(From the City of Findlay)

This week, our Public Works Department received and planted 60 new trees across the community! (Just a few are pictured below waiting for their new homes.)

Here’s where they went:

-33 trees planted on 17 properties through the Request-a-Tree program

-12 trees planted in Maple Grove Cemetery

-3 trees planted as memorials in various spots

-12 trees planted in City parks

Residents can request a tree for their property year-round through our Request-a-Tree Program. Our Public Works team partners with the Findlay City Council Shade Tree Commission to help you choose the best planting spot and tree species for your property.

To learn more or apply for the Spring 2026 planting season head to our website: https://www.findlayohio.gov/…/boa…/shade-tree-commission

(From Flag City Honor Flight)

Flag City Honor Flight (FCHF) is preparing for its 33rd mission on October 14th to take 77 Veterans, primarily from the Vietnam War era to Washington, D.C. to visit memorials built in their honor.

This will be Flag City Honor Flight’s fourth and final flight of 2025.

The organization relies on community donations and flight sponsorships to continue the mission.  As a 100% volunteer-led organization, every dollar received goes directly toward honoring and thanking Veterans for their service.

Schedule: 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 Air Force Memorial, Navy Memorial, Iwo Jima Memorial, Korean Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, WWII Memorial, and Arlington National Cemetery for the Changing of the Guard. Veterans do not pay to fly.

General Flight Details:
5:30 a.m. – Veterans & Guardians arrive at Eugene F Kranz Toledo Express Airport
6:30 a.m. – Depart for Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport

9:15 a.m. – Tour Marine Memorial

10:30 a.m. – Attend Changing of the Guard Ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery

11:45 a.m. – Tour Air Force Memorial

12:30 p.m. – Lunch and tour Navy Memorial
2:00 p.m. – Tour WWII, Korean and Vietnam Memorials

4:30 p.m. – Dinner and tour Military Women’s Memorial

8:00 p.m. – Depart Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport
9:00 p.m. – Arrive at Grand Aire Hanger & Welcome Home celebration

Welcome Home Celebration:
The public is invited to a Welcome Home celebration to honor returning Veterans.
Doors Open: 7:00 p.m.
Approximate time Flight Expected: 9:00 p.m.
Location: 11777 W. Airport Service Rd, Swanton, OH 43558

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

(From Vanlue Local School)

Today our 2nd graders took their annual trip to the Fire Department for Fire Prevention Week!

Our students learned about firefighters gear, smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, how to exit a smoky house, used the fire hose, and rode on the fire trucks.

A special thank you to CJ Couch, Ross Wentling, Ben Riddle, and Kris Otto for taking time out of your day to share it with our students.

Pictures courtesy of Mr. Valasek.

The Ohio Department of Transportation says the railroad has informed them that the work on the railroad crossing on County Road 99 east of Main Street is taking longer than expected and the reopening of the crossing has been pushed back.

County Road 99 at the railroad crossing closed on Tuesday, October 7 for repairs to and reconstruction of the railroad crossing. The crossing originally was scheduled to reopen on Saturday, October 11.

Now, the reopening of the railroad crossing and County Road 99 is anticipated for Tuesday, October 14.

The suggested detour from ODOT: Main St. to Bigelow Ave. to Bright Rd. to CR 212, back to CR 99.

Hopefully, those first snowflakes are still a ways off, but the Ohio Department of Transportation is already preparing for winter weather.

ODOT District 1 is hiring Winter Seasonal Highway Technicians in Allen, Defiance, Hancock, Hardin, Paulding, Putnam, Van Wert, and Wyandot Counties.

“Come plow snow with us,” ODOT said in a post on its Facebook page.

Applicants must have a valid CDL.

Get more details on the positions and submit an application by clicking here.

(From the Findlay Family YMCA)

Join us as we celebrate a milestone Findlay Family YMCA expansion built to uplift our community’s kids!

Our Early Learning Center Grand Opening on Friday, November 7 will give you the opportunity to explore this beautiful, inspiring, functional new space where children will soon learn, grow, and thrive.

Bring your family and friends for guided tours, fall crafts, bounce houses, food & beverage trucks, and Y on the Fly games and activities.

(From the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office)

Deputy Mark Ellis was recognized as Deputy Of the Year and Dispatcher James McCormick was named Telecommunicator Of the Year during the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office annual Awards and Appreciation Dinner, conducted Thursday evening (10/9/25). Both gentlemen were cited for their professionalism and expertise in performance of their assigned roles. They were also cited for their willingness to accept and complete additional special assignments.

Other awards presented include –

CERTIFICATES OF MERIT to:

– Dispatcher Brooke LaRue and Detective Aric LaRue who while off-duty, rendered aid to a seriously injured victim of an automobile crash.

– Sgt. Austin Carey for actions taken at an active fire scene to determine the safety of the residents and to rescue a family pet.

– Detective Aric LaRue, for his outstanding performance in an investigation which led to charges and conviction in a complicated financial crime involving theft of public funds. The resolution of the case included the recovery of funds.

– Dog Warden Cody Blair, for his efforts in transitioning Dog Warden and Dog Shelter operations into a division of the Sheriff’s Office.

– Assistant Dog Warden Brandy Phipps, for her efforts in support of transitioning operations; and aid in streamlining office and administrative functions of the Dog Warden’s Office and Dog Shelter.

OFFICE CITATIONS WERE PRESENTED to:

– Deputy Micah Davis and Deputy Ryan Starner, for their investigation leading to recovery of evidence and resolution of a violent incident.

– Deputy Brayden Flowers, for his tenacious efforts to investigate and actively pursue leads in an interstate financial fraud case which lead to interception and return of stolen funds to the rightful owner.

– Deputy Travis Hackworth, for his efforts as a school resource officer to provide for students’ food and clothing needs, and in lending academic support.

