(From Hancock Public Health)

Hancock County Online Community Member Survey!

We are excited to present this survey to you.

This survey will help us collect data for developing the 2026-2028 Hancock County Community Health Assessment, a process conducted every 3 years.

Below is the survey link and QR code {available in English and Spanish (Espanol), all in one link and QR code} and information as well as posters that can be circulated to the community.

SurveyMonkey Link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HancockCounty

The Findlay Police Department says three people were injured in a two-vehicle crash that sent one of the vehicles onto its side.

The crash happened in the 100 block of Western Avenue at 12:06 Monday afternoon.

Police say Alixandria Arnold, 23, of Findlay, was driving a Ford Escape northbound on Western Avenue when she turned westbound to enter an alley in front of a southbound Jeep Cherokee.

Police say the two vehicles collided and the Ford Escape ended up on its side.

Firefighters had to use tools to extricate Arnold from her vehicle.

She was taken to Blanchard Valley Hospital for treatment as were the two people in the Jeep Cherokee, the driver, Alice Easton, 60, of Upper Sandusky, and passenger Patricia Fairchild, also from Upper Sandusky.

Police say Arnold was issued a citation for failing to yield while making a turn.

Camp 911 is being held June 10-14 at First Presbyterian Church at 2330 South Main Street in Findlay.

Camp 911 is an interactive safety camp for kids who will be entering kindergarten in the fall and helps them learn basic safety.

At Camp 911 children will learn different safety lessons such as online safety, bike safety, stranger danger and much more while interacting with local first responders. 

We spoke with the fire department’s Beth Baker on Monday as the kids were learning about fire safety.

Beth says 175 Hancock County kids are taking part in Camp 911 this week.

Camp 911 is a joint effort led by local emergency response agencies, including Hanco, Findlay Fire and Police Departments, the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office, and Hancock Public Health.

The inaugural Dominic Francis Memorial Bike and Jeep Run will take place on August 10^th.

The Memorial Ride will help support the Dominic Francis Memorial Scholarships at Bluffton and Cory Rawson Schools.

The Memorial Ride will begin at the Bluffton Fallen Officer Memorial at town hall and end at the Findlay Moose Lodge 698 at 1028 West Main Cross Street. 

Bluffton Police Officer Dominic Francis was struck and killed on I-75 on March 31^st of 2022 as he was placing stop sticks on the highway to stop a car that was fleeing from police.

The three suspects involved in his death have since been sentenced to prison.

In April 2023, ‘Officer Dominic Francis Memorial Highway‘ signs were unveiled during a ceremony at Bluffton Town Hall and then put in place along the interstate by ODOT.

In May of 2023, Dominic’s name was added to the Hancock County Fallen Officers Memorial at the Fort Findlay FOP Lodge during a ceremony.

(From the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce)

The Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce Bluffton Discovery Days, kicking off on June 21, 2024, and continuing monthly through October. This event, featuring exclusive in-store specials, will provide shoppers with Discovery Days deals. New this year, Bluffton Discovery Days will extend to both Friday and Saturday. The event dates are June 22-23, July 26-27, August 23-24, September 27-28, and October 25-26.

Visitors who explore participating businesses during Bluffton Discovery Days will be entered 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 in June, July, August, September, and October for this incredible celebration of local business and community spirit.

(From ADAMHS)

The Hancock County Board of Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) says free training in the ‘Youth Thrive’ framework is available.

What is Youth Thrive?

Youth Thrive is a research-informed framework created by the Center for the Study of Social Policy (CSSP) to support the healthy development of youth ages 9–26. This training will include information on brain and youth development that is based on research in neuroscience, positive youth development, resilience, stress, and the impact of trauma on brain development.

Youth Thrive identifies five factors that can increase the likelihood of adolescents developing into healthy adults. These factors include youth resilience, social connections, knowledge of adolescent development, concrete support in times of need, and cognitive and social-emotional competence. This training will allow participants to explore these factors in depth, which may help youth and agencies understand the relationship between brain development, social and emotional growth, and how to take advantage of learning that occurs during this time.

Who would benefit from this training?

This training will give educators, social workers, policymakers, law enforcement personnel, and other direct-service workers in any setting the knowledge needed to understand young people and promote their long-term well-being.

When and Where?

July 12th, 2024 from 9am-4pm, in room 117 at The Family Center. Lunch will be provided.

How do I sign up?

To register, please use the link below

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=p1HjQuZV-UuDbniruJ6U-JpO5menoihAhaJgMbvcksdUMzlNNU1WUjc1SlhPT0dBOUxJMU1KM1pQVC4u

If you have any questions please reach out to Ashley Cheney, Email: ashley.cheney@frcohio.org Phone: 567-200-9781

(From the Ohio State Highway Patrol)

The time period from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend is referred to as the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer. The Ohio State Highway Patrol is reminding motorists to buckle up, drive focused and sober.

During this period last year, 67,305 crashes occurred on Ohio’s roadways, a 3% drop from 2022. Of those, 371 were fatal crashes that killed 397 people which was five less than the year prior. Even though the 100 deadliest days only represent 27 percent of the calendar year, in the last five years, they account for more than one-third of all fatal traffic crashes

“As we enjoy the summer months, it’s important to prioritize safety on our roads,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “By committing to wearing a seatbelt, avoiding distractions, and driving sober, drivers can help prevent unnecessary tragedies.”

