(From the Hancock Historical Museum)

The Hancock Historical Museum invites the public to its upcoming Brown Bag Lecture presented by Eastman & Smith LTD. at 12 p.m. Thursday, April 3, 2025.

The featured presentation, “Unnatural Ohio: A History of Buckeye Cryptids Legends & Other Mysteries,” will be delivered by authors Kristina Smith and Kevin Moore.

As a child, Smith read every book on the Loch Ness Monster she could find at the Defiance Public Library.

Since then, she has been interested in cryptids, the paranormal and unexplained phenomena.

Moore has been writing since he was eight years old, pecking away on his mom’s typewriter.

He enjoys reading and writing fiction.

Moore decided to pivot his life toward studying history professionally about 10 years ago.

He now gets to research, preserve and share history as the curator of artifacts at the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums

The lecture will last approximately 45 minutes to an hour, with ample time for questions and discussion.

Guests are encouraged to bring their own lunches to enjoy during the program.

Admission is free for museum members and $3 for non-members.

The Brown Bag Lecture Series takes place on the first Thursday of every month at the Hancock Historical Museum, located at 422 West Sandusky Street in Findlay.

Each lecture highlights topics of historical and cultural significance to Hancock County and Ohio.

(From The Hancock County Parkinson’s Network)

The Hancock County Parkinson’s Network is now accepting grant applications from individuals, nonprofits, and agencies in Hancock County for projects, programs, and initiatives that align with its mission of providing education, resources, and support to individuals and caregivers affected by Parkinson’s disease.

Grant funding of up to $5,000 per entity is available for initiatives that aim to make a positive impact in the local Parkinson’s community. A total of $10,000 is available for this grant cycle. Applications must be completed online via the Hancock County Parkinson’s Network website at hcparkinsonsnetwork.org/grants. The deadline for submission is June 1, 2025, and award decisions will be communicated to applicants by July 31, 2025.

Grant recipients will be required to use the funds within one year and provide a report on the outcome of their project, detailing whether objectives were met.

For more information or questions regarding the grant application process, visit hcparkinsonsnetwork.org/grants.

Contact:
Hancock County Parkinson’s Network
founder@hcparkinsonsnetwork.org

International Night at the University of Findlay will be held on April 10^th from 5 – 8 p.m. at the Koehler Center Sports Complex.

The event, which is open to the public, is an evening of creative cultural exhibits, performances, and food from around the world.

The event celebrates our community as we get to share things like food, items, and performances from all the various places we’ve come from.

Some of the countries/states represented include India, Ghana, Ohio (shredded chicken sandwiches!), and of course, Japan!

There will be free foods, prizes, and some stellar performances from our students and community members.

(From Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio)

On May 31st 2025, Mennonite Memorial Home will proudly celebrate 70 years since welcoming our first resident, Mrs. Susan Good, in 1955. Since that historic day, our home has been a pillar of compassionate care and faith-based support, providing a welcoming environment for seniors in Bluffton and beyond.

Established in 1955, Mennonite Memorial Home is a nonprofit senior living community in Bluffton, OH, dedicated to providing high-quality care in a faith-based environment. Founded on the values of faith, dignity, and service, Mennonite Memorial Home has grown from a single residence to 3 thriving senior living communities that make up Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio (MHCO). MHCO offers independent living apartments and villas, assisted living apartments, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation services across our three campuses- Mennonite Memorial Home, Maple Crest, and Willow Ridge. Over the past seven decades, we are honored to have touched countless lives, fostering a legacy of warmth, comfort, and quality care.

Today, Mennonite Memorial Home provides short-term rehab, long-term health care, assisted living apartments and independent living villas serving hundreds of both long- and short-term residents every year. The elders that we have the honor of caring for receive not only the high quality, specialized care that we are known for, but have the opportunity to engage in activities, dining services, spiritual support, and more. To learn more about any of the campuses of Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio or to request a personalized tour, please call Shelby Cole at 419-358-1015 ext. 265

(From Findlay Municipal Court)

The Findlay Municipal Court will once again be conducting its 8th Annual Safe Surrender Day on April 7, 2025 from 9:00am – 4:00pm in conjunction with Second Chance Month.

