All posts by Matt Demczyk

Findlay City Schools Holding Town Hall On District’s Finances

(From Findlay City Schools)

The Findlay City Schools Superintendent, Treasurer, and Board of Education invite all community members to attend the district’s Town Hall, held on Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at Glenwood Middle School at 6:00 p.m. 

Community members in attendance will be able to submit questions throughout the event to be answered by the panel of school officials.

Findlay City Schools plans to continue holding these gatherings, each with a topic of focus, as a way to keep communication flowing with residents.

The topic for February’s Town Hall is District Finances.

WFIN – In January, The Findlay City Schools Board of Education announced $6 million in budget cuts, following the failed levy attempt in November 2024.

ODOT Invites Schools To Participate In Paint-The-Plow Contest

(From the Ohio Department of Transportation)

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) District 1 is inviting area schools and vocational groups to take part in its annual Paint-the-Plow contest. Applications will be accepted until March 14.

The program is open to area schools and vocational school groups within the eight-county region of Allen, Defiance, Hancock, Hardin, Paulding, Putnam, Van Wert, and Wyandot counties. Applications have been distributed to all eligible schools.

 

Plow blades will be delivered to participating schools during the week of March 24 and picked up by May 2. Winners will be announced via the media and on ODOT District 1 social media prior to Memorial Day (May 26).

The Paint-the-Plow program allows students to paint an ODOT snowplow blade with a message of community or school spirit, Ohio pride, patriotism, or safety. The decorated blades are displayed at local community events before being used in regular winter operations, usually within the same school district that painted the plow.

 

Last year, 26 schools participated in the program. Riverdale, located in Hancock County, won the people’s choice award, which was determined based on Facebook votes. Paulding FFA Chapter earned the coveted ODOT Choice Award, selected by ODOT District 1 employees. The same award

For information, contact ODOT District 1’s public information office at 419-860-3655 or d01.pio@dot.ohio.gov.

MCPA’s Marianna Hofer Endowment Grant Application Process Open

(From the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts)

Attention all artists and art organizations in Hancock County!

The Marianna Hofer Grant application process for 2025 is now open.

Applications must be submitted by March 15.

The purpose of the fund is to fulfill the mission of providing Hancock County artists, the arts community, and arts educators the funds to pursue their crafts and vision of creating and teaching the arts while transforming themselves and their community.

You can find the application and more information about this grant at https://www.mcpa.org/…/marianna-hofer-endowment-grant….

Police Investigating Bicycle/Vehicle Accident

(From the Tiffin Police Department)

On February 4, 2025, at approximately 8:00 p.m., the Tiffin Police Department responded to a report of a traffic accident at the intersection of S. Sandusky Street and Euclid Avenue involving a vehicle and a bicycle. Officers, along with Tiffin Fire and Rescue personnel, arrived on the scene to render aid and conduct an investigation.

The investigation determined that Bruce G. Gibson, 60, was riding his bicycle northbound on the sidewalk when he entered the intersection. Paul Newland, 81, was traveling west on Ella Street and proceeded through the intersection with a green light when his vehicle struck Mr. Gibson.

Video footage obtained from a nearby residence confirmed that Mr. Newland had the right of way.

Mr. Gibson, who was required to stop and yield before crossing, entered the crosswalk on his bicycle against the signal.

Additionally, Mr. Gibson was wearing a dark-colored jacket, and his bicycle was not equipped with lights, which are required by law for nighttime riding.

Mr. Gibson sustained injuries and was transported by Tiffin Fire and Rescue to the Tiffin Middle School, where a Life Flight helicopter was waiting.

He was then airlifted to St. Vincent Medical Center in Toledo.

His condition remains unknown at this time.

The accident remains under investigation, and no citations have been issued at this stage.

Based on preliminary findings, it appears that Mr. Newland was lawfully traveling through the intersection with a green light when the collision occurred.

The Tiffin Police Department reminds all cyclists to follow traffic laws, use proper lighting when riding at night, and remain aware of their surroundings to ensure safety on the road.

Chief David Pauly

DAISY Award Honors Nurses Who Make A Special Difference In Patients’ Lives

(From Blanchard Valley Health System)

Cale Spieles, a registered nurse in the post-anesthesia care unit and same-day surgery (PACU/SDS), was recently honored with the January DAISY Award for providing exceptional care to a patient undergoing back surgery.

From the start, Cale made the patient feel at ease by explaining each step of the process, answering all questions thoroughly, and addressing her personal needs.

Knowing she had a 3-month-old child at home, he ensured she had the privacy and time to express breastmilk before the procedure.

Post-surgery, Cale continued to provide thoughtful support by clearly explaining at-home care instructions to both the patient and her spouse, ensuring they felt confident and prepared.

