(From the United Way of Hancock County)

United Way of Hancock County is calling on all Difference Makers to help support our community through its 2024 Annual Campaign.

“The United Way’s campaign theme of “Difference Makers” points to the impact just one person can make in the lives of vulnerable children, families and individuals”, said United Way of Hancock County CEO Kelley McClurkin.

“The Findlay-Hancock County community is incredibly generous with its support, but we still need you as more people are living paycheck to paycheck and the need for our local resources is growing,” McClurkin added.

The United Way has set a fundraising goal of $2.1 million. Everything raised during the Annual Campaign will be put back into the community through grants covering vital and basic needs for the residents of Hancock County. The United Way supports 15 local partner agencies and 23 programs that provide critical services to 1 in 4 people locally.

“We are grateful for the immense support we receive from the community, and we are so proud to say that every single donation we receive stays in Hancock County, going to work right here at home,” McClurkin said. “We invite everyone to get involved, whether it be through financial support, volunteerism or advocacy for a cause that’s close to your heart.”

Campaign season runs through Nov. 22 and incorporates a variety of activities designed to build corporate enthusiasm, provide volunteer engagement and educate the public on the efforts of local nonprofits. The United Way offers regular bus trips, called “Difference Maker Tours,” that highlight all of its partner agencies, and assists with workplace campaign kickoff events. The Downtown Restaurant Tour is one of the United Way’s signature fundraising events and will take place Nov. 7, with all proceeds supporting the Halt Hunger Initiative.

Leading the campaign’s efforts for a third consecutive year is Campaign Chair Andrea Kramer, president and owner of City Apparel + Merch. She is being joined by co-chair Kirby Overton, dean of the University of Findlay College of Business. Both serve on the United Way of Hancock County Board of Directors, with Kramer set to become board president in 2025.

“No matter the cause you wish to champion, making a difference is as easy as donating to United Way of Hancock County,” Kramer said.

“Just as it has since 1955, this organization is regularly assessing and responding to the community’s greatest areas of need. Everything raised here stays here, meaning that every donation of every size makes an impact,” Overton added.

Each year, the United Way assembles a campaign cabinet to serve as the key connection between the organization and its corporate partners. This year’s cabinet members include:

• Chuck Bills, president of Ohio Logistics, serving as Corporate Division chair.
• Kelly Wohlgamuth, gifted education coordinator for Findlay City Schools; and Jeff Young, superintendent of the Hancock County Education Services Center, serving as Education Division co-chairs.
• Myron Lewis, president and CEO of Blanchard Valley Health System, serving as Health Division chair.
• Karen Worthington, owner of River + Road, serving as Mercantile Division chair.
• Sean Abbott, attorney at law with Hackenberg, Feighner, and Werth, LLC, serving as Professional Division chair.
• Jaclynn Hohman, project manager for the City of Findlay, serving as Public Division chair.
• Cathy Schroll, mayor of the Village of McComb, serving as Rural Division chair.
• Madison Tolsma, supply chain analyst with Marathon Petroleum Corp., serving as Youth Division chair.

Visit www.uwhancock.org to learn more or to donate to the campaign.

This year’s campaign video, which further details United Way’s work, can be viewed on the homepage.

(From the Ohio Department of Transportation)

Saturday, October 19 is National Move Over Day, a day to remind drivers of the importance of moving over for roadside workers.

All 50 states have a version of the “move over” law which requires drivers to move over a lane for stationary vehicles with flashing lights.

If the driver cannot safely move over, they are required to slow down. 

ODOT Press Secretary Matt Bruning.

Ohio’s move over law took effect in 1999 and focused on law enforcement. It was expanded in 2013 to include all vehicles with flashing lights.

Ohio recently launched a campaign featuring a highway worker, state trooper, tow truck operator, and firefighter to remind drivers of the state’s move over law and that these men and women are more than just roadside workers.

(From the City of Findlay)

This family-friendly event on Saturday, October 19 from 10 to 1 put on by the Findlay Fire Department offers an opportunity to:

• • Tour the newly opened STRICT Center, a state-of-the-art training facility designed to enhance the preparedness and collaboration of all first responders in the Findlay and Hancock County area.

• • Meet and talk with local firefighters, who will share insights about their work and discuss fire safety practices.

