(From the Black Swamp Area Council)

The Black Swamp Area Council of Scouting America is proud to announce its annual “Scouting for Food” initiative, a council-wide service project aimed at addressing hunger in our local communities. This year’s event is scheduled over two consecutive Saturdays:

Saturday, March 1, 2025: Scouts distribute door hangers in neighborhoods to inform residents about the upcoming food drive.

Saturday, March 8, 2025: Scouts will return to collect donated canned goods and non-perishable items for those that received a door hanger only,  delivering them to local food banks and pantries Please have your food out by 9am.

“A Scout promises ‘to help other people at all times.’ There is no better way to show our Scouting spirit than by participating in the annual Scouting for Food drive,” said Marc Kogan, Scout Executive of the Black Swamp Area Council. “This initiative exemplifies the Scouting values of being loyal, helpful, kind, and cheerful.”

For the 2^nd year in arow Chief, Community Markets and Great Scot Community Markets are serving as the sponsors of the Black Swamp Area Council’s Scouting for Food drive. 

Community members are encouraged to participate by filling a recycled grocery bag with canned goods and placing it on their doorstep for collection on March 8. This collective effort not only provides essential support to those in need but also instills a sense of responsibility and leadership in participating Scouts.

Scouting for Food is part of the national Scouting America program, “Good Turn for America,” and stands as the organization’s leading service initiative.

For more information or to get involved, please contact Marc Kogan at Marc.Kogan@scouting.org or (419) 422-4356.

About Black Swamp Area Council

Scouting in the Black Swamp Area Council began in 1915 when the Scouting program was introduced to the young people of West Central and Northwestern Ohio.  The council serves the counties of Allen, Auglaize, Defiance, Fulton, Hancock, Hardin, Henry, Mercer, Paulding, Putnam, Seneca, Van Wert and Williams.  The Black Swamp Area Council has two unique and outstanding outdoor leadership centers, Camp Lakota in Defiance and County Camp Berry in Hancock County.

Scouting provides the adventure of camping, hiking, and outdoor fun while using these outdoor educational programs to teach personal responsibility, citizenship, character development, achievement of specific goals and service to others.  The Scout Oath and Law provide the foundation of the Scouting movement.

More than 5,000 individuals are participating in the local programs of Cub Scout, Scouts BSA, Venturing, Explorers, and/or adult volunteers.  They are served by the Black Swamp Area Council living out the Scout Oath and Scout Law one Scout at a time.  For more information about finding Scouting near you, visit www.BeAscout.org or call (419) 422-4356.

(From the Ohio Department of Transportation)

We are excited to announce that the Wyandot U.S. 23 reimagined rest areas are now OPEN!

These brand-new facilities provide an enhanced experience for all visitors, featuring universal changing stations, vending machines, covered picnic areas, paved walking paths, and expanded truck parking.

As you’re traveling Ohio, The Heart of it All, remember to check out our rest area map to better plan your visit:

https://www.transportation.ohio.gov/traveling/rest-areas

(From Blanchard Valley Center)

Jackson and his parents accepted the city proclamation from Mayor Muryn and council members designating March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.

Representing BVC, Jackson is an intern through our Project LIFE program that offers life skills education, along with 10-week work rotations for young adults ages 18-25.

The Project LIFE team and Jackson’s parents have expressed the tremendous growth he has exhibited since he started.

He has gained experience in a variety of industries and we can’t wait to see where his future takes him!

As always, we appreciate the continued support from our community.

Thank you for seeing the VALUE people with developmental disabilities bring to the table.

(From the Hancock METRICH Enforcement Unit)

On 03/05/25 at approx. 0430hrs the Hancock County METRICH Drug Task Force assisted by the Findlay Police Department Emergency Response Team (ERT) executed a narcotic search warrant at 225 Cherry St Findlay, OH 45840.

The search of the residence yielded approximately 96 grams of liquid cocaine, and multiple items indicative of drug trafficking.

As a result of the search the following person was arrested and incarcerated at the Hancock County Justice Center:

Porshia Frisbie (34 year old)

225 Cherry St

Findlay, Ohio

Charge: Hancock County Sheriff’s Office warrant for trafficking in drugs (F4)

Additional charges of drug trafficking and possession of drugs are expected at the conclusion of this investigation.

The Hancock METRICH Drug Enforcement Unit is supported by METRICH in Mansfield, OH and funded in part by the Office of Criminal Justice Services.

METRICH Crime Tip Hotline: 419-52-CRIME (419-522-7463) or download the METRICH enforcement unit mobile app to “Submit a Tip.”

(From the City of Findlay)

The City of Findlay officially announces the confirmation of Robert L. Feighner, Jr. to the position of City Law Director. Feighner was sworn in by Mayor Christina Muryn on February 19, 2025.

Robert E. Feighner, Jr. is a native of Findlay, Ohio. He obtained his undergraduate degree in business from Bowling Green State University in 1996 and his law degree from Ohio Northern University in 1999. Rob was an assistant city law director and municipal prosecutor for Findlay from 1999 through 2025. He managed a private practice in Findlay during the same period of time to which he was partner for over eighteen years. Rob was appointed to the full-time position of City Law Director in 2025 and is expected to be on the November 2025 ballot. Rob is a member of the Ohio State Bar Association, Hancock County Bar Association and member of the Ohio Municipal Attorneys Association.

