(From the Findlay Family YMCA)

The Findlay Family YMCA is excited to announce a transformational $1 million gift from Marathon Petroleum Corporation (MPC) to support the construction of its new Early Learning Center (ELC), furthering the YMCA’s mission to provide high-quality, affordable, and accessible childcare to families in the community.

A longstanding YMCA partner and neighbor, MPC has a rich history of support, having previously donated the building that houses the current Mary Brenner Child Development Center on Lincon Street and frequently assisting in myriad ways with YMCA programs and other initiatives. Many of its employees are YMCA members who count on the organization for childcare and healthy living priorities. This latest gift underscores the corporation’s deep commitment to thriving communities by strengthening families and ensuring children have access to safe, nurturing early learning opportunities.

“Those of us at the YMCA are extremely grateful for MPC’s generous gift and unwavering belief in our mission,” said CEO Stephanie Parsons. “With this assistance, we are taking a major step toward addressing the critical need for additional and exceptional childcare in our region.”

The $10-million, 20,500-square-foot childcare center will offer expanded capacity, flexible learning spaces, and closer proximity to the Downtown Branch for working families who count on us caring for and educating their youngest family members. Also, like the Y’s existing childcare center, it will also continue to provide subsidized childcare for eligible families.

“For decades, the Y has been privileged to serve the community in such a capacity and we’re thrilled to soon be providing enhanced services, made possible with MPC and other valued community partners,” Parsons said.

A Findlay man who was a successful businessman and very passionate about the community he loved and called home has passed away.

Richard Kirk, the CEO of Kirk Corporation, died on March 25^th at the age of 66.

His obituary from Coldren-Crates Funeral Home is below.

Surrounded by his loving family, Richard Charles Kirk, 66, passed away peacefully at 4:07 pm on March 25, 2025 at the Cleveland Clinic after a courageous battle against myeloproliferative disease.

Richard was born in Toledo, Ohio on December 15, 1958, to Robert W. and Theresa A. (Wonderly) Kirk, both deceased. On February 7, 2014, he married the love of his life, Sabrina (Mandell) and she survives. Also surviving to cherish his memory are his daughters: Tiphanie (Lucas) Gibson, Lauren Kirk, Justinne (Ben) Reinhart, a step-daughter Miranda (Brendan) Smoluk, sons: Chad and Shawn Kirk. He was an especially proud Grampy to Kasadie, Coltan & Kinsley Gibson, Lilli, Avery & Roman Reinhart and Liam & Grayson Smoluk; his brothers: James A. (Rebecca) Kirk, Joseph (Diana) Kirk, and sisters: Rebecca Sue (Dirk) Ewing and Catherine (Dennis) Smith. His brother William T. Kirk preceded him in death. Richard loved his life with his champion dogs Beau, Rose, Maggie, Emmit, Dagen, Quinn, Winston & Sergie and frequently referred to himself as a champion dog trainer.

Richard was a graduate of Van Buren High School and briefly attended college at the University of Toledo, but was needed at the family business, where he worked alongside his father and brothers, who in his words, “Taught me everything. All I had to do was pay attention.” In the early years, he worked at OHM, followed by owning Kirk Bros. Co., Inc. the first company his father started, building water/waste water treatment facilities, and recently celebrating 55 years in business and now includes Kirk Masonry, Inc. He later acquired the general contracting company Alvada Construction Co., Inc. (now known as ACI Co., Inc.) from his brother Bill, which includes Alvada Trucking (now known as ATI). In the pursuit of being all-encompassing, in 2019 acquired Bodie Electric which provides commercial plumbing, HVAC and electrical services.

Richard possessed a servant’s heart, serving on multiple boards throughout the years. He lived and believed where much is given, much is expected, and he reminded those around him of the great responsibility we all have to be better, and do better for our clients, community, and families. He was especially passionate about Findlay, his lifelong residence and was committed to making the community better for all. He selflessly helped anyone wherever he could, never expecting anything in return.

In leisure, Richard and Sabrina enjoyed numerous travels together, especially a recent trip to Israel. He loved reading about Civil and WW2 history. Most of all Richard enjoyed living on the farm and all the activities and solitude it provided.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Sharon Cole for her dedicated care and compassion, and Pastor Chris Baney for his presence, wisdom and council.

