(From the Hancock County Board of Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS)

Four organizations have been awarded $16,900 in grants through the Hancock County Community Partnership for local prevention and wellness initiatives that promote health, wellness, safety, and/or reduce the likelihood of health-related problems for people of all ages.

The Partnership had requested proposals that focused on delaying the use of substances, including alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, vaping, and illicit drugs; supporting mental health and wellness; addressing problem gaming/gambling; and/or supporting the creation of welcoming spaces.

The recipients for 2025-2026 are: Awakening Minds Arts ($3,400), Bless Up and Bloom ($5,000), Fort Findlay FOP ($3,500), and Findlay High School ($5,000).

The Awakening Minds Arts Creative Wellness: Art for Mental Health & Social Connection initiative will support high school seniors navigating the transition to adulthood, a period often marked by stress, anxiety and uncertainty. Through a collaboration between AMA and the University of Findlay Social Work Department, social work students will offer a structured series of art and wellness workshops designed specifically for high school seniors in Hancock County by integrating creative expression, mindfulness training, and peer-centered activities to help students develop emotional resilience, self-compassion, leadership skills and a stronger sense of social and community belonging.

With its grant, Bless Up and Bloom will launch a wellness initiative providing haircuts and hygiene services to individuals currently enrolled in drug recovery programs in Hancock County. Many of these individuals face economic hardship and are unable to access these services independently. Goals include increasing self-confidence and self-worth among clients in recovery, supporting their reentry into the workforce and social settings and reducing relapse rates by addressing health and wellness holistically. Bless Up and Bloom will partner with local recovery programs to offer monthly grooming sessions onsite or at its salon location, serving 60–80 individuals over a six-month period.

Findlay High School experienced a significant number of student deaths during the 2024-2025 academic school year and sought a grant to support the need for mental health awareness and suicide prevention at Findlay High School. During the 2025-2026 school year, the C.O.R.E. (Community, Opportunity, Relationships, Empowerment) team will utilize funding to support positive mental health within its student population by offering workshops that focus on coping skills, building connections, and promoting self-care.

Counselors will determine which students participate in groups based on referrals from the school counselor and/or principal.

The Fort Findlay FOP Lodge #20 Foundation received funding for its Officer Appreciation Summer Picnic, an annual event designed to support Hancock County’s law enforcement community. Law enforcement and their families from all departments are invited to the free event to have fun, socialize and build supportive relationships between officers and youth. Families are also informed about the mental health resources available to them in the event of a crisis. A goal is to have at least 50 law enforcement families attend.

(From the Black Swamp Area Council)

The Black Swamp Area Council’s 26th Annual Scouting Golf Classic was a resounding success, raising over $90,000 to support local Scouting programs across Northwest and West Central Ohio. Held at the beautiful Findlay Country Club, the event brought together 27 foursomes and dozens of sponsors for a day of golf, fellowship, and community impact.

The winning team from National Lime & Stone of Hardy Hartzell, Tim Mayle, Jon Beach (not in the picture), Tim Federici took home top honors, celebrated in a photo with Marc Kogan, Scout Executive; Sherri Garner Brumbaugh, Council VP of Development; and Julian Piña, Assistant Golf Pro at the Findlay Country Club.

“This event is more than just a day on the green—it’s a powerful investment in the future of our youth,” said Marc Kogan. “We’re incredibly grateful to our sponsors, golfers, and volunteers who made this day possible.”

Top Sponsors Included:

• Romick Wealth Strategies LLC – Presenting Sponsor
• Marathon Petroleum Company
• Doty Dental
• Thrivent Financial
• M&B Asphalt
• Ohio Logistics
• Garner Trucking

All proceeds from the outing stay 100% local, directly benefiting over 3,000 youth and adult volunteers served by the Black Swamp Area Council.

Save the Date!

The 27th Annual Scouting Golf Classic is already scheduled for Thursday, May 21, 2026, once again at the Findlay Country Club.

