(From the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library)

The Findlay-Hancock County Public Library is celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the collaboration between Hancock County and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. A special 10th anniversary celebration is scheduled at the library on November 16 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

The library’s Brittany Lutes was on with WFIN’s Chris Oaks to discuss the program and how they’ll be celebrating the 10th anniversary.

Dolly Parton launched the program in 1995 originally to benefit the children in her home county in Tennessee. Her vision was to foster a love of reading and encourage early literacy among children from birth to age 5 and their families by providing them with the gift of a specially selected book each month mailed directly to their home. Since then, the program has gifted over 240 million age-appropriate books for children in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, and Ireland.

The program was originally established in Hancock County by Hancock Literacy, previously the Literacy Coalition of Hancock County, in 2014. In 2022, the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library assumed administration of the program. Since the program’s inception in 2014 in Hancock County, over 255 thousand books have been mailed to our county’s children. Currently, there are over 2,500 children in the county registered for this program.

Brittany Lutes, Children’s Services Manager, is excited for the celebration saying, “There are few programs as well-loved as Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, with its commitment to ensuring children everywhere have access to high-quality books in their homes. We are proud to be celebrating ten years of its success in Hancock County with a day of fun for kids both young and old. Whether you are currently enrolled or a former graduate, there is little doubt that we all love Dolly and her books. We hope families will enjoy spending some time at the library celebrating the program and this important milestone with us!”

Please join us on November 16 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library. We will have exciting storytimes, crafts and activities, and an extra special guest, Llama Llama.

Mark your calendar for this milestone celebration and bring your camera for a fun picture with this beloved storybook character.

(From LGBTQ+ Spectrum of Findlay)

LGBTQ+ Spectrum of Findlay has announced that Kaleidoscope Youth Center (KYC) – Ohio’s largest and longest-serving organization solely dedicated to supporting LGBTQIA+ youth and young adults – will formally extend their mission into Findlay and Northwest Ohio.

This expansion will build upon the vision of LGBTQ+ Spectrum of Findlay, while partnering with the community to explore what’s possible moving forward.

“Since our founding in 2010, Spectrum has been committed to working towards a more inclusive, welcoming community here in Northwest Ohio,” says Spectrum’s Board President.

“This passing of the torch will help us build on the momentum that Spectrum started. KYC’s entrance into Findlay and the surrounding areas ensures our community will continue with the support and services it deserves.”

KYC Findlay is an important milestone for the LGBTQIA+ community in Northwest Ohio. With a youth-informed, youth-led and youth inspired approach, the team is excited to connect with young people, their families, and providers in the area.

KYC Executive Director, Erin Upchurch, MSSA, LISW-S, expressed excitement about bringing the organization’s values of safer spaces, affirmation, and belonging to the region.

“We are very grateful for this opportunity to formally partner with the community in this way. We look forward to building support, resources, and connections with youth, young adults, and the community at large in service of creating a safer, kinder, and more affirming world.”

The KYC and LGBTQ+ Spectrum of Findlay teams are in close collaboration, with a shared commitment of ensuring continued support to the community.

About Kaleidoscope Youth Center –

Kaleidoscope Youth Center (KYC) is Ohio’s largest and longest-serving organization in Ohio solely dedicated to supporting LGBTQIA+ youth ages 12 – 24.

Services include a Drop-in Center, community education and training, advocacy and civic engagement, health and wellness programs, and housing opportunities.

For more information on Kaleidoscope Youth Center, please visit [https://www.kycohio.org/].

(From Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio)

Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio (MHCO) is thrilled to announce the success of its 3rd Annual Gala, held earlier this month. MHCO’s Gala is a fundraising event to benefit the Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio Benevolent Care Fund, which provides support to care for older adults who have outlived their resources. With the theme of “Boots and Bandanas,” the event brought together more than 130 guests for a memorable evening of fun and philanthropy. Attendees enjoyed a live auction, a silent auction, raffle prizes, and a special appeal from our Chief Operating Officer, Daren Lee, who introduced our Resident Wish List, which includes items that will enrich the lives of our residents in meaningful ways.

The Resident Wish List items include a Tovertafel Sensory Table, a large iPad, porch furniture, activity boxes, a hug bear, and vital sign monitors. These contributions will support our mission of creating a caring, enriching environment for all who call MHCO home.

Lee commented, “The Boots and Bandanas Gala was a great evening of fun and fellowship. It was humbling to again experience the outpouring of community support. The financial gifts given before and during the event were blessings to MHCO. The funds raised from the Gala are helping further our work toward growing our Benevolent Care fund to help us provide care to Elders who have outlived their financial resources. We are already looking forward to our next event which is only a year away!” The 4th Annual MHCO Fall Gala is planned for Thursday October 9, 2025.

