(From Habitat for Humanity of Findlay-Hancock County)

Habitat for Humanity of Findlay/Hancock County’s Financial Opportunity Center (FOC) will host a Bridges Out of Poverty Workshop on Saturday, March 22 from 8:30 am to 3 pm at its offices at 1200 Commerce Parkway, Findlay.

Bridges Out of Poverty is a nationally recognized, comprehensive approach to understanding the dynamics that cause and perpetuate poverty in our community. While the workshop is free and open to the public, seating is limited to 50 participants. Anyone interested in elevating others in our community will benefit from this training.

“Bridges is one of those rare courses that can benefit all of us,” says Dustin Fuller, Manager of the Financial Opportunity Center. “It provides insights that continue to influence my work and strengthen my relationships with families each and every day, helping me to build empathy and awareness of the challenges faced by individuals in poverty, rather than placing blame.”

The workshop, co-sponsored by the Findlay/Hancock County Community Foundation, focuses on educating participants about the dynamics of poverty through the lens of economic class, all with the goal of developing strategies to help people move out of poverty.

During the session participants will receive materials, tools and resources to empower a community that strives to:

• alleviate and prevent poverty
• revitalize neighborhoods
• strengthen education and job skills
• encourage and support individuals to seek self-sufficiency
• reduce costs related to crime and poor health
• enhance economic development

To register, contact Kris Lowry at Habitat for Humanity at 419-429-1400 x6. Check-in begins at 8:00 and the workshop begins at 8:30.

(From the Navy Office of Community Outreach)

Petty Officer 3rd Class Gabriela Hailey, a native of Findlay, Ohio, serves aboard USS Abraham Lincoln, a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier operating out of San Diego, California.

Hailey graduated from Findlay High School in 2020.

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Findlay.

“Two lessons I learned from my hometown were to always be accepting of others and to respect their opinions,” Hailey said. “In the Navy, there are people from all over the world and I have to be accepting of them so we can work together and accomplish our missions.”

Hailey joined the Navy four years ago. Today, Hailey serves as an aviation boatswain’s mate (handling).

“I joined the Navy because I had no idea what I wanted to do after I graduated high school,” Hailey said. “However, I always knew I wanted to see the world. So, when the Navy recruiters came to my school and told me about all the experiences they’ve had, I realized the Navy was exactly what I wanted to do for my life.”

Aircraft carriers are the centerpiece of America’s Naval forces. For more than 100 years, they have projected power, sustained sea control, bolstered deterrence, provided humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and maintained enduring commitments worldwide.

According to Navy officials, aircraft carriers are versatile and have unique mission capabilities that make them a more strategic asset for the Navy than fixed-site bases. They are often the first response in a global crisis because of their ability to operate freely in international waters anywhere on the world’s oceans. In addition, no other weapon system can deploy and operate forward with a full-sized aircraft carrier’s speed, endurance, agility and combat capability of its air wing.

The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.

According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”

With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.

Hailey has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy is being nominated for my department for Junior Sailor of the Quarter,” Hailey said. “I am proud of this because I worked hard for the last four years to earn all the qualifications I need. Even if I don’t win for the command, it is okay because I’m just glad my division acknowledged my hard work.”

Hailey serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.

“Serving in the Navy means that I am part of something bigger than myself and that I have a whole world of opportunities ahead of me,” Hailey said.

Hailey is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible. “I want to thank my family for supporting me in every way possible these last four years,” Hailey added.

(From the Fostoria Police Department)

On 03/05/2025, the Fostoria Police Department arrested Xavier M. Craddolph, 18 YOA; In connection with the shooting incident at 310 S. Poplar St in Fostoria that occurred on Sunday, February 23rd, 2025, at approximately 0430 hrs.

Through further investigation of the incident, Fostoria Police Detectives were able to determine that Mr. Craddolph brought the firearm to the location of the shooting, encouraging the actions of the shooter, and then later disposed of the weapon.

Mr. Craddolph has been charged with Complicity, ORC 2923.03(A)(1), a Felony of the Second Degree. Other charges are pending at this time, based on prosecutor review. Mr. Craddolph is currently being held in the Seneca County Jail.

Police Chief Gabe Wedge

Fostoria Police Department

(From the Ohio Department of Transportation)

We are currently accepting applications for our 2025 Paint-the-Plow contest.

We’ve already received several applications from area schools, but we’re looking for yours.

Applications will be accepted through March 14.

Learn more and download an application here: https://www.transportation.ohio.gov/…/odot-district-1…

(From Findlay City Schools Orchestra)

A huge congratulations to Isaac Weese for winning the Toledo Symphony Orchestra’s 2025 Young Artist Competition.

Isaac is a junior at Findlay High School.

He is co-concertmaster of the FHS Symphony Strings and a member of the Findlay String Factor.

He has participated in OMEA Northwest Regional Orchestra (and was concertmaster of the group this fall) and OMEA All-State Orchestra for three years.

As a winner of this competition, Isaac will have the honor of performing his selection–Mendelssohn Violin Concerto E Minor OP.64 – 3rd mov. – with the Toledo Symphony on March 15 @ 2 p.m. in the Toledo Museum of Art Peristyle.

You can get tickets to this event here: https://www.artstoledo.com/…/young-artist…/245/ 

(From the Hancock County Veterans Service Office)

The upcoming Veterans Empowerment Spring Fair for Veterans provides an opportunity for area veterans, and their families and friends, to learn about local resources, helpful organizations, and employment opportunities.

The event will be held on March 8 on the campus of Owens Community College from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. inside the Community Education & Wellness Center.

A range of resource organizations will have information booths with representatives available to tell visitors about their programs in areas ranging from wellness and finances to home/environment, growth, and life resources.