(From the Hancock Historical Museum)

The Hancock Historical Museum invites the public to its upcoming Brown Bag Lecture on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at noon. This month’s featured presentation, “The USS Barb: The Submarine That Sank a Train,” will be delivered by Eric Wilkins, veteran of the United States Marine Corps and the Ohio Army National Guard, and current fire inspector with the Findlay Fire Department.

A self-described “war nerd,” Wilkins spent his COVID lockdown immersed in the stories of submarine warfare—and emerged with one of the most astonishing tales of World War II. His presentation will explore the exploits of the USS Barb, one of the most successful American submarines of the war, under the bold command of Captain Eugene Fluckey.

Fluckey and the Barb’s crew changed the nature of submarine warfare in the Pacific. From launching the first submarine-based rocket attacks to employing audacious sabotage tactics ashore, the Barb pushed the limits of what submariners could accomplish. Among its many feats, one stands out for sheer ingenuity: the successful destruction of a Japanese train—making the USS Barb the only U.S. Navy vessel with a train kill to its name.

Wilkins will share how overlooked intelligence, daring leadership, and relentless innovation helped the Barb and its crew leave an indelible mark on the war effort—and why this extraordinary story continues to fascinate historians and military buffs today.

The lecture will last approximately 45 minutes to an hour, with time for questions and discussion. Guests are encouraged to bring their own lunches to enjoy during the program. Admission is free for museum members and $3 for non-members.

The Brown Bag Lecture Series takes place on the first Thursday of every month at the Hancock Historical Museum, located at 422 West Sandusky Street in Findlay. Each lecture highlights topics of historical and cultural significance to Hancock County and beyond.

No registration is required. For more information, please contact the Hancock Historical Museum at (419) 423-4433 or visit www.hancockhistoricalmuseum.org.

(This is a joint Media Release from the Fort Findlay FOP Lodge #20 Foundation’s Cops & Kids Program and the City of Findlay)

FINDLAY, Ohio – August 1, 2025 – Two Halloween events are planned for the local Findlay area this October. The 2025 Cops & Kids Findlay Halloween Parade presented by loanDepot will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 21, at 7 p.m., and the citywide trick or treat event is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 25, from 6 to 8 p.m. Neighborhood participants are encouraged to follow local safety guidelines during trick or treating.

The parade will take place on South Main Street. This year’s theme is “Be a Hero, Be a Champion.” Parade participants are encouraged to highlight individuals or groups they consider champions and heroes, including community helpers, public figures, or personal role models.

“This parade is about community, creativity, and connection,” said Teresa White, director of the Fort Findlay FOP Lodge #20 Foundation. “We can’t wait to see how participants bring our theme to life.”

Registration Opens Soon

Early Bird parade registration opens at 12:01 a.m. on Sept. 8. Standard registration begins at 12:01 a.m. on Oct. 1, and the final deadline to register is midnight on Oct. 14. Entries are open to families, schools, businesses, and organizations. Space is limited and fills quickly, so early registration is encouraged. Visit https://copsandkidsfindlay.org/halloween-parade to register your entry.

Back by Popular Demand: Judges’ Square

The State Bank Judges’ Square returns, giving parade entries a chance to earn bragging rights and special recognition. Located at Main St. and Baldwin Ave., the Judges’ Square hosts a panel of local celebrities, sponsors, and community leaders.

Award categories for 2025 include:

• The loanDepot Best of Show
• Valgroup Flag City USA Award
• Marathon Pipe Line John Hancock Award
• loanDepot Foundation Favorite
• Valgroup Funniest Entry
• National Lime & Stone Kid’s Choice Award
• loanDepot Most Original Entry
• McGuire & Sons Trucking People’s Choice Award
• National Lime & Stone Scariest Entry
• State Bank Spirit of Halloween
• Great Lakes Toyota Subaru Best Theme Award

Nominate a Halloween King or Queen

Nominations for Halloween Parade King and Queen are now open. Community members can submit their candidates by clicking the “Nominate Our King and Queen” button on the parade website. Finalists will be chosen by the parade committee. The crowned King and Queen will be honored with sashes and crowns and will join the Judges’ Square platform to assist in the award process.

