(From the Findlay Family YMCA)

Findlay Family YMCA’s Early Learning Center (ELC) groundbreaking ceremony, held Sept. 9, proved to be an “awwww” inspiring experience, with some of the youngest Child Development Center students turning the first ceremonial shovelfuls of dirt where their new center will be built. 

The $10 million, 20,500-square-foot center is expected to open by early fall 2025. It represents the first phase of a transformative two-phase Stronger Together Capital Campaign centered on community partnerships, growth, and enhanced well-being.

At the ceremony, high expectations and excitement were directed toward the future ELC.

CEO Stephanie Parsons told the crowd that the ELC will serve as the ultimate launching pad for the children who will benefit from its many services.

“At our current learning center across the street, we’ve incorporated a program for school-age children called the ‘Heroic Journey,’” Parsons explained. “Using pop culture references and characters like superheroes, these lessons empower students to overcome adversity to become the best people they can be. Qualities such as empathy, resiliency, and creating a healthy personal identity are emphasized. Students are taught how to stand up for themselves, for their values, and for each other. I believe the new ELC will be the superhero for the kids in our community.”

Findlay Family YMCA Board of Directors President Matt Hull characterized the groundbreaking as “a truly exhilarating milestone for the YMCA and for our cherished community. “This new childcare center will be more than just bricks and mortar; it will offer a nurturing, state-of-the-art environment meticulously designed to foster learning, growth, and development. Every corner of this facility will be crafted to provide a safe, engaging, and enriching experience for our youngest members,” he said.

“There is a ‘C’ in YMCA,” noted Irvin Reinhart, principal and president of RCM Architects, the Findlay-based firm that designed the ELC. “We don’t go to too many ceremonies that touch on our most important thing. We’ve done lots and lots of projects that are iconic to Findlay, Ohio. The best part of it is getting to work with leaders and visionaries who truly inspire us and our designs.”

Richard Kirk, CEO of ACI Construction Company, Inc., offered two key promises: “Every person working on this project will know who the client is,” he said, referring to the region’s children; and “I guarantee you this project will be completed on time and within budget.”

“I am so excited for our children,” said Kari Redman, YMCA child development district director. They deserve a safe, exceptional space that offers them more opportunities and accommodation. They truly are deserving and destined for greatness.”

Findlay Mayor Christina Muryn noted that “accessible, affordable and high-quality childcare” is the city’s top priority. “We’re raising perhaps the next mayor or perhaps the next president of the United States,” she pointed out, and added she is looking forward to seeing the “ripple effects” of the ELC on the community. “The work is certainly not done. This is just the beginning,” she said.

Ohio Rep. Jon Cross, who has championed education and government funding for it throughout his years of elected office, said “Findlay is a first-class community, and it is deserving of a first-class YMCA. I wish you nothing but great success.”

Brian Treece, Ph.D., president and CEO of the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation, said “the YMCA Early Learning Center is an example of the power of partnerships. Public, private, and philanthropic dollars all coming together to support a project that will have a profound impact on our community for generations.”

To follow ELC construction progress and to give to the Stronger Together Capital Campaign, visit the Y’s website at www.findlayymca.org and go to the “Capital Campaign” tab.

(From the Findlay Police Department)

You may have noticed that our uniforms look a little different.

Recently the FPD has added a Class B uniform consisting of cargo-style pants, a moisture-wicking shirt, an exterior vest, and an optional ball cap.

This new uniform will be the daily uniform worn by our officers, with the traditional uniform reserved for court appearances and dress occasions.

(From Raise the Bar Hancock County)

Raise the Bar Hancock County® announces the release of a new video series spotlighting in-demand education and human service careers in Hancock County. This initiative continues Raise the Bar’s effort to enhance workforce development and support local talent in pursuing rewarding careers.

The video series provides a close-up look at the opportunities available within several people-oriented sectors.

Each video aims to inspire and inform students, job seekers, and community members about the careers that are essential to the county’s growth and prosperity.

Area Employers and Professions Spotlighted: 1. Findlay Family YMCA Early Learning Professionals 2. Findlay City Schools K-12 Paraprofessionals 3. Millstream Career Center Instructors 4. Findlay-Hancock County Public Library Youth and Adult Learning Staff 5. Family Resource Center and Hancock County Job and Family Services Case Managers

“Our community’s best asset is our people,” says Tricia Valasek, Raise the Bar’s executive director. “Taking the time to develop people from infancy through adulthood is one of the best investments we can make. It’s imperative that we continue to create awareness and fill a pipeline of individuals who can take on this rewarding task. It is because of this demand that we focused our initial these five targeted careers.”

Each video in the series features local professionals in the field, offering viewers a glimpse into the daily responsibilities, challenges, and rewards of these careers. The videos also provide information on the education and skills required, potential career growth, and the impact these roles have on the community.

“Supporting our children is vital for the growth and prosperity of our community. Childcare workers are truly the workforce behind the workforce,” shares Kari Redman, the Findlay Family YMCA Childcare Development Center Director.