“I am thrilled to welcome Robert Feighner as the City of Findlay Law Director. With his expertise and dedication to our community, I have no doubt he will strengthen our legal framework and serve the best interests of our community,” says Mayor Muryn.

“I am honored and humbled to be sworn in as the City Law Director. I look forward to working closely with our city officials, council, staff, and public to ensure that our legal needs are met with integrity and commitment to process,” says Law Director Feighner.

The Hancock County Republican Central Committee confirmed his appointment unanimously. This appointment will last through the results of the next general election where the winner of that election will finish the term.

Former Law Director Donald J. Rasmussen retired effective January 12. 

(ONN) – A discount retailer is acquiring former Big Lots locations in Ohio.

Ollie’s Bargain Outlets has now acquired a total of 63 former Big Lots locations.

The chain is based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and the acquisitions come as Columbus-based Big Lots navigates bankruptcy.

Locations in Findlay, Bowling Green, Chardon, and Middletown are on the list of sites being converted to Ollie’s.

Big Lots is not completely closing its doors.

The company is reported to continue operating 200 stores.

(From Camp 9-1-1)

Calling all future safety superheroes!

Camp 911 is back and open for registration!

This fun and interactive safety camp is designed for Hancock County kids entering kindergarten and is led by our local first responders.

Dates: June 23 – June 27

Two Sessions Available:

AM Session: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM – Tuesday, June 24 – Friday, June 27

PM Session: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM – Monday, June 23rd – Thursday, June 26

Kids will learn essential safety skills, meet real-life heroes, and have a blast in hands-on activities!

Register Now:

AM Session: https://forms.gle/8mf6rurdbepcpi4v8

PM Session: https://forms.gle/fjYJZxopZWHQMXDj9

(From the City of Findlay)

The City of Findlay is proud to announce that Mayor Christina Muryn has been appointed to the Community Leaders of America (CLA) Steering Committee for the Northeast. This appointment recognizes Mayor Muryn’s dedication to effective governance, economic development, and community engagement and her position as a respected leader by Mayors across the United States.

Community Leaders of America (CLA) is a national organization that brings together Republican mayors and county leaders from across the country to promote innovative policies, share best practices, and advocate for pro-growth, fiscally responsible governance.

CLA’s core principles include:

Stimulate job growth by establishing a sustainable business environment that promotes opportunity and prosperity for everyone 

Ensure public safety and protect civil liberties in our communities

Enhance quality of life by promoting infrastructure improvements and providing necessary services in the most effective and efficient manner possible

Protect taxpayer resources through implementation of common-sense fiscal management 

As a member of the Steering Committee, Mayor Muryn will collaborate with fellow municipal leaders to shape policy discussions, advocate for local priorities, and support initiatives that drive sustainable growth and innovation in cities and towns across the region. “I am honored to join the CLA Steering Committee and contribute to meaningful policy discussions that will benefit Findlay and communities across the region,” said Mayor Muryn. “Strong leadership and collaborative problem-solving are essential to building a brighter future for our residents.”

Mayor Muryn has served as Findlay’s mayor since 2019 and has been a vocal advocate for economic development, infrastructure improvements, and community engagement. Her leadership has helped position Findlay as one of Ohio’s most dynamic and thriving cities.

(From Findlay City Schools)

As promised, we have answers to some of the questions that we ran out of time to answer at last week’s Town Hall!

Check them out here: https://www.fcs.org/…/financial-facts/town-hall-follow-up

If you don’t see your question, stay tuned…we are adding more answers every day!

The discussion focused on the district’s financial challenges following the failed November 2024 levy, which resulted in a $6.1 million budget reduction. 

Need a rewatch of Town Hall? Watch it below.

(From the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library)

The Findlay-Hancock County Public Library has announced the selection of Gaining Ground: A Story of Farmers’ Markets, Local Food, and Saving the Family Farm by Forrest Pritchard as the CommunityREAD 2025 book.

Library Director Sarah Clevidence was on with WFIN’s Chris Oaks to discuss this year’s CommunityREAD selection and more, and that interview can be heard below.

Forrest Pritchard will visit Hancock County on Thursday, March 20 during CommunityREAD month for a public presentation at 7:30 PM at the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts.

Tickets are available for $10.00 at mcpa.org/events. We are also presenting special companion programs. Please check the calendar and plan to attend!

 What Is CommunityREAD?

CommunityREAD is a month-long community event that encourages reading and promotes the benefits of literacy.  It was originally created by the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation in 2003.  The administration of CommunityREAD was assumed by the library in 2012.  Each year, a different book is chosen and read by community members.  Various events are planned throughout the month of March at the library and throughout the community to celebrate literacy.  CommunityREAD is funded by a Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation grant, as well as the library’s general fund, and business and private sponsors.  For more information on CommunityREAD, please call us at 419-422-1712.