(From the University of Findlay)

University of Findlay will host International Mother Language Day on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025. The event is free and open to the public and is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the atrium of the Center for Student Life and College of Business Building.

“The event will showcase the rich linguistic and cultural diversity on campus. UF students will present songs, poems, and dances representing various languages and traditions. Multilingualism and multiculturalism require effort to preserve,” said Hiroaki Kawamura, Ph.D., associate professor of Japanese and director of modern language at the University of Findlay. “Without a safe and welcoming community, people may feel compelled to hide their languages and cultures.”

International Mother Language Day was established in 1999 by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) to recognize and honor the world’s linguistic and cultural diversity, and to emphasize that multilingualism is essential for sustainable development. The event is celebrated globally on February 20, and has been observed every year for the past 24 years. The broader initiative of International Mother Language Day is to promote the preservation and protection of all languages used by people through the world.

For more information on the University of Findlay event, contact Hiroaki Kawamura, Ph.D., at kawamura@findlay.edu.

(From Habitat for Humanity of Findlay/Hancock County)

Habitat for Humanity of Findlay/Hancock County will recognize 15 years of ReStore serving the community with a celebration on Saturday, February 22 at 9 a.m. at the ReStore, 1200 Commerce Parkway, Findlay.

During the event Jerry Hawkins, considered the founder of ReStore in Findlay/Hancock County, will be honored posthumously with a special naming ceremony and gathering with family and friends. Hawkins served on the Habitat Board of Directors from 2008-2016 as the first ReStore Committee Chairman. He conducted extensive research to determine the viability of establishing a ReStore in the community and coordinated the funding and staffing that established ReStore’s first location on Tiffin Avenue in 2010. He then led the effort to expand into the first showroom for furniture sales in 2015.

“Jerry’s servant leadership was an example to all who worked with him,” explains Wendy McCormick, Habitat Executive Director. “He was a visionary for our ReStore and embodied loving your neighbor as yourself in all his community work and as a leader on our board. On Saturday we will be honoring his generosity, humble leadership and friendship.”

Following his service on the Board, Hawkins also served as a consultant to assist with the relocation of the Habitat offices and ReStore in 2019 to a Home of Our Own in the current location on Commerce Parkway. Habitat honored Hawkins for his transformative work with ReStore with its highest honor, the Paul Geyer Leadership Award, in 2016.

ReStore serves as an integral component for Habitat to serve its mission, with 40 percent of the affiliate’s income generated by ReStore revenue. ReStore’s inventory is provided by donations of used and new products from local individuals and businesses and sold to the public at discounted prices. ReStore offers free pick up for individual donations within Hancock County.

With the outpouring of community support of donated furniture, home goods and appliances, ReStore has grown exponentially during the past 15 years. Additionally, items donated and sold at ReStore have saved 3,895 tons of material from local landfills during the past 15 years.

For the past three years, ReStore has been named Findlay’s Best Thrift/Resell Store and in 2021 was named the Go Local Small Business Champion of the Year by the Findlay/Hancock County Chamber of Commerce.

This event is open to the public and is one of many scheduled events throughout the year celebrating Habitat for Humanity’s 25 years of impact in the Findlay/Hancock County community.

(From Findlay City Schools)

When the weekend of Findlay High School‘s spring musical coincides with Marathon Center for the Performing Arts‘ Youtheatre performances,

And when the Findlay High School Creative & Performing Arts has chosen to perform Hello, Dolly in Gavin’s honor,

And when various local business and restaurants have jumped at the chance to pay tribute to the life of this incredible incredible human,

There’s only one thing left to do: Dedicate the entire weekend in Findlay to Gavin Creel.

Mark your calendars for March 14-16: A weekend of arts, dedicated to one of our treasured stars, Gavin Creel.

More information coming soon!

Nichole Coleman, an Air Force Veteran and Executive Director of the Hancock County Veterans Service Office, has announced that she’s running for Findlay City Council.

Coleman is seeking the Ward 1 seat on city council which is currently held by Holly Frische who has announced that she has filed to seek another term.

Coleman released the following news release announcing her candidacy.

Nichole Coleman is excited to announce her candidacy for Findlay City Council, seeking to represent Ward 1 with her proven leadership, service, and problem-solving skills.

A U.S. Air Force veteran and dedicated community leader, Coleman has spent a career bringing people together to solve challenges and drive meaningful change. After seven years of military service, she returned home to continue serving Findlay. Over the past 15 years, she has worked with the American Red Cross (3 years), 50 North (1 year), and, for the past 13 years, as the Executive Director of the Hancock County Veterans Service Office. During her tenure, the office expanded its services, now assisting eight times more veterans each year than before. Her leadership has directly enhanced veteran support in Hancock County, increasing benefits by more than $16.8 million and launching five innovative resiliency programs to improve mental health, recovery, and quality of life.