• • Learn valuable fire safety tips to help keep your family and home safe.

We encourage everyone to come out and explore the STRICT Training Center and Fire Station 4!

(From Owens Community College and Raise the Bar Hancock County)

The WorkAdvance job training program in Hancock County recently celebrated its one-year anniversary with a graduation celebration for its most recent cohort graduates.

The program is supported by Owens Community College, Raise the Bar Hancock County, Findlay/Hancock County Habitat for Humanity Financial Opportunity Center and The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association. It’s hosted on the Owens Findlay-area Campus.

WorkAdvance boosts the skills of entry-level applicants and individuals in populations that have been under-represented in the manufacturing sector. Of the 185 applicants to the program, most receive some sort of public assistance, such as SNAP Food Benefits or Medicaid, while more than half have been impacted by the justice system.

“It’s a lifetime of change,” Raise the Bar executive director Tricia Valasek said. “It’s not just about getting the job. It’s about, How do I interact with others and be the best version of myself, that’s what we’re teaching in this program.”

Participants go through two weeks of training that includes 30 hours of employability training from the Financial Opportunity Center, 20 hours of a math refresher from Owens, and 30 hours of foundational manufacturing training.

Since the program started in August 2023, 34 graduates have secured employment with area employers, with an average hourly wage of $17.34.

The most recent graduation celebration included past graduates, who came back to celebrate their continued success. Larry Braden graduated in August; he is currently waiting on his background check to clear before starting his new job with the Findlay City Schools.

“It helped me with where I’m at, in the process of getting work,” Braden said. “I can start saving for an apartment. … If everything works out with the job I’m getting, I can make it into a career.

“If anybody needs help, I can tell them to go to Owens or the (Financial Opportunity Center). If they need any help, I tell them to go there.”

Graduates receive a free Chromebook computer to help them apply for jobs online. They also receive a $500 work apparel voucher.

“It’s very exciting to be a part of the pipeline towards employment and good jobs,” Owens Aspire Program director Heath Huber said. “It’s a great way to partner with the community and the social service resources in Hancock County that provide a lot of that job training process.

“It’s great to see people starting off, not knowing what they’re getting into, and then getting a job, the smiles on their faces, the confidence it builds in them.”

For more information on WorkAdvance, visit workadvancefindlay.org.

(From the Ohio State Highway Patrol)

The Bucyrus Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating an injury crash involving a trooper that occurred at 1:28 p.m. Tuesday on U.S. 23 in Upper Sandusky in Wyandot County.

The preliminary investigation revealed a northbound Ram ProMaster van, operated by Dara M. Larochelle, 38, Powell, struck the rear end of a marked Ohio State Highway Patrol Chevrolet Tahoe, operated by Trooper Jacob M. Teal, Toledo Post. Trooper Teal was slowing in traffic at the time of the crash.

Trooper Teal sustained minor injuries and was transported by ground ambulance to the Blanchard Valley Hospital. Larochelle was flown by air ambulance to Mercy Health – St. Vincent Medical Center with serious injuries.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted at the scene by the Wyandot County Sheriff’s Office, Upper Sandusky Fire and EMS, Ohio Department of Transportation, Danner’s Towing and Recycling, and Lemaster Towing and Recovery, LLC.

The crash remains under investigation at this time.

(From Blanchard Valley Health System)

Blanchard Valley Health System (BVHS) was named a 2024 Finalist in the Better Business Bureau Torch Awards for Ethics.

The Better Business Bureau of Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan reviews nominations from 24 counties for this annual award, which honors area businesses and nonprofit organizations for their exemplary ethical business practices.

“We are honored to be recognized as a finalist for our commitment to ethical practices, reflecting our dedication to integrity and excellence at BVHS,” said Myron D. Lewis, president and chief executive officer of BVHS.

Ethics in healthcare are crucial for ensuring that patient care is delivered with integrity, respect, and fairness. They also serve as the foundation for building trust between patients and healthcare providers and guide decisions that affect patient well-being.

Ethical principles, such as autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice, help healthcare professionals navigate complex situations, ensuring that patients’ rights are upheld and that they receive appropriate care. Moreover, a strong ethical framework fosters a culture of accountability and transparency, encouraging providers to prioritize patient welfare while adhering to legal and professional standards. Ultimately, ethics in healthcare not only enhances the quality of care but also promotes a compassionate environment where patients feel valued and understood.

