Raise the Bar Hancock County is congratulating the members of its 16th WorkAdvance cohort on their graduation from the program.

Raise the Bar says seven graduates celebrated their completion of the program and two secured jobs before graduation, beginning work at BVHS and DHL.

Raise the Bar says all of the graduates sat for the Certified Manufacturing Associate exam, with two already passing and others on track to succeed soon.

Tricia Valasek is executive director of Raise the Bar Hancock County.

Hancock County’s WorkAdvance program requires eligible individuals to participate in a two-week training. The training covers job readiness skills; math refreshers; and technical training such as safety, robotics, machining, quality, troubleshooting, and assembly. Participants will interact with instructors to gain familiarity and comfort with the expectations of local manufacturing workplaces.

At the end of the training, partnering manufacturers will interview participants and potentially offer positions on their teams.

(From the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services)

Today marks 988 Day, a national day of awareness and action to promote the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, a vital resource that connects Ohioans experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis with free, confidential support 24/7. Local, state, and national events – including community mental health fairs, training sessions, webinars, and social media campaigns – will be held today and throughout the week using the hashtag #988Day.

“988 is saving lives,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. “Today is about reminding Ohioans that they are not alone, and that there is immediate help available. The more we can do to promote this lifesaving resource, the more Ohioans we can connect to the mental health support they need.”

In Ohio, 988 is administered by the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) through an in-state network of 988 contact centers that provide coverage to residents in all 88 counties. “988 Day is more than just a reminder that help is only three digits away,” said OhioMHAS Director LeeAnne Cornyn. “It’s a call to action to help combat the stigma surrounding mental health, highlight the vital support the Lifeline provides, and a reminder to all Ohioans that they are not alone.”

This year’s theme, “Compassionate Help. Anytime. Anywhere.” focuses on three key messages:

• Know the Number: 988 is the easy-to-remember number for emotional, mental health, substance use, and suicide crises. It’s free, confidential, and available to Ohioans in all 88 counties.
• Spread the Word: Ohioans are encouraged to share the 988 number with their communities, families, and friends. The more people know, the more lives can be saved.
• Support the System: Communities, leaders, and organizations are encouraged to support and invest in crisis response systems and mental health services to ensure 988 continues to serve all who need it.

Since launching in 2022, Ohio’s trained call center specialists have responded to more than 617,000 calls, texts, and chats, and are currently averaging more than 23,000 contacts per month. Ohio 988 administrators attribute much of the growth in usage of the Lifeline to a combination of a statewide awareness campaign and local, grassroots efforts. In fact, according to a new survey commissioned by OhioMHAS to help measure the impact of a year-long, multi-media campaign, 53% of Ohioans expressed familiarity with the service compared to just 36% when the campaign launched.

To help achieve even greater awareness, Ohioans are encouraged to check out the Ohio 988 Materials Generator where they can create customized posters, flyers, and other community education resources. They can also visit the 988 Ohio Store to purchase 988-themed apparel and accessories. Learn more at 988.ohio.gov.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 or visit 988Lifeline.org for 24/7, confidential support.

A semi crashed on US68/SR15 Monday morning.

The crash occurred at around 11:30 a.m. in the northbound lanes.

The semi went off the right side of the highway and crashed.

The driver was alert and was taken to Blanchard Valley Hospital, WFIN News was told at the scene. 

The semi was carrying plastic pellets.

A portion of Western Avenue was closed for a while as the semi was pulled over there to be removed.

Traffic was getting by on the highway but drivers should use caution and watch for the emergency vehicles.

See some video from the scene below. 

(From the Alzheimer’s Association Northwest Ohio Chapter)

The Alzheimer’s Association Northwest Ohio Chapter is hosting several free programs this month, including:

Healthy Living for your Brain and Body

Wednesday, September 17, 11:30 am

Findlay YMCA, Downtown Branch, 300 E. Lincoln St, Findlay

Please register at the front desk or email asertell@findlayymca.com

• • Join us to learn about research in the areas of nutrition, exercise, cognitive activity and social engagement, and use hands-on tools to help you incorporate these recommendations into a plan for healthy aging.

Healthy Living for the Brain and Body

Tuesday, September 23, 5:00 pm

Putnam County Library, 118 E. Main St, Pandora

Please call 419.523.3747, ext. 214 to register

• • Attendees will learn about science-backed lifestyle choices that may help keep the brain and body healthy as someone ages. Join to learn about research in the areas of diet and nutrition, exercise, cognitive activity and social engagement, and learn about hands-on tools to create a plan for healthy aging.

Introduction to Alzheimer’s

Wednesday, September 24, 5:00 pm

Leipsic Community Center, 120 E Main Street, Leipsic

To register, please call 800.272.3900

• • Enjoy a brief discussion about 10 Healthy Habits you can start today to keep your brain healthy as you age and the warning signs to monitor in yourself and others.

