(From the Ohio High School Athletic Association)

The Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) has designated the week of Jan. 12-18 as Winter Sports Officials Appreciation Week.

Officials Appreciation Week is part of the OHSAA’s Respect the Game program, which encourages sportsmanship among student-athletes, coaches, officials and spectators.

“Officiating is both a service and a commitment, and we appreciate each individual in our state who serves as a contest official,” said OHSAA Director of Officiating Beau Rugg. “Officials spend countless hours in clinics, rules meetings and professional development during the offseason to prepare for their roles, and we are grateful for their ongoing service to Ohio’s student-athletes, coaches and member schools.”

Athletic administrators are encouraged to utilize an OHSAA-provided public address script before all home games during the week and use their social media accounts to show appreciation for contest officials.

The spring season Officials Appreciation Week is scheduled for April 6-12.

(From the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library)

The Findlay-Hancock County Public Library will be replacing carpet and updating paint in part of the library and reorganizing the youth, teen, media and genealogy collections in a project starting January 27.

The collection reorganization includes merging the Media Services Department with the Adult Services Department service desks into one service point and moving the teen collection to the area vacated by Media Services. The genealogy collection will be moved to where the Teen collection is currently. The media collection will be moved to the current Genealogy space.

The much-anticipated project will give the library a colorful, brand-new look and the movement of departments will allow the library to maximize the space available.

The work will be done in phases, from January 27 – February 7, with the library remaining open during the first phase. The Youth Services and Media Services Department will be closed to patrons from January 27 to approximately February 7, but patrons may still request those items by using the catalog on our website at findlaylibrary.org to place items on hold for pick up.

The library will be closed on February 3 and 4 as new flooring is installed on the stairway leading into the main level of the library and new carpeting installed near the circulation desk.

The library will reopen on February 5, as crews continue painting and carpeting in the Media Services Department.

Director Sarah Clevidence said of the changes, “We are excited to bring some color into the library through paint and carpet. While we understand that shifting collections can be challenging as our patrons and staff adjust to the new locations, we believe these changes will help the library make the best use of the space available in our building. We look forward to showing off these long-anticipated updates.”

The project is being funded by specific resources that have been earmarked for capital improvements.

(From the Fort Findlay FOP Lodge 20 Foundation)

The Fort Findlay Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Lodge 20 Foundation has announced a special fundraising gala to honor the legacy of Officer Douglas T. Akers and endow the Officer Douglas T. Akers Memorial Scholarship. The event, ‘Cuffs & Stuff,’ is on Thursday, February 6, at the Old Mill Stream Centre, 1017 E Sandusky St, Findlay, OH 45840.  An additional purpose of the event is to highlight mental health awareness and support aspiring law enforcement professionals.

A significant highlight of the evening is the Master of Ceremonies, Vinnie Montez, a seasoned law enforcement officer and acclaimed stand-up comedian. Montez, a 20-plus-year veteran of Colorado law enforcement, began performing comedy in 2007 as a way to cope with the stresses of his job. Drawing from his experiences as a police officer and his Mexican heritage, Montez quickly became a comedy favorite, appearing at venues nationwide, including Denver’s Comedy Works and the Great American Comedy Festival.

Montez’s comedy special, Vinnie Montez: Armed & Hilarious, debuted on Dry Bar Comedy in 2019. He has shared the stage with top comedians such as Michelle Wolf, Josh Blue, and Gilbert Gottfried. Known for his hilarious and heartfelt stories about policing and mental health, Montez uses humor to bridge gaps between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

“We’re thrilled to have Vinnie Montez bring his incredible energy and humor to this event,” said Teresa White, Development Director of the Fort Findlay FOP Lodge 20 Foundation. “His dedication to mental health and law enforcement mirrors the goals of this fundraiser, making him the perfect MC for this special evening.”

The evening will also feature a live auction offering exclusive experiences with local FOP members, including:
• Mommy’s Day Out with Officer Brian White
Moms can enjoy a day of relaxation at a local spa while Officer White supervises up to four children for an adventurous afternoon at The Children’s Museum.

• Pew Pew with Officer Brooks Deidrick
  Spend three hours at a local shooting range under the expert guidance of Officer Deidrick. All ammunition is included in this exclusive experience.
• Retirees Refuge with Officer Tom Davis
  Explore the Hancock County Courthouse with a private tour led by “John Hancock” himself. Follow it up with a backyard barbecue catered by Texas Roadhouse and a live performance by the four-piece band East of Cheyenne.
• Privacy Please with Sheriff Cortez, Chief Mathias, and Lt. Slates
  Enjoy a three-course meal for two in the Presidential Suite at the Hancock Hotel, hosted by Sheriff Mike Cortez, Police Chief James Mathias, State Highway Patrol Lieutenant Evan Slates, and their spouses. The winner and guest will also enjoy an overnight stay in the luxurious suite.