Parade Route and Special Zones

The parade will head north on Main Street from Sixth Street to Lima Street, with exits available on East and West Lima.
Special zones include:

• The McGuire & Sons Trucking Candy Zone, designated for handing out Halloween treats. This area is clearly marked with banners.
• The Valgroup Quiet Zone, a sensory-friendly space in the final half block of the parade route, near St. Mark’s UMC. This zone offers a calm and inclusive environment for those who may be overwhelmed by the sights and sounds of the parade.

New This Year: Entertainment at Judges’ Square

New this year, Great Lakes Toyota Subaru presents a performance by Findlay First Edition at State Bank Judges’ Square. The live performance will kick off immediately after the National Anthem at 7 p.m. and continue until the parade arrives. The musical kickoff will add extra excitement for early spectators and highlight community talent ahead of the evening’s main event.

Food Truck Park

The Romick Wealth Strategies Food Truck Park will be located in the parking lot at St. Marks United Methodist Church. Registration is now open for licensed food truck vendors who wish to participate. Vendors are required to register online at https://copsandkidsfindlay.org/halloween-parade.

Supporting Kids Year Round

Proceeds from the parade benefit the Cops & Kids Champion Fund, which supports programs that foster positive relationships between local youth and law enforcement throughout the year. Follow updates and announcements at facebook.com/FortFindlayFOP.

(From the Ohio Department of Aging)

The Ohio Department of Aging (AGE) will host six town halls across Ohio in August and September. Older Ohioans, caregivers, providers, and others will have an opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions aimed at helping Ohioans live longer, healthier lives with dignity and autonomy.

Combined with information AGE gathered at community listening sessions earlier in the summer, feedback from these new town halls will be used to develop Ohio’s 2027-2030 State Plan on Aging (SPOA).

The first town hall will be August 15 at 50 North in Findlay, followed by one more town hall in August and four in September.

“Listening to Ohioans and getting their feedback is an important part of guiding the Department of Aging,” said AGE Director Ursel J. McElroy. “With these town halls, Ohioans can be a part of planning the future of aging in this state. Together, we can accomplish our vision of making Ohio the best place to age in the nation.”

 Below is the full schedule of town halls. All Ohioans are eligible to attend these sessions, and they can register by completing this survey.

Findlay

Friday, August 15, 2025

2-4 p.m.

50 North Senior Center

339 East Melrose Avenue, Findlay, OH 45840

Cambridge

Thursday, August 21, 2025

10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Pritchard Laughlin Civic Center

7033 Glenn Highway, Cambridge, OH 43725

Norwalk

Tuesday, September 2, 2025

10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Enrichment Center of Norwalk County

325 Shady Lane Drive, Norwalk, OH 44857

Oxford

Friday, September 5, 2025

2-4 p.m.

Oxford Senior Center

922 Tollgate Drive, Oxford, OH 45056

Columbus

Monday, September 8, 2025

10 a.m.-12 p.m.

LifeCare Alliance

699 W. Mound St., Columbus, OH 43223

Uniontown

Thursday, September 11, 2025

10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Direction Home Akron-Canton

1949 Town Park Blvd., Uniontown, OH 44685

(From The Hancock County Parkinson’s Network)

The Hancock County Parkinson’s Network (HCPN) is launching its annual Tulip Bulb Sale from August 1 to August 31, 2025. This year, the sale will feature a new addition – a garden flag with the HCPN logo and the quote “Grow Hope,” alongside the sale of tulip bulbs. The red tulip, which symbolizes Parkinson’s awareness, represents hope and solidarity in the fight against Parkinson’s disease. These tulips are expected to bloom in April 2026, coinciding with Parkinson’s Awareness Month.

The sale offers the following prices:

• 25 bulbs for $20
• 50 bulbs for $35
• 100 bulbs for $65
• Garden flag for $15

Orders of 100 or more bulbs qualify for delivery within the Findlay area. The pick-up date for the tulips and garden flags is Tuesday, October 7, 4:00 PM- 7:00PM at the College First Church of God located at 1100 North Main Street, Findlay, OH 45840.  Please use the main entrance by parking lot.

