(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/

(From the Findlay Rotary Club)

At the club’s Wednesday, May 21 meeting, The Findlay Rotary Club presented $50,000 to five local non-profit organizations. This year’s recipients include:

• Findlay Digital Academy: $2,000 for a graduation celebration
• Habitat for Humanity of Findlay/Hancock County: $3,000 for critical home repairs
• City Mission of Findlay: $15,000 for a renovation project at Martha’s Home
• Findlay Hope House for the Homeless: $15,000 for technology upgrades
• FOCUS: $15,000 for a renovation project benefitting local youth

The Findlay Rotary Club’s Forward Fund was established in 1991 to build over the years through donations and bequests. The objective was to build a permanent fund which could make a substantial and lasting contribution to the local community. The Forward Fund is also supported through outright gifts, matching funds, contributions through wills, life insurance gifts, shares of stock and memorials. All contributions to the Forward Fund are tax deductible. To date, The Forward Fund has supported a number of local organizations including Hancock Public Health Foundation Mobile Health Clinic, Hancock County Center for Safe and Healthy Children, Findlay Digital Academy, Blanchard Valley Health Foundation, Miracle League of Findlay, Adopt-A-Door Boot Security System, Children’s Museum of Findlay, University of Findlay, Raise the Bar Hancock County, Findlay Family YMCA and among many others.

The Findlay Rotary Club was founded in 1920 and is a member of Rotary International, an association of Rotary clubs around the world, which today numbers almost 32,000 clubs in over 200 countries. The Rotary Club of Findlay was founded by the city’s leaders in 1920, and continues with the leaders of today.

PHOTO CAPTION: Pictured at the May 21 Findlay Rotary Club meeting are Front row (l-r): Rosemary Rooker, Findlay Digital Academy, Brooke Nissin, FOCUS, Heidi Barilla, FOCUS , Erin Dirksen, City Mission, Sue Lehman, Hope House, Laurie Poland, Hope House, Leah Brant, Findlay Rotary Club President; Second row (l-r): Wendy McCormick, Habitat for Humanity of Findlay/Hancock County, David Alvarado, Findlay Digital Academy, Michael Brand, Findlay Digital Academy

(From the Wyandot County Sheriff’s Office)

The Wyandot County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with the Wyandot County Major Crimes Unit, is actively investigating a suspicious death that occurred on County Highway 9 in Sycamore Township.

At approximately 1:42 a.m. on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, the Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call from an individual reporting that they had struck a body lying in the roadway. Deputies, along with Mohawk EMS and Fire, responded to the scene and located a deceased male in the roadway. The Wyandot County Medical Examiner responded and pronounced the individual deceased at the scene.

The victim was transported to the Lucas County Coroner’s Office for an autopsy. Preliminary findings indicate the victim died as a result of being struck by a vehicle while standing on County Highway 9. These findings, along with evidence gathered by investigators and first responders at the scene, suggest that the victim had been deceased for approximately two hours prior to the 911 call.

Investigators believe two separate vehicle strikes occurred: the first, which resulted in the victim’s death, and a second, post-mortem, which led to the discovery of the body and the 911 call. Surveillance footage from the area captured a single vehicle traveling near the scene at the time of the initial incident.

Detectives have obtained video surveillance showing an SUV or station wagon, possibly light in color, traveling north on State Highway 231 and turning west onto County Highway 9 at approximately 11:34 p.m. on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. This individual may have accidentally struck the victim and left the scene out of fear.

The Wyandot County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in identifying the vehicle or individual involved. Anyone with information—particularly regarding an SUV with damage consistent with this incident sustained around April 22nd—is urged to contact the Wyandot County Sheriff’s Office. Tips can also be submitted via the Wyandot County Sheriff’s Office App.

Chamberlin Hill Elementary sent its 5^th graders out in style with a clap-out.

The 3^rd and 4^th graders lined the sidewalks around the school and cheered, clapped and high-fived the 5^th graders as they walked by.

Family members also joined in on the fun.

Most of the 5^th graders will be attending Donnell Middle School next school year, while some will be attending Glenwood Middle School.

Other FCS schools in the district held clap-outs for their students as well.

In the video of the clap-out below we speak with Principal Melissa Zaciewski about this milestone for the students.

(From the Hancock County Solid Waste Management District)

The Board of Hancock County Commissioners and the Hancock County Solid Waste Management District will be closing the Recycling Hub location during the Memorial Day-Holiday Weekend.

The Recycling Hub, located at 1720 E. Sandusky Street, Findlay, will be CLOSED beginning Friday, May 23rd at 5pm and will reopen Monday, May 26th by 8pm.

This decision was made with ongoing litter and contamination concerns as well as having limited service hours in respect of Memorial Day.

The Recycling Hub will resume collection hours on Monday evening for established recycling donations.

For more recycling locations please visit www.HancockEnvironment.com or follow on Facebook @HancockEnvironment.

(From the University of Findlay)

The University of Findlay’s Mazza Museum will host a hands-on summer STEAM Camp with a theme of “Behind the Byte” from June 9 to 13.

The camp, which runs in conjunction with the Imagination Station of Toledo, encourages students ages 8 to 14 to dive into computers.

“Students will take a computer apart to learn the inner workings, discover block coding, and explore how one ‘bug’ can mess everything up,” explained Amanda Davidson-Johnston, education manager at the Mazza Museum. “Students are more connected to technology than ever before, so it’s important that they understand how their devices work and how to recognize signs of hacking or computer viruses.”

The camp will take place on the University’s campus from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., June 9 to 13. Cost of registration is $200 per child and includes instruction, all required materials, and a STEAM Camp T-shirt.

To register, visit the Mazza Museum’s Events page online at www.mazzamuseum.org/events/. For questions regarding the camp, including scholarships to help with the cost, contact Amanda Davidson-Johnston at 419-434-4777 or send an email to amanda.davidsonjohnston@findlay.edu.

(From Hancock Park District)

Zonta Landing Boat Rentals at Riverside Park will be reopening for the season on Saturday, May 24!

The hours are 1-7 pm on Saturdays, Sundays & Holidays through Labor Day.

Canoes, Kayaks, & Pedal Boats are available for rent at a standard rental fee of $5 per 1/2 hour.

Zonta Landing accepts cash or check only.

For more information, please visit the “Park News” section of our website, hancockparks.com.

(From the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts)

Lilian Perkins has been selected as the recipient of the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts (MCPA) 2025 Youtheatre college scholarship.

Perkins, the daughter of Bryan and Kimberlee Perkins and a 2025 graduate of Findlay High School, plans to attend The University of Kentucky in the fall with a major in chemical engineering. Scholarship recipients are selected based on the level of participation and number of years participating in MCPA’s Youtheatre program. The development of performing arts and technical production skills is also reviewed criteria.

“The Youtheatre program allowed me to connect with close friends that share my same interests. Our special bonds were strengthened by our similar passions and our desire to work towards the goal of creating art.” Perkins said. “The perseverance, patience, discipline, and gratitude that I have learned while part of the Youtheatre program have prepared me to make breakthroughs in higher education. I am forever thankful for the opportunity to be a part of such a special community.”

More than 200 students participate in MCPA’s Youtheatre programming each year through workshops, productions and camps.

For additional information about upcoming Youtheatre programming, contact Craig VanRenterghem, Education Director, at education@mcpa.org.