All posts by Matt Demczyk

James Koehler Passes Away

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.

BVHS: Pet Therapy Improves Mental And Physical Health

(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.

Blanchard Valley Center Earns Another 3-year Accreditation

Blanchard Valley Center, the Hancock County Board of Developmental Disabilities, has earned another 3-year accreditation from the state.

The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities conducts a review once every three years to determine compliance with state laws.

The accreditation team reviews the board’s policies and procedures including how well they provide support to people in Hancock County with developmental disabilities.

“A 3-year accreditation awarded by the state is a direct reflection of our continued efforts to exceed expectations set forth by state standards,” said Nadine Weininger.

Nadine added that one thing she believes they do exceptionally well is identifying the evolving needs of the population they work for and adapting as warranted.

Blanchard Valley Center serves people with developmental disabilities from birth through their entire lives.

Blanchard Valley Center is located at 1700 East Sandusky Street in Findlay.

Ohio’s 2025 Fair Schedule Released

(From the Ohio Department of Agriculture)

Ohioans can start planning visits to all of their favorite fairs across the state. The Ohio Department of Agriculture has released the official dates for the 2025 fair season, which includes Ohio’s 94 county and independent fairs and the Ohio State Fair.

The Paulding County Fair will kick off the 2025 fair season on June 7, and the season will wrap up on October 11 with the Fairfield County Fair.

The Putnam County Fair will be held from June 23 – June 28 in Ottawa.

The Hancock County Fair will be held August 26 – September 1 in Findlay.

For the complete schedule, click here.

In addition to setting and approving the dates for the independent and county fairs, the department is responsible for helping to assure the safety of fair amusement rides, monitoring livestock shows to help assure honest competition, and coordinating animal health efforts with local veterinarians.

Seneca County HVAC Project Almost Finished

(From Seneca County)

Since he first took office, Seneca County Sheriff Fredrick Stevens has focused on renovating the jail and improving conditions for inmates. Extensive work throughout the jail created a healthier and more professional environment. Among many other projects, workers painted walls and replaced carpets, and exercise bikes and bigger televisions were added to the jail blocks.

One of the biggest obstacles Stevens faced was aging boilers that made heating the building difficult. The problem was addressed when the Seneca County Commissioners approved funding for an energy efficiency improvement project at the jail, which included the purchase of new boilers and new air handlers. The HVAC project began late last summer.

“This provides everything needed for heating and air-conditioning in the building, every day, 24/7,” Sheriff Stevens said.

The new boilers were scheduled to be installed first, to prepare the jail for the winter months, and then the air handlers were to be added, along with a remotely controlled operating system that would allow the jail’s maintenance supervisor to monitor and adjust temperatures off-site.

The original September completion date for the boilers was pushed to mid-October by the contractor, which subsequently pushed back the installation date of the air handlers. Currently, the boilers are installed, but installation of the air handlers is incomplete. Until the air handlers and remote control project is completed, the maintenance supervisor must adjust temperatures inside the jail manually.

Over the Jan. 4 weekend, an equipment problem caused the temperature to drop to a low of 66 degrees in one block. The boiler never quit working, and no part of the jail was without heat during the entire weekend. Throughout the months-long HVAC replacement project, the heat in the jail was only off once. During the first week of October, the jail was temporarily without heat, but the temperature in the block never dropped below 65 degrees.

The National Institute of Corrections requires an active response, such as issuing extra blankets to inmates, when the interior temperature drops below 68 degrees. During the heating issues over the Jan. 4 weekend, the lowest registered temperature was 66 degrees in the one affected block, just two degrees below the requirement. All jail inmates in the affected block were offered an extra blanket.

Because the heating problem was confined to only one block and only two inmates complained of being cold, jail staff did not believe the issue justified contacting maintenance. Had they done so, the maintenance supervisor would have willingly traveled to the jail to address the problem, just as he has done on many weekends and holidays.

“Our maintenance supervisor comes on weekends and holidays when needed. He is very dedicated,” Sheriff Stevens said.

When the maintenance supervisor arrived at the jail on Monday morning, he was soon able to address the problem and raise the temperature to 70 degrees, and the jail has experienced no further heating problems. On Jan. 6 and 7, temperatures inside the various blocks were 70 degrees or higher.

Once the contractor finishes the air handlers project and the remote system is in place, the maintenance supervisor will be able to monitor and adjust every block’s temperature remotely.

“After the air handlers are installed, we shouldn’t have any issues,” Stevens said.

