(From the Hancock County Naturalists)

The Hancock County Naturalists will host speaker Dave McPheron, horticulturist and retired owner of Star Farms Native Plants, at their February 13th meeting. His program, “It’s for the Birds, Gardening with Native Plants to Attract Birds”, will explore what a native plant is and how the landscape that includes these plants can bring more birds to the local environment. The meeting is at 7 p.m. at Oak Woods Nature Preserve, 1400 Oakwood Avenue, and is open to the public. This meeting will also feature a seed swap; attendees are encouraged to bring seeds to trade.

A graduate of The Ohio State University with a degree in horticulture, McPheron has been active in the horticulture industry for over 47 years. His experience includes owning a design/install landscape company and garden center specializing in perennials, herbs, and water gardens, and he has spent the last few years growing Ohio native plants as the owner of Star Farms Native Plants in Kenton, Ohio. After recently retiring and closing his business, he has turned his focus to cultivating Ohio native plants and promoting these vital species. He is an Emeritus Ohio State Master Gardener Volunteer in Hardin County and served as the Volunteer Coordinator.

The Hancock County Naturalists, a membership organization, was established to further the study of the fauna and flora of Hancock County and the surrounding area and to participate in selected conservation and educational projects. Membership and events are open to those aged 15 and older. Annual membership fees are $15 per adult, $20 per couple, and $10 for youth.

For more information, contact Jane Riker at 419-306-3697 or emaggin117@aol.com. The group’s website is hancockcountynaturalists.org.

(From Blanchard Valley Health System)

Show your heart and stop by the upcoming blood drive Blanchard Valley Health System is hosting on Wednesday, February 12, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

It will take place at Blanchard Valley Hospital in the Marathon, Aller, Beckett, and Davis conference rooms.

To learn more or to schedule an appointment, please visit https://bvhs.info/BVHSBloodDriveFeb2025.

(From Night to Shine Findlay)

On the evening of February 7, 2025, St. Marks United Methodist Church in Findlay hosted its annual Night to Shine event, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation. This is the third year for this event in Findlay, Ohio.  This event, held simultaneously across the globe, provides a prom night experience for individuals with special needs aged 14 and older.

Night to Shine is a worldwide celebration that brings communities together to honor individuals with special needs by offering a night filled with joy and celebration. The event has become a global movement since its inception in 2015, allowing individuals to experience a memorable prom night in a safe, inclusive environment.

This year’s Findlay event welcomed over 100 honored guests and nearly 150 volunteers. The event was made possible by the support of numerous local sponsors and volunteers who contributed their time, resources, and efforts to ensure its success.

The festivities included a red carpet entrance, where guests were welcomed by paparazzi, a karaoke room, a sensory room, and a hair and makeup room to help guests feel pampered. Professional photographers and videographers captured moments throughout the evening, while a DJ kept the energy high on the dance floor. Guests also enjoyed a catered dinner, served by a dedicated kitchen staff.

In addition to these activities, a respite space was available for parents and caregivers to relax while their loved ones enjoyed the event. All guests and parents in the respite space received goodie bags, contributing to the overall experience.

The event went off without a hitch, thanks to the efforts of all involved. Night to Shine in Findlay continues to be a successful and cherished event that provides a night of celebration and joy for individuals with special needs in the community.

For more information on Night to Shine, please visit findlaynighttoshine.org 

About Night to Shine:
Night to Shine is an annual event sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation, offering a prom night experience for individuals with special needs. The event is held worldwide and is designed to show God’s love and create an inclusive, celebratory environment for all attendees.

About St. Marks United Methodist Church:
St. Marks United Methodist Church, located in Findlay, Ohio, has been a vital part of the local community, offering outreach programs and creating spaces for individuals of all abilities to come together in faith and celebration.

(From the Findlay Police Department)

On 2-8-25 at 1108 hours an officer was conducting an investigation in 1000 block of Cedar Avenue.

He encountered a male who gave him a fake name.

The officer was able to determine the male’s real name and the fact he had a warrant out of Seneca County.

The officer attempted to detain the male, at which time he fled on foot.

The officer gave chase and ultimately deployed his Taser, striking the male and immobilizing him.

The male was then arrested.

He was found to have in his possession 272 milliliters of suspected liquid Methadone, not prescribed to him, a Felony of the 1st degree.

He also had drug paraphernalia on his person.

The male, identified as Jerrold Riley, was transferred to the custody of the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office.

Charges of Obstructing Official Business, Falsification, and Possession of Drugs will be will be pursued against him.

(From the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library)

Thank you for your patience as we work to improve your library experience!

We wanted to share an update and some photos with you of the progress.

We knew we had huge collections for you to choose from, but realized just how MUCH when we started moving them to temporary shelving to make room for carpeting!

Take a look at these pictures to see if you can guess where in the library each photo was taken.

As many of you know, we’ve had several departments closed this week.

The Children’s Department and the Genealogy Department will remain closed for a while longer, but you can still request items through the catalog or by asking a staff member for assistance.

Hang in there – we’re almost done!

Here’s the GOOD NEWS! The Media Services Department is expected to open on Saturday, February 8, with access to DVDs.

The CD and audiobook collection will still be inaccessible to patrons, but can be requested.

We also expect the Youth Services Department to reopen on Wednesday, February 12.

(From the Findlay Fire Department)

This week FFD’s Beth Baker, Hancock County’s EMA Director Lee Swisher, along with Jennifer Shindler and Tony Roth introduced the Kiwanis Club of Findlay to the Roth ID Tags.

Roth ID Tags are designed for children’s car seats.

In the event of an accident, first responders find the tag, attach the tag to the child’s wrists and have instant information on emergency contacts for that child.

For more information, please visit their website: https://rothidtag.com or their Facebook page.

(From Findlay-Hancock County Economic Development)

A committed friendship with Japan begun 40 years ago by Findlay trailblazers has immeasurably enriched and influenced the community we know today.

We are honored to play a role in maintaining and growing this crucial relationship between business, education and government, shared with The University of Findlay and local city and county government.

Please read this historical piece, celebrating 40 years!

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

The Winter Weather Advisory goes from 1 p.m. Saturday until 1 a.m. Sunday.

Mixed precipitation is expected.

Total snow accumulations up to one inch and ice accumulations up to two tenths of an inch.

Drivers should plan on slippery road conditions.

Get the latest forecast and weather alerts here.

(From Findlay Trojan Sports)

Congrats to Jacob Ragland and Addison Kokensparger on signing their National Letters of Intent!

Jacob is heading to the University of Findlay to play football, and Addison is off to Capital University for tennis.

We’re so proud of you both!

Once a Trojan, always a Trojan!

A man arrested in connection with a stabbing in January has been indicted by a Hancock County grand jury.

According to the indictment, David Spiegel is accused of stabbing Gary Spiegel in the head multiple times at a home on Lester Avenue in Findlay on January, 22nd. 

Spiegel is facing a charge of felonious assault, a second-degree felony.  

Gary was transported to Blanchard Valley Hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening, according to police. 

Police also found Kathleen Spiegel deceased on the porch of the home on the same day as the stabbing.

Her cause of death has not been released but police previously said foul play is not suspected.