(From Allen-Kramp Wealth Management)

Approximately 22 veterans take their life each day. That’s one loss every 65 minutes.

On Thursday, September 5th, a Silent Watch will be held from 7AM – 5:30PM in front of the Hancock County Courthouse to show our veterans that we stand with them in their fight against suicide and to show them that they do not have to fight alone.

A flag-draped casket will honorably be carried from the backside of the Hancock County Courthouse to the front sidewalk by veteran and active-duty military and set in place at 7AM. Opening ceremonies will begin promptly with volunteers showing support by standing guard and changing out every 22 minutes.

This event is open to the public and all are encouraged to attend. Hancock County Veteran Service Office will be in attendance with mental health support information.

The last stand will take place around 5:20PM with the hosts, Titus Allen, Rodney Kramp, Marcy Bibler, Leah Cook and Nicole Wagner from Allen-Kramp Wealth Management (AK).

AK is hosting this event this year in honor and memory of their late friend, Gaven Smith (United States Marine Corps), and his fellow fallen.

The Marathon Center for the Performing Arts is making it easier to register for classes, camps, and more.

“Our brand new registration software is here and ready for YOU!”

“Art clubs, workshops, classes, camps and more now have one home for registration at MCPA.org/Register.”

NAMI Hancock County in collaboration with the Hancock Park District has created a Mindfulness Path at Riverbend Recreation Area.

People are encouraged to take a walk around the 1.2 mile Loop Trail at Riverbend and find Mindfulness posters with meditations, breathing exercises and more.

“Take a stroll around the pond and beyond the dog park to locate all eleven Mindfulness posters.”

The Loop Trail is open during park hours and is ADA accessible.

(ONN) – Scam texts have led the Ohio Turnpike to suspend unpaid fees.

The Ohio Turnpike has announced that it is suspending all late fees and collections attempts for customers who received invoices and Ohio BMV registration holds.

In April, new toll plazas were built to eliminate the need for stopping for EZ pass customers.

The suspension is designed to give turnpike travelers time to adjust to the new system.

The turnpike also warns of continued scams where unsuspecting customers receive texts asking for payment of late fees and threatening jail time.

 The turnpike never asks customers to pay by text.

(ONN) – Ohio’s Secretary of State is coming under fire from legislators in the Cincinnati area over voting rules.

Secretary of State Frank LaRose is being accused of attempted voter suppression by the leaders of the Hamilton County Democratic Party.

They claim that his actions deliberately limit the voices of citizens by placing undue restrictions on those who vote absentee.

A news conference was held Tuesday morning which included US Representative Greg Landsman, Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval, county commissioners and others.

In addition to absentee rules, LaRose is seeking legislative action to require proof of citizenship in order to vote.

Big changes could be coming to the location of the Findlay Village Mall.

On the agenda for the September 12 meeting of the Findlay City Planning Commission is an application for site plan review for a new 131,809 square foot big box retail store at 1800 Tiffin Avenue, the location of the Findlay Village Mall.

The applicant is Rocky Five Investments, the owner of the mall.

WFIN reached out to the city and the city stated that the application the City Planning Commission received did not include the name of the big box retailer. 

The agenda for the planning commission’s September meeting can be seen below.

The Findlay City Planning Commission’s next meeting is September 12 at 9 a.m. in City Council Chambers.

(From the Alzheimer’s Association)

Echoes of Memory: Explaining the Alzheimer’s Journey will be held on October 10 at the University of Findlay.

The event will focus on the impact that dementia has on families, and detail how the disease journey changes over time, and how to navigate the Alzheimer’s continuum from diagnosis to end of life.

This will be a true community event featuring local experts and organizations:

-Dr. La Mancusa, M.D. – diagnostic process

-Tim Burkart, PharmD, BCPS, BCGP, University of Findlay College of Pharmacy – medications and treatment options    

-Andrea Sensel, OTD, OTR/L, University of Findlay Occupational Therapy – home safety/modifications for people living with dementia

-Misty Schnipke, RN, Bridge Home Health and Hospice – home health, palliative and hospice care    

-Alzheimer’s Association – 10 Warning Signs of Alzhimer’s

Local vendor booths will open at 5:00 p.m; dinner served at 5:30 p.m.; presentations  from  6 – 7:30 p.m. 

