(From the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall Fostoria Committee)     

The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall will be in Fostoria June 26-30, 2025.

The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall is a 3/5 scale replica of the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall was dedicated on Veterans Day in 1982. Its purpose is honor those who served and sacrificed during the Vietnam War.

The original was designed by Maya Lin. She was 21 years old at the time. Etched into the black granite are the names of more than 58,300 American service members who lost their lives during the Vietnam War. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall is the most-visited memorial on the National Mall in Washington, attracting more than 5 million people each year.

The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall will be at the Fostoria Community Schools, 1001 Park Ave. The Wall’s visit to Fostoria is especially significant as 2025 is the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War. The Traveling Wall is a program of the Vietnam and All Veterans of Brevard in Brevard County, Florida.

The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall will arrive in Findlay early on the morning of June 26, a Thursday. It will leave from Findlay Reineke Ford at approximately 9:00 a.m. It will proceed on South Main St. and turn east on Center St. which becomes Tiffin Ave. then the route goes left onto Fostoria Ave. (State Route 12). It will travel through Arcadia on SR12 and into Fostoria (Lytle St.), taking a left at the Mid-Block, turning west on South St. and proceeding north on North Countyline St. The route will turn left on Park Ave. and on to the Fostoria Community Schools. The public is encouraged to line the route and participate in its arrival in Fostoria.

The Vietnam Wall frequently travels with a motorcycle escort comprised of individual riders and groups like the American Legion’s Legion Riders and the Black Swamp Veterans Motorcycle Club. Event organizers are anticipating an escort of 200 or more motorcycles.

Once the Wall arrives, some two dozen volunteers will assemble its panels. The Wall stands 6 feet tall and measures 300 feet from end to end. The Vietnam Wall in Washington is 493 feet long and 10 feet tall at its highest point.

Event organizers will have a trailer nearby for security volunteers and to serve a first aid station. There will be at least two volunteers working two-hour shifts providing 24-hour security as long as the Wall is in Fostoria. In addition, the Fostoria Police Department will regularly patrol the Wall.

Visiting the Wall can be an emotional experience for Vietnam veterans who lost comrades-in-arms and for family members who lost loved ones. There will be counseling services on site for anyone who needs them.

The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall’s visit to Fostoria is made possible because of the generous support received to date from many Fostoria and area individuals, businesses and organizations, including the Fostoria Amvets Post 69, the Fostoria Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 440, the Greater Fostoria Community Foundation, the Fostoria Eagles Aerie 430, the Fostoria Police and Firefighters Benevolent Funds, and the Fostoria High School National Honor Society.

The amount owed the Vietnam and All Veterans of Brevard to transport the Wall here has been raised. The committee is continuing to raise funds to meet local expenses, including lodging for the individuals accompanying the Wall. In the event that there are unspent funds once the Wall has left Fostoria, those funds will be donated to the Seneca County Honor Bus which is also a 501-c-3 organization.

Also on display will be the Eyes of Freedom traveling memorial. Eyes of Freedom is dedicated to the service and sacrifice of all who have answered our Nation’s call. It specifically honors “Lima Company” from central Ohio. L-Co. lost 22 Marines and one Navy Corpsman in Iraq in a four month period in 2005. Eyes of Freedom also brings awareness to “The Silent Battle,” the struggle many veterans have with post-traumatic stress disorder and the issue of suicide among veterans. It is estimated as many as 22 veterans commit suicide each day.

Opening ceremonies will take place at 4 p.m. on June 26, the day the Wall arrives in Fostoria. The Star Spangled Banner and the hymns of each branch of the service will be performed by the Fostoria Community Band. It is planned that there will also be remarks by local officials and Sgt. Major Steve Kosinski.

(picture courtesy of the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall on Facebook)

CONSTRUCTION 5/27-5/30:

-Broad Ave. will be reduced to one lane in each direction from W. Trenton Ave. to W. Melrose Ave. for resurfacing.

-W. Melrose Ave. will be closed to through traffic from N. Main St. to Broad Ave. for resurfacing.

-East St. will be closed to through traffic from Tiffin Ave. to the Railroad for curb replacement.

-Carnahan Ave. will be closed to through traffic from Tiffin Ave. to the Railroad for curb replacement.

-Scott Ct. will be closed to through traffic from Milton St. to the dead end for curb replacement.

-Allen Ave. will be closed to through traffic from Main St. to Railroad for curb replacement.

-Midland Ave. will be closed to through traffic from Main St. to Railroad for curb replacement.

-Garfield Ave. will be closed to through traffic from Main St. to Railroad for curb replacement.

-Twp. Road 80 (Baseline Rd.) will be closed to all traffic from Springlake Dr. (E.) to Springlake Dr. (W.) for a sanitary sewer project.

-Morrical Blvd. will be closed to through traffic from Logan Ave. to the North Dead End for waterline installation.

