The City of Findlay put up the Hometown Hero banners along Main Street ahead of Memorial Day and the 4^th of July.

This batch of banners includes 106 in total and 18 new ones.

The new banners are located on the west side of Main Street from Front Street up to the Hancock County War Memorial at Center Street.

The new banners displayed are of James Bish, Mike Crawford, David Davis, Sr., Richard Earl Ebert, Richard Gerald Ebert, Glenn Farmer, Robert Grant, Bert Meyers, Dale A. Miller, Felipe Pina Jr., Gregory Pope, Michael “Mick” Reed, Eugene Reinhart, Jack Reynolds, Monte Sampson, Roger Thomas, Mark Tiell, John Wallace.

Mayor Christina Muryn says City of Findlay recognizes the great sacrifice that our military members make in serving our country. 

She says the Hometown Hero banners honor local members of the military and include active, retired and deceased service members.

The banners will be displayed through the end of July 2024. The following are banners that will be displayed: James Bish, Marlo Brannan, Herman Baughman, Donald Brumley, MD, Robert Brown, Robert Bushong, Charles Clapper, Michael Colquitt, Mike Crawford, Julian Davis, David Davis, Sr., Donald DePuy, James DePuy, Thomas Diller, Cyrus Dillinger Jr., Gerald Droll, Trey Dukat, Richard Earl Ebert, Richard Gerald Ebert, Glenn Farmer, Alfonso Gonzalez, Jr., Robert Grant, Todd Hicks, David Karcher, William Kiser, Derek Kistler, Richard Krout, Charles Leatherman, Rollie Leatherman, Ben Leonard, Fred Leonard, James Logsdon, Richard Long, Barry Lord, Josiah Lord, Ben Lunn, Lester MacGregor, Harold Main, Donald Mathias, John Mathias, Richard Mathias, Merle May, Michael May, Douglas McDaniel, Larry McDaniel, Leo McKee, Paul McKinniss, Richard Mestrez, Bert Meyers, Norman Meyers, Ervin Miles, Dale A. Miller, Donald Misamore, Richard Muzy, Ivan Nesler, Francis Norton, Rex Orians, Wilson Parish, Jeffry Patterson, Caleb Peeples, David Pelphrey, George Phebus, Gary Phillips II, Felipe Pina Jr., James Anthony Poignon, II, Gregory Pope, Jerry Quinlan, Michael “Mick” Reed, Eugene Reinhart, Jack Reynolds, Harry Routson, Monte Sampson, Carl Schneider, George Schneider, Lawrence Schneider, Otto Schneider, Andrew Schultz, Maurice Schutz, Jack Smith Jr., Daniel Snyder, James Speck, Sr., Craig Spieker, Virgil Stechschulte, Cloyce Steegman, Robert Stimmel, Allen Straight, Jerry Street, Jeffrey Sullivan, Terry Sutherland, Roger Thomas, Mark Tiell, Arthur Tighe, Richard Ulrich, Louis Urschalitz, Mary Urschalitz, Norbert Urschalitz, William Urschalitz, Fred Van Voorhis, John Wallace, Drew Whitacre, Alvin Wilkins, Francis Wilkins, Kenneth Wilkins, Leland Wilkins, Myrl Wilkins, Robert Windle.

The City of Findlay displays banners recognizing the United States Military Service Members at various times throughout the year with the most prominent times being May, July, and November. For more information on recognizing an active, retired, or deceased service member, please visit www.findlayohio.com/hero or contact the Mayor’s Office at 419-424-7137.

“It is our desire to continually recognize the military service members who have given so much of themselves to serve our country. This is one small way we can do that and show our communities strong support of those who serve, our country, and our community. I felt this was a great way to utilize a prominent location downtown to recognize individuals in our community that fought to protect our freedoms,” said Mayor Christina Muryn.

The Hancock Historical Museum in Findlay says it is sad to hear that one of the community’s historic buildings has made it onto Ohio’s endangered list for 2024.

Preservation Ohio has placed the Hancock County Probate/Juvenile Court building on its 2024 list of Ohio’s Most Endangered Historic Sites.

“We’re grateful for the efforts to raise awareness about the importance of preservation in our county and state,” the museum said on its Facebook page.  

“Let’s work together to protect our heritage!”

The building was originally built as the First Congregational Church and completed in 1867 and is believed to be the oldest still standing religious structure in the county.

