(From the Findlay Amateur Hockey Association)

We are looking for local businesses and people that have a passion for supporting our local youth athletes.

Hockey Day is the biggest fundraising event for our organization with all money raised being put towards keeping ice fees low, purchasing new gear for our rental program, and scholarships, so all kids have the ability to play regardless of financial situations.

If you would like more information or are interested in donating an auction basket or becoming a sponsor please feel free to reach out.

Sponsors can also use the link below to register, donate, and upload your logo.

Link to Register as a Sponsor:

https://www.findlayhockey.com/hockeyday

The Findlay Water Department is offering some tips on preventing your pipes from freezing during extreme cold in the winter.

Among the advice from the water department is to allow faucets to drip a bit and to keep cabinet doors open to let in some heat.

You can also add extra insulation and apply heating tape. Get more tips in the Facebook post below.

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

 (From Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio)

Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio (MHCO) is pleased to announce its formal affiliation with the Brethren Retirement Community (BRC) of Greenville, Ohio, effective December 31, 2024. This partnership marks a significant milestone in MHCO’s nearly 70-year mission of providing a Christ-centered community that promotes personal decision-making and purposeful living for older adults.

Since its founding in 1955, MHCO has evolved to meet the changing needs of the senior care environment. MHCO offers a wide range of services, including skilled nursing, short-term rehabilitation, assisted living, and independent living, across three Bluffton campuses:
Mennonite Memorial Home, Maple Crest, and Willow Ridge.

Recognizing the importance of sustainability and growth, the MHCO Board of Directors has carefully considered opportunities to strengthen its mission and better serve the community. After years of thoughtful deliberation and collaboration, the Board has determined that affiliating with BRC is the best path forward.

“The five-year relationship (2019–2024) between Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio and Brethren Retirement Community has stood the test of time and unexpected changes in long-term care,” said Elizabeth Kelly, Chair of the MHCO Board of Directors. “Our Board unanimously supports the affiliation and the continuing service of both organizations. We are grateful for a common mission and goals that strengthen us and the communities we serve.”

Founded in 1902, BRC is a faith-based provider of senior housing and care located in Darke
County, Ohio. The affiliation formalizes a relationship that began in 2019 when MHCO and
BRC initiated discussions with a long-term vision of collaboration. In November 2019, BRC
began providing consultation and management services to MHCO, and the partnership has
grown steadily every year.

“For the past five years, Brethren Retirement Community and Mennonite Home Communities of
Ohio have worked closely together to further MHCO’s mission,” said John Warner, President
and CEO of BRC. “This next step in our relationship will help us build upon the foundation
which has been set in place, looking for opportunities to continue to grow and serve in Bluffton
and the surrounding communities.”

Under the terms of the affiliation, MHCO becomes a wholly owned subsidiary of BRC while
maintaining its identity and presence in Northwest Ohio. MHCO will continue to operate as a
410 W. Elm Street • Bluffton, OH 45817
Phone: 419-358-1015 • Fax: 419-358-1919 • Web: mhcoliving.org
separate legal entity, but corporate leadership roles—such as CEO and CFO—will be shared
across the two organizations. This collaboration will enable MHCO to secure better rates for
essential vendor contracts, including food, medical supplies, and insurance, ultimately benefiting
residents and care partners.

Additionally, MHCO’s name, signage, and dedication to the community will remain unchanged.
A newly formed MHCO Mission Board will ensure local support and oversight of MHCO’s
mission within the larger organization.

This affiliation positions both organizations for long-term success and ensures the continued
fulfillment of MHCO’s mission while strengthening the organization’s ability to navigate the
challenges of the senior care environment. Both organizations are excited about the opportunities
this partnership brings and remain committed to serving the residents with excellence for
generations to come.

(From Hancock Leadership)

The Hancock Leadership Class of 2025 announced their class project at the Findlay Hancock County Chamber of Commerce’s Fresh Brewed Business last Tuesday. This year’s class will beautify the area surrounding the Allan H. Davis Judicial Center on West Main Cross Street in downtown Findlay, working alongside the Hancock County Commissioners, Master Gardeners, and RCM Architects.

The announcement was made by class project manager, Wade Hiatt, towards the end of the program. He explained, “Some of the folks coming through these doors are experiencing the hardest moments of their lives and need support. With this project they’ll be able to walk out and at least stop and smell the roses.” He adds that with the generous support of donors and volunteers, this year’s leadership class will be able to transform the public space, improve sustainability, and provide a welcoming atmosphere for all.