“I believe strong leadership starts with listening,” said Coleman. “Throughout my career, I’ve worked to bring people together to solve problems, and I see an opportunity to strengthen collaboration and unity on City Council. With a solution-focused, strategic and growth mindset, I’m ready to serve Ward 1 with thoughtful, forward-thinking leadership.”

Ward 1 represents a diverse group of residents, and Coleman is committed to ensuring that every voice is heard and valued.

“From longtime homeowners to young families starting out, from business leaders to those working hard to make ends meet, I believe in representation that works for everyone. Findlay thrives when we collaborate, listen, and take action together.”

Coleman’s education reflects her dedication to leadership and service. She completed the Public Leadership Certificate program for Veterans at The Ohio State University in 2021, and earned an Associate of Arts degree from Ohio Christian University in 2020, and graduated from the Hancock Government Leadership Academy in 2017.

Coleman will prioritize engaging with Ward 1 residents through community events, conversations, and outreach efforts as the campaign progresses.

For more information about Nichole Coleman’s campaign, visit votenicholecoleman.com or contact her at united@votenicholecoleman.com.

(From Bowling Green State University)

For two dozen Bowling Green State University students, Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans served as a window to what could be possible through a career in sports.

With help from the College of Education and Human Development and the School of Applied Human Development, 24 members of the BGSU Sport Management Alliance fundraised their way to volunteer at this year’s Super Bowl, which allowed students to gain valuable experience by helping to stage the biggest event on the American sports calendar.

Students used entrepreneurial skills to fund the trip, then found themselves at ground level of an event at the largest scale, including being at the Superdome on game day, during which the Philadelphia Eagles topped the Kansas City Chiefs.

“I didn’t know it was possible for a student like me to do such a big experience like that until I got to BGSU,” said Taryn Fraley, a junior from Waynesfield, Ohio.

“I was mainly thinking about events on campus prior to coming here, but once I was introduced to SMA, I saw all the opportunities that are available, and it let me know that I can think big.”

While in New Orleans, SMA students from majors such as sport management saw the behind-the-scenes efforts that go into the biggest day of the United States’ most popular sport.

Experiences that further careers are key part of many degree programs at BGSU, which The Wall Street Journal ranked No.1 in Ohio for career preparation.

For the students selected to be Super Bowl volunteers, the effort to make the New Orleans trip a reality was like a part-time job. The experience of funding and organizing travel for a large group, collaborating with a major organization and being in the middle of the action at the Super Bowl proved valuable as students prepare for careers in sports.

“We had to find the time to fundraise, to do paperwork, find times to meet and the time we were in New Orleans was all about time management,” said Jillian Windbiel, a senior from Elk Grove Village, Illinois, outside of Chicago.

“We had to do a lot of things that go into a career, which was a challenge in a good way. Especially for an event this big, a lot goes into it. It was a lot of great experience you can take into the future.”

While in New Orleans, students helped run booths at the Super Bowl Experience – which draws thousands of fans for games, music and fun in the week prior to the game – worked with professionals in their field, served on the welcome committee at the New Orleans airport and were on site for gameday as exterior fan services.

Lily Smith, a sophomore from Oregon, Ohio, a suburb of Toledo, said the chance to gain career experience at the Super Bowl was surreal.

“I never thought it was something I would be able to do, but it happened because of my opportunities and connections here at BGSU got me there,” Smith said. “It was really cool to apply some of the things I learned in my classes and in my smaller sport management experience to such a larger event and be able to experience something I never thought I would.”

(From the Humane Society and SPCA of Hancock County)

We are so excited to share with you all this next journey!

We want to say a BIG Thank you to Findlay Fire Department for joining us on this adventure and Dave Morrow in donating his amazing photography skills!

Meet your local heroes and their new furry friends!

Our firefighters have teamed up with Hancock County Humane Society to help these lovable animals find their forever homes.

Swipe through to see these brave men and women posing with adoptable dogs and cats, each ready to rescue your heart!

Sometimes even our brave Men and Women in uniform, just need that fury Friend to listen and confide in!

Because every hero deserves a companion.

Let’s give these animals the happy ending they deserve!

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

The Winter Weather Advisory goes from 1 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday.

Forecasters say rain will change to snow from northwest to southeast early Sunday morning as colder air overspreads the area.

Total snow accumulations of 2 to 5 inches are possible.

Winds will gust up to 35 miles per hour

Drivers should plan on slippery road conditions.

Forecasters say to expect sub-zero wind chills Sunday night as a frigid weather pattern settles into the region.  

Get the latest forecast, weather alerts, and road levels here, and school delays/closings here.

Hancock County Health Commissioner Lindsay Summit was on with WFIN’s Chris Oaks.

Summit discussed the latest Community Health Assessment Survey and Community Health Improvement Plan.

Summit said housing, transportation, and access to healthcare were the top concerns for Hancock County residents who filled out the Community Health Assessment Survey.

Listen to Summit’s conversation with Chris about how the health department plans on addressing those challenges in the audio below.

