(From the Wood County Sheriff’s Office)

The Wood County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with Kroger and JE Dunn, is excited to announce to celebrate “Christmas in July”, Saturday July 19. This unique initiative aims to bring the community together and spread joy by surprising citizens with a gift card to Kroger, with the goal of giving back to the communities they live in and serve every day.

During the event, sheriff’s deputies will identify residents and provide them with a gift card to Kroger, allowing them to enjoy a shopping experience at their local Kroger store.

“The Wood County Sheriff’s Office is pleased to partner with JE Dunn and Kroger to celebrate Christmas in July, said Wood County Sheriff Mark Wasylyshyn. This is a great example of partnering with local community stakeholders to have a positive interaction with the public. We love helping and serving our community!”

This initiative not only aims to bring a smile to the faces of those who receive the gift cards but also highlights the importance of community engagement and collaboration between local businesses and law enforcement. By working together, the Wood County Sheriff’s Office, JE Dunn and Kroger hope to create a positive impact and foster a sense of unity within the community.

(From the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts)

Mark your calendar!

On August 26th Marathon Center for the Performing Arts will host our annual Day of Giving and this year, we’re celebrating a milestone!

As we honor 10 years of MCPA, we invite you to join us in raising the curtain on the next decade of unforgettable performances, impactful arts education, and powerful community programs.

Your support on our August 26th Day of Giving will help us:

• Expand arts education and youth engagement

• Increase access to live performances for all

• Invest in a vibrant future for our region’s cultural life

Together, we can ensure that the magic of the performing arts continues to thrive in our community for years to come.

(From Owens Community College)

For the fourth time in modern history, the Owens Express baseball team had a former player taken in the Major League Baseball Draft.

Hunter Allen, who played at Owens in 2022 and 2023, was taken by the Baltimore Orioles with the 214th overall pick on Monday.

In two seasons with the Express, the 6-foot-4, 245-pound right hander went 10-3 with 105 strikeouts in 79 innings and a 1.86 ERA. He went 6-0 with 54 strikeouts and a 1.85 ERA during his second season at Owens.

Owens baseball coach John Parisho said he couldn’t be more excited for Allen and his family. He also pointed out the tremendous amount of work it took to get in a position to be drafted.

“He is so competitive by nature, and it will serve him well moving forward,” Parisho said. “I’m excited for our program and to show our guys that it’s possible to come out of Owens and reach your goals and dreams. Hard work always pays off.”

Allen came to Owens as a two-way player from nearby Woodmore High School in Woodville. Parisho remembers the impression Allen made when he took the mound.

“I will never forget when watching him on the mound, there was just an overwhelming presence when he threw,” Parisho said. “We had a conversation in the middle of his freshman season fall camp about becoming a pitcher only. I put the decision in his court and a couple days later he walked into my office and said he wanted to be a pitcher and do what’s best for the team and his future. He hasn’t looked back since.”

After Owens, Allen went to Ashland University, where he went 7-1 with a 3.96 ERA and 84 strikeouts this season. He was named first-team All-Great Midwest Athletic Conference and second-team All-Midwest Region by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association.

In modern times, Owens has fielded a varsity baseball team since 1994. Allen joins Aaron Franke (1999 Draft eighth round, Los Angeles Angels), Ryan Clark (2000 Draft, 40th round, New York Yankees) and Mike Ramlow (2005 Draft, 24th round, Milwaukee Brewers) as Owens players taken in the MLB Draft. He is the first player drafted since Owens went to Division III in the NJCAA.

In the early days of Owens, when the college was known as Penta Tech, the Cleveland Indians selected Penta Tech outfielder Ronald “Butch” Allen in the first round (16th overall) of the 1967 draft-secondary phase.

(From the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce)

The Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce Bluffton Discovery Days, Friday, July 25, 2025 and July 26, 2025. This event, featuring exclusive in-store specials, will provide shoppers with Discovery Days deals.

Visitors who explore participating businesses during Bluffton Discovery Days can enter into a drawing to win Bluffton Dollars, which can be redeemed at any Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce member business. Prizes range from $25 to $100, offering winners an exciting opportunity to discover and enjoy various local establishments.

Bluffton Discovery Days is a celebration of our vibrant community, showcasing the unique businesses and charm that Bluffton has to offer. It’s a fantastic opportunity for both residents and visitors to support local commerce while taking advantage of special discounts and promotions.

Don’t miss out on Bluffton Discovery Days – your chance to save, win, and experience the best of Bluffton. Join us for this incredible celebration of local business and community spirit.

For more information, please contact:

James Enneking
Executive Director, Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce
(419) 369-2985
director@explorebluffton.com

(From the Hancock Historical Museum)

The Hancock Historical Museum invites the public to join them for the next installment of its 2025 Classic Movie Night series on Friday, July 18, with a screening of the critically acclaimed drama A Face in the Crowd (1957), directed by Elia Kazan and starring Andy Griffith in a powerful and unexpected performance.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the film will begin at 7:00 p.m. Admission is free, and popcorn and other refreshments will be available.

A Face in the Crowd tells the story of a drifter who rises to fame as a media personality, only to reveal a darker side as his power grows. The film is a gripping exploration of celebrity, media influence, and public manipulation, and it remains as relevant today as it was in the 1950s.

The evening will feature a special introduction by John King, President of the Ray Browne Pop Culture Association at Bowling Green State University, who will provide insight into the film’s historical and cultural significance.

The museum’s Classic Movie Night series offers a chance to experience timeless films in a historic setting, with commentary that brings added depth and appreciation to each screening.