Fundraising initiatives are now underway for the project on the Chamber’s website, complete with donor tiers. Money raised will go to support materials, plants and other project-related costs. If you would like to donate, please go to bit.ly/HLspon25

The theme of the project is “Firmly Planted: Honoring the Roots, Resilience, and Growth of Hancock County”. Amber Wolfrom, a member of HL Class of 2025 explained, “We hope to honor the organizations within the walls of the new judicial center by creating a peaceful outdoor space. Roots, resilience, and growth are all words that lend to the mission of the justice system as well as the plants.”

For more information on Hancock Leadership, a program of the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, please email HancockLeadership@HancockCountyChamber.com.

Local Red Cross Director Todd James was on with WKXA’s Rex Howard.

James, the Executive Director of the American Red Cross of North Central Ohio in Findlay, talked about the need for volunteers, becoming a blood donor, and provided an update on the devastating fires in California.

Listen to Rex’s full interview with Todd below.

Findlay Mayor Christina Muryn issued a proclamation declaring January 15, 2025, as Jo Ann Davidson Day in Findlay.

Mayor Muryn invites all citizens to join with her in celebrating the life and service of Jo Ann Davidson, the first, and only woman to become Speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives.

Davidson graduated from Findlay High School in 1945.

She was first elected to the Ohio House in 1980 and became Speaker in 1995 and served in that role through 2000.

Mayor Muryn says Davidson was one of the most effective lawmakers in Ohio history and her grit and determination benefited many.

The University of Findlay held an evening of remembrance and celebration to honor Davidson on Wednesday.

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

Read Mayor Muryn’s full proclamation below or by clicking here.

The Wyandot County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit made an arrest in connection with the theft of thousands of dollars worth of power tools.

The sheriff’s office says deputies responded to an address on State Highway 199 in Upper Sandusky on January 13 about a breaking and entering and learned the tools were stolen.

The sheriff’s office says detectives gathered information about the suspect’s address and vehicle.

Detectives began conducting surveillance on an address in Marion and say they observed a male, later identified as Michael L. Cummings, leaving the residence with several of the suspected stolen tools.

Cummings was detained and detectives searched his residence and found the additional stolen tools, according to the sheriff’s office.

The case will be presented to the Wyandot County Prosecutor’s Office for consideration of charges of breaking and entering and felony theft.  

(From Cory-Rawson Local Schools)

On December 4, 2024, Cory-Rawson Local School District received a bond rating upgrade from Moody’s Investors Service to “Aa3” which is considered “high quality” according to Moody’s methodology. Like a personal credit report, the District carries a bond rating from a bond rating agency to signify the District’s financial, management and demographic strength to investors and potential investors who buy the District’s bonds. The higher the bond rating, the lower the cost of financing.  For comparison purposes, this ranks Cory-Rawson Local School District, in the top 25% of all currently rated Ohio public schools.

Mike Burns, Managing Director at Baird, who served as the District’s bond underwriter commented, “Receiving a rating upgrade in today’s climate is a testament of the administration’s strong fiscal management, hard work and positive momentum at the District. There is a bright future ahead for the students at Cory-Rawson Local School District.” 

In addition to the rating upgrade, the District is also pleased to announce that the Cory-Rawson board of education and administration decided to refinance the Series 2014 Bonds (from the elementary school construction project) which resulted in total interest savings of over $200,000.  Since these are voted property tax bonds being repaid by the taxpayers, 100% of the savings will flow back to the taxpayers during the remaining term of the bonds.

Jay Clark, the Superintendent of Cory-Rawson Local School District stated, “It was important for the administration to take advantage of the current interest rates to generate these strong savings for the taxpayers. Additionally, the rating upgrade to ‘Aa3’ bond rating is something that we are very proud to have achieved. We believe it proves how well the district is financially managed and the many wonderful things going on at Cory-Rawson.”

(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 Liberty-Benton Local Schools)

What an amazing day to be a 4th grader at Liberty-Benton!

Twenty 4th-grade students participated in Round 2 of The Amazing Shake, showcasing their communication and leadership skills with 20 community members.

Through stations, they demonstrated hard work and preparation, and we couldn’t be prouder of their efforts!

In no particular order, congratulations to the top 5 students moving on to Round 3:

Vada Weininger

Stella Singer

Micarah Moore

Dylan Gray

Hudson Matheny

These talented students will compete again on February 21, where we’ll crown the 2025 Liberty-Benton Amazing Shake Champion!

Stay tuned for the excitement!