(From Tiffin City Schools)

It is with great pleasure and excitement to inform the community that Mr. Monsour is one of four finalists for the Ohio Teacher of the Year.

Mr. Monsour will have a final round interview before the decision is made.

Congratulations, Mr. Monsour!

Chris Monsour earned his Bachelor of Science degree in May 1999 from Heidelberg University, originally planning to pursue a career in environmental biology. However, after graduation, he found himself without a job. At the same time, Tiffin City Schools was in desperate need of a high school science teacher. Chris began his teaching journey as a substitute for the first two years, during which he discovered his passion for teaching and the importance of obtaining a formal teaching license.  

Since then, Chris has pursued graduate work in biology, ecology, and inquiry, earning two master’s degrees: a Master of Arts in Education from Heidelberg University and a Master of Science from Montana State University. He has extensive experience developing course curricula and organizing field trips, laboratory exercises, service projects, and other hands-on activities that extend beyond traditional classroom instruction.  

Currently, Chris teaches a variety of advanced science courses, including College Credit Plus (CCP) Environment and Society, CCP Oceanus, CCP Anatomy and Physiology, Honors Biology, and AP Biology. Over the years, he has taught six different CCP courses while serving as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Findlay, Heidelberg University, and Terra State Community College. With 26 years of teaching experience, he has taught a wide range of subjects before finding his true calling in advanced sciences.  

Chris’s teaching background also includes four years as a student study session consultant for AP Biology, ten summers of teaching at the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth, where he served as both an instructor and the Academic Dean for Science and Math, and two summers teaching English as a Second Language at Tianjin Normal University in the People’s Republic of China.  

In addition to his teaching experience, Chris has participated in numerous global expeditions, both on land and at sea, which enhances his ability to keep students engaged and excited about the sciences.

(From Visit Findlay)

ArtWalk, a family-friendly free event taking place quarterly, will take place this summer on Friday, August 1.

During ArtWalk, businesses and local creatives will come together to offer a free event for the community. Artists and musicians will be located at local shops, restaurants, and businesses, all within walking distance of each other. Visitors can view artwork and talk to artists, listen to the talents of musicians, and support local business. Artwork is available for purchase at nearly every location.

Summer ArtWalk musicians and artists can be found throughout Downtown Findlay at nearly 30 locations on Friday evening. Oh Happy Rea, Ma Vie Events, and Mon Coeur are all recently opened locations and will be taking part in their first ArtWalk. In addition to hosting artists, Ma Vie Events will hold their inaugural Karaoke Night beginning at 7 p.m. with a $5 cover. Opening their doors during ArtWalk is Truly Natural Therapies on Main Street with violinist Isaac Weese.

Trinity Episcopal Church will be open during ArtWalk for a presentation exploring the different icons that can be found throughout the church. The presentation will take place at the top and bottom of the hour and will last about 20 minutes.

The Jones Building local artists will welcome guests into their studios to see their work and chat with them about their process. Next door, Findlay Art League will open their August show, Food and Agriculture, with harpist Josh Haudenschield. Live Music will also be at The Baker’s Café, Findlay Brewing Company, The Lavender Hour, Logan’s Irish Pub, and Open Mic Night at Coffee Amici.

The summer season is a great time to try new seasonal beverages and take advantage of DORA. ArtWalk takes place within DORA boundaries and beverages can be purchased and enjoyed at participating bars, restaurants, and shops. Full DORA details are available on the city’s website.

ArtWalk is a quarterly, family-friendly, free event that takes place the first Friday of February, May, August, and November in an effort to promote the arts and integrate them throughout the Downtown Findlay business community. This event is a collaborative effort between Visit Findlay: Hancock County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Findlay Art League, Jones Building Artists, and Marathon Center for the Performing Arts.

A complete list of participating locations and artists, as well as a virtual map, can be found at VisitFindlay.com/ArtWalk. Printed maps of ArtWalk locations are available at the Visit Findlay Welcome Center, 123 E. Main Cross St., with limited copies at all participating locations the evening of the event. For more information, go to VisitFindlay.com/ArtWalk.

The American Red Cross is hoping you can help out and donate blood at an upcoming blood drive in Findlay.

Blood donations tend to drop during the summer while the need remains high due to summer accidents and trauma, often requiring more blood transfusions. 

The Red Cross says it is low on appointments for some upcoming blood drives and needs your help to avoid a blood shortage. 

July 30 – Cedar Creek Church from 9 am to 3 pm (2111 Stonehedge Dr.)

July 31 – Blanchard Valley Center from 9 am to 3 pm (1700 E. Sandusky St.)

August 1 – Findlay Elks from 10 am to 4 pm (900 W. Melrose)

Click here to see the full list of blood drives in the Findlay area.

(From the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts)

MCPA Amped is your go-to for high energy concerts that keep things casual and fun. These shows are announced throughout the year and often feature artists that get the crowd moving.