Please contact the Engineering Department with questions 419-424-7121.

(From the Findlay Police Department)

The Findlay Police Department invites local families to join them for the annual Bicycle Rodeo, a free community event designed to promote bicycle safety and healthy lifestyles. The event will take place on Saturday, June 7 from 9-11am at the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts. (The rain date will be Saturday, June 14th from 9-11am in case of inclement weather.)

This family-friendly event is tailored for children ages 4–12, but all are welcome to attend. Youth participants will enjoy a variety of fun and educational activities including:

• A light breakfast and live entertainment
• Interactive children’s games and activities
• Exciting prize giveaways
• Bicycle safety stations where children can learn and practice safe riding skills on road and obstacle courses

In addition, the Findlay Police Department will provide free bicycle helmets and licenses, and emergency vehicles will be on display for kids to explore. Local organizations will also be on-site with valuable resources and demonstrations.

“We are proud to host this event each year to help our community’s youth learn the importance of bicycle safety in a fun, engaging environment,” said event coordinator, Ofc. Brian White. “It’s a great way for families to connect with local law enforcement and build lasting safety habits.”

Registration is required and will be available at the event. To avoid lines, families are encouraged to pre-register online at:
https://forms.gle/hVgkquWyH2B2dKFe7

For more information, please visit the Findlay Police Department’s Facebook page or contact the department directly.

(From Findlay City Schools)

We are honored to present the Valedictorian and Salutatorian of the Findlay High School Class of 2025, Daniel Jung and Lilian Perkins.

Daniel and Lilian, this incredible accomplishment is no doubt just one of many that you will proudly claim.

We are so proud of you.

Rally in the Alley is returning.

The popular series put on by the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce begins on Friday, May 30^th.

It is held at Latham Courtyard in the 500 block of South Main Street in downtown Findlay on Fridays from 5 to 8 p.m. from May 30 through July 25.

“Join us for live music, snacks, and libations in downtown Findlay!”

See the full schedule below.

(From Tiffin Police Chief David Pauly)

Today, we listened with full hearts as Officer Doug Skornicka signed off for the final time.

After more than 25 years of dedicated service to the Tiffin Police Department—and with his loyal partner Scout by his side—Doug completed his final radio call, closing a chapter marked by compassion, quiet strength, and unwavering commitment to this community.

Doug joined our department in February of 2000, and from day one, brought a calm confidence and deep integrity to every situation. Among his many contributions, Doug leaves behind a legacy that will endure: becoming the Tiffin Police Department’s very first School Resource Officer. In that role, he was more than a uniform in the hallway—he was a lifeline for students, a source of support, and a trusted adult who always had time to listen. His impact reached far beyond the classroom or school grounds. Doug made a difference in the lives of young people who needed to know someone cared—and he showed up for them, every single day.

And then, of course, there’s Scout. More than just a partner, Scout became a beloved presence in our community. Together, Doug and Scout brought comfort, connection, and the kind of joy only a four-legged officer can deliver. Their bond was unmistakable, and their teamwork, unforgettable.

Today’s final radio transmission was more than a farewell. It was a tribute to a career rooted in service, a celebration of a life lived for others, and a moment that reminded us what true dedication looks like.

Doug, thank you—for your years of service, for the heart you poured into every day, and for the legacy you leave behind. You’ve earned your retirement, and while your watch may have ended, your impact will never be forgotten.

From all of us at the Tiffin Police Department: We salute you and Scout both.

Chief David Pauly

Findlay’s Memorial Day Parade was held on Monday.

People lined both sides of West Main Cross Street as the parade made its way from downtown to Maple Grove Cemetery.

At the cemetery, a service was held at the War Memorial to honor those who gave their lives for our freedom.

You can see video of the parade below.

(From Family Resource Center)

Family Resource Center (FRC), a Findlay-based nonprofit behavioral health clinic, has been named the 2025 Star Organization by the National Training and Technical Assistance Center for Child, Youth, and Family Mental Health (NTTAC). This national recognition honors organizations that model excellence in engaging youth and families, delivering mental health services, and leading collaborative, community-based systems of care.

FRC, a System of Care (SOC) sub-awardee of the Hancock County Board of Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS), was selected for its innovative approach to mental health care, deep engagement with families and youth, and measurable impact across Hancock, Hardin, Allen, and Auglaize counties.

“Family Resource Center consistently goes above and beyond to meet the needs of children and families,” Precia Stuby, Director of the Hancock County Board of Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services, said. “This award recognizes their hard work and dedication to families.”

The award committee highlighted FRC’s:

• Innovative Thinking: Expanding trauma-informed, youth-led services in schools and rural communities. • Cultural Responsiveness: Prioritizing access and support for families from diverse backgrounds.
• Authentic Engagement: Incorporating youth and family voices through peer roles, advisory councils, and program co-design.
• Community Impact: Improving access to care, engagement, and outcomes across the region.