The 100 deadliest days also encompass the primary motorcycle riding months. Last year, more than half of all motorcycle-involved crashes occurred during this time period. Motorcycle-involved crashes made up about 3% of all crashes during these 100 days. However, in 2023, they comprised almost one-in-three fatal crashes.  

“While we are encouraged by the decrease in fatalities, there is still much work to be done,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent. “We need everyone to drive sober, obey the speed limit, avoid distractions, and buckle up every trip. If you’re on a motorcycle, ride defensively and wear proper gear. Your safety, and the safety of others on our roadways, remains our top priority.”

Last year during this time frame, speeding citations of 20 mph or more over the speed limit accounted for nearly 29,000 citations. More than 1,200 of those citations involved speeds of at least 100 mph. Also, during this time period, troopers made more 4,490 impaired driving arrests and issued 19,143 safety belt citations.

You can help contribute to roadway safety by calling #677 to report drug activity and dangerous or impaired driving.

A statistical map detailing citations and other 100 Deadliest Days of Summer-related information can be found here.

(From Flag City Honor Flight)

Flag City Honor Flight (FCHF) prepares for its 27th mission, to take 91 Veterans to Washington, D.C., on June 11, 2024, to visit the memorials built in their honor.

Departing from Toledo Express Airport in the morning, Veterans will embark on a one-day trip of a lifetime. The itinerary includes visits to the Iwo Jima Memorial, Korean Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, WWII Memorial, and Arlington National Cemetery. Veterans do not pay to fly. 

Flight Details:

(5:30 a.m.) Veterans arrive at Grand Air Hangar, Toledo Express Airport (11777 W. Airport Service Rd, Swanton, OH 43558)

(7:00 p.m.) Doors open at the Hangar (Public is welcome)

(8:30 p.m.) Flight expected to return to Grand Air Hangar 

Veteran Breakdown:

Vietnam – 86

Korea – 4

Other – 1

Flight Highlights:

3 Veterans who served in multiple branches 

5 Purple Hearts 

7 Veterans with bronze stars one of those with 3 bronze stars 

Welcome Home Celebration: 

The public is invited to a Welcome Home celebration to honor returning veterans.

(8:30 p.m.) Flight expected to return to Grand Air Hangar

Location: 11777 W. Airport Service Rd, Swanton, OH 43558

Attendees are encouraged to wave flags, cheer loudly, and shake hands with returning Veterans. 

Honor Flight is conducting four flights in 2024, with the first one having been held on April 23^rd.

Remaining 2024 Flights: 

September 10

November 12

Hancock Public Health is letting people know that it will be conducting mosquito spraying in Hancock County communities over the summer.

The mosquito spraying will take place periodically from June 10^th through October 1^st.

Anyone who wants to have their residence excluded from having the sprayer go by should call the health department at 419-424-7870 or email environmental@hancockpublichealth.com

(From the United Way of Hancock County)

After a thorough nationwide search and interview process, United Way of Hancock County (UWHC) has named Kelley McClurkin its new CEO effective June 13.

The Findlay native, long-time resident and local entrepreneur will lead the agency in its year-round activities and fundraising efforts, community partnerships and collaborations, advocacy, programming and more.

McClurkin assumes the reins of the nonprofit agency from immediate past CEO Angela DeBoskey, who announced her planned retirement in February.

“Kelley is a great fit for this critical role in our organization and for the entire community,” said Blair Lane, UWHC board chair. “Her leadership style and past experience align well with our core values and the overall approach to United Way’s life-changing work. We are confident she is the right leader to guide this organization into its next chapter.”

The search for the new CEO stretched far beyond Hancock County. In addition to its board of directors and an executive hiring committee composed of corporate and community leaders, UWHC received consultation from United Way Worldwide in the facilitation of an executive search including numerous candidates across the country.

The executive committee conducted virtual and in-person interviews to narrow top candidates, who then had final interviews with UWHC’s board, staff and DeBoskey. Approximately 10-12 hours were invested in each finalist, including social receptions and in-depth one-on-one discussions to gain a clear understanding of each before reaching a decision.

McClurkin was born and has lived in the community the majority of her life, and today resides with her husband, Chip, in the house her grandparents built. The 19-year owner and operator of Bread Kneads Bakery & Deli in Findlay received the Findlay Hancock County Chamber of Commerce SBA Awards Female Entrepreneur of the Year in 2004.

She has been highly involved in the community, serving on several boards and committees throughout the years, including the Hancock County Task Force; Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce Advisory Board; Findlay Hancock County Alliance; Downtown Economic Restructuring Committee; and Findlay City Schools Millstream Career Center Culinary-Hospitality Advisory Board.

Most recently, McClurkin has served as UWHC’s Resource Development Director for the past three years, where she coordinated fundraising efforts, created strategies to increase awareness and engage donors, and increased campaign goals each year. She will remain in the role as she assumes CEO duties until the position is filled.

“It’s been an honor and privilege to go through this process and be chosen for this role,” said McClurkin. “The United Way has allowed me to live out a passion of mine — to be a part of a solution that connects people to the resources they need for success in life. I’ve been fortunate to be a part of a wonderful, impactful team, and to have learned from Angela’s (DeBoskey) extraordinary leadership. I’m grateful for this opportunity.”

She holds degrees from Miami University of Ohio; the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy: Principles & Techniques of Fundraising; and Wharton Online ESG/CSR Certification in Business Strategies for a Better World.

DeBoskey, who has pledged to make the transition “uncommonly strong,” will remain active in a structured and thorough onboarding before the start of the organization’s annual campaign season this fall.