People are being reminded to watch out for their pets during this heatwave.

Natalie Reffit, with the Humane Society and SPCA of Hancock County, says the biggest thing to remember is to never take your pet in a hot car with you.

“Just please leave them at home during the heat. They will be much safer at home, a car can heat up very, very fast.”

Natalie says if your dog is going to be alone at any time in your vehicle just leave them at home in the air conditioning.

She says if you do take your dog for a walk make sure to do so early in the day or late in the day when the heat isn’t as bad.

If your dog is outside for any amount of time she says to make sure they have plenty of shade and fresh water.

Signs of heat distress in a dog include excessive panting, vomiting and diarrhea.

She says older dogs and short-nosed dogs like pugs and bulldogs are less tolerant of the heat.

When it comes to cats, she says beware of opening your house windows too wide because a cat could push the screen out and fall out and get lost.

(From Findlay Firefighters Local 381)

We have admittedly not spoken on this topic nearly enough, but we feel today is a great day to talk about a special person on our Department.

Assistant Chief Brian Sanders was diagnosed with cancer some time ago and, in typical Chief Sanders way thinking only of others, asked us to think of him but not worry because “if there was someone set up perfectly to battle this disease” it was him.

During his treatment, Chief Sanders has been instrumental in our training program, ensuring our compliance with training requirements for both fire and EMS as well as his other duties. He has worked tirelessly on the finishing touches on our new STRICT Center, spending many long days completing construction projects to ensure our training center will be truly world class, often by himself. And has done all of this without so much as a peep of a complaint about his situation.

Local 381 would like to congratulate Chief Sanders on his triumphant return from Ohio State for his final surgery which has rendered him “Cancer FREE”! While there is a relatively long road to recovery from this surgery, we are thrilled to welcome Chief back home to recover in the comfort of his home and family.

All the love, from your Brothers and Sister of Local 381. Congratulations Chief!!

(From the Hancock County Farmers’ Market)

The Hancock County Farmers’ Market will be open, 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm this Thursday, at 200 West Main Cross in downtown Findlay, in the Jebbett/Rowmark Festival Grounds of Marathon Center for the Performing Arts.

Visitors are asked to exercise caution due to the excessive heat event this week and can take a rest in the shade at the Pocket Park on the west side of the parking lot.

Dogs and other pets should not be brought to the market during excessive heat events.

The community can sign up to receive a text message reminder 90 minutes before the start of the market each Thursday at this link, hancockfarmersmarket.com/farmfan.

(From the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation)

As part of our Fun for All series, The Community Foundation is excited to continue free admission at Arlington Swimming Pool, McComb Pool, Mt. Blanchard Pool, and Riverside Pool.

The dates are listed below and are subject to change based on weather conditions.

Village of Arlington, Village of McComb, Village of Mt Blanchard and Findlay YMCA received a grant from the Foundation to make these free pool days possible.

The first concert in the Riverside Civic Concert Series has been moved indoors due to the heat and threat of thunderstorms.

The concert by the Fostoria Community Band will be held at the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts at 7 o’clock Wednesday night June 19 instead of at the Allen P. Dudley Memorial Band Shell at Dick Daugherty Plaza in Riverside Park.

If you are unable to attend any of the concerts, WFIN will broadcast each performance on Sunday mornings at 11.

You can also visit the WFIN Music Audio Archive, presented by Coldwell Banker/Flag City, and listen to a podcast of each concert, plus past years.

Please note, if inclement weather on the day of a performance, the concert will be moved inside to Marathon Center for the Performing Arts.

2024 Schedule – concerts are at 7 p.m.

June 19 – Fostoria Community Band

June 26 – Findlay Civic Band

July 3 – Night Jazz

July 10 – Findlay Civic Band

July 17 – Northwest Ohio Low Brass Collective

July 24 – Lake Plains Barbershop Chorus

Hancock Public Health wants you to be safe during the heatwave that’s impacting Ohio this week and is providing residents with some tips for staying cool.