“These programs offer valuable information both about Alzheimer’s disease in general and the behaviors caused by dementia,” said Pam Myers, senior director, programs for the Alzheimer’s Association Central Ohio and Northwest Ohio Chapters. “Whether your family is just facing an Alzheimer’s diagnosis or you’ve been living with the disease for years, it can be challenging to know where to turn when you have questions. We can help.”

For the first time, the number of people living with Alzheimer’s disease in the U.S. is more than 7 million. That includes 236,200 in Ohio, according to the 2025 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures. Deaths due to Alzheimer’s more than doubled (142%) between 2000 and 2022, while deaths from the leading cause of mortality (heart disease) decreased by 2.1%. 

To learn more about Alzheimer’s or other dementia and to access free local support and resources, visit alz.org/nwohio or call the Northwest Ohio Chapter at 419.537.1999 or the 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.

(ONN) – Childhood vaccination numbers are trending down in Ohio.

State health officials report a little more than 85 percent of kindergartners met all required shots for the 2024 to 2025 school year.

That’s a nearly 4-and-a-half percent drop from the 2019 to 2020 school year and below the 90 percent benchmark needed for herd immunity to slow the spread of disease.

Officials say more Ohio kindergartners are skipping vaccines, with non-medical exemptions rising from 2.6 percent in 2019-20 to 4 percent in 2023-24.

(From the City of Findlay)

CONSTRUCTION 9/8-9/12:

-Twp. Rd. 77 (Western Ave.) will be closed to through traffic from Twp. Rd. 80 to Trail 81 for a sanitary sewer project.

-Morrical Blvd. will be closed to through traffic from Logan Ave. to Bliss Ave. for asphalt replacement.

-SR 568 will be maintained with portable traffic lights from Trail 237 to TR 242 for the installation of Greenway Trail Phase 3.

-Western Ave. will be reduced to one lane; temporary signals will be used at Washington St. and Findlay St. to direct one lane of traffic through the area. Due to the nature of the work, expect delays when traveling Western.

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

(From the Findlay Police Department)

Officers were dispatched to 752 Howard St. (The Perfect Pour on the Corner) on September 6 at 2331 hours for a report of a fight in the parking lot.

Upon arrival a male was located with several stab wounds.

The male was transported to Blanchard Valley Hospital with non life threatening injuries.

After an investigation it was determined neither of the parties involved in the stabbing wished to pursue criminal charges against each other.

The Hancock Historical Museum is inviting people to step back in time during its annual open house at the Little Red Schoolhouse.

“Bring the whole family to explore a piece of Hancock County history!”

The Little Red Schoolhouse is a one-room, rural brick schoolhouse built in the 1840s, and area schools take field trips there to have their students experience a 19th-century school day.

The Little Red Schoolhouse is located at 8884 County Road 236.

The open house is on Sunday, September 14 from 1 to 4.

Learn more about the Little Red Schoolhouse and all of the museum’s buildings and facilities by clicking here.

(From Blanchard Valley Health System)

Wellness Park, the new Blanchard Valley Health System campus off County Road 99, is taking an innovative approach to patient care by introducing a calming room featuring adaptive color technology. This specially designed space helps reduce anxiety and improve focus in children undergoing rehabilitation, offering a transformative impact on their therapeutic experience.

“Children facing physical and emotional challenges in rehabilitation often experience heightened stress and sensory overload,” explained Becky Alexander, PT, a physical therapist at Julie A. Cole Rehab & Sports Medicine. “To address this, we now offer a calming room equipped with soft textures, minimal distractions, and dynamic lighting that shifts colors to match a child’s emotional needs.”

Research shows that different colors have distinct psychological effects, making them a valuable tool in rehabilitation settings. Cool colors like blues and greens promote relaxation and reduce anxiety, while warm colors like yellows and oranges encourage energy and motivation. Soft pinks and purples foster comfort and emotional balance, helping children feel more at ease. The ability to use adaptive color changes allows the environment to shift dynamically, supporting a child’s changing emotional and cognitive needs throughout therapy.

The benefits of these innovative calming rooms are significant. A customizable environment helps lower anxiety and stress, ensuring children feel at ease before and during therapy sessions. Specific color schemes aid concentration, especially for children with ADHD or sensory processing challenges, improving focus and engagement. Exposure to calming hues promotes self-soothing and emotional resilience, contributing to better rehabilitation outcomes.

“The new calming room at Wellness Park can enhance the overall therapy experience for our young patients,” added Alexander.

“Wellness Park was designed to expand access to comprehensive health services all in one location,” said Jenn Reese, director of the Musculoskeletal Service Line at BVHS. “From on-site x-ray and lab services to rehabilitation, and from expert primary care physicians to a range of specialty providers, this campus brings together the full spectrum of care. Families no longer need to travel to multiple locations—we’ve created a destination for healing, innovation, and convenience.”

The Julie A. Cole Rehab & Sports Medicine is located at 3401 Wellness Way in Findlay, and the phone number is 419.425.3199. For more information about the services offered at Wellness Park, please visit bvhealthsystem.org/wellness.