The event raised nearly $48,000 that will benefit the Benevolent Care Fund and help purchase items from the Resident Wish List. Thanks to the generosity of everyone involved, MHCO is excited to continue enhancing the lives of our residents and fostering a warm, vibrant community. Together, we have proven that with shared commitment and compassion, we can create meaningful, positive change.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to our many generous sponsors, dedicated staff, MHCO residents, local businesses, organizations, and volunteers who made this event possible. This success would not have been possible without the support of our sponsors, including Plante Moran, Water Equipment Company, Hometown Pharmacy, Select Rehabilitation, Citizens National Bank, First National Bank, Lorinda Smith/Smith Realty Professionals, Chiles Laman Funeral Home, McGohan Brabender, First Mennonite Church, GROB Systems, Wellman Services, Armor Fire Protection, Heritage Veterinary Clinics, County Electric, Jennings Paint, Family Eye Care Clinic – Bluffton, Putnam County HomeCare and Hospice, Basinger Plumbing & Heating, Bluffton Paving, Inc., Bluffton Stone Company, Ottawa Eagles #2234, Dale’s Concrete & Decorative, Rick Clark Financial, Everence Financial, Innovative Office Solutions, Croy’s Mowing, Lincare, PSA 3 Agency on Aging, and numerous other anonymous donors.

We would also like to thank our emcee and auctioneer for the evening, Greg Denecker. He did a fantastic job of keeping our guests entertained and ready to bid!

And of course, we would like to thank all of those who attended the event, who bid on auction items, and who purchased raffle tickets in support of our mission. More pictures from this event can be found on our Facebook.

The Bluffton, Pandora and surrounding communities have continued to show their support and generosity to our mission for over 69 years. MHCO’s Mission Statement is, “We are dedicated to being a Christ-centered community that promotes personal decision making and purposeful living for each older adult served.” If you or your organization are interested in sponsoring or providing prizes for next year’s Gala, please contact Ryan Gathard at 937-683-6540 or at ryan.gathard@bhrc.org

Tuesday, November 5^th is Election Day and some of the local races and issues include the Findlay City Schools 1 percent earned income tax levy. The school district has said, if the levy is not approved, a first phase of immediate reductions will need to be implemented, and continue into the next school year.

The race for the 83^rd District of the Ohio House of Representatives is between Republican Ty Mathews and Democrat Sheila Coressel, after Mathews defeated incumbent State Rep. Jon Cross in the GOP primary in March. The 83^rd Ohio House District includes Hancock County, Hardin County and a portion of Logan County.

The race for Hancock County Common Pleas Court Judge is between Phil Riegle and Alex Treece.  The winner will replace retiring Judge Reginald Routson.  

For the first time in a long time, Hancock County will have a new sheriff as Mike Cortez is running uncontested after winning the GOP primary back in March.

Cortez will take over as Sheriff from the retiring Michael Heldman who has been Sheriff since 1997 and with the sheriff’s office since 1972.

At the state level, Ohioans will decide on Issue 1, which if approved by voters, would remove politicians from the redistricting process and create an independent commission in an effort to eliminate gerrymandering and draw fairer districts.

The most expensive U.S. Senate race in the country is in Ohio between incumbent Democrat Sherrod Brown and challenger Republican Bernie Moreno.

In Putnam County, voters will be deciding on a renewal of a tax levy for mental health, alcohol, and drug addiction treatment and prevention services, as well as a tax levy renewal for operating expenses for the county 911 system.

Click here for a full list of issues and races in Hancock County, here for Putnam County, and click here for the Ohio Secretary of State’s website.

Polls will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Election Day. 

The OHSAA high school football playoffs continue on Friday with a trio of games on your local radio stations.

Liberty-Benton (10-1) will play at Liberty Center (11-0) on WFIN.

Ottawa Glandorf (6-5) will play at Shelby (11-0) on 106.3 The Fox.

McComb (8-3) will play at Sycamore Mohawk (9-2) 100.5 WKXA.

All games are on Friday November 8^th with a 7 p.m. kickoff.

(From the Findlay Police Department)

In memory of fallen Findlay Police Officer Frank L. Arthur, mourning bands will be worn all day by all sworn Findlay Police Officers on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, from 0001 hrs. until 1159 hrs.

Police Officer Arthur was killed in an automobile accident on Lima Ave. while on duty on November 5, 1934.

He was the driver of the vehicle that struck a tree by Morrical Boulevard in West Park.

Two others in this vehicle were seriously injured in this crash; including Constable Carl Carlin.