Cuffs & Stuff tickets and sponsorship levels are available online at fortfindlayfop20.org or the Fort Findlay FOP Lodge. For more information, contact Teresa White at 833-563-4320.

About Officer Douglas T. Akers
Officer Akers (March 9, 1964 – December 31, 2018) distinguished himself in the Findlay Police Department from 1991 until his passing in 2018. He was Named Officer of the Year in 2012 and was a dedicated member of Findlay FOP Lodge #20. Known for his Christian faith, devotion to family, and love for the outdoors, Doug’s life was tragically cut short by suicide. The scholarship in his name honors his legacy and supports students pursuing careers in law enforcement.

About Fort Findlay FOP Lodge 20
The Fort Findlay Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police has served Hancock County since 1935. It supports active, retired, and fallen members and their families while fostering positive relationships between citizens and law enforcement through youth and community programming.

(From Blanchard Valley Health System)

Effective January 20, Blanchard Valley Obstetrics & Gynecology, a division of Blanchard Valley Health System, will relocate its EasternWoods Women’s Health office to 1917 South Main Street in Findlay. The following providers associated with the move include Lorie Thomas-Schultz, DO, Aubrey Marcum, PA-C, Jodi Bollenbacher, PA-C, and Sarah Weihrauch, PA-C. The practice phone number will remain 419.425.8131.

“The team at Blanchard Valley Obstetrics & Gynecology is committed to providing quality gynecologic and reproductive care for women throughout their lives,” said Kelly Shroll, chief operating officer of ambulatory services. “These healthcare professionals tailor personalized care to each woman’s unique needs. Existing patients can expect the same high level of care at the new location. Additionally, we welcome new patients who may not have a regular women’s healthcare provider.”

The providers at Blanchard Valley Obstetrics & Gynecology have extensive experience caring for a wide range of diseases and conditions, including pelvic pain, endometriosis, fibroids, prolapse, urinary incontinence, menopause symptoms, fertility, and more. They can assist with family planning and contraception questions.  For gynecological conditions requiring surgery, our physicians will talk to patients about various innovative treatment options and develop an individualized treatment plan. Many procedures are performed using minimally invasive techniques, such as robotic surgery.

In addition to two Findlay locations (South Main and Wallace Streets), the Blanchard Valley Obstetrics & Gynecology team sees patients in Bluffton, Carey, and Ottawa. For more information, please visit bvhealthsystem.org/women

To make an appointment with a primary or specialty care provider at any Blanchard Valley Medical Practices location, please call 419.422.APPT. New patients are welcome.

(From the Findlay Police Department)

Officers were dispatched to 212 Ellis Ave around 0034 hrs. on January 10 for a report of an assault.

Officers arrived on scene and did not receive an answer at the door and were not able to make contact with any involved parties.

Around 0242 hrs. officers were dispatched back to 212 Ellis Ave for the same caller, this time reporting she was being assaulted and threatened with a gun.

She also stated the first time officers were at the residence the suspect refused to let her answer the door and took her phone so she could not call for help.

Officers arrived on scene and upon approach heard a male voice yelling inside the residence.

Contact was attempted with the subjects inside and they refused to answer the door.

Due to the reports of the victim being threatened with a gun and held against her will more attempts were made to call the occupants out of the house.

The Findlay Police Department Emergency Response Team was activated and a warrant was obtained to enter the residence and attempt to locate and check the welfare of the victim.

Final attempts were made to call the occupants out and two males exited the residence.

A search was then conducted and a third male was located inside.

The female victim was not located inside.

This incident will remain under investigation until the female victim can to located and interviewed.

Charges will then be requested at that time.

A second Chick-fil-A restaurant is coming to Findlay.

The Findlay City Planning Commission approved the site plan review for a Chick-fil-A at 1165 West Trenton Avenue.

The restaurant will be located on the south side of West Trenton Avenue, west of the intersection with Independence Square.

The restaurant will have 62 seats inside, 16 outside, and 79 parking spots.

It will have a two-lane drive-thru as seen at the Tiffin Avenue location, pictured above and below. 

Findlay and Hancock County are included in a Winter Weather Advisory issued by the National Weather Service.

The Winter Weather Advisory goes from late Friday afternoon until Saturday at 4 a.m.

Forecasters say 2 to 4 inches of snow is expected to fall during that timeframe.

Drivers should plan on slick driving conditions and slow down while traveling.

Get the latest forecast, weather alerts, and road alerts by clicking here.

