(From the Southwestern Hancock Joint Fire District)
SHJFD would like to welcome our (3) three new firefighters!
G. Heaster
J. Warnimont
M. Warnimont
Congratulations on passing your classes, training and test last month!
Thank you for stepping up and serving our communities, welcome to the Fire District!
Be safe!
C. Miracle
(From Blanchard Valley Health System)
The Blanchard Valley Health System (BVHS) Auxiliary has awarded a $2,500 scholarship in memory of dedicated volunteer Marty Lemley to Caitlyn Couch, a 2024 graduate of Bluffton High School.
Lemley, who passed away in October 2023 at age 79, was a devoted volunteer at Bluffton Hospital. Lemley (pictured below at a BVHS event with Santa and Mrs. Claus) volunteered more than 7,000 hours, stopping only when her health declined.
“Marty was so dedicated to serving the community, and was beloved by so many people,” said Heather Schalk, volunteer services manager for BVHS. “She was so friendly and it seemed like she never knew a stranger.”
A lifelong resident of Northwest Ohio, Lemley was passionate about giving. Over many years of volunteering, she held nearly every available volunteer position at Bluffton Hospital. She held every position in the BVHS Auxiliary, including president, vice president, and treasurer, and she spearheaded several fundraisers. Lemley also volunteered for other community organizations and served on several boards.
Schalk said Lemley was very outgoing and had a unique sense of humor. Schalk recalled reminding Lemley of the 10-minute time limit right before she spoke at the 2023 volunteer appreciation banquet. However, Lemley’s enthusiasm led her to exceed the time limit.
“She was just so passionate about Bluffton Hospital,” Schalk said. “And she loved to talk about it. It was so endearing, and I wasn’t at all surprised. It remains a memory of her that makes me smile.”
After Lemley’s death, her family designated the Auxiliary to receive memorial donations in her obituary.
“There was an overwhelming response,” Schalk said. “The Auxiliary decided the best use of these funds would be to give them back to the community and invest in our youth. Because that’s what Marty would do.”
The Auxiliary has a scholarship committee which oversees the distribution of funds for scholarships awarded every year to graduating high school seniors throughout the region served by BVHS. This group also handled the logistics for the special, one-time scholarship in Lemley’s memory, which was open only to students graduating from Bluffton High School. Lemley’s children had attended Bluffton schools and her son, Steve, is a guidance counselor for the school district.
Applicants submitted a letter of recommendation, a personal statement, and a resume. Schalk said the committee was also looking for traits similar to Lemley when selecting the recipient.
“Marty wanted to make a difference, and she knew the hospital was a place she could do a lot of good,” Schalk said. “Marty was very much a go-getter.”
Couch, who was at the top of her senior class, plans to study music technology at Capital University in Columbus. Her extensive high school music career includes, among other activities, playing baritone in concert band, singing in the choir, and providing piano accompaniment for choir and vocal ensembles. She also has played baritone in the Bluffton University concert band since 2023. Couch has taken piano lessons since kindergarten.
Additionally, she participated in the Bluffton High School drama club, played on the varsity tennis team, and served as high school class treasurer from 2020 to 2023. She has volunteered at a public library to assist with a summer reading program, as a server and lector at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, and as a performer in the community with the Four Guys and a Gal Quartet.
“I think Marty would be very, very proud,” Schalk said. “She would be excited about the possibilities Caitlyn has ahead of her. I feel like she couldn’t wait to see what Caitlyn will do and how she will continue to make a difference in her own way.”
To learn more about scholarships offered through Blanchard Valley Health System, please visit bvhealthsystem.org/scholarships.
Findlay’s annual Memorial Day Parade is coming up on Monday, May 27.
Bill Johns, President of the Hancock County Veterans Council, hopes to see everyone there.
Bill says the Bridge Ceremony on the Main Street Bridge will happen at 9 a.m. as wreaths will be placed in the Blanchard River in memory of the area’s fallen Veterans.
And then the parade will start at 10 in front of the American Legion on West Front Street.
The parade will make its way to Maple Grove Cemetery where a service will be held at the War Memorial.
Bill says anyone else who wants to participate in the parade is welcome to show up Monday morning and he’ll find a spot for them.
People can also contact Bill at 419-721-7275 with any questions.
Video from last year’s parade and service is below.
(From the Ohio State Highway Patrol)
The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Milan Post is investigating an injury crash involving a trooper on May 20.
The incident occurred at 11:50 p.m. on Monday on the Ohio Turnpike, west of the state Route 53 interchange in Rice Township, Sandusky County.
The preliminary investigation showed a westbound Ford F-150, operated by Curtis A. Rogers Jr., 33, Huron, drove off the left side of the roadway and struck a marked Dodge Charger patrol car that was parked in the crossover.
The trooper sustained minor injuries and was taken by ambulance to the Mercy Health – St. Vincent Medical Center.
Rogers was not injured.
Rogers was found to be impaired and charged with operating a vehicle impaired, a first-degree misdemeanor, and aggravated vehicular assault, a third-degree felony.
He was incarcerated at the Sandusky County Jail.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted at the scene by Sandusky County EMS, Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission, and Madison Motors.