Visitation will be held from noon-8 pm on Monday, March 31, 2025, at COLDREN-CRATES FUNERAL HOME, Findlay. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at St. Michael the Archangel Church, 750 Bright Road, Findlay. Interment will take place at Knollcrest Cemetery following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials contributions be given to the Richard C. and Sabrina K. Kirk Youth Scholarship Fund, supporting Hancock County youth pursuing careers in agriculture and the trades, c/o The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation, 101 W. Sandusky St. #207, Findlay, Ohio 45840. Online condolences are welcomed at www.coldrencrates.com.

UPDATE – The Severe Thunderstorm Watch has expired. 

The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch that includes Findlay and Hancock County.

The Severe Thunderstorm Watch goes until 10 p.m. Sunday.

Forecasters say storms could include powerful wind gusts of 75 miles per hour, large hail, heavy rainfall, and a couple tornadoes are possible.

You can get the latest forecast and weather alerts by clicking here.

(From the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library)

The Findlay-Hancock County Public Library is excited to announce the addition of Wonderbooks to its collection, offering a unique and engaging way for children to experience reading. Wonderbooks are a revolutionary combination of traditional print books with built-in audio players, designed to foster a love of reading and improve literacy skills.

Wonderbooks make reading an interactive and immersive experience. Each book features a pre-loaded audiobook that children can listen to as they follow along with the text. This multi-sensory approach helps to improve reading comprehension, vocabulary, and pronunciation. With easy-to-use controls, children can independently navigate through the stories, promoting confidence and a sense of accomplishment.

Key Features of Wonderbooks:

• • Built-in audio player with pre-loaded audiobook

• • Three modes: Read-Along, Learning, and Sing-Along

• • Easy-to-use controls for independent reading

• • Durable and child-friendly design

“We are thrilled to bring Wonderbooks to our community,” said Heather Rhoads, Community Relations Coordinator. “These innovative books provide an accessible and engaging way for children to develop their reading skills. The combination of reading and listening helps to reinforce learning and makes reading a fun and enjoyable activity.”

Wonderbooks offer Three Distinct modes:

• • Read-Along Mode: Children can listen to the story while following along in the book, enhancing reading comprehension and fluency.

• • Learning Mode: This mode focuses on educational content, helping children learn new words and concepts.

• • Sing-Along Mode: Some Wonderbooks are equipped with sing-along mode so children can enjoy singing along to songs related to the book’s theme, making learning fun and interactive.

The library is committed to providing resources that support literacy and lifelong learning for all ages. Wonderbooks are a valuable addition to the children’s collection, offering a unique and effective way to engage young readers.

Visit the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library to explore the Wonderbook collection and discover a new way to experience the joy of reading.

(From Blanchard Valley Health System)

Oncology services at Blanchard Valley Health System recently received accreditation under the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Commission on Cancer (CoC) Accreditation Program.

“This accreditation is a testament to Blanchard Valley Health System’s unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality care,” said Myron D. Lewis, MSW, MBA, FACHE, president and chief executive officer at BVHS. “Quality is our top priority, and we remain dedicated to ensuring that patients have access to exceptional, locally provided healthcare.”

The ACS CoC is a consortium of professional organizations dedicated to improving survival and quality of life for patients with cancer by setting and raising standards. 

CoC accreditation is granted to institutions committed to providing high-quality cancer care by demonstrating compliance with the CoC standards. Each cancer program must undergo a rigorous evaluation and review of its performance and compliance with the CoC standards. To maintain accreditation, cancer programs must undergo a site visit every three years. The CoC accreditation standards supply the structure for providing all patients with a full range of diagnostic, treatment, and supportive services either on-site or by referral, including community-based resources.

“BVHS provides the highest level of cancer care, ensuring that patients never have to leave the community to receive the finest treatment available,” said Amy Mills, director of oncology services. “Our team is deeply committed to delivering exceptional care, guided by our dedication to the organization’s mission and the well-being of every patient we serve.”

As a CoC-accredited institution, BVHS also becomes an ACS Surgical Quality Partner. Being a Surgical Quality Partner signifies an institution’s dedication to consistently improving procedures and approaches while maintaining a critical eye on process at every step. The Surgical Quality Partner designation lets patients know the BVHS is dedicated to quality and relentless self-improvement and has been verified or accredited by the ACS. Patients can trust that the care they receive at Surgical Quality Partner hospitals adheres to the most rigorous standards in surgical quality.

