(ONN) – Ohio State students will not have freedom of expression this year when it comes to decorating communal dorm spaces.

The passage of Ohio Senate Bill 1 and new federal mandates regarding expression at Ohio’s colleges and universities is already impacting Ohio State University.

In years past, common areas of the school dormitories could be decorated at the discretion of the students with oversight from residence hall advisors.

This year, the school has mandated that the themes must represent Ohio State spirit, scarlet and gray, block-o and Brutus Buckeye.

Chalk-drawn promotional slogans and political messaging on sidewalks are also prohibited.

Findlay City Council passed a resolution authorizing the mayor to adopt an update to the Hazard Mitigation Plan.

The updated plan needed to be adopted before FEMA would release some grant funding for flood mitigation projects that are in the works.

The Hazard Mitigation Plan is a comprehensive strategy designed to reduce the risks and impacts of natural disasters in Hancock County and Findlay, as well as surrounding villages and townships.

The plan, updated every 5 years, outlines goals, actions, and strategies to protect lives, property, and critical infrastructure from hazards such as flooding, tornadoes, severe storms, winter storms, dam failures, drought, and earthquakes.

The City of Findlay anticipates breaking ground this fall on the final three major flood mitigation projects: the Norfolk Southern Railroad Bridge, Phase 2 Benching, and the Eagle Creek Floodwater Storage Basin.

Together with Phase 1 Benching, the city says the projects will reduce floodwater levels in a 100-year flood event by three feet in downtown Findlay, removing more than 2,000 parcels from the floodplain.

The city says this will significantly reduce flood risk for thousands of properties and lower, or eliminate, the need for flood insurance.

(From the Alzheimer’s Association)

The Alzheimer’s Association invites Northwest Ohioans to register for the 2025 Findlay/Hancock County Walk to End Alzheimer’s^®, taking place on Saturday, September 27 at Riverside Park, 231 McManness Ave. in Findlay. Registration begins at 9:00 am with the Promise Garden Ceremony at 10 and the Walk immediately afterward.

With more than 600 Walks taking place across the U.S. each year, Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest fundraising event and supports the Association’s free educational programs and support groups, Alzheimer’s care services and advancements in treatment and research. 

On Walk day, participants honor those affected by Alzheimer’s with the poignant Promise Garden ceremony — a mission-focused experience that signifies our solidarity in the fight against the disease. Walkers will carry flowers of various colors, each color representing their personal connection to the disease.

“Walk to End Alzheimer’s is a day filled with emotion, inspiration, inclusion and hope,”  said Danica Knapke, Walk manager. “Walks bring people together and reassure them that they’re not alone in their journey. Every step we take as a community takes us closer to a cure and to achieving our mission of a world without Alzheimer’s and dementia. Now, more than ever, it’s crucial that we raise money that will directly benefit Northwest Ohio families.”

Participation is free. Walkers and teams can set fundraising goals and earn incentives including t-shirts, backpacks, water bottles, blankets and more. 

To register and receive the latest updates on this year’s Walks, visit the Walk website.

For the first time, the number of people living with Alzheimer’s disease in the U.S. is more than 7 million. That includes 236,200 in Ohio, according to the 2025 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures. Deaths due to Alzheimer’s more than doubled (142%) between 2000 and 2022, while deaths from the leading cause of mortality (heart disease) decreased by 2.1%. 

To learn more about Alzheimer’s or other dementia and to access free local support and resources, visit alz.org/nwohio or call the Northwest Ohio Chapter at 419.537.1999 or the 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.

(ONN) – Ohio Governor Mike DeWine is pushing to ban all forms of kratom.

The plant-based product is marketed as a pain reliever and treatment for opioid withdrawal.

Governor DeWine calls kratom an imminent public health risk and blames it for more than 200 overdose deaths in Ohio since 2019.

Some small business owners who sell natural kratom say a full ban will hurt customers who rely on it.

They support state oversight, but they argue that natural powder kratom should be regulated, not outlawed.

(From Bowling Green State University)

Following a highly competitive selection process, the Bowling Green State University Falcon Marching Band has been chosen to perform in the 2027 Rose Parade in Pasadena, California, leading up to the internationally watched Rose Bowl Game.

As one of the nation’s largest college marching bands, the 475-member BGSU Falcon Marching Band will perform in the 2027 parade along with bands from the two universities that will compete in the Rose Bowl Game. Bands are selected based on various criteria, including musicianship, marching ability, uniqueness, entertainment value or special interest, according to organizers.

“We are so proud of our Falcon Marching Band for being selected to perform at the Rose Parade in 2027,” said BGSU President Rodney K. Rogers. “This is an extremely competitive application process, and being selected to perform by such a knowledgeable committee highlights not only the size, but the talent and caliber of the Falcon Marching Band, led by Professor Jon Waters. Professor Waters, members of our band – including both our current students and band alumni – as well as their families and the community have all played an important role in making this amazing opportunity a reality, and we are so grateful for their hard work and support.”

