(From the City of Findlay)
The City of Findlay continues to receive inquiries related to repairs needed at railroad crossings.
The City is legally unable to perform work within the railroad right-of-way.
Please help us get these repairs made by contacting the appropriate railroad provided on the following pages below to report issues.
(From the Fort Findlay FOP Lodge 20 Foundation)
The Fort Findlay FOP Lodge 20 Foundation invites the community to join us for an evening of holiday cheer at Cocoa with a Cop, a family-friendly event happening Friday, December 20, at 7:00 PM at the FOP Lodge located at 1769 S. Romick Parkway, Findlay.
The highlight of the evening will be Sheriff Heldman’s special reading of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. Families and children of all ages are encouraged to attend, sip on cocoa, and enjoy cookies while getting to know our local law enforcement in a relaxed and festive environment. In the season’s spirit, guests are encouraged (but not required) to wear their favorite pajamas to add a touch of holiday coziness to the event.
This event reflects the mission of the Fort Findlay FOP Lodge 20 Foundation, which is dedicated to fostering positive relationships between law enforcement and the community. Through youth programming, community outreach, and support for active, retired, and fallen members and their families, the Foundation is committed to building trust and goodwill. Events like Cocoa with a Cop provide an opportunity to strengthen these bonds and spread holiday joy.
No RSVP is necessary—just bring your holiday spirit!
(From the University of Findlay)
Six University of Findlay students are the 2024-25 recipients of more than $22,000 in Town & Campus scholarships.
Findlay Town & Campus is one of the oldest organizations at UF, promoting student success and goodwill among campus and community members.
“These scholarships are annually awarded to worthy students who are in good academic standing and demonstrate volunteerism and philanthropy on campus or in the community,” explained Nondace Campbell, president of Town & Campus.
“We are proud to support them as they are pursuing their educational dreams,” said Campbell, a UF emerita professor who taught English and literature, retiring in 2009.
This year’s scholarship recipients are: Hayley Waltz of Rawson, doctor of occupational therapy major; Chloe Eppley of Tiffin, occupational therapy major; Paige Lucic of Chardon, exercise science major/pre-physical therapy program; Grace Scott of Pinckney, Michigan, western equestrian studies and farm business management major; Jacob Holmes of Cincinnati, doctor of pharmacy program; and Mitchell Hanosh of Adrian, Michigan, business administration major with emphasis in management and finance.
Town & Campus started in 1960, when O.J. Wilson, president of then-Findlay College, organized a women’s auxiliary to serve as a liaison between the college and community.
The group hosted teas and offered bridge lessons for female students. Within a year, the women began raising money to support Findlay students with scholarships and emergency loans.
Today, 64 years later, Findlay Town & Campus enjoys a long history of supporting a variety of UF programs and scholarships. The organization is no longer just for women, but open to all. In 2009, they endowed a scholarship in honor of the organization’s 50th anniversary.
The group meets monthly on campus and new members are welcome. Annual dues are $20, and more information is available at www.findlay.edu/townandcampus or by calling Tiffany Koenig at 419-434-5560.
The Humane Society and SPCA of Hancock County has some holiday safety tips for your pets.
The Humane Society’s Natalie Reffitt was on with WKXA’s Rex Howard for Wet Nose Wednesday and shared some safety tips.
As Natalie told Rex in the audio above, Christmas and New Years can be a stressful time for your pets with more activity in the house than usual.
She recommends putting up a baby gate to block the door so they can’t bolt out when people are coming and going or if they get spooked.
You can also provide your dog or cat with a quiet room where they can hang out during holiday parties.
Natalie says to make sure your pets have their IDs on them so if they do get out of the house they can be reunited with you.
Also, be aware of pets trying to sneak a bite of the holiday food and snacks you prepare and ask guests to not feed them.
Get more tips from the Humane Society by clicking here.
Pictured above is Loki, who is ready to be adopted from the Humane Society and SPCA of Hancock County.
(ONN) – Outgoing Ohio U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown gave his final speech on the floor of the Senate.
In his speech, he reflected on his time serving Ohio.
His first speech in the Senate was about raising minimum wage, a movement he is still committed to.
Senator Brown has been in Congress since 1993.
He was been a Senator for the last 18 years.
Senator-elect Bernie Moreno will replace Brown in the Senate.
(From the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office)
Congratulations to Brandy Johnson who is yet another GED graduate from our GED program here at the Seneca County Jail!
This program is managed and directed by Grace Morehart who also administers the testing at our facility which is highly unique and is one of the reasons for our success rate in completing the program. Statistics show that the further you get away, from studying, the less likely you will pass or even show up for the testing outside of a jail or prison. So being able to be an all in one program is extremely helpful.
The second part of our success is our teachers, Shelli Stockmeister and Melissa Blair!
The third, and most important part of the successes so far, are the students who put themselves out there to accomplish their educational goal of graduating High School!
Kudos to them for making the effort to better themselves. Each person has a reason or situation on the “why” of not obtaining their High School Diploma. Each person is at a different place in where they left off in their educational process and each person is to be complimented on at least trying to accomplish something that they set their mind out to do!
Congratulations Brandy and make all your hard work pay off and use it to better yourself and those around you!
-Sheriff Stevens
(From the Hancock Historical Museum)
The Hancock Historical Museum is delighted to invite you to a festive evening of timeless entertainment with a special Classic Movie Night screening of the beloved holiday film White Christmas! Join us on Friday, December 20th, at 7:00 PM for a heartwarming cinematic experience sure to fill you with holiday cheer.
This 1954 musical treasure stars Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye as two talented entertainers who team up with a sister act, played by Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen, to save a struggling Vermont inn owned by their former army commander. Featuring iconic songs such as “Sisters” and the unforgettable “White Christmas,” this cherished film captures the magic of the season like no other.