This year’s remaining Classic Movie Night lineup includes: • August 16 – The Goonies (PG, 1985) – Bill and Gail Miller Outdoor Movie Night • October 24 – Bride of Frankenstein (PG, 1935) • November 21 – Dark Passage (PG, 1947) • December 19 – It’s A Wonderful Life (PG, 1946)

All films will be shown at the Hancock Historical Museum, located at 422 West Sandusky Street, Findlay, Ohio.

Don’t miss this opportunity to experience these timeless classics the way they were meant to be seen—on the big screen, surrounded by fellow film lovers. Whether you’re revisiting an old favorite or discovering a new gem, Classic Movie Night offers a nostalgic evening for all ages. For more information, please visit www.hancockhistoricalmuseum.org or call 419-423-4433.

(From the Hancock County Veterans Service Office)

The Hancock County Veterans Service Office is proud to host the 7th annual Operation Back to School supplies distribution for children of veterans (or grandchildren living with and being raised by veteran grandparents).

If your child attends school in Hancock County, you may qualify to receive a FREE school supply package to help kick off the school year! While this kit won’t cover every item, it will give families a helpful start before Ohio’s tax-free weekend.

Pick-Up Options:

Monday, July 28 through Friday, August 1

9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Veterans Service Office — 1100 East Main Cross, Findlay

Saturday, August 2

10:00 AM to 2:00 PM

At the Veterans Empowerment Summer Fair — Owens, Findlay Campus

What to Bring:

DD-214 or valid DoD, VA, or state-issued Veterans ID card

Let us help your family start the school year strong!

(From the University of Findlay)

The University of Findlay’s Mazza Museum is proud to announce that Dan Chudzinski will be the new director and Amanda Davidson-Johnston will be elevated to the role of assistant director, as of August 1, 2025.

“The impressive credentials of Dan and Amanda make me confident this jewel of our campus will continue to flourish under their leadership,” said Ken McIntyre Jr., vice president of University advancement. “With their passion, talent, and commitment, it was clear to me our way forward needs to rest in their capable hands.”

Chudzinski, who currently serves as Mazza’s director of curation and exhibitions, will oversee day-to-day operations, enhance the visitor experience for guests, and serve as the ambassador of the Mazza Museum collection. He will continue to design gallery exhibitions and curate the nearly 22,000 original works of art from picture books – the largest such collection in the world.

Chudzinski has served at UF for 10 years, helping Mazza to expand its influence through national exhibitions including the National Academy of Sciences (Washington, D.C.), the Norman Rockwell Museum (Stockbridge, MA), the Delaware Art Museum (Wilmington, DE) and was featured in the 2022 PBS feature documentary, The Magic of Mazza.

He also is the creator of Bessie the Lake Erie Monster – the school bus sized skeleton featured in Lape Great Hall of the Virginia B. Gardner Fine Arts Pavilion.

Chudzinski received a bachelor’s of fine arts in sculpture and a bachelor’s in history from Miami University, as well as a master’s of fine arts in three dimensional studies from Bowling Green State University. He is a four-time nominee and winner of the prestigious Chesley Award, from the Association of Science Fiction & Fantasy Artists. An image of his piece, Evasive Species, will be placed in a time capsule on the South Pole of the moon in November 2025.

Davidson-Johnston’s duties will include marketing and continued management of Mazza’s popular Funday Sunday events and community engagement, and she will expand the museum’s capacity for new programs and school offerings.

Davidson-Johnston serves on the Ohio Museum Association Board of Trustees and is the head of the Northwest Ohio Emerging Museum Professionals Network. She holds a bachelor’s in history from Cedarville University and is nearing completion of a master’s in museum studies from Johns Hopkins University.

(The Ohio State Highway Patrol)

The Bowling Green Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a crash involving a 14 year old that was struck by a vehicle in Center Township, Wood County. The crash occurred on State Route 25 at Union Hill Road at 4:16 p.m. Monday afternoon.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2016 Nissan Rogue was traveling north on State Route 25 when a 14 year old ran from a driveway into the roadway into its path. The 14 year old was struck by the 2016 Nissan Rogue near the center line of the two northbound lanes.

The 2016 Nissan Rogue was operated by Ian Reynolds, 19 years of age, of Toledo. Mr. Reynolds was not injured in the crash.

The pedestrian was identified as Sophia Dibling, 14 years of age, of Bowling Green. She was transported by Life Flight to St. Vincent Medical Center with serious injuries.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted at the scene by the Wood County Sheriff’s Department, Midcounty 120, Center Township Fire and Life Flight.

This crash remains under investigation.

(From the City of Findlay)

The City of Findlay is performing numerous construction projects throughout the city. The status of some of the projects is weather and contractor schedule permitting. Listed below are some of the projects and the restrictions that result from the ongoing projects. These restrictions are in effect from July 14, 2025, until further notice.

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

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

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

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

-George St. will be closed to through traffic from Main St. to the Railroad for curb replacement.

-Twp. Rd. 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 Bliss Ave. End for waterline installation.

-N. Blanchard St. will be reduced to one lane in each direction from E. Melrose Ave. to Karen Ct. for curb replacement.

-Brookview Ct. will be closed to through traffic from Brookside Dr. to the cul-de-sac for curb replacement.

-Foxfire Ln. will be closed to through traffic from Fox Run Rd. to the cul-de-sac for curb replacement.

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

(ONN) – Some of Ohio’s first responders are heading to Texas to assist with ongoing recovery efforts after deadly flooding hit earlier this month.

Five members of Ohio Task Force One will soon be arriving in Texas to help with recovery efforts.

Two K9 units are part of that team.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine is applauding the efforts of Ohio first responders.

“I couldn’t be more proud of those who volunteered for this mission. When Ohio sees another state suffering, we don’t hesitate to help.”