(From the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts)

Heather J. Clow, Executive Director of Marathon Center for the Performing Arts, has been selected as a member of the 2025 Cohort of the CreativeOhio Advocacy Leadership Institute (ALI), a new initiative designed to empower arts leaders across the state with advocacy skills, legislative insights, and statewide connections. Clow is one of 25 leaders chosen through a competitive application process, representing 15 cities across Ohio. 

Launching in May 2025, ALI is a six-month immersive program that provides arts and culture professionals with the tools and knowledge to advocate effectively for Ohio’s creative sector. Participants will engage in hands-on workshops, site visits to cultural hubs, and in-depth discussions on legislative processes, public funding, and advocacy strategies.  

“The CreativeOhio Advocacy Leadership Institute is more than just a training program—it’s a movement to increase civic literacy and democratic engagement across our sector,” said Sarah Sisser, Executive Director & CEO of CreativeOhio. “This inaugural cohort represents an esteemed and passionate group of leaders dedicated to strengthening Ohio’s creative economy and ensuring the arts have a seat at the table in policy discussions.” 

Throughout the program, ALI members will collaborate with policymakers, industry experts, and fellow arts leaders to develop strategies that support the sustainability and growth of Ohio’s creative industries. The cohort includes professionals from a range of disciplines, from performing arts organizations to visual arts institutions and independent artists. 

“This opportunity will allow me to expand my advocacy skills, connect with leaders across the state, and ensure that MCPA plays a key role in advancing Ohio’s creative sector,” Clow said. 

The CreativeOhio Advocacy Leadership Institute is made possible with support from The George Gund Foundation, Greater Cincinnati Foundation, Greater Columbus Arts Council, and Edwards Companies. 

For more information about the CreativeOhio Advocacy Leadership Institute and to see the full cohort, visit creativeoh.org.

Some potentially life-saving advice from the Findlay Police Department as a lot of rain has already fallen with plenty more on the way for the remainder of the week.

The police department is reminding people to always obey road closed signs during flood events and never attempt to drive through flood waters.

The police department says it doesn’t take much water to sweep a car off the roadway and most flood fatalities occur in vehicles.

A Flood Watch is in effect until Sunday and excessive rainfall is expected to cause river and street flooding and the closure of some roads.

Get the latest forecast, weather alerts, road alerts, and river levels by clicking here.

The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office says three people were transported from the scene of a two-vehicle crash.

The crash happened at around 8:10 Wednesday morning on State Route 568 near Township Road 253.

The sheriff’s office said Austin Carol-Ritter, 21, of Carey, was westbound on State Route 568 when he lost control of his vehicle and struck an eastbound vehicle.

The sheriff’s office said Austin, along with the people in the second vehicle, Samuel and Denise Cole, of Findlay, were taken to Blanchard Valley Hospital for suspected injuries.

The crash remains under investigation.

The Findlay Police Department is requesting help from the public in identifying a theft suspect.

Police say the man in the surveillance picture is believed to be responsible for the theft of a lot of power tools from Runnings, at 1800 Tiffin Avenue.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Findlay Police Department at 419-424-7150, message them on Facebook, or call Crime Stoppers at 419-425-TIPS.

Tipsters may be eligible for a reward.

The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office has been recognized for excellence in training management by Lexipol, the leading provider of solutions that empower performance excellence in public safety.

The Lexipol Connect program tracks a law enforcement agency’s performance on five metrics proven to measure success.

The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office achieved Gold status, the highest level of recognition offered, for consistent and effective training management.

“Continuous training through Lexipol ensures that our deputies have the knowledge and skills to make the right decisions in critical moments,” said Sheriff Mike Cortez.

(From the City of Findlay)

The National Weather Service is projecting 4-6 inches of rainfall in Findlay and surrounding Northwest Ohio Counties beginning Wednesday afternoon through the weekend. This storm front is also expected to bring strong winds and potential hail.

Given the current soil saturation and significant rain expected, flash flooding and moderate river flooding are both expected. Secure outdoor furniture, bring in items when possible, and ensure your safety kit for power outages are ready.

Reminders:

1. Flash Flooding occurs when the ground cannot absorb the water fast enough causing standing water in areas which may not typically flood.
2. Moderate River Flooding is expected which will cause some road closures. Impact to property is not anticipated.
3. Check Sump Pumps to help prevent basement or crawl space flooding.
4. Clear debris from storm drains in front of properties to help with road drainage.
5. Do not drive through standing water! Even just an inch of water can be extremely dangerous.
6. Stay away from downed power lines. Report them to AEP Ohio Customer Operations Center 800-672-2231.
7. For fallen trees or hazards in the roadway please call the Findlay Police Department Emergency Line by dialing 911.
8. Stay weather aware and monitor local news outlets as well as the National Weather Service Social Media.

Resources:

Flood Information: https://www.findlayohio.gov/community/flood-information

NWS Forecast https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=40.9619&lon=-83.6082&unit=0&lg=english&FcstType=graphical

WFIN – Get the latest forecast, weather alerts, road alerts, and river levels by clicking here.

(From Children’s Mentoring Connection of Hancock County)

Join us for the 42nd Annual Bowling for Kids Event.

This is our signature fundraising event supporting Children’s Mentoring Connections youth mentoring programs both in the community and at school.

Fun for all!

Register today at https://cmchancock.org/events or call 419-424-9752.

Children’s Mentoring Connection Executive Director Stacy Shaw has more details on the event which will be held on April 5 and 6. 

(From the University of Findlay’s Mazza Museum)

Down-on-the-farm family fun will be featured April 6 during the “Funday Sunday” program at University of Findlay’s Mazza Museum. The event, which is free and open to the public, features the theme of “Farmyard Fables.”

“I’m very excited for our last Funday Sunday of the school year. This day will be perfect for anyone who loves animals or digging in the dirt!” said Amanda Davidson-Johnston, education manager at the Mazza Museum.

Games, crafts, and activities will be provided, and live sheep and chickens are part of the event.

Registration is required and can be completed on the Mazza Museum’s website or https://oilers.findlay.edu/pages/events/mazza-funday-sunday

Funday Sundays take place at the Mazza Museum, from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The event is sponsored by Hancock Federal Credit Union.

For more information on upcoming events, visit the Mazza Museum’s Events page online at www.mazzamuseum.org/events/.

For specific questions regarding Funday Sunday, contact Amanda Davidson-Johnston, Mazza Museum education manager, at 419-434-4777 or send an email to amanda.davidson-johnston@findlay.edu.

(From Findlay City Schools Alumni Association)

It’s time to nominate an FHS graduate for the Findlay City Schools Alumni Association’s Distinguished Alumni Award!

This award recognizes and honors graduates of FHS who have made significant and noteworthy contributions in their time since graduating.

Consider nominating someone incredible today: https://forms.gle/u3vA85BxLTbYfhdT9

Findlay and Hancock County are included in a Flood Watch issued by the National Weather Service.

The Flood Watch is in effect from Wednesday night through Sunday morning.

Several weather systems will bring multiple rounds of moderate to heavy rain across the region, beginning Wednesday evening and ending on Sunday.

Rainfall totals could range between 4 and 6 inches by Sunday.

Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible and excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.

Extensive street flooding and flooding of creeks and rivers is possible.

Get the latest forecast, weather alerts, road alerts, and river levels by clicking here.