A review by the organization’s leadership demonstrated that BVHS is an ethical organization regarding its patients and associates and that ethics are a priority for the organization.

Please visit bvhealthsystem.org to learn more about the services offered at Blanchard Valley Health System, a connected care network.

A man who was a community leader in Findlay for many years has passed away.

George Martin Whitson died on October 13^th at the age of 93.

According to his obituary by Kirkpatrick-Behnke Funeral Home, George, a U.S. Army Veteran, was working at Ohio Oil Company when he transferred to the company’s headquarters in Findlay in 1963.

By that time the company had changed its corporate name to Marathon Oil Company.

George left Marathon in 1965 and founded the real estate and investment firm Whitson Properties.

He quickly grew to love Findlay and was one of its most enthusiastic cheerleaders, his obituary reads.

George was very active in civic organizations. He served 16 years on the University of Findlay’s Board of Trustees, was awarded an honorary doctorate and was named a trustee emeritus. He served 14 years as a member of the Board of Trustees of Winebrenner Theological Seminary, where he was also named a trustee emeritus.

He was also active in Findlay Area Youth for Christ, National Public Radio of Northwest Ohio, Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce and Findlay Rotary Club among other organizations.

George had a strong religious faith and was a longtime member of the College First Church of God.

Calling hours are Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Kirkpatrick-Behnke Funeral Home, 500 Lima Avenue, Findlay.

A memorial Celebration of Life will be held Friday at 11 a.m. at College First Church of God, 1100 North Main Street, Findlay, with an additional calling hour at the church prior to the service from 10 to 11 a.m.

Learn more about George’s life and love of Findlay by reading the obituary by Kirkpatrick-Behnke Funeral Home by clicking here.

The City of Findlay is letting residents know that Carnahan Avenue will be closed from Balsley Avenue to McConnell Street for sewer repairs on Wednesday, October 16.

The closure will be from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area.

See a list of other road construction projects in Findlay by clicking here.

(ONN) – State data shows a more than 3 percent increase in enrollment this fall over the previous year for Ohio’s colleges and universities.

While the increase is good news, enrollment is still far below the levels experienced prior to the pandemic.

The largest increase is coming from community colleges.

Schools that offer a more affordable path to complete gen-eds and obtain trade certification are consistent with a national trend in increased enrollment.

Ohio has more than 270 colleges and universities including public, private, community and technical schools.

(From SpartanNash)

Food solutions company SpartanNash announced its acquisition of Fresh Encounter Inc., a 49-store supermarket chain serving Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky. Owned by third-generation grocers Michael Needler Jr. and Julie Anderson, FEI has been a food distribution customer of SpartanNash for 58 years. SpartanNash will continue employment for FEI’s 2,500 team members.

“Fresh Encounter has been a successful family-owned and operated business for decades, and we are proud to continue this legacy,” said SpartanNash CEO Tony Sarsam. “This acquisition is an exciting milestone in our Company’s strategic growth plans. Not only will we welcome 2,500 new Associates to the SpartanNash family, we will also begin serving shoppers in Kentucky and grow our existing footprint across Ohio and Indiana. Retail is a critical component of our business model and long-term strategic plan, as we meet consumer needs and leverage insights from our stores to continuously innovate our products and operations across our wholesale business.”

The FEI acquisition expands SpartanNash’s retail footprint by 33% and is the Company’s second retail acquisition in 2024, following the addition of Metcalfe’s Market in April. This acquisition is consistent with SpartanNash’s strategy and will contribute toward the growth and earnings goals shared in the Company’s 2025 long-term plan, Sarsam added.

“We are proud of the business our family has built and look forward to advancing our relationship with SpartanNash,” said FEI CEO Needler. “As their customer, we have seen firsthand the People First culture at SpartanNash, and we appreciate the career opportunities and growth this will unlock for Fresh Encounter team members.”

FEI operates under the retail store banners Community Markets, Remke Markets, Chief Markets and Needler’s Fresh Market. The transaction is expected to close in late November, subject to customary closing conditions. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Solomon Partners is serving as financial advisor, and Holland & Knight LLP is serving as legal advisor to Fresh Encounter. Honigman LLP is acting as legal advisor to SpartanNash.