Raise the Bar highlighted the YMCA’s childcare team in one of their videos because of the growing demand for early learning/childcare options in the community. Valasek points out that the YMCA, like other licensed facilities in Ohio, requires specific staff-to-child ratios depending on age.

“Adding spots for infants, toddlers, and school-aged children requires our childcare facilities to hire more trained and qualified staff. We need to build this career sector quickly.” The video series is available on Raise the Bar’s YouTube channel (@raisethebarhancockcounty7737).

Raise the Bar also intends to release individual videos on its social media platforms and to the schools for use with their career programming.

(From the University of Findlay)

New leaders are taking the helm this fall for the University of Findlay’s Town & Campus group – one of the oldest organizations at the University, promoting student success and goodwill among campus and community members.

Town & Campus started in 1960, when O.J. Wilson, president of then-Findlay College, organized a women’s auxiliary to serve as a liaison between the college and community.

The group hosted teas and offered bridge lessons for female students. Within a year, the women began raising money to support Findlay students with scholarships and emergency loans.

Today, 64 years later, Findlay Town & Campus enjoys a long history of supporting a variety of UF programs and scholarships. The organization is no longer just for women, but open to all. In 2009, they endowed a scholarship in honor of the organization’s 50th anniversary. Members also participate in campus activities such as International Night, a Thanksgiving dinner for international students, and a sale of wooden collectibles of campus buildings to fund the endowed scholarship.

Nondace Campbell, the new president of Town & Campus, is proud of her long-standing membership for almost half a century.

“This wonderful experience has provided an opportunity to continuously learn about University programs and achievements,” she said. “Through Findlay Town & Campus, I have been able to make friends in the community and have enjoyed working with them to support student activities, projects, and scholarships.”

Campbell, a Findlay resident, is a UF emerta professor who taught English and literature and retired in 2009.

She is joined on the executive board by Nancy Bickford, first vice president; Cindy Fitzpatrick, second vice president; Terri Hooper, secretary; and Monika Zimmerman, treasurer; who are all Findlay residents.

Findlay Town & Campus will open the academic year with its first meeting at 9:30 a.m., Monday, September 9, in the Virginia B. Gardner Fine Arts Pavilion’s Lape Hall.

The group meets monthly to hear from a speaker and learn about new campus programs and initiatives.

The meeting schedule for 2024-25 is:

October 14: Lauren Sandhu, biology instructor, on sustainability efforts on campus, including beehives and hoop house

November 11: Ray McCandless, D.A., chief project officer, on new campus technology

January 13, 2025: Jim Givens, athletic director, overview of Oiler teams

February 10, 2025: Dee Dee Spraw, director of admissions and events, and Erin Randall, director of undergraduate admissions, on student enrollment

March 10, 2025: Liz Sabel, associate vice president for student success, on Oiler Success Center programs

April 14, 2025: Performing arts performance

New members are welcome to attend. Membership dues are $20, and more information is available at www.findlay.edu.townandcampus or by calling Tiffany Koenig at 419-434-5560.

(From the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office)

On Sunday, September 8th, 2024, at approximately 5:59pm, a 56 year old inmate was working out by doing push-ups with other inmates and collapsed. Two other inmates started CPR on him and worked through several cycles until Corrections Officers and Jail Medical Staff came in and took over with an AED and shocked him twice. Tiffin Emergency Medical Services responded and took over life-saving measures and administered 2-3 additional shocks from their AED.

He was transported by Tiffin Fire & Rescue to Mercy Hospital where he was ultimately pronounced deceased.  

The inmate has been identified as a 56-year-old male from Tiffin, Ohio. Preliminary information shows no evidence of foul play or suspicious circumstances, and the decedent will be transported by the Seneca County Coroner’s Office to Lucas County Coroner’s Office for an autopsy to determine the cause of death.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.

-Sheriff Stevens

(From the City of Findlay)

The City of Findlay is performing numerous construction projects throughout the City.

Listed below are the projects and restrictions for the week of 9/9.

-Garfield Ave. will be closed to through traffic from N. Main St. to the railroad for waterline replacement.

-George St. will be closed to through traffic from N. Main St. to the railroad for waterline replacement.

-S. Blanchard St. will be closed to through traffic from Sixth St. to Pearl St. for waterline installation.

-TR 99 will be closed to through traffic from Distribution Dr. to TR 230 for sewer installation.

-TR 230 will be closed to through traffic from CR 212 to TR 99 for road reconstruction.

-Lima Ave. will be reduced to one lane with traffic control lights from Ra-Nik Court to Payne Ave. for sanitary sewer installation.

Please contact the Engineering Department with any questions at (419) 424-7121.

