(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.

(From the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation)

The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation Board of Trustees approved grants totaling $519,104 at the May board meeting. This total includes 20 responsive grants, two president’s discretionary grants and 65 donor advised fund grants.

“We’re incredibly proud to support such a diverse range of projects throughout Hancock County with our latest round of grants,” said Brian Treece, President & CEO of The Community Foundation. “It’s inspiring to see the breadth of initiatives our community is undertaking, and we’re especially thrilled to continue our Fun for All grants. These projects not only bring joy and connection but also play a vital role in enhancing the overall well-being and health of our community.”

Responsive Grants

Responsive grants are awarded to organizations that meet community needs and match The Community Foundation’s goals and objectives. Grantseekers must submit a written grant proposal for consideration. Applications are reviewed four times per year.

Funding for responsive grants comes from our Community’s Endowment, which is comprised of Funds for the Common Good and Field of Interest Funds established by donors at The Community Foundation. The following responsive grants were approved by the Board of Trustees, made possible by our Community’s Endowment:

• Awakening Minds Art was awarded $3,191 to support a variety of art classes as part of the Foundation’s Fun for All series of free community events.
• Children’s Mentoring Connection was awarded $3,800 to support various teen activities as part of the Foundation’s Fun for All series of free community events.
• City Mission of Findlay was awarded $50,000 to support continued renovations for Martha’s Home.
• Cory-Rawson Local Schools was awarded $40,000 to support the MARCS radio project.
• Findlay Art League was awarded $5,000 to support a variety of art classes as part of the Foundation’s Fun for All series of free community events.
• Findlay-Hancock County Chamber Alliance was awarded $1,000 to support the 2025 Hancock Leadership class project, landscaping at the Allan H. Davis Judicial Center.
• Findlay YMCA was awarded $3,600 for free pool days as part of the Foundation’s Fun for All series of free community events.
• Fort Findlay Playhouse was awarded $2,600 to support a performance of 9 to 5 as part of the Foundation’s Fun for All series of free community events.
• Fostoria First Church of the Nazarene was awarded $10,000 to support the installation of an accessibility ramp at the church to increase accessibility to basic needs services and workforce training.
• Habitat for Humanity of Findlay was awarded $1,625 to support a Bridges Out of Poverty training session.
• Hancock County ADAMHS was awarded $ 15,240 to support capital improvements.
• Hancock County Agricultural Society was awarded $7,600 for the Kids Zone at the 4^th of July festivities at the fairgrounds as part of the Foundation’s Fun for All series of free community events.
• Hancock County Educational Service Center was awarded $15,000 to support professional development in local schools.
• Hancock Historical Museum was awarded $3,550 to support the Growing Up ‘90s Family Night as part of the Foundation’s Fun for All series of free community events.
• Marathon Center for the Performing Arts was awarded two grants:
  • $3,750 to support a free Christmas movie night as part of the Foundation’s Fun for All series of free community events.
  • $12,000 to support a free performance of Jurassic Bark as part of the Foundation’s Fun for All series of free community events.

• Village of Arlington was awarded $675 to support free pool days as part of the Foundation’s Fun for All series of free community events.
• Village of McComb was awarded $1,425 to support free pool days as part of the Foundation’s Fun for All series of free community events.
• Village of Mt. Blanchard was awarded $924 to support free pool days as part of the Foundation’s Fun for All series of free community events.

President’s Discretionary Grants

President’s Discretionary grants fund urgent or special requests outside The Community Foundation’s various grant cycles. The President of The Community Foundation is allocated an amount each year. These grants typically do not individually exceed $5,000. The following discretionary grants were awarded:

This year, TCF staff dedicated the 2025 president’s discretionary funds to show appreciation for those who help others. The first two PD grants of this year are dedicated to educators to support staff appreciation efforts at all public schools in Hancock County.

• Findlay City Schools was awarded $5,000.

• Hancock County Educational Service Center was awarded $5,000.

Donor Advised Grants

Individuals, families or corporations establish donor advised funds to recommend grants to nonprofits they’re passionate about. The Foundation vets the nonprofits, and grants are awarded. The following donor advised grants were awarded:

• 65 grants to 52 organizations totaling $319,424.

(From the Hancock County Farmers’ Market)

In partnership with United Way of Hancock County, the Financial Opportunity Center of Habitat for Humanity Findlay, and OSU Extension Hancock County, market shoppers can use their Ohio Direction Card to purchase locally grown and made foods at the farmers’ market.

Visit the WELCOME canopy at the farmers’ market on Thursday afternoons from 4 to 6 pm, at 200 West Main Cross in downtown Findlay.

(From the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library)

Hancock County is known for its incredible spirit of collaboration—and here at the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library, we’re proud to be part of that tradition.

This summer, we’re teaming up with Hancock Public Health and City of Findlay Parks & Recreation to bring you Summer Connect—a series of seven neighborhood events designed to bring families together through fun, learning, and local resources.

Each event will feature:

-Hands-on activities

-Free books and educational take-home kits

-Connections to local organizations and services

-A welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere

We’re thrilled to work alongside fellow nonprofits, government partners, and community groups to make this happen—because together, we can build a stronger, more connected Hancock County.

You can score a ticket to Cedar Point at an upcoming blood drive in Findlay.

The American Red Cross of North Central Ohio says people who donate at the blood drive at the Findlay Elks at 900 West Melrose Avenue on Thursday, June 5^th from 11:30 to 5:30 will receive a free ticket to Cedar Point.

Get more details on that blood drive and other blood drives in the area by clicking here.