Sheriff Keith Everhart cited several other individuals and special circumstances that demonstrated unselfish performance of duty and expressed his appreciation to the entire staff for their daily dedication and exemplary service to the Sheriff’s Office for the benefit of Hardin County residents.

(From the Hancock Historical Museum)

The Hancock Historical Museum invites families and community members of all ages to celebrate the spirit of Halloween at its annual Spooktacular event, presented by Hancock Federal Credit Union, taking place on Saturday, October 18th, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at the museum campus in Findlay.

This spooky tradition transforms the museum into a festive Halloween grounds, offering an evening packed with fun, community, and just the right amount of spookiness. Guests can look forward to spooky tours of the historic Hull House, where Halloween legends and ghostly tales come to life. Throughout the museum’s multiple buildings, children will enjoy face painting, pumpkin decorating, crafts, and games, plus children will receive a complimentary Halloween-themed book while supplies last, courtesy of the Richard P. Barchent Jr. Educational Fund.

Seasonal treats will be available for all to sample, and everyone is encouraged to come in costume to add to the festive atmosphere. The event is designed to be family-friendly and accessible, with no admission cost, thanks to the generous support of Hancock Federal Credit Union and area dentists.

As the only nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and sharing Hancock County’s rich heritage, the museum is proud to offer events like Spooktacular that connect the past with the present and inspire future generations of history-lovers. All proceeds of the event go directly toward the museum’s annual operations, allowing the organization to preserve our local history, curate exhibits and provide educational programs for all ages.

The Hancock Historical Museum is located at 422 W. Sandusky St. in Findlay, Ohio. For more information about Spooktacular, visit HancockHistoricalMuseum.org or call the Hancock Historical Museum at 419-423-4433.

(From the American Red Cross of North Central Ohio)

The American Red Cross of North Central Ohio will recognize members of the community who showed extraordinary courage by helping save or improve the lives of others at the 2025 Hero Awards of North Central Ohio. The event will be held on Wednesday, October 22, 12:00pm at the Hilton Garden Inn Findlay, 1050 Interstate Drive in Findlay.

In addition to this year’s hero awards, the Red Cross will present the 2025 Clara Ayres award for Extraordinary Service to Pam Oglesbee. Pam is the inaugural recipient of the award, which is given to a healthcare worker or Red Cross volunteer who exemplifies the spirit of Clara Ayres. Ayers was originally from near Attica in Seneca County and in 1917 while volunteering as a Red Cross nurse in World War I, she was killed in an explosion on the ship carrying her overseas, the first woman killed while serving in the military.

Hero Award Winners: 

Cassie Cisar, Marissa Smith and Susan Miller

While transporting five developmentally disabled adults to Rising Sun Centers, caregiver Cassie Cisar was involved in a road rage shooting. Despite being shot and losing feeling in her legs, she was able to maneuver the bus to safety and call for help. Meanwhile, Susan Miller provided refuge for the passengers in the store she managed while Marissa Smith, Cassie’s boss and best friend rushed to the scene and transported the residents safely home.

Officer Christofer Perry

While performing a welfare check in March, Tiffin Police Officer Christofer Perry found a man standing on a chair, appearing prepared to take his own life. Officer Perry engaged the man in conversation, eventually convincing him to come down and get help. Officer Perry walked the man to a neighbor’s home and stayed with him until emergency services arrived.

Mike Woodruff and Officer Nicholas Price

Mike Woodruff was at the Findlay Art Walk, visiting his friend’s studio, when he heard a thud in the hallway. Rushing to the scene, Mike witnessed someone having a cardiac emergency. He immediately began CPR while someone in the crowd found a police officer. Arriving on scene, Findlay Police Officer Nicholas Price stepped in for Mike and continued the lifesaving efforts until emergency services arrived.

Melissa Roszman

While working as a caregiver in a local elderly community, Melissa Roszman saw smoke pouring out of a neighboring apartment. Melissa immediately went inside, evacuated the resident, called 911, and then re-entered the smoke-filled home with a fire extinguisher to contain the blaze before it spread. She stayed with the resident until firefighters arrived and put the fire out.

Chief Ray Anthony, Blood Program Leader

Columbia Township Fire Chief Ray Anothony has been a longtime advocate for blood donation. He first hosted blood drives with the Red Cross at Medina County Career Center, where he encouraged students to give. As Fire Chief, he coordinates regular blood drives at the fire department that have become regular community events. Through his leadership and advocacy, hundreds of lifesaving pints of blood have been collected for patients in need across Northern Ohio.

The inaugural Clara Ayres Award winner:

Pam Oglesbee

Shortly after retiring as a nurse, Pam Oglesbee, and the rest of the world, faced the COVID-19 pandemic. Seeing the need for nursing help, Pam decided to put her skills to good use and volunteered with the Putnam County Board of Health. She worked tirelessly to schedule and administer COVID-19 vaccines at vaccine clinics across the rural community. Today, she continues her service, helping at the health department’s yearly flu vaccine clinics, instructing CPR classes and donating blood.

(From the Hancock Park District)

Join in a celebration of Northwest Ohio history on Saturday, October 18 with Autumnfest at Litzenberg Memorial Woods!

The 1847 McKinnis House and workshop will be open with costumed interpreters and horse-drawn hayrides will be taking place around the prairie.

Ongoing demonstrations by a tinsmith and blacksmith and don’t forget to stop by the paddock area to check out the live farm animals.

Music by The Dulcimer Gathering and refreshments will be in the Activity Barn.

A children’s craft area and other on the spot demonstrations will take place. 

Plein Air Paint-out artists will be drawing, sketching, and painting the scenes of Litzenberg during the event. Art to be shown in the Activity Barn.