You might find yourself dancing, singing along, or just soaking in the vibe. It’s a more relaxed concert experience than our Mainstage series, perfect for those who like their live music loud, lively, and a little less formal.

Kicking off MCPA Amped is Joan Osborne and Lisa Loeb!

Members can grab tickets now at MCPA.org/Amped — public sales open July 31 at 11 AM!

(From the Hancock Historical Museum)

The Hancock Historical Museum’s Board of Trustees has announced a leadership transition and is currently seeking qualified applicants for the role of Executive Director.

Sarah Foltz, who has served in the position since early 2024, will be stepping down on August 8 to pursue a new opportunity as Community Engagement Director at the Findlay-Hancock County Alliance. Her departure reflects a long-held professional goal to serve the community on a broader scale, and the Board is proud to support her in this next chapter.

During her tenure, Foltz brought fresh energy and vision to the organization, launching impactful collaborations, expanding educational outreach, and leading record-breaking fundraising events such as the 2024 Historic Barn Tour. Under her leadership, the museum saw student engagement grow from 4,000 to more than 9,000 annually.

“Sarah’s leadership has strengthened our museum and deepened our ties to the community,” said Judge Alan Hackenberg, Board President. “We are grateful for her many contributions and thrilled that she will continue to support the museum in a volunteer capacity.”

The museum now seeks a dynamic and visionary leader to continue this momentum. As Executive Director, the selected candidate will represent one of the region’s most comprehensive historical institutions, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving Hancock County’s rich heritage and inspiring future generations.

Since its founding in 1970, the Hancock Historical Museum has grown into a vital community asset, offering engaging exhibits, an expansive archive and artifact collection, and educational programming for all ages. Interested candidates are encouraged to learn more and apply by visiting www.hancockhistoricalmuseum.org.

Findlay and Hancock County are included in a Heat Advisory issued by the National Weather Service.

The Heat Advisory goes from noon to 8 p.m. on Tuesday.

Heat index values of above 100 degrees are expected.

Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses.

Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.

Take extra precautions when outside. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing.

Try to limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening.

Take action when you see symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Get the latest forecast and weather alerts by clicking here.

UPDATE – The sheriff’s office said the woman who was struck, Leah Feay, 83, of Findlay, was pronounced deceased at Blanchard Valley Hospital.

The sheriff’s office said the driver of the vehicle that struck her was 55-year-old Carrie Reimer, of Findlay. 

The investigation is ongoing by the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office. 

ORIGINAL STORY –

A pedestrian was hit by a vehicle at the Speedway at the corner of Tiffin Avenue and Bright Road in Findlay.

It happened at around 11:30 Monday morning.

The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office told WFIN at the scene that a person was walking from the store back to their vehicle when they were struck by a vehicle that was pulling away from a gas pump.

The sheriff’s office said the person who was struck was seriously injured and taken to Blanchard Valley Hospital.

The driver was shaken up and is fully cooperating, and alcohol and/or drugs were not a factor in the crash, the sheriff’s office said.

(ONN) – A federal appeals court is standing by its decision and won’t be taking another look at the corruption conviction of former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder.

Householder’s legal team argued jurors were given faulty instructions in the racketeering trial tied to a $60 million bribery scheme involving FirstEnergy and House Bill 6.

But the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals denied that request, saying the issues had already been fully considered.

Householder is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence.

(ONN) – A new bipartisan bill would allow local municipalities and governments to authorize Sunday liquor sales without a vote, saving thousands in taxpayer dollars.

Under current Ohio law, that decision is up to voter approval within the city or township.

Supporters say the bipartisan bill will reduce red tape, make life easier on businesses, and save governments money.

One of the co-sponsors of the bill is State Representative Jack Daniels, of New Franklin.

He explains how this change could save taxpayers money.

(From Blanchard Valley Health System)

Please join us in congratulating Jessica Muchow, RN, an intensive care unit (ICU) nurse at Blanchard Valley Hospital, on being a June DAISY Award honoree!

A fellow Blanchard Valley Health System associate nominated Jessica after witnessing the simple acts of kindness that Jess took on behalf of a patient’s wife. After receiving difficult news regarding her husband’s cancer prognosis, Jessica recognized that she was struggling to process the information and needed support from a loved one. Jessica selflessly offered the wife her phone so she could call a trusted friend who could comfort her through this challenging situation and help her navigate the next steps.

Jessica was a pillar of support to this family throughout the patient’s stay in the ICU, and did it all while providing excellent care and precepting a new nurse. “Cancer is awful, but nurses like Jess make it more bearable,” wrote her nominator.

Thank you, Jessica, for exemplifying what it means to provide compassionate care to all. We are proud to have you as part of #TeamBVHS

Pictured (left to right): Jessica Salsbury, RN, ICU educator; Betsy Ditto, ICU manager; BJ Pasztor, chief nursing officer and chief operations officer of acute care services; Jessica Muchow, RN; Jessica Moore, RN, director of inpatient nursing.