Orders can be placed online at hcparkinsonsnetwork.org or by contacting Linda DeArment, Event Chair at dearment4@aol.com. For more information, visit the Hancock County Parkinson’s Network website or reach out to Linda directly.

Proceeds from the Tulip Bulb Sale will support the mission of the Hancock County Parkinson’s Network, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The organization aims to empower individuals affected by Parkinson’s disease and their caregivers through education, programming, and community awareness.

The front portion and main entrance to the Findlay Mall has been demolished.

You can see some video of the demolition below. The video was taken on Wednesday. 

In June, demolition began on the portion of the mall where the new Target store will be located.

At that time, the demolition was not visible from Tiffin Avenue because it began on the back side of the mall.

188,000 square feet of the existing mall is being torn down to make way for a 131,809-square-foot Target store in what was the middle section of the mall. (see the picture below)

The demolition will create separation from Dunham’s, Michael’s, and Tokyo Steakhouse to the west, leaving room for a 24-foot drive and additional parking spots on the west side.

The newly open space in the front will allow to keep a consistent drive along the front of the Target, lining up with the Runnings store.

No timeline was given on how long the demolition of the mall or construction of the Target store will take.

In March it was announced that Target finalized a purchase-sale agreement with Findlay Mall owner and developer Rocky Companies.

The Findlay Police Department is investigating a crash that sent a person to the hospital in critical condition.

The crash happened at 10:38 Thursday morning in the 2800 block of South Main Street.

Police say Calend Wise, 24, of Findlay was driving from the Greenbrier Apartments parking lot towards the 2800 block of South Main Street and turned northbound onto South Main Street and a collision occurred with a vehicle that was southbound on South Main Street being driven by Christopher Vaughan, 46, of Findlay.

Police say Sandy Sanchez, 35, of Findlay, a front seat passenger in the first vehicle was taken to Blanchard Valley Hospital with serious injuries and was in critical but stable condition.

An 8-year-old in the first vehicle was also taken to the hospital for minor injuries.

Police say Wise was issued a citation for failure to yield and driving under suspension.

The Findlay Police Department put officers through active shooter drills at the high school ahead of the beginning of the new school year.

Lt. Andrew Welch said their training this year was bigger than ever and involved more actors with realistic-looking wounds that were treated by the fire department and HANCO personnel.

Lt. Welch says their officers are trained to enter the school immediately and become the focus of the shooter.

“If you can become the focus that means he’s not focused on hurting anybody in the school,” Welch said.

“Our safety becomes second to those in the school because we are prepared, we’re trained and we understand what we need to do.”

He says the SafeDefend active shooter protection system installed in Findlay schools a few years ago has been very beneficial because it provides emergency responders with instant information about the location and nature of the threat.

Lt. Welch says you’ll be seeing law enforcement refer to such threats as ‘active killer’ instead of ‘active shooter’ to reflect the fact that the threat can come from someone with a knife, an explosive, driving a car into a crowd, and other things.

(From the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library)

The Findlay-Hancock County Public Library will host its 10th annual local author fair (“Author Fest“) on Friday, November 7, 2025 from 5:30pm-8pm in conjunction with Findlay’s Fall ArtWalk. The purpose of this fair is to give Northwest Ohio area authors (and/or illustrators) a chance to share their work with the community. Each author will be provided with one table (approximately 4ft x 2ft) for the presentation and sale of their books. Authors wishing to sell their books to the public must handle all aspects of sales as the library will not be able to provide change.

Application deadline: October 1st, 2025

Please note that application does not ensure acceptance. Books and authors will be accepted at the discretion of FHCPL staff. Authors will be notified of acceptance via email. If accepted, you will be asked to submit an author headshot for marketing purposes. Paper applications are also available at the FHCPL information desk. If you have further questions, you may contact Melody at mflick@findlaylibrary.org or 419-422-0576.