We remember Police Officer Arthur for his ultimate sacrifice for the safety and protection of citizens in the City of Findlay, OH.

(From the Ohio Department of Transportation)

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is funding a student-led Safe Routes to School (SRTS) project at the Liberty-Benton Academic Complex.

“The initiative and dedication shown by these students is truly remarkable,” said ODOT District 1 Deputy Director Chris Hughes. “We are thrilled to see their efforts and active engagement rewarded, as they strive to create lasting improvements in their community. Their outstanding achievement serves as a powerful example of the profound impact a committed group can have,” said Hughes.

Applying for a SRTS grant is an extensive process not commonly undertaken by students, but by school districts, local governments, regional transportation planning organizations, or community-based organizations.

The project consists of constructing a multi-use concrete path beside the Liberty-Benton schools. The path will be located along County Road 9 and State Route 12 and will include a pedestrian crossing on County Road 9 at Early Drive. The SRTS grant will provide $462,945. Construction is planned for the summer of 2025. 

The students plan to apply again in 2025 for funding to extend the sidewalks to the nearby neighborhoods down Sandusky Street. 

A seventh-grade writing assignment that challenged them to consider what they would like to change in the world sparked the inspiration for pursuing the project. The students wrote a letter to Mayor Christina Muryn and County Engineer Douglas Cade about their idea to place sidewalks from Liberty-Benton’s K-8 school to Oakwoods Nature Preserve and Litzenberg Memorial Woods on U.S. 224. 

Cade met with the students to help their ideas come to fruition. He guided them through the development process and informed them about the SRTS program. To match their project to the grant guidelines, they condensed their plan to connect the neighborhoods around the school.

The SRTS application requires a demonstration of community engagement and support for the project. To gain support, the students organized encouragement activities within their community. They held a coloring contest with the elementary students, a door-decorating contest, and a walk-a-thon, during which students walked a combined 534 miles.

The students gained valuable skills throughout the process while making a difference in their community.

“It helped us with our communication and public speaking,” said Bekah Mast, Liberty-Benton freshman. “Especially intergenerational communication. Students wouldn’t usually talk to the superintendent very often. This project pushed us to talk to adults more,” she said.

The students behind this initiative will have progressed to tenth grade by the time the first phase is completed and may not see the project’s full fruition. Nevertheless, the students remain undeterred in their enthusiasm and commitment.

Liberty-Benton freshman Liz Niese explained, “Even if we are not going to be around to use them, it is still betterment to our community and leaving a mark on our school.”

The SRTS program provides resources, technical assistance, and funding to enable students to get to and from school safely. Funds are available for infrastructure projects within two miles of schools serving K-12 students. Projects are selected based on their ability to demonstrate improved connectivity, safety, demand, and need. Within the $500,000 limit, ODOT will reimburse up to 100% of eligible costs for all phases, including preliminary engineering, detailed design, right-of-way, construction, and construction engineering. Visit Safe Routes to School (SRTS) | Ohio Department of Transportation to learn more about the program.

(From the Findlay Police Department)

An unknown male caller contacted the Veterans Crisis Line on Friday, November 1^st advising that he was at the entrance of Northview Primary School with a rifle.

The school was notified and immediately initiated a lockdown.

Officers from the Findlay Police Department responded and cleared the entire interior and exterior of the school.

It was determined that this call was a hoax and similar calls were made to other Veterans Crisis Lines across the United States.

The Findlay High School Ice Hockey team is excited for the upcoming season.

The team held a Blue & Gold inter-squad game at The Cube and that’s where we caught up with Head Coach Ben Patey and asked him how the team is looking so far.

Coach Patey said they’re definitely looking to avenge the loss to Bowling Green in the playoffs last season.

The team has some scrimmages scheduled ahead of their season opener Friday night, November 15^th against Newark at The Cube.

Keep up with the happenings of the hockey team by following their Facebook page below.

(From the City of Findlay)

The City of Findlay will offer a bulk trash drop-off for Findlay residents from Saturday, November 2, to Saturday, November 9, 2024. Hours are 8am-7pm or until full on weekdays and 8am-3pm or until full on Saturdays.

Dumpsters will be at the Public Works Department, 330 N. Cory St. where city residents may dispose of unwanted debris.

Hazardous materials, commercial tires, concrete, appliances and electronics will not be accepted. Proof of residency or ID may be required.

The city will accept noncommercial vehicle tires. The tires must be off of the rim. Proof of residency in the City of Findlay and/or ID will be required.

Please note that it is illegal to transport more than ten scrap tires at any time without obtaining a registration certificate from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency per ORC 3734.83.