The county is currently building a new Hancock County Judicial Center to house Probate and Juvenile Court west of the current building and the concern is that the old Probate/Juvenile Court building will be torn down for parking for the new building.

The fate of the building will be up to the Hancock County Board of Commissioners.

Commissioner Tim Bechtol has said he’d like to remove the additions that were added to it over the years and preserve the original historic structure, but what will happen to it has not yet been decided.

He said the new Hancock County Judicial Center, which is located at 209 West Main Cross Street, should be completed by late fall or early winter. 

(From Blanchard Valley Health System)

The Blanchard Valley Health System Auxiliary recently awarded 11 $1,000 scholarships to students in Hancock and surrounding counties interested in pursuing a health-related career.

The 2024 BVHS Auxiliary scholarship winners include: Ella Armstrong (Bluffton High School), pursuing a nursing degree at Goshen College; Jacob Barnhart (Findlay High School), pursuing a health sciences degree at The Ohio State University; Brooke Camper (Bluffton High School), pursuing a nursing degree at Cedarville University; Molly Crates (Findlay High School), pursuing a biomedical engineering degree at The Ohio State University; Emma Hoffman (Ottawa-Glandorf High School), pursuing a nursing degree at Bowling Green State University; Paige Maas (Ottawa-Glandorf High School), pursuing a nursing degree at Bowling Green State University; Christian Price (Fostoria High School), pursuing a pharmacy degree at the University of Findlay; Iris Schorsch (McComb High School), pursuing a nursing degree at Owens Community College; Kaytlynn Schroeder (Leipsic High School), pursuing a nutrition and dietetics degree at Bluffton University; Cora Sterling (Findlay High School), pursuing a nursing degree at Ohio Northern University; and Adelaide Wilt (Findlay High School), pursuing a pre-medicine/biology degree at Miami University.

Monies for the scholarship fund are derived from the annual membership dues contributed by Auxiliary members.

To learn more about scholarships offered through Blanchard Valley Health System, please visit bvhealthsystem.org/scholarships.

(From the City of Findlay)

You’re invited to Playball with the Mayor!

Join us on Thursday, June 13 from 6-8 PM at Miracle Park (behind the Cube) for a night of fun.

This family-friendly event is open to all ages.

The Findlay Fire Department and Police Departments will be present with vehicles to check out, the Keep Active, Keep Healthy bus will have activities available, and more.

Movement Church will be providing free popcorn and hot dogs for the event.

We hope you will join us for a night of community fun!

If you have any questions, or would like to get involved, please contact the Mayor’s Office at mayor@findlayohio.gov or (419) 424-7137.

(From the Ohio State Highway Patrol)

The Bowling Green Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal traffic crash that occurred on Interstate 75 near Milepost 189 in Perrysburg Township. The crash occurred on May 16, 2024 at approximately 11:38 P.M.

21-year-old Aaron D. Gardner of West Millgrove, Ohio, was operating a 2024 Kawasaki Ninja motorcycle southbound on Interstate 75 near milepost 189 in the left lane. Mr. Gardner accelerated at a high rate of speed and lost control. He then traveled into the right lane and struck the rear of a 1997 Peterbuilt commercial tractor/trailer outfit operated by 64-year-old Albert G. Woodley of Farmington Hills, Michigan. Mr. Gardner was thrown from the motorcycle and was struck by a 2018 Subaru Impreza operated by 19-year-old Jillian C. Trombley of Perrysburg, Ohio.

Mr. Gardner was pronounced deceased at the scene. Mr. Gardner was wearing a helmet and protective gear at the time of the crash. Alcohol or drug impairment does not appear to be a factor.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted at the scene by Perrysburg Township Police Department, Perrysburg Township Fire and EMS, Wood County Coroner’s Office and Ray’s Service Center and Towing.

(ONN) – A lot of Ohioans will be traveling for the upcoming Memorial Day weekend.

Nearly 1.7 million Ohioans are expected to leave town for the unofficial start of summer.

That’s according to new data from AAA Ohio.

They expect Memorial Day weekend to be the third busiest on record for Ohio.

Most people will be traveling by car.

AAA estimates 1.5 million Ohioans are going to hit the road.

If you are going out of town, AAA says the worst time to travel by car is between noon and six next Thursday, and then between three and seven p.m. on Memorial Day, Monday, May 27. 

(From Millstream Speedway)

Millstream Speedway is excited to announce the dates for its highly anticipated return in 2024.