April is Second Chance Month, which aims to inform and highlight the many opportunities for state and local governments and community-based service providers to build meaningful second chances for our community members.

Over the past seven years, the court has cleared over 600 bench warrants and assisted over 500 individuals to clear up their legal issues.

Safe Surrender Day has been a great success for the court, law enforcement and the community by reducing the number of active bench warrants issued to area law enforcement and affording offenders a chance to address their legal issues without immediately going to jail.

Individuals with active FINDLAY MUNICIPAL COURT bench warrants who report to the Court on that day will not be arrested and will work with designated court staff to clear their warrants.

Some examples include:

-Individuals who failed to attend a court hearing will be seen by the Judge, Magistrate or court staff that day.

-Individuals who failed to perform community service will be reassigned to a work location. If the individual missed a community service contempt hearing, the hearing will be conducted to and the person will be permitted to reschedule their community service;

-Individuals who did not complete counseling for mental health or substance abuse will be allowed to re-engage in treatment.

-Individuals who did not attend a status conference will meet with a magistrate or court staff to review their financial ability to pay outstanding fines and to establish a new payment plan;

-Individuals who did not report to serve a jail sentence will be issued a new date to report;

Staff from the City of Findlay Law Director’s Office will be available along with staff from the Hancock County Public Defender’s Office to meet with their clients. Upon reporting to the Court on Safe Surrender Day, the warrant will be lifted and recalled from law enforcement.

This is a one day only event. The Court currently has over 2800 active bench warrants. Individuals who are unsure if they have an outstanding bench warrant can view a list of active Findlay Municipal Court warrants at:

https://xfoien2k.findlayohio.gov/Warrants/Active

Appointments are preferred but walk-ins are also accepted. To schedule an appointment or for more information call the Clerk’s office at 419-424-7141.

(From the Findlay Police Department)

In memory of fallen Bluffton Police Officer Dominic M. Francis, mourning bands will be worn all day by all sworn Findlay Police Officers on Monday, March 31, 2025 from 0001 hrs. until 1159 hrs.

Officer Dominic Francis was struck and killed by a vehicle while deploying spike strips near mile marker 142 on southbound I-75 at about 2:30 A.M. on March 31, 2022. Troopers with the Ohio State Highway Patrol had started pursuing the vehicle on State Route 15 after attempting a traffic stop. The vehicle fled onto I-75 and reached speeds exceeding 130 mph before striking Officer Francis. The three occupants of the vehicle then fled the scene on foot. All three were taken into custody over the next 10 hours. The driver was sentenced to 21 years in prison.

Officer Francis served on the Findlay Police Department from September 5, 2006 to December 2, 2008 and the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office before joining the Bluffton Police Department; where he served the community for eleven years.

Officer Francis had served in law enforcement for 19 years. He is survived by his wife, son, and daughter.

A stretch of I-75 that runs through Bluffton was renamed the Officer Dominic Francis Memorial Highway. Signs are located at mile marker 139 Northbound and 143 Southbound.

(From Open Arms Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Services)

In honor of National Sexual Assault Awareness Month this April, Open Arms is reaching out to local businesses for support in displaying free informational clings throughout the community. These clings will provide important details about the services Open Arms offers and includes a QR code for discreet access to connect to Open Arms advocates and services.

Ideally, they can be placed on the top or bottom corner of any public or employee bathroom mirrors. This location provides an opportunity for individuals to access critical information about the resources available in a safe and confidential manner. By supporting this effort, you can help empower individuals to seek assistance while maintaining their privacy.

If you would like to participate and receive informational clings for your business, please reach out to Roseanna Thornton at rthornton@openarmsfindlay.org or call 419-420-9261 ext. 0242. We appreciate your willingness to join us in spreading awareness and ensuring that all survivors know they are not alone.

Open Arms provides vital services to individuals affected by domestic violence and sexual assault. Last year, Open Arms provided a total of 9,964 individual services. For more information about Open Arms, please visit our website at openarmsfindlay.com or contact our 24-Hour Crisis Hotline at 419-422-4766.

(From the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts)

The Marathon Center for the Performing Arts (MCPA) is excited to announce the return of its popular Food Truck Wednesdays, happening the first Wednesday of each month from April through September. From 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM, visitors can enjoy a variety of delicious food truck offerings in the heart of downtown Findlay.