We spoke with Laura Reinhart, nurse practitioner for Hancock Public Health who says the most important things are to stay cool and hydrated and inside air conditioned buildings whenever possible.

“Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink, drink water throughout the day.”

As Laura mentioned in the audio above, never leave kids in a parked car as they heat up very, very fast even if the windows are cracked.

Get more tips from the health department below and at CDC.gov.

Temperatures are expected to be in the 90s all week, with feels-like temps around 100 or higher.

Get the latest forecast and weather alerts by clicking here.

(From Findlay City Schools)

After an extensive search garnering interest from candidates across the midwest, and a process prioritizing student and parent voice, Findlay City Schools is excited to announce the following:

Mary Beth Coolidge has been approved by the Board of Education as the next vocal music director at Findlay High School, as well as Assistant Director for FFE. Mrs. Coolidge is an accomplished professional vocalist with significant training and experience at the collegiate level of performance. Her experience as a Voice and Movement Coach, instructor and guest lecturer across the country, as well as certification in the Alexander Technique will provide Findlay High School students a distinguished performing arts education.

David Coolidge has been approved to serve as the Fine Arts Specialist for Findlay City Schools and the next director of Findlay First Edition. A graduate of Findlay High School and former FFE member, Mr. Coolidge brings expertise in designing and enhancing fine arts and performing arts programs at the collegiate level, along with vast experience including the Broadway National Tour of Parade, countless roles and performances in theaters across the country, and director of six national tours with TheatreworksUSA.

We have full confidence that Mary Beth and David will hit the ground running, ready to inspire and guide our talented students towards artistic excellence. Their dedication to nurturing creativity, teamwork, and individual growth promises to continue to elevate our nationally-recognized show choir.

Former longtime FFE Director Kevin Manley left Findlay City Schools for Arlington Local Schools where he’ll be teaching vocal music next school year.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special Olympics Ohio is back this year as an intrastate relay that involves law enforcement officers collectively running hundreds of miles while carrying the “Flame of Hope” to raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics.

The flame symbolizes courage, perseverance, and the inclusion movement taking place in Ohio and across the globe.

This year’s events will take place from June 24-28th, and are open to any law enforcement or public safety officer as well as members from the Special Olympics Ohio community.

There are many ways to participate in the Torch Run: come join us on the day of the local event, make a financial donation, volunteer your time, or participate in whatever way works best for you!

The Findlay Leg of the Torch Run will start at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 26 at the University of Findlay Arch and head south on Main Street.

It will stop at the Hancock County Courthouse before continuing south on South Main and making a left on Hardin Street and ending at the Marathon Headquarters. See video from last year by clicking here. 

You won’t want to miss the Final Leg on Friday, June 28th at 7 p.m. as the Torch Run culminates in Columbus and nearly a hundred officers run with athletes into Ohio Stadium at The Ohio State University officially commencing that Summer Games has begun!

(ONN) – County fairs across Ohio are getting a financial boost from the state.

State leaders are announcing $10 million in grants to support 94 county and independent fairs.

Almost every county fair is getting a little more than $100,000.

The money will go toward a variety of projects, including new grandstands, renovating the restrooms and improving accessibility.

The Paulding County Fair kicked off the 2024 fair season on June 8, and the season will wrap up on October 12 with the Fairfield County Fair.

The Putnam County Fair will be June 24-29 while the Hancock County Fair will run August 27 – September 2.

See the full list of county fairs by clicking here. 

The Findlay Police Department says a driver who caused a crash was arrested for having an outstanding warrant.

The crash happened on Monday on West Trenton Avenue at Morey Avenue.

Police say Marcus Spikes, 29, of Findlay, was northbound on Morey Avenue and ran a red light and was struck by a vehicle that was eastbound on West Trenton Avenue.

Both vehicles sustained disabling damage.

A passenger in the second vehicle who is pregnant was taken to the hospital as a precaution.

Police say Spikes was issued a citation for running the red light and driving under suspension, and he was later arrested for an outstanding warrant.