(From the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library)

The Findlay-Hancock County Public Library will celebrate 135 years of service to county residents on Sunday, February 23, 2025 from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. To commemorate the occasion, the public is invited to visit the library to look at historic photos and facts on display throughout the library.

This year’s anniversary is a special one as the library embarks on a new adventure, beginning with a refresh of the library. This project reflects the library’s ongoing commitment to the changing needs of our community. The public is invited to join us not only to celebrate this special milestone, but also to tour the exciting new paint colors, carpeting and department shifts to create a better flow for patrons and to make the most of our available space.

The Findlay-Hancock County Public Library opened on January 27, 1890. Today, the library continues the proud tradition of providing books, newspapers, magazines, and other physical material, but also provides vital education services that are available without charge to our community. The library can also be utilized to improve job skills, increase computer learning, attend our adult literacy program, as well as a variety of programming for children, teens and adults. Patrons can use our free Wi-Fi to gain access to digital material through hoopla, Kanopy, and the Ohio Digital Library.

Library Director, Sarah Clevidence said of this special anniversary, “Our library has a long history of supporting our community. We are excited to share the recent updates to library spaces that will help continue that tradition of support for years to come.”

For more information on services and programs that are available at the library, please visit www.findlaylibrary.org or call the library at 419-422-1712.

(From the United Way of Hancock County)

Safety net services across Hancock County will be strengthened by the allocation of $1.7 million by United Way of Hancock County.

Funding will be distributed among 19 local programs focused on the areas of championing children’s success, fighting hunger, promoting safety and health, supporting safe housing, and fostering financial stability. These priority areas were identified by a team of over 50 diverse community volunteers in a grant review process that is repeated yearly as part of United Way’s commitment to regularly assessing the community’s changing needs and responding accordingly.

“Working families and retirees continue to be impacted by our changing economy. Our funding distribution among 19 local programs serves as a safety net for the vulnerable population in our community,” said United Way of Hancock County CEO Kelley McClurkin.

The funds being distributed were raised through United Way’s 2024 Annual Campaign, which engages individual donors and retirees, as well as employees through workplace philanthropy.

“The United Way is honored to contribute to and protect our community in such an impactful way. We are sincerely thankful to our fundraising team and to everyone who trusts us with their financial gifts, including individual donors and workplace campaign partners,” McClurkin said. “You are all Difference Makers for the people who need it most.”

Championing children’s success

Local programs falling under United Way’s Vulnerable Children Initiative will receive a total of $285,000 in support of advocacy, prevention and crisis response efforts designed to protect kids and put them on a path to success.

Children’s funding will be distributed among CASA/GAL of Hancock County, whose trained volunteers advocate for youth who are navigating the court system; the Center for Safe and Healthy Children’s forensic interview program that follows a report of child abuse; child victim services offered by Open Arms Domestic Violence & Rape Crisis Services; Children’s Mentoring Connection of Hancock County’s various youth mentoring programs; Scouting and Exploring programs offered through Boy Scouts of America and Girl Scouts of Western Ohio; and the Salvation Army’s summer enrichment camp.

Fighting hunger

Food security programs have been allocated $291,000. Among rising grocery prices, United Way’s partner agencies have reported a significant increase in individuals and families seeking help through local food assistance programs.

Food security funds will support the YMCA’s Feed-A-Child program, which provides weekend backpack meals for students; vouchers for individuals and families in need of supplemental

grocery items through Christian Clearing House; West Ohio Food Bank’s distributions to Hancock County food pantries; and the emergency food pantry at the Salvation Army.

Promoting safety and health

Safety and health allocations focused on strengthening Hancock County residents’ physical and mental health will receive $316,500.

Funds distributed for safety and health will provide direct financial assistance for cancer patients living or working in Hancock County through Cancer Patient Services; adult victim services offered by Open Arms; equine-assisted therapy for veterans and people of all ages with disabilities through Challenged Champions Equestrian Center; and disaster response services programs though the American Red Cross.

Supporting safe housing

A total of $232,500 has been awarded to two Hope House programs aimed at helping people who are unhoused or who are at risk of becoming homeless. The family shelter and independence programs work to provide housing solutions, support and education to individuals and families.

Fostering financial stability

Financial stability funds totaling $50,000 will support HHWP Community Action Commission’s Hancock Area Transportation Services (HATS) program, which provides low-cost rides to employment, medical appointments and more.

Additional funding will continue to help United Way deliver its free tax preparation service, called VITA, which is taking place now, as well as the Halt Hunger Initiative. United Way’s volunteer center, Volunteers United, placed 10,200 volunteer hours in 2024.

All money raised in Hancock County stays local to support vital services, unless otherwise designated by the donor. United Way of Hancock County regularly seeks state and federal grants to help bolster funds raised locally and to allow the organization to use campaign dollars most effectively.

Visit uwhancock.org to donate or to learn more about the United Way’s mission and work.