As the 2025 Star Organization, FRC will share its insights and strategies with other providers nationwide through NTTAC’s technical assistance network.

(From the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office)

Sheriff Cortez held a special award ceremony to recognize several of our employees for their outstanding dedication, professionalism, and service. These awards highlight the incredible commitment our team members bring to their roles—often under high-pressure and emotionally charged situations.

-Stork Award – Communications Officer Jenna Huffman

For guiding a caller through an at-home childbirth, providing calm, professional support until help arrived.

-Life Saving Award – Communications Officer Jenna Huffman

For assisting parents with life-saving CPR instructions during a medical emergency involving their 19-month-old child.

-Commendation Awards –

• Communications Officers Myndi Lasley & Heather McGrain
• Detective Aaron Smith

Myndi and Heather ensured emergency services were dispatched quickly and the dispatch center ran smoothly, allowing Jenna to focus fully on critical calls.

Detective Smith was honored for leading a multi-county investigation that resulted in the recovery of stolen equipment.

-Appreciation Awards –

• Sergeant Fred Smith
• Detectives Roger Brown, Robin May & Brad Sealey

These individuals were vital in assisting Detective Aaron Smith with the complex investigation and the successful execution of multiple search warrants. Their teamwork and dedication were essential to bringing the case to resolution.

-OPOTA Certification Recognition –

We also had the pleasure of celebrating six of our Corrections Officers who recently completed the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy (OPOTA) for corrections. Please join us in congratulating:

• Donna Armstrong • John Luna • Mikaela Ricksecker
• Austin Lambert • Derek Presley • Miranda Phillips

We’re proud of our team’s continued commitment to excellence, service, and public safety. Congratulations to all!

(From NAMI Hancock County)

As the end of May nears, NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Hancock County plans to close out Mental Health Awareness Month with a community barbecue.

Organizations including NAMI commemorate May each year as Mental Health Awareness Month nationwide. This year’s theme is “In Every Story, There’s Strength”.

NAMI reports that 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year, with 1 in 20 experiencing serious mental illness each year. Among U.S. youth aged 6-17, 1 in 6 experience a mental health disorder each year. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among people aged 10-14 and the third leading cause of death among those aged 15-24 in the U.S.

In Hancock County, as many as 14,860 residents may be diagnosed with a mental health condition such as bipolar disorder, major depression, schizophrenia or post-traumatic stress disorder.

NAMI Hancock County supports community members living with mental health conditions as well as their families and loved ones. The organization provides support, education and advocacy. While NAMI Hancock County does not provide clinical services, people who need help finding mental health services use the organization as a resource to find more information.

NAMI offers classes and support groups for people living with mental health conditions as well as their family members. All are led by trained facilitators with lived experience with mental health. NAMI Hancock County also acts as a resource for the community as a whole, working to raise awareness around mental health through community presentations and educational sessions at workplaces.

A new support group is designed for survivors of narcissistic abuse or those dealing with any type of toxic or manipulative relationship. This group, which NAMI Hancock County began offering following requests from the community, meets from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on the second and fourth Thursday of each month at 305 W. Hardin St., Findlay.

NAMI Hancock County also provides a space for social activities, such as a craft night held two Fridays each month. Peer-led self-care activities take place from 1:30 to 3 p.m. each weekday, with a different theme each day of the week, such as cards and board games, or walking.

“Human connection is something that we have found to be invaluable,” said Liana Gott, executive director of NAMI Hancock County. “Too many people are isolated, and the programs we offer help them build those social connections. Connection to others is a huge protective factor in suicide prevention as well.”

All NAMI programs are free of charge to participants. The nonprofit organization is supported through grants, donations, and support from the Hancock County Board of Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services.

The organization held its largest annual fundraiser, the annual Color Me Happy Walk, on May 10.

“The Color Me Happy Walk and 5K is more than just a vibrant celebration, it’s a powerful reminder that mental health matters,” said Abbey Will, Board of Directors. “Every step we take together brings hope, raises awareness, and strengthens our community’s commitment to supporting mental wellness for all. This year the walk brought together nearly 700 individuals all in the name of mental health.”

NAMI Hancock County will close out Mental Health Month with its annual “You Belong at NAMI Hancock County” barbecue at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, May 28 at the NAMI Hancock County office, 305 W. Hardin St., Findlay. The event will feature free food, yard games, and activities for children. All ages are welcome.

“While the food is great, this barbecue also serves as an informal, laid-back event to get people into the building to learn about NAMI Hancock County and what free programs we offer to the community,” said Board President Brian White. “It’s also a chance for community members to bond with one another and facilitate connections in our community.”

For more information on programs and activities offered by NAMI Hancock County, as well as opportunities to support the organization’s mission by donating or volunteering, please call 567-301-2101 or visit https://www.namihancockcounty.org/