Findlay City Council approved an ordinance to enter into a contract with a company to provide design and engineering services for the proposed Downtown Recreation Area project.  That cost will be around $2.5 million

City Council also approved an ordinance to enter into a contract with a company to provide design and engineering work for the pedestrian bridge associated with the project.  That cost will be around $1.5 million.

The vote was 8-2, with Jim Niemeyer and Holly Frische the no votes.

The new park would be part of the Phase 2 benching project north of the Blanchard River and east of Main Street.

The estimated cost is between $10 and $40 million depending on how many features are included in the final design.

Findlay Mayor Christina Muryn is excited about what the park would mean for the city and its residents.

(From the Ohio State Highway Patrol)

Do you think a career with the Ohio State Highway Patrol is the right fit for you? We are pleased to emphasize an ongoing opportunity for individuals considering a career as an Ohio state trooper to participate in our ride-along program.

The Patrol’s ride-along program is an immersive experience that offers potential recruits a firsthand look into the daily duties and responsibilities of our troopers. Participants will ride in a cruiser alongside a trooper for a day, afternoon or night shift. They will observe troopers responding to calls for service, conducting traffic stops and engaging with the public.   

“We understand that choosing a career with the Patrol is a significant decision,” said Major Michael D. Kemmer, Office of Training, Recruitment and Professional Operations Commander. “Our ride-along program is designed to give prospective applicants an authentic glimpse into the challenging yet rewarding work our troopers do every day to keep Ohio safe.”

The ride-along program is specifically geared towards individuals who are genuinely interested in pursuing a career with the Patrol. To be eligible for a ride-along, applicants must:

• Hold a valid driver’s license
• Be age 18-39
• Participate in a brief interview with the post commander before the ride-along

The Ohio State Highway Patrol is committed to recruiting and training highly motivated individuals who wish to serve their state and community by joining the next generation of state troopers.

Anyone interested in participating in a ride-along is encourage to contact their local Ohio State Highway Patrol post. Contact information for all posts can be found here. More information regarding our ride-along program can be found here.

(From the Ohio Department of Natural Resources)

Ohio can celebrate a milestone with 964 confirmed active bald eagle nests, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife. More than 1,800 reports from citizen scientists statewide helped complete the 2025 bald eagle nest census. Division of Wildlife staff followed up on these reports and confirmed nest locations in 87 of Ohio’s 88 counties.

Active nests were counted as those with an incubating eagle, eggs, or eaglets present. Given the high volume of nests, this nest census represents the most complete picture possible of Ohio’s breeding bald eagle population.
 
“The bald eagle is one of Ohio’s great conservation success stories,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. “The eagle’s remarkable comeback over the last few decades, both in Ohio and nationwide, proves how much we can accomplish when we conserve and protect habitat.”

Bald eagles prosper in areas with wetland habitat. Lake Erie and other large waterbodies host the highest number of eagles because of easy access to food, such as fish. The 13 counties with the highest number of bald eagle nests include: Ottawa (112), Sandusky (61), Erie (40), Seneca (36), Wyandot (31), Trumbull (29), Lucas (27), Huron (21), Wood (20), Coshocton (19), Knox (19), Licking (19), and Mercer (19).

Check it out: Map of eagle nests per county

Each spring, the Division of Wildlife uses aerial surveys of a portion of the state to estimate Ohio’s population of nesting bald eagles. A complete nest census, in which every bald eagle nest in the state is counted, is performed less frequently. The last statewide census, conducted in 2020, documented 707 active bald eagle nests. The number of active nests increased 36% from 2020 to 2025.
 
“The census was a success because of the involvement of so many Ohioans. Thank you to each of you who contributed to this monumental effort,” said Laura Kearns, a wildlife biologist with the Division of Wildlife. “This comprehensive study shows that Ohio’s eagle population is resilient and thriving.”
 
Based on the 2025 aerial survey of a portion of eagle nests, the success rate, or the number of nests with eggs or eaglets, was 78%. Last year, the nest success rate was 82%, and it was 73% in 2023. This year, the number of eaglets per active nest was 1.3. That was slightly lower than last year’s number of 1.6 and similar to 2023 (1.2).

(ONN) – The city of Cleveland is demanding that the Browns stop all work on their planned Brook Park stadium until their downtown lease expires in 2028.

In a new court filing, the city argues that any financing, construction or negotiations tied to a new stadium in Brook Park violates that lease.

This comes just days after a Cuyahoga County judge denied the Browns’ attempt to dismiss the city’s lawsuit aimed at blocking the relocation.

Meanwhile, the team is pushing forward in federal court, trying to keep its lawsuit alive challenging Ohio’s Modell Law.

The Haslam Sports Group says it needs a quick ruling to stay on track to break ground next year.

The Ohio Department of Transportation says a project to rehabilitate two bridges on the east side of Findlay is a few weeks away from completion.

On May 15^th, State Route 568 closed for approximately 75 days to rehabilitate two bridges:

• Over the Blanchard River between TT 234 and CR 236
• Over Glauner Ditch between CR 236 and CR 237

ODOT says the project is on schedule and the road is tentatively scheduled to reopen on or around August 1.

(From the Wood County Sheriff’s Office)

The Wood County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with Kroger and JE Dunn, is excited to announce to celebrate “Christmas in July”, Saturday July 19. This unique initiative aims to bring the community together and spread joy by surprising citizens with a gift card to Kroger, with the goal of giving back to the communities they live in and serve every day.