The crash remains under investigation at this time.
(From Bowling Green State University)
Bowling Green State University Athletics Hall of Famer (1992) Mark Wells has passed away.
Wells, a native of St. Clair Shores, Mich., attended Bowling Green State University from 1975-79, where he was a star forward on the ice hockey team. He officially received a scholarship after his freshman season. He joined the 1980 Olympic team after the 1979 college season ended and, along with BGSU teammate Ken Morrow, won gold medals with the “Miracle on Ice” USA team at the 1980 Olympics in Lake Placid.
Wells was selected 176th overall in the 1977 NHL Entry Draft by the Montreal Canadiens. He joined Montreal’s top farm team, the Nova Scotia Voyageurs, after the Olympics. He was released by Montreal after the 1980 season and then signed a free agent contract with the New York Rangers. Wells spent the following two seasons in the minor leagues with the New Haven Nighthawks, Flint Generals, Fort Wayne Komets, and Oklahoma City Stars, retiring in 1982 without playing a single game in the NHL.
Following his retirement from hockey, Wells worked as a restaurant manager in Rochester Hills, Mich. The city officials in his hometown of St. Clair Shores, Mich., renamed the St. Clair Shores Civic Arena’s Olympia Room the Mark Wells Ice Rink in 2014.
Mark Wells, a two-time first-team All-CCHA honoree, was inducted into the BGSU Athletic Hall of Fame in 1992.
(From the Findlay Police Department)
With our 2024 Bicycle Rodeo quickly approaching on Saturday, June 8th, we’re looking for a few volunteers to help us with our event.
Whether you’re passionate about bicycle safety, or simply need some volunteer hours, we’d love to have a few extra hands.
Police officer Brian White says, during the Bicycle Rodeo, there will be a series of different bike courses and educational activities and there will also be bike helmets given away.
Check out our sign up lists below to see if something works for you.
2024 Findlay Police Department Bicycle Rodeo – Saturday, June 8th 9:00 – 11:00 AM
https://www.signupgenius.com/…/60B0A4BACAE28A6F94…
2024 Findlay Police Department Bicycle Rodeo (RAIN DATE) – Saturday, June 15th 9:00 – 11:00 AM
https://www.signupgenius.com/…/60B0A4BACAE28A6F94…
(From the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation)
How fun is this?
Findlay City Schools received a grant totaling $30,000 to install a book vending machine at Whittier Primary, Northview Primary School, Bigelow Hill Elementary School, Chamberlin Hill Elementary School, and Wilson Vance Elementary School.
The vending machine is used as an incentive for students to demonstrate leadership qualities and achieve their goals.
This Northview student was excited to receive their first book from the vending machine!
(From the Tiffin Police Department)
At tonight’s City Council Meeting, Tiffin Officer Becca Timm, Sgt. Eric Aller, and Officer Steven Beutler were distinguished with the prestigious departmental Life Saving Award.
This accolade is a tribute to officers whose courage, quick thinking, and decisive actions have directly resulted in saving lives, highlighting their exceptional dedication to duty and service.
The Tiffin Police Department takes great pride in commending these officers for their exemplary conduct, which not only upholds the highest standards of law enforcement but also demonstrates an unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of the community they serve.
Officer Becca Timm and Officer Steven Beutler received their first Life Saving Award recognizing their extraordinary efforts in critical situations. Sgt. Eric Aller was honored with his fourth Life Saving Award, underscoring his consistent dedication and exceptional performance in life-threatening scenarios.
The collective achievements of these officers reflect the values and mission of the Tiffin Police Department. Their bravery and professionalism serve as an inspiration to their colleagues and a reassurance to the community that they are protected by individuals of the highest caliber.
Congratulations to Officer Timm, Officer Beutler, and Sgt. Aller for their remarkable achievements and unwavering service.
Chief Pauly
A temporary FEMA Disaster Recovery Center will open in Findlay to assist Hancock County residents in their recovery from the March 14 tornadoes.
Specialists from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration will be at the center to help people apply for federal disaster assistance, upload documents, learn about ways to make their property more disaster-resistant, and get their questions answered in person.
The temporary center will located at the Hancock County Engineer’s Office at 1900 Lima Avenue in Findlay.
Hours: Tues. May 21 – Thurs. May 23, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. The center will close on Thursday, May 23 at 5:00 p.m.
To find the center nearest you, visit FEMA.gov/DRC.
Survivors may visit any center for assistance.
As tornadoes hit Ohio on March 14th, an EF-1 touched down in southwest Hancock County severely damaging some houses and barns.
(From the Findlay Police Department)
We have received a few complaints of residents receiving letters from the National Police Association asking for donations (picture attached for reference).
While the NPA is a legal non-profit organization, their letters can be confusing and some believe they are originating from the City of Findlay, as the letter mentions “Findlay City Council” several times within the letter. This letter is NOT from the City of Findlay and no donations are directed to the City of Findlay.
We would encourage all residents to donate to charities you know and trust and/or donate locally. Also, be sure to do your research on each charity before donating. Reputable charities should have a positive rating on websites such as the Better Business Bureau, CharityNavigator.org or Guidestar.org.