Millstream Speedway has a rich history, dating back to its opening in 1952. Over the years, it has hosted some of the biggest names in racing and has become a fan-favorite destination for its fast-paced and adrenaline-pumping races.

Under new ownership for the first time in over 20 years, MS Properties and Matt & Beth Cogley have been working hard to get Millstream Speedway ready to welcome dirt racing back to the Findlay/Hancock County area.

“It’s been a real labor of love, and we have been so blessed with the many volunteers who have come out to help us get the facility back in shape!” said Beth Cogley.

After an eight-year hiatus, the speedway will host three special events that are sure to thrill fans and racers alike.

The racing will begin with Ohio Sprint Speedweek Night 8, brought to you by Ohio Logistics on Friday, June 14, 2024. That night will feature the FAST on Dirt winged 410 sprint cars and the USAC Midwest Thunder Midgets. Gates will open at 4 and racing will start at 7 pm. Tickets are on sale at MyRacePass.com.

Next the Great Lakes Sprint Series will invade on Sunday, August 25, 2024 with the Great Lakes Super Sprints (360 cu in winged sprint cars), the Great Lakes Traditional Sprints (the original wingless sprint cars), and the Great Lakes Lightning Sprints (1,000 cc sprint cars).

Garner Trucking proudly sponsors the closing night of the Cogley’s inaugural season on Sunday, October 6, 2024 with the Great Lakes Super Sprints, Stocks vs. Trucks, and Late Models.

Millstream Speedway is located at 7805 Township Road 95, a little northwest of Findlay. 

You can follow the progress on their Facebook page or email millstreamspeedway@gmail.com for more information.

UPDATE – The water department said  Monday morning that the boil advisory has been lifted.

ORIGINAL STORY –

The City of Findlay Water Department on Thursday afternoon issued a Water Boil Advisory for the 700 and 800 blocks of Adams Street.

The water department says the boil advisory is due to repair work on a water main at 835 Adams Street.

As a precaution, state and local health officials recommend that, until further notice, consumers vigorously boil, for at least one minute, any water used for drinking (including water used to make ice), cooking, or oral hygiene or bottled water should be used.

The department is collecting samples from the affected area to ensure that the water is free from any bacterial contamination.

An additional notice will be given when the water boil advisory is lifted.

Any questions should be directed to the Water Treatment Plant at 419-424-7193 or Water Distribution Department at 419-424-7192.

(From the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce)

Now accepting applications for the Hancock Leadership Class of 2025!

The Chamber’s Hancock Leadership program provides a unique learning experience by preparing community leaders who have a passion to serve the Findlay/Hancock County area through a dynamic learning experience that encourages self-discovery, fosters relationships and inspires stewardship. Participants make connections with the community in which we live and work, as well as build their interest in leadership opportunities!

Since 1985, more than 1,000 area leaders have graduated from this annual program, representing more than 500 area businesses and/or service organizations.

The deadline to apply is June 7, so visit https://buff.ly/2HN443S to submit your application today!

(From the University of Findlay)

University of Findlay and Bluffton University have received their first collaborative grant since announcing their proposed merger in March. The Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) awarded the Improving Science Pedagogy Grant, funded by the W.M. Keck Foundation in the amount of $2,000 for their shared work.

The goal of the grant is to revitalize science education in the classroom while bringing together faculty from Bluffton University’s Department of Health Sciences, Natural Science, and Mathematics and the College of Sciences at University of Findlay.

“This grant represents what both institutions perceive as a beginning step to foster informal interactions among faculty members,” said Christine Denecker, Ph.D., associate vice president for learning and innovation.

The grant will allow faculty to gain insights into each other’s academic programs, departmental objectives, and the specific goals of individual courses. Through a collaborative effort, faculty members hope to create a supportive framework to exchange best practices in STEM teaching methods, case study approaches, laboratory exercises, and more.

“We anticipate that the successes of this project will set a precedent for other academic programs and colleges across both institutions,” said Hillary Hartman, University of Findlay grants manager. “The results could serve as preliminary data for subsequent external grant applications.”

Members from each university also plan to disseminate their experience through this project at national conferences, helping to educate and assist other higher-learning institutions as they navigate through changing times in education.

The two institutions announced a proposed merger in March, but the process of receiving required regulatory approvals is estimated to take 12-15 months or more.

To keep up to date with news related to the proposed merger, visit www.findlayblufftonfuture.com.