(From the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and Blanchard Valley Health System)

Blanchard Valley Health System (BVHS) in Findlay has joined The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center’s Heart & Vascular Network. The premier network extends Ohio State’s heart and vascular expertise by providing top-tier cardiovascular care and ensuring patients receive the best possible treatment close to home.

“We have the opportunity to redefine cardiovascular care in our community through a strategic collaboration with The Ohio State University Heart & Vascular Network,” said Myron D. Lewis, MSW, MBA, FACHE, president and chief executive officer of Blanchard Valley Health System. “This new partnership will help us fulfill our mission to bring the best health care and highest clinical expertise to those we serve. The road ahead will focus on expanding cardiovascular services and prioritizing quality care. Ultimately, the vision is to advance teamwork and transform the patient experience.”

Collaboration of the Heart & Vascular Network with partner health systems will extend clinical care, research and education across Ohio. “Ohio State’s Heart & Vascular Center and BVHS have a longstanding relationship, especially in electrophysiology. BVHS is now a core member of the Heart & Vascular Network, marking one of the most comprehensive and exciting collaborations in the Heart & Vascular Center’s history,” said John J. Warner, MD, CEO of The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and executive vice president at Ohio State. “This enhanced collaboration speaks to our shared commitment to meeting the health care needs of all Ohioans while also keeping care close to home.”

The heart program at BVHS will benefit from improved access to specialized care and seamless coordination of resources with Ohio State, Lewis said. BVHS recently renamed its cardiovascular facility the Heminger Heart and Vascular Center, with the full support and generosity of donors Jane and Gary Heminger. The name change reflects the organization’s commitment to advancing cardiovascular care and innovation, ensuring that patients across the region receive the highest-quality treatment.

A family of four was hit by a train on a railroad bridge in Fremont.

The train hit the two adults and two children around 7 p.m. Sunday.

Authorities said the family was from Fort Wayne and was in Fremont on a fishing trip.

The mother, 38, and grandmother, 58, were both killed and a 14-month-old girl was found and life-flighted to a hospital, authorities said.

Authorities were searching for a missing five-year-old girl and have since located the body of the child. 

(picture courtesy of WTOL-11)

The Findlay High School Commencement Ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 24, at 10 a.m.

The ceremony will be held at the University of Findlay’s Koehler Center.

A livestream of the commencement can be seen by clicking here.

(From the Fostoria Police Department)

The Fostoria Police and Fire Departments teamed up with the Fostoria City Schools, Fostoria Chamber of Commerce and The Fostoria Rail Preservation Society, to bring back Safety Town for Fostoria area Preschoolers who will be going into Kindergarten during the 2025-2026 school year. The energetic group got to learn about school bus etiquette, railroad safety, stranger danger/ DARE, fire safety, traffic signals and signs, while also getting to see a police K9 demonstration and touring all the first responder vehicles.

All of the classes and demonstrations were formulated to teach the children about possible situations and encounters they may run into, while traveling on foot or by bike on their way to school or the bus stop; All in order to help them make the best decisions and to keep them safe.

This one-day event ran from 930AM- 2PM, before each participant received their graduation certificate at the end of the day.

A special thanks goes out to the Fostoria Safety Council, Fostoria Learning Center, Fostoria ProMedica Hospital, The Pizzi Family Fund (grant), Burrow’s Screen-printing, Beyond Laser Creations, Fostoria Pizza Palace, and everyone who worked at the event and made this all possible.

Thanks for such a great day!

Chief Wedge and Chief Root

(From Cory-Rawson Local Schools)

Cory-Rawson Elementary School hosted families on Friday, May 16, 2025 for its second annual “Habit Hop”.  The purpose of this event is to connect with our families and community while sharing and reinforcing the seven habits that are the foundation of the school’s Leader in Me initiative.  

The event began with a picnic lunch at which families enjoyed the beautiful weather and outdoors.  Later in the day, families made their way through seven stations, one of each of the habits. 

The habits include:  Being proactive; beginning with the end in mind; putting first things first; thinking win-win; seeking first to understand; then be understood; synergizing; and, “sharpening the saw”. 

There was an activity at each station to reinforce the habit and families were assisted by staff and high school student volunteers.

Our “Habit Hop” was planned by the staff Lighthouse Team with assistance from our student Lighthouse Team.  Thanks to The Findlay-Hancock Community Foundation for their support of this event.

(From the Tiffin Police Department)

The Tiffin Police Department is currently investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash that occurred earlier this (Monday) morning at the intersection of W. Market Street and Benner Street.

Preliminary information indicates that a motorcycle, occupied by a driver and an 18-year-old passenger, was traveling eastbound on Market Street when it collided with a vehicle traveling northbound on Benner Street. The impact resulted in a serious crash.

Tragically, the 18-year-old passenger on the motorcycle was declared deceased at the scene. The driver of the motorcycle sustained critical injuries and was transported by Life Flight to a Toledo-area hospital. The driver of the other vehicle did not sustain any visible injuries and was evaluated and treated at the scene by the Tiffin Fire/Rescue Division.

At this time, details surrounding the circumstances of the crash remain limited. The identities of those involved are being withheld pending family notification and further investigation.

