(From the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library)

The Findlay-Hancock County Public Library is thrilled to announce your 2025 SummerREAD Program theme: Color Our World! For 2025, we invite you to embark on a journey of art and creativity, celebrating the myriad ways in which art enriches our lives. Our program is designed to inspire and engage readers of all ages through an array of artistic expressions.

An amazing kick off party is planned for June 2 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., with face painters here from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. The evening party is scheduled from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. Special guests will be here to help us celebrate and include The City of Findlay Parks & Recreation Department, Awakening Minds Art, and the Hancock County Farmers’ Market. The kick off party at the Arlington Branch is scheduled for Saturday, June 7 from 11 a.m.- 1:30 p.m. There will be crafters, snacks and plenty of games to play. Face painters will be there from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

SummerREAD registration is open to all ages, infant through adult. The library is providing a free gift book to all early literacy, children’s and teen registrants. This summer, the library is again using an online

platform, READsquared, for participants to keep track of their reading progress. Beginning June 2, patrons can register for SummerREAD at findlaylibrary.readsquared.com, and all programs are free of charge.

Participants can earn great prizes by logging reading, writing a review, or completing fun activities. Children and teens can earn completion prizes for each level completed, and all readers earn raffle tickets at each level for a prize drawing at the end of the program. The more you read, the more tickets you get to be entered into a grand prize drawing. If you prefer not to track your reading online, there will be paper forms available at the library to log reading progress.

Families are invited to join in reading together, and to attend programs such as Storytime in the Park, Makerspace, Symphony Storytime, and Family Night: Treasure Hunt at the Oakwoods Nature Preserve. Teen activities include Yarn Art, Mixed Media Mayhem, Tech Rest, and Pop-In Mini Glow Golf & Games. Adults can enjoy book discussions, The Musical Sounds of History, crafts, cooking, and many informative presentations. Please check the library’s website at findlaylibrary.org/events for more information on programming.

Be sure to stay updated on the library’s Facebook page at Facebook.com/fhcpl to receive updates, see surprises, and take part in entertaining contests all summer.

SummerREAD is generously sponsored by The Friends of the Library.

For more information, call the library at 419-422-1712 or check our website at findlaylibrary.org.

(From the Ohio Department of Transportation)

We are happy to announce the winners of its annual Paint-the-Plow program!

People’s Choice Award:

1st – Carey High School (Wyandot County) – “Paws and Follow the Laws” featuring K9 Nigel

2nd – Fort Jennings High School (Putnam County) – Patriotic eagle design

3rd – Mohawk Preschool – Adorable handprints and drawings

ODOT’s Choice Award:

1st – Fort Jennings High School (Putnam County) – Patriotic eagle design

2nd – (Tie) Ada High School (Hardin County) and Fairview High School (Defiance County)

A huge thank you to all 23 schools from eight counties in northwest Ohio who participated in this year’s program! Your creativity and talent shine bright!

Read the full news release here:

https://www.transportation.ohio.gov/…/wyandot-and…

(From the Ohio State Highway Patrol)

The Ohio State Highway Patrol is reporting 11 fatal crashes resulting in 12 deaths on Ohio’s roadways during the 2025 Memorial Day weekend, according to provisional statistics.

This is a decrease from last year, when 26 individuals were killed. The four-day reporting period began Friday, May 23 and ran through Monday, May 26.

During the reporting period, state troopers made 17,034 traffic enforcement contacts, including 410 impaired driving arrests, 70 drug arrests and 2,090 safety belt citations. In addition, the Patrol made 9,515 non-enforcement contacts including 1,746 motorist assists.

Motorists are reminded that roadway safety is a shared responsibility and are encouraged to call #677 to report drug activity and dangerous or impaired driving.

For a statewide breakdown of enforcement and crashes during the Memorial Day holiday weekend, see below:

(From the Findlay Police Department)

Chief James Mathias proudly presented Officer Nicholas Price with the Life Saving Award in recognition of his actions during a recent medical emergency.