Cale’s empathy, attention to detail, and commitment to his patients exemplify the highest standards of nursing excellence, making him a deserving recipient of the DAISY Award.

Congratulations, Cale, for going above and beyond to make a lasting impact!

Pictured are Kristie Jolliff, surgery manager, Patti Cartwright, PACU/SDS supervisor, Cale Spieles, RN, DAISY recipient, BJ Pasztor, chief operating officer of acute care services and chief nursing officer, and Trevor Schmiedebusch, director of surgical services.

Fair Offering New Program For Those With Developmental Disabilities

(From Blanchard Valley Center)

For those interested, here’s a new program for all the fair lovers!

Hancock County Fair is offering a new program for children and adults with developmental disabilities, ‘Shining in the Show Ring’.

“The First Annual Hancock County Shining in the Show Ring will be held Saturday August 30, 2025 at 1pm in the Recker Arena at the Hancock County Fairgrounds. This unique opportunity provides individuals with special needs an experience to know what it’s like to exhibit an animal at the fair. Participants will work with Jr. Fair Exhibitors and their animals to participate in an alternative livestock show to share what they have learned. The animal options include: calves, rabbits, and Chickens.

The Junior Fair exhibitors, or mentors, you will be working with will be in at least the 5th grade and have had at least two years of experience with their animal project. As a showman you will work alongside your mentor and learn how to care for the animal as well as how to safely and properly show the animal at the fair.”

If you would like an application for this program please send us a message with your email address and we will forward it to you.

Or contact Britta Fenestermaker directly with any questions.

BRITTA

FENSTERMAKER

Junior Fair Coordinator

419-429-7344 ext.203

britta.fenstermaker@hancockfairgrounds.org

1017 2. Sandusky St. Findlay, OH 45840

Winter Weather Advisory Issued For Freezing Rain

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

The Winter Weather Advisory goes from 10 p.m. Wednesday until 10 a.m. Thursday.

Freezing rain is expected. Total ice accumulations between one tenth to two tenths of an inch.

Difficult travel conditions will result and could impact the Thursday morning commute.

Freezing rain will begin transitioning to light rain early Thursday morning.

However, slick spots may linger through mid-morning as surface temperatures remain chilly in the mid-30s. Temperatures will warm into the 40s by early Thursday afternoon.

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

City Mission Meals Served Milestone

(From the City Mission of Findlay)

Over 200,000 Meals Served in 2024!

Thanks to the incredible support of our Food Services Team and the dedication of our amazing volunteers, City Mission served over 200,000 meals in 2024!

Every plate was a symbol of hope, care, and community.

This milestone wouldn’t have been possible without the countless hours, hard work, and love poured in by our volunteers.

Thank You for Helping Us Make a Difference!

Your commitment fuels our mission to fight hunger and bring hope to those in need.

Cory-Rawson Green & Gold Foundation Fund Reaches Milestone

(From Cory-Rawson Local Schools)

In partnership with The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation, Cory-Rawson Local Schools is excited to announce the school’s Green & Gold Foundation Fund has reached its grant funding milestone. The fund will begin granting to school staff, coaches, and administrators beginning in January 2026 to support enrichment opportunities for students across grade levels and programs. The fund will announce a capital campaign in the near future.

Founding donors, including alumni, community members and retired school staff, made reaching this milestone possible. Investments of all types are accepted for the Green & Gold Foundation Fund, including grain in storage, cash, securities traded on a national exchange, real property, artwork, life insurance policies and more.  

Cory-Rawson Local Schools has a rich history of pride. A partnership with The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation was formed to help provide outstanding educational experiences for generations of Hornets to come. State, federal, and local school funding is used for personnel, routine classroom supplies and equipment, and regular facilities maintenance. Proceeds from the fund will provide our students with experiences and opportunities above and beyond our regular funding. The Cory-Rawson Green & Gold Fund is administered by The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation with oversight from a committee made up of retired school staff and community members.

Additional information and details on the Green & Gold Foundation Fund can be found online at https://www.community-foundation.com/funds/green-and-gold-foundation or by calling 419-425-1100.

Hancock Leadership Members Discuss 2025 Class Project

Some of the members of the Hancock Leadership Class of 2025 were on with WFIN’s Chris Oaks to discuss their class project.

This year’s class will beautify the area surrounding the new Allan H. Davis Judicial Center on West Main Cross Street in downtown Findlay, working alongside the Hancock County Commissioners, Master Gardeners, and RCM Architects.

Listen to Chris’ full interview with Alex Parker and Wade Hiatt below and learn more about Hancock Leadership and their community service project by clicking here.