The Tiffin Police Department is conducting the investigation with assistance from the Ohio State Highway Patrol. Further updates will be provided as additional information becomes available.

Chief Pauly

(From the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library)

This summer, families across Findlay are invited to join Summer Connect, a new initiative bringing free, family-friendly events to local neighborhoods—right where people live, play, and gather.

Building on the success of a 2024 pilot event, Summer Connect 2025 is expanding to seven events in parks and community spaces throughout the city. Designed to reach families, these events aim to connect community members with vital local resources, all while enjoying fun, engaging activities for all ages.

Summer Connect isn’t just about fun—it’s also about well-being. Thanks to a strong partnership with Hancock Public Health, each event will feature a mobile health clinic offering free health screenings to attendees. These screenings include blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen level, and Hemoglobin A1c checks—vital tools for early detection and health awareness.

The City of Findlay Parks and Recreation Department is also bringing their “Keep Active, Keep Healthy” initiative to Summer Connect. This program is designed to make physical activity fun, easy, and accessible for all ages by providing opportunities to participate in games, sports, and active play. Whether it’s tossing a ball, trying a new sport, or enjoying playground fun, families will be encouraged to move, laugh, and stay active together.

“Summer Connect is about bringing the heart of our community into neighborhoods,” says Kristy Szkudlarek, Read for Life Coordinator. “We want to make it easy for families to access important services while enjoying a morning of games, crafts, and connection. These events are completely free and open to everyone—no registration required—because every family deserves a chance to learn, play, and feel supported right where they live.”

Event Schedule:

• • June 5 | Bernard Park | 1105 Bernard Ave. | 9 AM – 12 PM

• • June 10 | West Park | 1425 Byal Ave. | 9 AM – 12 PM

• • June 24 | The Family Center | 1800 N Blanchard St. | 9 AM – 12 PM

• • July 8 | Emory Adams Park | 1827 S Blanchard St. | 9 AM – 12 PM

• • July 10 | Riverside Park | 231 McManness Ave. | 9 AM – 12 PM

• • July 15 | East Branch YMCA | 1400 Manor Hill Rd. | 9 AM – 12 PM

• • July 17 | Gateway Church | 620 N Main St. | 9 AM – 12 PM

Each event will feature booths and activities from local organizations, giveaways, crafts, games, and more. Children and families can explore services offered by nonprofits, city departments, and community agencies in a welcoming and relaxed environment.

Organized by: The Findlay-Hancock County Public Library, Hancock Public Health, City of Findlay Parks & Recreation, and a host of committed partners working together to promote wellness, education, and belonging across Findlay. Other community agencies include: Help Me Grow, CASA, Head Start, Family and Children First Council, Awakening Minds Art, Hancock Historical Museum, HHWP Community Action Commission, Children’s Mentoring Connection, Women’s Resource Center, YWCA Child Care Resource, Hope House, WBGU-PBS, and more.

For more information, visit findlaylibrary.org or follow the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library on social media for updates.

(From the Fostoria Police Department)

The Fostoria Police Department is currently investigating an incident where a male and female were found deceased in a hot tub.

The hot tub was located inside the residence.

The deceased have been taken to the Lucas County Coroner’s Office for further investigation.

A press release will be issued once an official cause of death has been determined, as several issues may have played a role in this accident.

A request by One Power Company for the Hancock County Board of Elections to delay certifying the results of the Allen Township zoning plan that voters approved in the Primary Election pending the court’s final decision on the company’s challenge to the issue has been denied by a judge.

One Power Company previously said the ballot language was misleading and the zoning plan singles out the company and would “stifle future expansion/business opportunities in Allen Township.”

The ballot language stated that the zoning plan would establish Allen Township as an agricultural district.

One Power will still try to prevent the zoning plan from being implemented, and a new pretrial hearing is set for Monday afternoon with Hancock County Common Pleas Court Judge Jonathan Starn. 

(From the Findlay Rotary Club)

Paige Ouwenga has been selected as the 2025 recipient of the Richard E. “Dick” Daugherty Scholarship. Ouwenga is a 2025 graduate of Findlay High School and is the daughter of Karen Ouwenga. She plans to attend Kent State University in the fall to pursue a degree in Communications/Broadcasting.

During high school, she earned a place on the Distinguished Honor Roll and was actively involved in the Findlay High School choir, as well as the bowling and gymnastics teams. She also dedicated time to volunteering with the Miracle League.

The Richard E. “Dick” Daugherty Scholarship fund was endowed by The Findlay Publishing Company and the Findlay Rotary Club in 2004 in honor of Daugherty, who passed away in 2008. He had spent more than 50 years with the company. Daugherty had been recognized as “Mr. Findlay Rotary.” Dick was the first recipient of the Findlay Rotary Lifetime Achievement Award. The award has since been named the Richard E. Daugherty Lifetime Achievement Award. The Richard E. “Dick” Daugherty Scholarship is designated for students studying art, including graphic design, music, dance, theatre or speech (broadcasting).

Anyone wishing to contribute to The Richard E. “Dick” Daugherty Scholarship Fund may contact The Community Foundation at 101 West Sandusky Street, Suite 207 Findlay OH 45840 or call (419) 425-1100.

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.