Food Truck Wednesdays at MCPA offer a fantastic opportunity for community members, downtown employees, and visitors to enjoy a diverse selection of local cuisine. Guests can choose to dine indoors in MCPA’s comfortable, climate-controlled lounge or take advantage of outdoor seating to enjoy their meal in the fresh air. Each month features a rotating lineup of food trucks, serving everything from savory meals to sweet treats.

To stay up to date on which food trucks will be participating each month, guests are encouraged to follow MCPA on social media. Updates and announcements will be posted regularly on Facebook.

“We are thrilled to bring back Food Truck Wednesdays and create a fun, social atmosphere where people can gather, enjoy great food and spend time in downtown Findlay,” said Kelda Heitkamp, Outreach Coordinator for MCPA. “It’s a fantastic way to support local businesses and enjoy the summer months.”

For more information, visit MCPA’s website or check out their social media pages. Mark your calendars and make plans to join MCPA for lunch!

(From the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office)

Over the next week we will be posting the 4 office staff members, who were chosen by their peers, for the 2024 Employee of the Year in each of the below categories:

-Corrections Officer of the Year
-Civilian of the Year
-Dispatcher of the Year
-Deputy of the Year

-Sheriff Stevens

—————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Corrections Officer Brice Logan named 2024 Corrections Officer of the Year
By Sheri Trusty, Public Relations/Community Engagement Coordinator

When Corrections Officer Brice Logan arrives to work at the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office each day, he doesn’t just trudge through a checklist of duties until it’s time to leave. He does everything he can to help those around him, whether it is his fellow employees or the inmates under his care. For him, being a corrections officer is more than a job. It is a way to make a difference in the lives of others.

C/O Logan’s dedication was recognized when he was selected by his peers for the Corrections Officer of the Year Award for 2024. Seneca County Sheriff Fredrick Stevens presented C/O Logan with the award on March 24.

“I was surprised to get it,” C/O Logan said. “It means a lot. I don’t like the spotlight. I just do the work.”

C/O Logan’s hardworking attitude is one of the reasons his peers chose him for the award. The nomination forms were filled with comments about his work ethic. His peers said C/O Logan, “never sits down, constantly keeping himself busy with work that needs to be done;” “assists wherever needed without complaint;” and “gets what needs to be done and then works on stuff for the next shift.”

His peers called him a team player and said he continually helps others, takes pride in his work, and cares about the quality of work he performs.

Sheriff Stevens told C/O Logan that his efforts don’t go unnoticed.

“Your can-do attitude, work ethic, and teamwork are something to be admired by other corrections officers,” Sheriff Stevens wrote in C/O Logan’s award letter.

C/O Logan’s accomplishments and commitment to the job take on greater significance because he has been in law enforcement less than two years. He spent much of his adult life working in local factories before accepting the position of corrections officer at the Seneca County Jail.

C/O Logan’s grandfather had a career as a police officer is South Bend, Indiana. Although his grandfather passed away before C/O Logan was born, he was connected to that heritage.

“My grandfather was a police officer, and I thought I would give it a try,” C/O Logan said.

He is glad he did. He found a career that gives him enjoyment and fulfillment, and he plans to stay in law enforcement for the rest of his life.

“I have no regrets,” he said. “I like the work, and I like this job because of the other corrections officers. It’s like being in a family with them.”

Working in corrections brought a lot of new experiences into C/O Logan’s professional life. The job has a strong mental element, he learned about other cultures by working with ICE inmates, and he gained a fresh perspective about jail operations.

“It gives you a good chance to know how the inside of the jail works because a lot of people don’t know,” he said.

Being a corrections officer also gave his life added purpose. As he works with inmates, he has the chance to offer advice and encouragement.

““I like to think that I’m trying to make a difference, that I’m helping put them on a different path,” he said.

Seeing some people return to the jail again and again can be discouraging, but he keeps giving advice, knowing it takes just one day for a person to start a new life.

“You can feel a little defeated, but you still try to help them,” he said.

C/O Logan’s peers honored that compassion and dedication when they chose him as the 2024 Corrections Officer of the Year.

“Everyone is very encouraging,” he said. “We always have each other’s backs, always.”