda Davidson-Johnston, education manager at the Mazza Museum. “They will try new techniques promoting out-of-thebox thinking by using an array of media.”

Open to children in grades 4 to 8, as of fall 2025, the cost is $175. The camp will take place Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with a family reception from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Friday. Enrollment space is limited and provided on a first come, first served basis.

Registration includes:

• All project materials
• Five separate art projects with a Fantasy twist
• Art Camp T-shirt
• Activities in the Mazza Museum and the Joseph and Judith Conda STEAM Education Center
• Certificate of completion

To register, visit the Mazza Museum’s Events page online at www.mazzamuseum.org/events/. For questions regarding the camp, including scholarships to help with the cost, contact Amanda Davidson-Johnston at 419-434-4777 or send an email to amanda.davidsonjohnston@findlay.edu.

(From Tiffin Police Chief David Pauly)

I had the honor of officiating the marriage ceremony of Heather Briner and Jodie Henderson this morning at City Hall.

It was a joyous occasion, filled with love, laughter, and heartfelt celebration as Heather and Jodie exchanged vows, pledging to support and cherish one another for a lifetime.

It was a privilege to witness such a meaningful moment in their lives and to stand with them as they began this new chapter together.

Congratulations and good luck!

Chief David Pauly

Good news for people who enjoy shopping at Findlay’s two Kroger stores.

Kroger has confirmed to WFIN News that the company’s recent announcement that it will be closing about 60 stores over the next 18 months will not impact its two stores in Findlay.

“The closure announcement does not impact our Findlay stores, or any stores in the Columbus Division,” a Kroger spokesperson told WFIN News.

Kroger’s Findlay stores are located at 1996 Tiffin Avenue and 101 6^th Street.  

Kroger revealed the information about the upcoming store closures when it released its first quarter results.

Kroger said it expects to see a modest financial benefit from the store closures.

“Kroger is committed to reinvesting these savings back into the customer experience,” the company said.

Kroger said it will offer jobs in other stores to anyone working at a store that ends up closing.

(From the Ohio High School Athletic Association)

The Ohio High School Athletic Association has announced the divisional breakdowns for the upcoming 2025-26 winter sports seasons. Girls and boys basketball divisions are the only new assignments compared to last season, as those two sports are subject to the OHSAA’s competitive balance process and recalculate divisions every season.

Divisional breakdowns remain the same next season for swimming, bowling and boys wrestling, which do not utilize competitive balance and will be in the second year of the two-year base enrollment cycle. Gymnastics, ice hockey and girls wrestling have one division.

Divisional breakdowns for the fall sports were announced on April 27 and May 1.

More about the OHSAA’s competitive balance process is available at: https://www.ohsaa.org/School-Resources/Competitive-Balance-Resource-Center

Girls Basketball

   2025-26 Divisional Breakdowns: https://www.ohsaa.org/Sports-Tournaments/Basketball-Girls/Girls-Basketball-2025-26

   Girls Basketball Home: https://www.ohsaa.org/sports/girlsbasketball

Boys Basketball

   2025-26 Divisional Breakdowns: https://www.ohsaa.org/Sports-Tournaments/Basketball-Boys/Boys-Basketball-2025-26

   Boys Basketball Home: https://www.ohsaa.org/sports/boysbasketball

Boys Wrestling 2025-26 Divisional Breakdowns: https://www.ohsaa.org/sports/wrestling

Swimming and Diving 2025-26 Divisional Breakdowns (same as 2024-25): https://www.ohsaa.org/sports/swimming

Bowling 2025-26 Divisional Breakdowns (same as 2024-25): https://www.ohsaa.org/sports/bowling

(From the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office)

Join us for the 5K Foot Pursuit – In Pursuit of Suicide Awareness on Sunday, September 7th at 9:00 AM at Liberty-Benton High School!

Co-Hosted by the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office Peer Support Team and the Crime Prevention Association of Findlay/Hancock County. This event raises awareness for suicide prevention and supports mental wellness in our community.

Want to help? We’re looking for volunteers to assist with setup, water stations, and other various areas!

Click below to sign up!

(From Blanchard Valley Center)

At tonight’s board meeting, the Board recognized the Special Olympics athletes for their achievements at the State Summer Games.

They also extended their appreciation to the volunteers and coaches who dedicate their time throughout the year.

Congratulations to all athletes!

Bocce

Kyle Fruth & Dakota Bower – Gold

Kay Green & Jeannette Smith – Silver

Cypress Moneer – Silver

Bocce Coaches: Loren Charles, Lexi Charles, & Dave Charles

Powerlifting

Brandon Heldman – Bronze

Xander Whitaker – Gold

Brandon Koch – 6th place

Powerlifting Coaches: Emma Kristofferson, Kristofer Kristofferson, & Timothy Lemire

Track & Field

Andrew Austin – 100m Run – Silver; Softball Toss – Bronze

Hope Babb – 100m Run – 5th place; Long Jump – Bronze

Sara Bower – 50m Run – Silver; Softball Toss – Silver

Michael Brooks – 100m Run – 7th place; Mini Jav – 6th place; 4×100 Relay – Bronze

Ethan Cooper – Pentathlon – Gold; High Jump – 1st; 400m Run – 1st; Shot Put – 2nd; Running Long Jump – 1st; 100m Run – 1st; 4×100 Relay – Bronze

Amanda Gillen – 50m Dash – Bronze; Softball Toss – Bronze

Wally Kintner – 100m Dash – Bronze; Shot Put – 4th place; 4×100 Relay – Bronze

Jude Kiser – 100m Dash – 4th place; Mini Jav – Silver

Alex LeVeck – 100m Run – Gold; Softball Toss – 5th place

Trevor Mahler – 50m Run – 7th place; Softball Toss – Bronze

Samantha Milum – Long Jump – Bronze; Softball Toss – Gold

Ryley Sherick – 100m Dash – 7th place; Mini Jav – 4th place

Cody Stahl – 100m Run – Gold; Mini Jav – 4th place

Caleb Tong – 100m Run – Bronze; Shot Put – 4th place; 4×100 Relay – Bronze

Aleiah Warnement – 100m Run – Bronze; Long Jump – Silver

Track & Field Coaches: Ray & Mandy Henley, Austin Cornette, Destiny Kirkland, and Lauren Warnement