“ACS Quality programs are grounded in more than a century of experience and participation is an important measure of a hospital’s surgical quality. As an ACS Surgical Quality Partner, BVHS has shown a commitment to providing the best possible patient care, evaluating that care in a rigorous fashion, and dedicating themselves to continuous self-improvement,” said ACS Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer Patricia L. Turner, MD, MBA, FACS.

To learn more about oncology services at Blanchard Valley Health System, visit bvhealthsystem.org/cancer.

(From Liberty-Benton Local Schools)

Liberty-Benton Elementary is proud to send 4th-grade student Hudson Matheny to the Global Amazing Shake at the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, Georgia from March 28–30!

Hudson will compete in various dynamic leadership and life skill-based stations.

Representing not only himself, but Liberty-Benton and Northwest Ohio.

This global competition will allow him to test his skills at the next level while meeting students from around the world.

We know he’ll bring back valuable experiences to share with his peers! Good luck, Hudson, and have fun!

The City of Findlay Green Waste Site will open for the season on Tuesday, April 1st.

The Green Waste Site is located at 330 North Cory Street, behind the Public Works Department building, with the entrance near the railroad tracks off North Cory Street.

Hours are Tuesday – Friday 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For more information on the location click here.

The green waste site is for yard waste disposal (such as leaves, brush, limbs, grass) and is available to City of Findlay residents only at no charge.

The green waste site is intended for residential use only. No contractors are permitted to use this site.

Only tree trimmings, brush, leaves, and grass clippings can be dumped in designated areas at the site. Absolutely no bags, trash, or debris other than leaves, brush, limbs, and grass will be accepted.

The City of Findlay will not be responsible for any damage or injury to vehicles or equipment resulting in the loading or unloading of yard debris, mulch, or dirt.

(From the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation)

Drumroll please…The first scholarships of our 30th year of awarding scholarships have been awarded!

The 2025 Gregory James Shrader Memorial Scholarship recipients are Brian Guthrie, Claire Kemmere and Samuel Dolan! Congratulations!

The scholarship was established by Jeff, Elsa and Jon Shrader to honor and remember Greg and to encourage young men and women who swim for Findlay High School to pursue their educational goals.

Since 2011, the fund has awarded 33 scholarships totaling $27,250.

(From Fostoria Police Chief Gabe Wedge)

On Monday March 24th, 2025, at approximately 6:35 PM, officers responded to the 200 block of Elwood Ave in Fostoria, for a report of shots fired. Responding officers verified that over a dozen rounds had been fired in the area but found no one to be injured as a result of the shooting. Officers did however find several bullet holes in the side of a house in the area.

Through further investigation, officers were able to identify the two individuals responsible for the shootings; In custody at this time is Caiden Essex, 18 YOA, of Fostoria; on charges of Improperly Discharging a Firearm at or into Habilitation. Additional charges are pending.

Police are currently looking for the second shooter, Javier A. Hernandez, 18 YOA, of Findlay, who is believed to be on the run. Felony warrants have been issued for Mr. Hernandez’s arrest. He is considered to be armed and dangerous. If you see Mr. Hernandez or know of his location, do not approach him, please call local law enforcement.

The two individuals are believed to have been arguing over a stolen bike, which escalated to the two individuals shooting at each other.

Police Chief Gabe Wedge

Fostoria Police Department

Flag City Honor Flight’s 2025 flight schedule includes four flights; April 1, June 3, September 9, and October 14.

Flag City Honor Flight flies Veterans to Washington DC to see the memorials that stand in their honor.

“Exciting changes are coming in 2025 to enhance the Flag City Honor Flight experience. We remain deeply grateful to our community partners, volunteers, and donors who make these flights possible,” said Steve Schult, President of Flag City Honor Flight.

Allison Quinlan, Flight Director, added, “Our board works tirelessly year-round to make these flights a reality. This year, we are proud to host four flights, honoring hundreds of Veterans who will join us on this unforgettable journey.”

Priority is given to terminally ill Veterans, followed by others in the order their applications were received. Eligibility includes those who served from World War II through the Vietnam War.

The first flight of 2025 is on Tuesday, April 1^st and the public is invited to a Welcome Home celebration at 7 p.m. at Grand Aire Hangar at 11777 W. Airport Service Road in Swanton.