During the event, sheriff’s deputies will identify residents and provide them with a gift card to Kroger, allowing them to enjoy a shopping experience at their local Kroger store.

“The Wood County Sheriff’s Office is pleased to partner with JE Dunn and Kroger to celebrate Christmas in July, said Wood County Sheriff Mark Wasylyshyn. This is a great example of partnering with local community stakeholders to have a positive interaction with the public. We love helping and serving our community!”

This initiative not only aims to bring a smile to the faces of those who receive the gift cards but also highlights the importance of community engagement and collaboration between local businesses and law enforcement. By working together, the Wood County Sheriff’s Office, JE Dunn and Kroger hope to create a positive impact and foster a sense of unity within the community.

(From the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts)

Mark your calendar!

On August 26th Marathon Center for the Performing Arts will host our annual Day of Giving and this year, we’re celebrating a milestone!

As we honor 10 years of MCPA, we invite you to join us in raising the curtain on the next decade of unforgettable performances, impactful arts education, and powerful community programs.

Your support on our August 26th Day of Giving will help us:

• Expand arts education and youth engagement

• Increase access to live performances for all

• Invest in a vibrant future for our region’s cultural life

Together, we can ensure that the magic of the performing arts continues to thrive in our community for years to come.

(From Owens Community College)

For the fourth time in modern history, the Owens Express baseball team had a former player taken in the Major League Baseball Draft.

Hunter Allen, who played at Owens in 2022 and 2023, was taken by the Baltimore Orioles with the 214th overall pick on Monday.

In two seasons with the Express, the 6-foot-4, 245-pound right hander went 10-3 with 105 strikeouts in 79 innings and a 1.86 ERA. He went 6-0 with 54 strikeouts and a 1.85 ERA during his second season at Owens.

Owens baseball coach John Parisho said he couldn’t be more excited for Allen and his family. He also pointed out the tremendous amount of work it took to get in a position to be drafted.

“He is so competitive by nature, and it will serve him well moving forward,” Parisho said. “I’m excited for our program and to show our guys that it’s possible to come out of Owens and reach your goals and dreams. Hard work always pays off.”

Allen came to Owens as a two-way player from nearby Woodmore High School in Woodville. Parisho remembers the impression Allen made when he took the mound.

“I will never forget when watching him on the mound, there was just an overwhelming presence when he threw,” Parisho said. “We had a conversation in the middle of his freshman season fall camp about becoming a pitcher only. I put the decision in his court and a couple days later he walked into my office and said he wanted to be a pitcher and do what’s best for the team and his future. He hasn’t looked back since.”

After Owens, Allen went to Ashland University, where he went 7-1 with a 3.96 ERA and 84 strikeouts this season. He was named first-team All-Great Midwest Athletic Conference and second-team All-Midwest Region by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association.

In modern times, Owens has fielded a varsity baseball team since 1994. Allen joins Aaron Franke (1999 Draft eighth round, Los Angeles Angels), Ryan Clark (2000 Draft, 40th round, New York Yankees) and Mike Ramlow (2005 Draft, 24th round, Milwaukee Brewers) as Owens players taken in the MLB Draft. He is the first player drafted since Owens went to Division III in the NJCAA.

In the early days of Owens, when the college was known as Penta Tech, the Cleveland Indians selected Penta Tech outfielder Ronald “Butch” Allen in the first round (16th overall) of the 1967 draft-secondary phase.

(From the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce)

The Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce Bluffton Discovery Days, Friday, July 25, 2025 and July 26, 2025. This event, featuring exclusive in-store specials, will provide shoppers with Discovery Days deals.

Visitors who explore participating businesses during Bluffton Discovery Days can enter 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 for this incredible celebration of local business and community spirit.

For more information, please contact:

James Enneking
Executive Director, Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce
(419) 369-2985
director@explorebluffton.com

(From the Hancock Historical Museum)

The Hancock Historical Museum invites the public to join them for the next installment of its 2025 Classic Movie Night series on Friday, July 18, with a screening of the critically acclaimed drama A Face in the Crowd (1957), directed by Elia Kazan and starring Andy Griffith in a powerful and unexpected performance.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the film will begin at 7:00 p.m. Admission is free, and popcorn and other refreshments will be available.

A Face in the Crowd tells the story of a drifter who rises to fame as a media personality, only to reveal a darker side as his power grows. The film is a gripping exploration of celebrity, media influence, and public manipulation, and it remains as relevant today as it was in the 1950s.

The evening will feature a special introduction by John King, President of the Ray Browne Pop Culture Association at Bowling Green State University, who will provide insight into the film’s historical and cultural significance.

The museum’s Classic Movie Night series offers a chance to experience timeless films in a historic setting, with commentary that brings added depth and appreciation to each screening.

This year’s remaining Classic Movie Night lineup includes: • August 16 – The Goonies (PG, 1985) – Bill and Gail Miller Outdoor Movie Night • October 24 – Bride of Frankenstein (PG, 1935) • November 21 – Dark Passage (PG, 1947) • December 19 – It’s A Wonderful Life (PG, 1946)

All films will be shown at the Hancock Historical Museum, located at 422 West Sandusky Street, Findlay, Ohio.

Don’t miss this opportunity to experience these timeless classics the way they were meant to be seen—on the big screen, surrounded by fellow film lovers. Whether you’re revisiting an old favorite or discovering a new gem, Classic Movie Night offers a nostalgic evening for all ages. For more information, please visit www.hancockhistoricalmuseum.org or call 419-423-4433.