Earlier this month, Officer Price responded to a call involving a person in cardiac arrest.

Alongside fellow first responders, he provided critical CPR that directly contributed to saving the individual’s life.

Thanks to the swift and coordinated efforts of everyone on the scene, a life was saved that day.

Congratulations, Officer Price!

(From the City of Findlay)

On May 17, 2025, at Armed Forces Day celebration held at the Hancock County Fairgrounds, Mayor Christina Muryn and Hancock County Commissioners William L. Bateson, Timothy K. Bechtol, and Jeffrey L. Hunker issued proclamations honoring two Veterans of the Year Carol Heileman and Matthew Risser and Military Person of the Year SPC Hunter Melton.

Thank you for your service and sacrifice for our great country.

Pictured Left to Right: Major General John C. Harris, Jr. (Adjutant General, Ohio National Guard, Joint Force Headquarters, Columbus, OH), SPC Hunter Melon, Matthew Risser, Carol Heileman, Mayor Christina Muryn.

Photo Credit: Tom Adams

(From Findlay City Schools)

Become a host family!

We are looking for a family interested in hosting an exchange student from Kawaguchi, Findlay’s sister city in Japan, for the 2025-2026 school year.

Learn more and apply here:

https://docs.google.com/…/1MqzPu45fxYiM8Wsgyqr…/edit

(From the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall Fostoria Committee)     

The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall will be in Fostoria June 26-30, 2025.

The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall is a 3/5 scale replica of the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall was dedicated on Veterans Day in 1982. Its purpose is honor those who served and sacrificed during the Vietnam War.

The original was designed by Maya Lin. She was 21 years old at the time. Etched into the black granite are the names of more than 58,300 American service members who lost their lives during the Vietnam War. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall is the most-visited memorial on the National Mall in Washington, attracting more than 5 million people each year.

The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall will be at the Fostoria Community Schools, 1001 Park Ave. The Wall’s visit to Fostoria is especially significant as 2025 is the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War. The Traveling Wall is a program of the Vietnam and All Veterans of Brevard in Brevard County, Florida.

The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall will arrive in Findlay early on the morning of June 26, a Thursday. It will leave from Findlay Reineke Ford at approximately 9:00 a.m. It will proceed on South Main St. and turn east on Center St. which becomes Tiffin Ave. then the route goes left onto Fostoria Ave. (State Route 12). It will travel through Arcadia on SR12 and into Fostoria (Lytle St.), taking a left at the Mid-Block, turning west on South St. and proceeding north on North Countyline St. The route will turn left on Park Ave. and on to the Fostoria Community Schools. The public is encouraged to line the route and participate in its arrival in Fostoria.

The Vietnam Wall frequently travels with a motorcycle escort comprised of individual riders and groups like the American Legion’s Legion Riders and the Black Swamp Veterans Motorcycle Club. Event organizers are anticipating an escort of 200 or more motorcycles.

Once the Wall arrives, some two dozen volunteers will assemble its panels. The Wall stands 6 feet tall and measures 300 feet from end to end. The Vietnam Wall in Washington is 493 feet long and 10 feet tall at its highest point.

Event organizers will have a trailer nearby for security volunteers and to serve a first aid station. There will be at least two volunteers working two-hour shifts providing 24-hour security as long as the Wall is in Fostoria. In addition, the Fostoria Police Department will regularly patrol the Wall.

Visiting the Wall can be an emotional experience for Vietnam veterans who lost comrades-in-arms and for family members who lost loved ones. There will be counseling services on site for anyone who needs them.

The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall’s visit to Fostoria is made possible because of the generous support received to date from many Fostoria and area individuals, businesses and organizations, including the Fostoria Amvets Post 69, the Fostoria Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 440, the Greater Fostoria Community Foundation, the Fostoria Eagles Aerie 430, the Fostoria Police and Firefighters Benevolent Funds, and the Fostoria High School National Honor Society.

The amount owed the Vietnam and All Veterans of Brevard to transport the Wall here has been raised. The committee is continuing to raise funds to meet local expenses, including lodging for the individuals accompanying the Wall. In the event that there are unspent funds once the Wall has left Fostoria, those funds will be donated to the Seneca County Honor Bus which is also a 501-c-3 organization.

Also on display will be the Eyes of Freedom traveling memorial. Eyes of Freedom is dedicated to the service and sacrifice of all who have answered our Nation’s call. It specifically honors “Lima Company” from central Ohio. L-Co. lost 22 Marines and one Navy Corpsman in Iraq in a four month period in 2005. Eyes of Freedom also brings awareness to “The Silent Battle,” the struggle many veterans have with post-traumatic stress disorder and the issue of suicide among veterans. It is estimated as many as 22 veterans commit suicide each day.

Opening ceremonies will take place at 4 p.m. on June 26, the day the Wall arrives in Fostoria. The Star Spangled Banner and the hymns of each branch of the service will be performed by the Fostoria Community Band. It is planned that there will also be remarks by local officials and Sgt. Major Steve Kosinski.

(picture courtesy of the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall on Facebook)

CONSTRUCTION 5/27-5/30:

-Broad Ave. will be reduced to one lane in each direction from W. Trenton Ave. to W. Melrose Ave. for resurfacing.

-W. Melrose Ave. will be closed to through traffic from N. Main St. to Broad Ave. for resurfacing.

-East St. will be closed to through traffic from Tiffin Ave. to the Railroad for curb replacement.

-Carnahan Ave. will be closed to through traffic from Tiffin Ave. to the Railroad for curb replacement.

-Scott Ct. will be closed to through traffic from Milton St. to the dead end for curb replacement.

-Allen Ave. will be closed to through traffic from Main St. to Railroad for curb replacement.

-Midland Ave. will be closed to through traffic from Main St. to Railroad for curb replacement.

-Garfield Ave. will be closed to through traffic from Main St. to Railroad for curb replacement.

-Twp. Road 80 (Baseline Rd.) will be closed to all traffic from Springlake Dr. (E.) to Springlake Dr. (W.) for a sanitary sewer project.

-Morrical Blvd. will be closed to through traffic from Logan Ave. to the North Dead End for waterline installation.

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

(From the Findlay Police Department)

The Findlay Police Department invites local families to join them for the annual Bicycle Rodeo, a free community event designed to promote bicycle safety and healthy lifestyles. The event will take place on Saturday, June 7 from 9-11am at the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts. (The rain date will be Saturday, June 14th from 9-11am in case of inclement weather.)

This family-friendly event is tailored for children ages 4–12, but all are welcome to attend. Youth participants will enjoy a variety of fun and educational activities including:

• A light breakfast and live entertainment
• Interactive children’s games and activities
• Exciting prize giveaways
• Bicycle safety stations where children can learn and practice safe riding skills on road and obstacle courses

In addition, the Findlay Police Department will provide free bicycle helmets and licenses, and emergency vehicles will be on display for kids to explore. Local organizations will also be on-site with valuable resources and demonstrations.

“We are proud to host this event each year to help our community’s youth learn the importance of bicycle safety in a fun, engaging environment,” said event coordinator, Ofc. Brian White. “It’s a great way for families to connect with local law enforcement and build lasting safety habits.”

Registration is required and will be available at the event. To avoid lines, families are encouraged to pre-register online at:
https://forms.gle/hVgkquWyH2B2dKFe7

For more information, please visit the Findlay Police Department’s Facebook page or contact the department directly.

(From Findlay City Schools)

We are honored to present the Valedictorian and Salutatorian of the Findlay High School Class of 2025, Daniel Jung and Lilian Perkins.

Daniel and Lilian, this incredible accomplishment is no doubt just one of many that you will proudly claim.

We are so proud of you.