(From the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office)

On Friday, September 6, 2024, the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office received a call of a vehicle on fire at the front of a residence in the 5000 block of North State Route 53, Tiffin, Ohio. Deputies and the Old Fort Fire Department arrived at the location and provided sufficient suppression action to ensure no further spread of the fire. After the fire was extinguished, the vehicle was discovered to be a 2021 KIA Forte, registered owner a William Vance Jr., Tiffin, Ohio, that was reported stolen from a Wall Street residence out of Tiffin, Ohio. It was also discovered that the vehicle was possibly deliberately set on fire.

Investigators from the Ohio State Fire Marshall’s Office were also called in to investigate the alleged Arson investigation involving the stolen vehicle.

Upon further investigation, Deputies and Officers from the Tiffin Police Department identified a male subject by the name of Austin T. Adams, 38 YOA, Fremont, Ohio, who reportedly had taken the vehicle from the Wall Street residence without the consent of the owner.

Adams was arrested for Theft of a Motor Vehicle and transported to the Seneca County Jail, where he is being held.

“The immediate collaboration between our Office and the Tiffin Police Department was instrumental to apprehending the suspect moments after the alleged Arson, and we are now following up on the entire investigation with the State Fire Marshall’s Office. A job well done by all!”…. Sheriff Stevens said.

(From the Findlay Police Department)

Officers were dispatched to 1226 S. Blanchard St on 09-07-24 at 0053 hours for a report of an intoxicated male with a firearm threatening family members.

Dispatch also advised he threatened to shoot the police if they came to the house.

Officers arrived on scene. Two officers went to the rear yard of the residence on the outside of a wooden privacy fence.

They made contact with the suspect, Neil Gomez, who was inside the fenced in yard. Neil yelled at them and began running towards them with a rifle in hand.

The officers retreated to the train tracks to the rear of the back yard. Another officer approached the north side of the property from the front of the residence and located Neil hanging over the north edge of the fence towards the rear of the property with his rifle aimed towards the initial officer’s location.

This officer gave Neil commands, surprising him with his presence. Neil then retreated back over the fence where he dropped his rifle and raised his hands in the air.

Neil was taken into custody without further incident.

Neil’s rifle was found to be loaded with a full 30 round magazine, a round in the chamber and switched to fire.

The red dot scope on the rifle was also activated and the lens covers were removed.

Neil also had 3 – 30 round mags in his pockets, all of which were loaded.

After further investigation Neil is currently incarcerated for Domestic Violence – threats ORC 2919.25c, weapons while intoxicated ORD 549.03a, and felonious assault on a police officer ORC 2903.11(a)(2).

No injuries were sustained by officers or other involved parties during the incident.

(From the Great Lakes Guardianship Services Board)

The Great Lakes Guardianship Services Board (the Board) is pleased to announce Cheryl Miller as its inaugural Director.

The Board is a new agency under the administrative function of the Hancock County Probate Court.

This entity acts as the legal Guardian for adult residents in Hancock, Ottawa, and Wood County who have a substantial mental impairment or developmental disability, who have been declared incompetent by the Hancock, Ottawa, or Wood County Probate Court, and who have no other qualified person or agency willing or able to serve as Guardian.

The Board is a collaborative effort between Hancock, Ottawa, and Wood County Probate Courts, Hancock, Ottawa, and Wood County Boards of Developmental Disabilities and Hancock, Ottawa, and Wood County Boards of Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health Services, Ottawa County Department of Job and Family Services, Wood County Committee on Aging and Wood County Department of Job and Family Services.

Guardianship Service Boards were created by the authority of House Bill 595 and delineated in Ohio Revised Code Section 2111.52.

This new law provides Courts the opportunity to create service boards in collaboration with community partners to serve vulnerable adults in the community.

Ms. Miller has been professionally serving specialized and vulnerable populations for over twenty years and is honored to serve the community in this capacity.

Ms. Miller has bachelor’s degree in Gerontology, and holds licenses as a Federal Marketplace Navigator and Community Health Worker.

(From the Ohio Department of Transportation)

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) invites the public to a meeting to review and share feedback on improvements to address safety issues at the U.S. 23 and State Route 294 intersection east of the village of Harpster, in Pitt Township, Wyandot County. (map below)

Meeting Details:

-Date: Thursday, September 19

-Time: 6-8 p.m.

-Location: Upper Sandusky High School Auditorium, 800 N. Sandusky Avenue

The meeting will begin with a short presentation followed by an open house period during which the project team and exhibits will be available.

The project will construct a full diamond interchange at the U.S. 23/State Route 294 intersection. A preliminary alignment has been designed and will be shared at the public meeting. ODOT is seeking public feedback prior to advancing the layout into detailed design.

The construction year is yet to be determined, but it could be as early as 2027. 

In 2018, ODOT conducted a comprehensive study to enhance safety at the at-grade intersections along the U.S. 23 corridor. Based on the study’s findings, ODOT is now proceeding with the recommended construction of an interchange to significantly improve intersection safety.

Currently, studies are ongoing to determine the impacts the project will have on the environment, utilities, and adjacent properties.