Compassionate and responsible leadership has epitomized Sheriff Stevens’ term in office. He said he has worked hard the past four years to improve infrastructure and cleanliness at the jail, as well as the way his staff interacts with the public.

“As sheriff I take my responsibility seriously as I preach to my staff that every traffic stop or call for service on the road, every phone call answered by dispatch or staff, and every inmate in our jail should be treated like a family member of ours because it can be one of our family members,” Sheriff Stevens said.  “We have to have empathy and understand that we are charged with their health and welfare. That keeps me up at night.”

Opportunity To Support LB Student-Athletes

(From Liberty-Benton Local Schools)

Join us Friday, March 28 at 6:00 p.m. for the Reverse Raffle presented by the Liberty Benton Athletic Boosters!

This is a great opportunity to support our student-athletes and enjoy an evening with the LB community.

Details are in the attached flyer. #WeAreLB

Former ODH Director Dr. Amy Acton Running For Governor

(ONN) – Former Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton has entered the 2026 Ohio governor’s race.

Acton, a Democrat, is mostly known for her work during the COVID-19 pandemic when she gave daily coronavirus briefings alongside Governor Mike DeWine.

In a statement, Acton cited her being a doctor and not a politician as a reason why she would be good for this role. 

“I solve problems by bringing people together, regardless of party to find solutions,” Acton said.

Dr. Acton is the third person to announce their desire to run for governor.

Lt. Governor John Husted and Attorney General Dave Yost, both Republicans, are also running.

University Of Findlay To Celebrate The Life And Legacy Of Jo Ann Davidson

(From the University of Findlay)

The University of Findlay invites you to an evening of remembrance and celebration to honor the remarkable life and legacy of Speaker Jo Ann Davidson, the first female Speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives.

This special gathering will take place on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the CBSL building on the University of Findlay campus, located at 301 Davis Street, Findlay, Ohio.

The event will be held in the Oxley Lobby and the Jo Ann Davidson Leadership Room (130/132).

The evening will include light refreshments and an opportunity to learn more about her extraordinary contributions and dedication to leadership. 

The reception is being hosted by the Hancock County graduates of the Jo Ann Davidson Leadership Institute and The University of Findlay.

For additional information and to RSVP, please visit the following link: https://oilers.findlay.edu/pages/jo-ann-davison-evening 

Findlay Bans Homeless Camps On Public Property

(WTOL-11) – The City of Findlay has passed an ordinance to deal with a homelessness crisis in the city and get people the help they need.

Officials in Findlay say homelessness is on the rise across the city, and Hancock County, saying it’s at some of the highest levels in history.

In response, the city has passed an ordinance that restricts camping on public property, a move that they argue will help connect people to shelter and services.

“We want to make sure that we are taking care of folks that are unhoused in our community,” said Mayor Christina Muryn.

“Our goal is not to put people in jail, our goal is to connect them to resources to get them into a better spot.”

Drug Task Force Executes Search Warrant, Arrests Two Men

(From the Seneca County Drug Task Force)

On Monday, January 06, 2025, Seneca County Drug Task Force-METRICH Enforcement Unit, along with additional Officers from the Fostoria Police Department and the Hancock County Drug Task Force, executed a search warrant on a residence located at 1240 N. Countyline St. (upstairs apartment), in the City of Fostoria, Seneca County, Ohio, that being the residence of Tristin Conley and Christopher Pryor.

The search warrant signed by Judge Damon Alt, Seneca County Common Pleas Court, led to the confiscation of suspected Crack Cocaine, suspected LSD, Criminal Tools, a “sawed-off” shotgun, Drug Paraphernalia & US Currency.

Arrested were Tristin Conley, 23 YOA, Fostoria, Ohio, for Tampering with Evidence and Having Weapons Under Disability and Christopher Pryor, 32 YOA, for Permitting Drug Abuse and possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Additional charges of Trafficking Crack Cocaine, Possession of Crack Cocaine, and Possession of LSD are pending at the conclusion of the entire drug investigation. Conley and Pryor are being held at the Seneca County Jail pending further court proceedings.

“Crack Cocaine abuse is associated with both violent and income-generating crimes. And over the years, it has certainly negatively impacted our community. The residence has been under investigation for quite some time, and I’m pleased to see the conclusion of the investigation by shutting the place down. And, of course, removing another firearm from the criminal’s hands!”……Chief Gabriel Wedge, Fostoria Police Department, said.

I would encourage citizens to continue reporting suspicious activity to their local agencies or the Seneca County Drug Task Force – METRICH Enforcement Unit Crime Hotline at Local 419-443-0463, ext: 1140