Attendees will enjoy complimentary popcorn while taking in this holiday classic in the cozy atmosphere of the museum, located at 422 West Sandusky Street, Findlay, Ohio. Guests are welcome to BYOB to make the evening even more enjoyable. Whether you’ve watched White Christmas countless times or are experiencing it for the first time, it’s a perfect way to celebrate the holiday season with family, friends, or a special someone.
No RSVP is required—just bring your holiday spirit and settle in for a cozy night of classic cinema. This event is open to everyone looking to embrace the warmth and joy of the season.
For more information, please contact the Hancock Historical Museum at (419) 423-4433 or visit our website at www.hancockhistoricalmuseum.org.
(From Findlay City Schools)
At the final Findlay City Schools Board of Education meeting of 2024, Board President Chris Aldrich and Superintendent Andy Hatton addressed the pressing financial challenges facing the district. With no new operating revenue from the community in 20 years and a state-determined local capacity shortfall of 12.7 million dollars, the district faces a budget that will require significant cost-cutting measures to be phased in over three years.
“These difficult decisions are not optional,” said Board President Aldrich. “We must cut costs drastically to balance our budget and operate within our means. At the same time, we will explore the possibility of an operating levy to provide a path forward that reflects the vision our community has for Findlay City Schools.”
The district, which is already in deficit spending, is confronting a funding model that is no longer sustainable. Unlike many states, Ohio does not allow for inflationary increases in property tax revenues without voter approval, leaving districts reliant on community-approved levies to keep pace with rising costs. Compounding this challenge, state funding does not adequately account for the increasing financial needs of schools.
Superintendent Andy Hatton emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “This is by far the most difficult and grueling task we have to undertake. To balance the budget, we need to amass a list of initial cuts that totals more than 6 million for the next school year. These cuts will significantly impact our staff, students, and the opportunities we provide.”
Proposed Reductions
During the meeting, the board reviewed a preliminary proposal for reductions across the district’s operational expenses. Superintendent Hatton explained the proposal aims to minimize the impact on student outcomes while addressing the financial realities. However, he acknowledged that cuts will affect staffing, programs, and services across all aspects of the district’s operations. The proposed reductions discussed are listed below:
Reduce six administrative positions: $794,000
Reduce staff through attrition: $1,127,000
Increase class sizes up to the contractual maximum: $1,209,000
Reduce Teacher On Special Assignment (TOSA) support: $905,000
Adjust kindergarten to half-day: $644,000
Unblock middle school math: $573,000
Reduce Findlay High School elective offerings: $652,000
Reduce security guards: $300,000
Dissolve STEM at the elementary level: $161,000
Establish Pay-to-Participate cost for high school extracurriculars: $141,000
Dissolve middle school extracurriculars: $144,000
Evaluate encore & specials for K-8: $401,000
Reduce programming and instructional resources: $170,000
Adjust transportation: $376,000
Total Proposed Reductions: $7,597,000
No decisions were made at the board meeting. Board members indicated an intent to adopt a list of budget cuts in early 2025 and are committed to ensuring transparency throughout the process. While reductions are necessary regardless of future levy outcomes, the board is also exploring a potential operating levy in 2025 to generate new revenue and align the district’s funding with the community’s educational aspirations.
“Though the weight of this topic and the challenges ahead are significant, we remain hopeful that our community will rally behind our schools,” Aldrich said. “Together, we can find solutions that preserve the academic progress and opportunities our students deserve.”
(From The United Way of Hancock County)
Are you a numbers person who likes giving back to your community?
United Way of Hancock County is rallying volunteers as it prepares to once again facilitate free tax preparation services for qualifying community members.
United Way’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program provides free income tax preparation to qualifying individuals who live or work in Hancock County. Volunteers are needed to greet clients as they arrive for their appointments and to prepare and file taxes electronically through the IRS.
No prior tax experience is needed. Training materials are provided free of cost, and all volunteers receive in-person training and certification. Ongoing support is provided by experienced team members.
Client appointments will be offered at 50 North and the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library from February through April. Volunteers may commit based on their availability.
Beginning Jan. 22, community members may call the VITA direct phone line to schedule their appointment. More details, including that phone number, will be released in January.
For more information or to sign up as a VITA volunteer, contact United Way of Hancock County Information Manager Bridgit Phillips at 419-423-1432 or accounting@uwhancock.org.
(From the Ohio Mayors Alliance)
The Ohio Mayors Alliance, a bipartisan coalition of mayors in Ohio’s 31 largest cities, held its annual membership meeting at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus. During the meeting, the mayors outlined the organization’s policy and legislative priorities for next year, including consistent state funding to support local public safety costs.
“We look forward to working with our partners in the state legislature to ensure that our state and our local communities thrive,” said Findlay Mayor and OMA Board Member Christina Muryn. “Cities play such an important role in driving regional growth and supporting Ohio’s statewide economic success, but more collaboration is necessary on issues such as public safety, housing, and economic development.”
The first recommendation from the bipartisan mayors’ group is to establish a new, dedicated state funding stream to support local public safety needs. The fund would be allocated to local governments with full time police departments by formula and would be directed to helping address the rising costs of critical public safety needs in Ohio’s local communities.
“The largest budgetary expense for most cities throughout Ohio is public safety and those costs continue to increase every year, especially for hiring, attracting, and retaining talented public safety personnel,” said Cleveland Mayor and OMA Board Member Justin Bibb. “Providing state funding support would go a long way to help our cities improve public safety and support our first responders.”
In addition to a dedicated public safety fund for local communities, the Ohio Mayors Alliance also proposed: