
Category Archives: Local News


Millstream Career Center Receives $100K Donation From Marathon
(From Findlay City Schools)
Millstream Career Center announced that it has received a $100,000 donation from Marathon Petroleum Corporation to The Stream STEM Center. This contribution will empower the advancement of cutting-edge technologies and innovation in the fields of engineering, robotics, and manufacturing, enabling students to explore career paths in high-demand industries. The Stream STEM Center is a hub of creativity and learning, dedicated to equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape. With this donation, the center will enhance its facilities, acquire state-of-the-art equipment, and expand its educational programs.
“At Marathon Petroleum, we are committed to investing in the future of our communities,” said Ashley Goecke, Community Relations Representative at Marathon Petroleum. “By supporting The Stream STEM Center, we are helping to prepare the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers who will drive progress in engineering, robotics, and manufacturing.”
The funds will be used to bolster hands-on learning opportunities for students, including access to advanced robotics systems, engineering tools, and manufacturing technologies. These resources will provide students with real-world experience and foster a passion for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) careers.
“We are incredibly grateful for Marathon Petroleum’s generosity and belief in our mission,” said Pam Hamlin, Director of Millstream Career Center. “This donation will make a significant impact on our ability to inspire and prepare students for success in technology-driven industries.”
Marathon Petroleum’s donation underscores the company’s commitment to thriving communities and workforce development. By investing in The Stream STEM Center, Marathon Petroleum is helping to bridge the gap between education and industry, creating a brighter future for students and the local workforce. For more information about The Stream STEM Center at Millstream Career Center, please contact Pam Hamlin at phamlin@fcs.org.
Marathon Petroleum Corporation (MPC) is a leading integrated downstream energy company, specializing in refining, marketing, and transportation of petroleum products. With a strong commitment to sustainability and community engagement, MPC strives to make a positive impact in the areas where it operates.
Millstream Career Center is dedicated to providing students with exceptional career and technical education opportunities. Through innovative programs and partnerships with industry leaders, the center prepares students for success in today’s competitive job market.

FHCPL Refresh And Layout Changes Underway
(From the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library)
Library Refresh Update!
The Library Design Team is getting started!
They’ll begin by moving items away from the walls in all areas and then focus on reorganizing collections in Youth Services.
The paint crew will also kick off their work. Starting today (Monday), Youth Services, Media Services, and the current Genealogy area will be off-limits to patrons, but don’t worry—staff will still have access to these collections and can retrieve items for you upon request.
A temporary service point for Media/Youth Services will be set up near Circulation.
Thank you for your patience as we work to bring you a brighter, better library!

Nonprofit Leaders Earn Nonprofit Management Certificate
(From the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation)
Congratulations to the following local nonprofit leaders for receiving their Nonprofit Management Certificate through The Center for Nonprofit Resources: Teresa White (Fort Findlay F.O.P. Lodge # 20), Erin Dirksen (City Mission of Findlay), Dustin Fuller (Habitat for Humanity of Findlay, Ohio) and Emily Sulivan (Awakening Minds Art)!
The Foundation offered this course at no cost to these nonprofits as part of the Organizational Strengthening Individual Professional Development Fund.
Learn more here: https://www.community-foundation.com/…/organization…/ipd.

Wind Advisory Issued
Findlay and Hancock County are included in a Wind Advisory issued by the National Weather Service.
The Wind Advisory goes from 10 a.m. Monday until 1 a.m. Tuesday.
Forecasters say winds of 25 miles per hour will gust up to 50 miles per at times.
Unsecured objects will blow around and some tree limbs could come down, resulting in a few power outages.
Get the latest forecast and weather alerts here.

Liberty-Benton Accepts Invite To Join Northern Lakes League
(From Liberty-Benton Local Schools)
Liberty-Benton Local Schools is excited to announce that it will join the Cardinal Division of the Northern Lakes League (NLL) starting in the 2026-2027 school year. This move follows a thorough exploration of options to ensure the district’s athletic programs continue to thrive in a competitive, balanced, and geographically reasonable conference.
Liberty-Benton has been a proud member of the Blanchard Valley Conference but has sought a new home that better aligns with its needs. Finding a suitable conference has been a significant challenge due to limited openings in leagues that include schools of similar size, competition, and reasonable travel distances.
The Northern Lakes League, which is expanding to include Liberty-Benton, features two divisions based on enrollment: The larger Buckeye Division, and the smaller Cardinal Division. Currently the divisions are as follows:
Buckeye: Anthony Wayne, Findlay, Northview, Perrysburg, Whitmer (exception in football which also includes Springfield)
Cardinal: Bowling Green, Napoleon, Clay, Fremont Ross, Southview, and Springfield for all sports except football.
Liberty-Benton has enjoyed competing against many NLL schools in non-conference play in multiple sports over the past few years. As an NLL member, Liberty-Benton will compete in the smaller Cardinal Division.
“This is an exciting opportunity for Liberty-Benton,” said Superintendent Bruce Otley. “Liberty-Benton has been competing against many NLL schools as non-conference opponents over the past several years. Joining the Northern Lakes League will provide excellent competition for our student-athletes while maintaining manageable travel times. We are grateful for the invitation to join the NLL and look forward to building strong relationships within this new league.”
Liberty-Benton fondly reflects on the history and traditions shared within the member schools of the Blanchard Valley Conference. While this transition marks a new chapter, the district remains committed to fostering exceptional opportunities for all students—both on and off the field.