We will kick off the event with Coffee and Donuts from Fort Findlay. Our meal sponsor, Details Auto Spa, will be providing Lunch.

There will be a performance from Guitars for Vets – Findlay Chapter Band “A.W.O.L.”

The Veterans Empowerment Fair is open to the public. This free event is proudly sponsored by Rate, a Fremont-based mortgage and loan company with locations in Findlay. Rate is a trusted USO partner and VA loan expert.

For more information, visit hancockveterans.com or CALL 419-424-7036.

(From the Seneca County Drug Task Force)

On March 4, 2025, the Seneca County Drug Task Force – METRICH Enforcement Unit, along with additional Officers from the Fostoria Police Division, attempted to stop a vehicle occupied by William “Billy” North in the front passenger seat and driven by David Helms Jr. out of Findlay, OH for a traffic offense. The suspect’s vehicle led officers on a short pursuit before stopping in a nearby alley, at which time William North fled from the front passenger seat of the vehicle on foot. North was eventually located in a nearby residence and suspected crack cocaine was located in his coat pocket. Also, located in the passenger door of the vehicle was a large amount of suspected cocaine.

The investigation led to an application for a search warrant which was executed at 345 W Lytle St, Fostoria Motel, Rm 14, Fostoria, Seneca County, Ohio. The search warrant was signed by Judge Damon Alt, Seneca County Common Pleas Court, which led to the confiscation of additional criminal tools and two firearms. One of the firearms was found to be stolen out of Allen County.

Arrested was William R. North, 38 YOA, Fostoria, Ohio for Obstruction of Official Business. Additional charges of Weapons Under Disability, Criminal Tools, and Trafficking in Cocaine a Felony of the Second Degree are pending on William North upon conclusion of the entire investigation. Also charged was David L. Helms Jr., 39 YOA, Findlay, Ohio for Failure to comply with order or signal of Police Officer.

“The immediate apprehension by our Officers was instrumental to the success of this investigation. The Task Force was receiving a lot of drug intelligence on that specific location reporting suspected drug activity for some time. We will continue to utilize all of the resources we have available to pursue these individuals who continue to poison our city. Today’s search warrant on this location and the apprehension of the suspects involved send a clear message that this activity is not welcome in this community!” Chief Gabe Wedge, Fostoria Police Division 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

(From the Black Swamp Area Council)

The Black Swamp Area Council of Scouting America is proud to announce its annual “Scouting for Food” initiative, a council-wide service project aimed at addressing hunger in our local communities. This year’s event is scheduled over two consecutive Saturdays:

Saturday, March 1, 2025: Scouts distribute door hangers in neighborhoods to inform residents about the upcoming food drive.

Saturday, March 8, 2025: Scouts will return to collect donated canned goods and non-perishable items for those that received a door hanger only,  delivering them to local food banks and pantries Please have your food out by 9am.

“A Scout promises ‘to help other people at all times.’ There is no better way to show our Scouting spirit than by participating in the annual Scouting for Food drive,” said Marc Kogan, Scout Executive of the Black Swamp Area Council. “This initiative exemplifies the Scouting values of being loyal, helpful, kind, and cheerful.”

For the 2^nd year in arow Chief, Community Markets and Great Scot Community Markets are serving as the sponsors of the Black Swamp Area Council’s Scouting for Food drive. 

Community members are encouraged to participate by filling a recycled grocery bag with canned goods and placing it on their doorstep for collection on March 8. This collective effort not only provides essential support to those in need but also instills a sense of responsibility and leadership in participating Scouts.

Scouting for Food is part of the national Scouting America program, “Good Turn for America,” and stands as the organization’s leading service initiative.

For more information or to get involved, please contact Marc Kogan at Marc.Kogan@scouting.org or (419) 422-4356.

About Black Swamp Area Council

Scouting in the Black Swamp Area Council began in 1915 when the Scouting program was introduced to the young people of West Central and Northwestern Ohio.  The council serves the counties of Allen, Auglaize, Defiance, Fulton, Hancock, Hardin, Henry, Mercer, Paulding, Putnam, Seneca, Van Wert and Williams.  The Black Swamp Area Council has two unique and outstanding outdoor leadership centers, Camp Lakota in Defiance and County Camp Berry in Hancock County.

Scouting provides the adventure of camping, hiking, and outdoor fun while using these outdoor educational programs to teach personal responsibility, citizenship, character development, achievement of specific goals and service to others.  The Scout Oath and Law provide the foundation of the Scouting movement.

More than 5,000 individuals are participating in the local programs of Cub Scout, Scouts BSA, Venturing, Explorers, and/or adult volunteers.  They are served by the Black Swamp Area Council living out the Scout Oath and Scout Law one Scout at a time.  For more information about finding Scouting near you, visit www.BeAscout.org or call (419) 422-4356.

(From the Ohio Department of Transportation)

We are excited to announce that the Wyandot U.S. 23 reimagined rest areas are now OPEN!

These brand-new facilities provide an enhanced experience for all visitors, featuring universal changing stations, vending machines, covered picnic areas, paved walking paths, and expanded truck parking.

As you’re traveling Ohio, The Heart of it All, remember to check out our rest area map to better plan your visit:

https://www.transportation.ohio.gov/traveling/rest-areas

(From Blanchard Valley Center)

Jackson and his parents accepted the city proclamation from Mayor Muryn and council members designating March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.

Representing BVC, Jackson is an intern through our Project LIFE program that offers life skills education, along with 10-week work rotations for young adults ages 18-25.

The Project LIFE team and Jackson’s parents have expressed the tremendous growth he has exhibited since he started.

He has gained experience in a variety of industries and we can’t wait to see where his future takes him!

As always, we appreciate the continued support from our community.

Thank you for seeing the VALUE people with developmental disabilities bring to the table.