The 2024 Walk to End Alzheimer’s will be held on Saturday, September 14.

(From Hancock County Naturalists)

The Hancock County Naturalists will host speaker Justin Harrington, Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) assistant wildlife management supervisor, at their monthly meeting on September 12 at 7 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Doc Phillips Discovery Center at Oakwoods Nature Preserve, 1400 Oakwoods Lane. The meeting is free and open to the public to those 15 and older.

Harrington received an associate degree from Hocking College and a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Utah State University in Wildlife Biology.  Before that, he has worked in Utah, Colorado, and Indiana.  Justin has worked as an Assistant Wildlife Management Supervisor for the past ten years for the ODNR Division of Wildlife in Findlay, Ohio.  In that capacity, Harrington enjoys managing over 3,000 acres of public lands, working with private lands staff, solving human-wildlife conflicts, and facilitating outdoor access opportunities for Ohioans on public and private lands, among other duties. 

The Hancock County Naturalists, a membership organization, was established to further the study of the fauna and flora of Hancock County and the surrounding area and to participate in selected conservation and educational projects. Membership and events are open to those aged 15 and older. Annual membership fees are $15 per adult, $20 per couple, and $10 for youth.

For more information, contact Jane Riker at 419-306-3697 or emaggin117@aol.com. The group’s website is hancockcountynaturalists.org.

(From the West Ohio Food Bank)

West Ohio Food Bank to be active in September during Hunger Action Month

The West Ohio Food Bank along with Feeding America is encouraging one million actions across the country to end hunger. During the month-long campaign, the West Ohio Food Bank will be raising awareness and inspiring actions to nourish, educate, and advocate for those facing food insecurity. Every action matters, whether it is donating, volunteering, or spreading the word online. September 10th is Hunger Action Day. We encourage everyone to wear ORANGE, the color of hunger awareness, on that day.

West Ohio Food Bank recently passed another Warehouse Inspection conducted by the AIB

The West Ohio Food Bank was recently inspected by the American Institute of Baking (AIB). The AIB assists restaurants, factories, and warehouses that deal with food, on how to properly bake, store, and handle food products. A score over 900 earns the organization a banner that shows our commitment to food safety and policies that ensure this. This year we received a score of 905. We do this inspection every 2 years, and although it is not a state or federal requirement, it is a requirement based on our partnership with Feeding America.

West Ohio Food Bank Holiday Hours

The West Ohio Food Bank will be closed on Monday, September 2, 2024, in observance of Labor Day.

We will also have special hours that week. We will be closed on Thursday, September 5, and on Friday, September 6, we will have a distribution at the food bank, which will be from 10am-2pm for the United Way of Greater Lima’s annual Day of Caring. We ask that if you or someone you know is in need of food assistance on the days that we are closed, to please dial 2-1-1 or visit a local food pantry.

West Ohio Food Bank new Mission and Vision Statements

The West Ohio Food Bank Mission Statement: Nourish, educate, and advocate for those facing food insecurity.

The West Ohio Food Bank Vision Statement: Work to end hunger in our communities.

(ONN) – Tragedy has struck the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew died near their childhood home in New Jersey.

New Jersey State Police say Gaudreau and his brother were biking on a roadway when a vehicle struck them.

They will continue to investigate the crash.

The Columbus Blue Jackets issued the following statement:

“The Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy. Johnny was not only a great hockey player, but more significantly a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to his wife, Meredith, his children, Noa and Johnny, his parents, their family and friends on the sudden loss of Johnny and Matthew.

“Johnny played the game with great joy which was felt by everyone that saw him on the ice. He brought a genuine love for hockey with him everywhere he played from Boston College to the Calgary Flames to Team USA to the Blue Jackets. He thrilled fans in a way only Johnny Hockey could. The impact he had on our organization and our sport was profound, but pales in comparison to the indelible impression he made on everyone who knew him. Johnny embraced our community when he arrived two years ago, and Columbus welcomed him with open arms. We will miss him terribly and do everything that we can to support his family and each other through this tragedy.

“At this time, we ask for prayers for the Gaudreau family and that their privacy be respected as they grieve.”

(above picture courtesy of the Blue Jackets)