FPD: Trespassing Suspect Leads Police On Pursuit
(From the Findlay Police Department)
Officers were dispatched to 1434 Tappan St. around 0338 hrs. on January 26 for a report of a criminal trespassing in progress.
The caller advised the suspect, Brooklin Gelbaugh (22 yoa) was already issued a trespass warning for the property and had driven there in a red Subaru Legacy.
Officers arrived on scene and advised Brooklin had left the residence.
Around 0350 hrs. officers located the red Subaru traveling away from the area.
A traffic stop was attempted on the vehicle at Lima Ave and S. West St. Brooklyn refused to stop.
Officers began pursuing the vehicle traveling north on S. West St, west on W. Main Cross St, and then north on I-75.
The pursuit reached speeds of 130 plus miles per hour and multiple traffic violations were observed during the pursuit.
Officers lost visual contact with the Subaru near exit 171 and the pursuit was terminated.
A short while later the Ohio State Patrol located the Subaru traveling southbound on I-75 and conducted a traffic stop near mile marker 175.
Officers arrived at the traffic stop and took Brooklin into custody for Failure to comply with the order or signal of a police officer, a felony of the 4th degree.
Charges are also being submitted for a criminal trespass and criminal damaging offenses that occurred at 1434 Tappan St.

UPDATE – Liberty-Benton Invited To Join Northern Lakes League
UPDATE – Liberty-Benton has accepted the invitation and will be joining the Northern Lakes League.
The Northern Lakes League has announced that Liberty-Benton has been invited to join the NLL.
The Eagles would begin competing in the Cardinal Division of the NLL during the 2026-27 season.
The Northern Lakes League says it looks forward to hearing back from Liberty-Benton soon to formally accept the invite.
Get more from the NLL in their post below.

Marathon To Host 2025 Annual Meeting Of Shareholders
(From Marathon Petroleum Corporation)
Marathon Petroleum Corporation has announced that its annual meeting of shareholders will take place on April 30, 2025, at 10 a.m. ET in a virtual-only format via live webcast.
Shareholders of record as of March 3, 2025, are entitled to notice of and to vote at the annual meeting.
The company’s proxy statement will include additional information regarding how shareholders may access and participate in the virtual annual meeting.

Hancock County Parkinson’s Network Holding Empower Walk
(From the Hancock County Parkinson’s Network)
The Hancock County Parkinson’s Network will host its second annual Empower Walk on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 50 North, located at 339 E. Melrose Ave. in Findlay. The event aims to bring the community together to empower individuals affected by Parkinson’s disease and their caregivers while raising funds to support the organization’s mission.
The Empower Walk offers an opportunity to raise awareness of Parkinson’s disease, foster connections, and provide support to those impacted by the condition. The event will feature resource tables, a “Walk in My Parkinson’s Shoes” symptom simulation, and opportunities to hear firsthand experiences from individuals living with Parkinson’s.
This year, participants are encouraged to sign up as a team and fundraise through an online platform. Teams can raise funds to benefit the Hancock County Parkinson’s Network, and the top fundraising team will receive a special award at the event. While teams are invited to attend the walk, participation in fundraising efforts does not require attendance.
“We’re thrilled to expand our fundraising efforts this year and make it easier than ever for participants to raise funds through our new peer-to-peer fundraising platform,” said Barb Matheny, founder of the Hancock County Parkinson’s Network. “By signing up as a team, you can make a meaningful impact while supporting those living with Parkinson’s disease.”
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, April 26, 2025
Time: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Location: 50 North, 339 E. Melrose Ave., Findlay, Ohio
How to Participate:
Register a team: Sign up online and start fundraising today.
Make a donation: Support the cause by donating to a team or directly to the organization.
Join the walk: Fundraising teams are invited to participate in the walk and activities on April 26.
Attend the Resource Fair: This free event will feature a variety of vendors providing information and resources to attendees.
For more information, to register, or to make a donation, visit HCParkinsonsNetwork.org.
About Hancock County Parkinson’s Network
The Hancock County Parkinson’s Network supports individuals living with Parkinson’s disease and their caregivers through education, resources, and community awareness. Through events such as the Empower Walk, the organization aims to provide empowerment, raise awareness, and improve the quality of life for those affected by Parkinson’s.