(From the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts)

Marathon Center for the Performing Arts will host the Northwest Ohio Poetry Out Loud Regional Semifinal, beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 14. Students from the following schools will be participating, Toledo Early College and Millstream Career Center. Participants will be reciting poems in two rounds and one will be selected to move on to the Ohio Poetry Out Loud Finals in Columbus on February 7, 2025. The event is free and open to the public.

Poetry Out Loud encourages students to learn about great poetry through memorization and recitation. This program helps students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and learn about literary history and contemporary life. Created by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation, Poetry Out Loud is administered in partnership with the State Arts Agencies of all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. Teachers, librarians, or administrators register their high schools each year with the Ohio Arts Council and organize contests with one class, several classes, or a whole school. Contests, workshops, and multimedia program materials, including curricula, are free. Poetry Out Loud is aligned with Common Core and NCTE standards.

This is the ninth year that Marathon Center for the Performing Arts has served as the Northwest Ohio Regional Partner for this program which is sponsored by the Ohio Arts Council.

A man who was very instrumental in community development and was a well-respected businessman has passed away.

James Koehler has died at the age of 91.

Learn more about Jim and his full life in his obituary below from Coldren-Crates Funeral Home.

James Craig Koehler, age 91 of Findlay passed away on Monday, January 6, 2025 at his residence. He was born in Findlay on November 14, 1933 to the late Ralph and Gladys (Binau) Koehler.

Jim first married Jane L. Snyder, they later divorced and she is deceased. He then married Bonnie Kuhlman on February 12, 1988 and she survives. Also surviving are four children, Jeffrey James (Brenda Rickle) Koehler, Lisa Jane Chubb, Susan Elizabeth (Keith) Joy and James Craig (Tracy) Koehler II; step-children, Heath (Lisa) Rider and Heather Wilson; eleven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by a daughter, Julia Jane Koehler and brothers, Henry E. and David L. Koehler.

From an early age of 8, Jim learned working for his family was expected and nonnegotiable. He came from a family of 5, with two older brothers who all had a hand in making their Nursery and landscaping business a success. Making flower deliveries to Churches on Sundays, during weddings, and funerals began at age 13. The only time off would be granted for playing baseball, football, or basketball. It was during his senior year of high school when he met his first wife that he learned there was a different way to earn a living. His then father-in-law, Pete Snyder was in real estate, played golf, and drove a new car while Jim and his family worked in the greenhouse 7 days a week. After spending time in the Air Force and attending college at The Ohio State University and graduating from Bowling Green State University where he earned his Brokerage license upon graduation, Jim began a very successful real estate career. He has developed over 85 subdivision plats with over 3,000 acres of ground in 75 years of hard work and determination. His vision for taking land and turning it into residential and commercial opportunities has helped put Findlay, Ohio on the map as the country’s top micropolitan city for economic development.

If you couldn’t find Jim at his corporate office in Findlay every day, you could catch him on the golf course or at a horse race. Jim was involved in the horse business for over 60 years, owning hundreds of top standardbred harness race horses with notables such as Won the West (currently residing at the Kentucky Horse Park Hall of Fame), Downbytheseaside (One of the top Studs in North America, Australia and New Zeeland, and most recently Pebble Beach (Son of Downbytheseaside standing stud in Ohio, Australia and New Zeeland). James was also noted for his philanthropic endeavors. He gave a large donation in the memory of his mother Gladys and father Ralph for the Koehler Center at the University of Findlay and he recently donated money for the ice arena renovations at Bowling Green State University. He was also a champion of Habitat for Humanity and the YMCA. He loved Findlay, Ohio.

A Celebration of Jim’s life and reception will be held at The Findlay Country Club on Sunday, January 12, 2025 from 12pm-3pm. A private funeral will be held at COLDREN-CRATES FUNERAL HOME on Monday, January 13, 2025 with Ken Zirkle officiating. Burial will follow in Maple Grove Cemetery, on the Koehler family plot. The Hancock County Veterans Memorial Squad will present full military rites. In lieu of flowers, donations can be directed to the James C. and Bonnie L. Koehler Scholarship Endowment Fund, sent to: University Advancement, University of Findlay 1000 N. Main St., Findlay, OH 45840. Online condolences can be shared with the family by visiting coldrencrates.com.

(From Blanchard Valley Health System)

Therapy animals are transforming healthcare settings by reducing anxiety, encouraging communication, and promoting faster recovery for all ages.

A little tail wag can make a world of difference.

Learn more in this “Weekend Doctor Column,” written by Heather Schalk, volunteer services coordinator, at Blanchard Valley Health System, by visiting https://bvhs.info/405fDeK.