The Falcon Marching Band will join high school, military and other bands from around the world as it marches 5 ½ miles down Orange Grove and Colorado boulevards as part of the iconic parade, which last year drew an estimated 800,000 people to Pasadena and 10.5 million viewers nationwide.

“This is an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime honor for our students,” said Director of Marching and Athletic Bands professor Jon Waters. “The Rose Parade is one of the biggest and best parades in the world, with amazing color and pageantry, and being selected to perform is a pinnacle moment for some of the most distinguished marching bands in the world. We are honored that the Falcon Marching Band will represent Bowling Green State University on such a large stage, and we are so proud of our students for their hard work to get here.”

The selection of the BGSU Falcon Marching Band for the 2027 performance comes as Waters will lead the Band Director’s Marching Band in the 2026 Rose Parade on New Year’s Day.

Underscoring the top-ranked BGSU experience, the Falcon Marching Band provides students with opportunities to travel beyond northwest Ohio for immersive learning and playing opportunities, most recently in Dublin, Ireland, where the band performed in the renowned St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

This fall, the band will travel to the University of Cincinnati on Saturday, Sept. 6, and Ohio University on Saturday, Sept. 27, to support the BGSU football team and represent the University at away games. The Falcon Marching Band will also perform during this year’s BGSU Homecoming celebration and in the Bowling Green Community Holiday Parade.

Serving as the largest student organization on campus and the biggest band in BGSU history, this season’s Falcon Marching Band comprises nearly 80% of non-music majors as more students choose to continue their marching band experience at the Division I level.

(picture courtesy of BGSU)

(From the City of Findlay)

City of Findlay officials are pleased to announce that they have established a 12-month fixed-rate of $0.597/Ccf for members of the natural gas aggregation program. The fixed rate will run through the October 2026 billing cycle. Residents and small commercial customers can expect a letter from IGS Energy to arrive shortly after September 5, 2025. The letter will explain the rate, terms and conditions of the offer. The natural gas aggregation program was approved by voters in 2002 and is available for residents and small businesses in the City.

The City of Findlay is pleased to make this rate available for its residents and small businesses. The fixed-rate will give residents price protection and budget stability for the next term. As before, the City of Findlay program has no early termination fee.

Eric Burns, Director of Aggregation of Independent Energy Consultants, said, “Residents and businesses should carefully read their letter from IGS Energy. Residents who are currently participating in the program will receive an “opt-out” letter, and do not need to take any action to remain in the program. Residents who have not chosen a supplier and receive their gas supply from Columbia Gas of Ohio will also receive an “opt-out” letter. If they wish to be added to the program, they should simply do nothing and they will automatically receive the new rate.”

The aggregation program is simply another option for residents to consider, and it is important that residents make themselves aware of the other options available to them, specifically:
• The Public Utility Commission of Ohio provides a list of other publicly available offers on their website, www.energychoice.ohio.gov. Anyone considering those supply offers should be aware of any early termination penalties, fixed monthly charges, or automatic renewal provisions that can quickly offset any perceived savings. The City of Findlay program includes none of the above.
• The utility’s supply rate the Standard Choice Offer (SCO) is a variable rate option. It follows monthly market conditions and trends up and down throughout the year.

Again, the City of Findlay would like to remind residents that the program is simply another option for City of Findlay residents and small businesses to consider in their efforts to manage their energy costs.

The City of Findlay is pleased to have made this program possible. Residents should contact IGS Energy at 877-353-0162 if they have any questions regarding their letter or status in the aggregation program.

(From the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce)

Since 1999, the Hancock Youth Leadership (HYL) Program has served as an investment in the future of Findlay and Hancock County.

By giving a select group of high school students the hands-on experience they need to develop their leadership and communications skills, HYL is the motivating force creating positive role models and future leaders committed to their civic responsibilities.

With student representatives from Arcadia, Arlington, Cory-Rawson, Findlay, Liberty-Benton, McComb, and Van Buren, we are looking forward to another great year of HYL!

Interested in supporting the Class of 2026? Check out sponsorship opportunities here!

(From the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library)

The Friends of the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library invite the public to a special two-day sale at The Book Cellar, the Friends’ used book shop in the lower level of the library, featuring deep discounts on audiovisual materials.

The sale will take place on Monday, September 8 and Wednesday, September 10 in the Younger Room from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on both days. Fill a bag of DVDs, music CDs or audiobook CDs for only $4.00.

Whether you’re expanding your music collection, searching for a new favorite film, or looking for your next audiobook adventure, this is a great opportunity to stock up while supporting your local library, as proceeds from the sale support library programs and services throughout the year.

For questions about the sale, please contact the Book Cellar at 419-434-1044.

The Hancock County Democratic Party will be holding an event with candidates including Dr. Amy Acton, who is running for governor.

“We’re thrilled to host a suite of determined candidates here in Hancock County who are thoroughly committed to making our city, counties, and Ohio a better place for all of us,” said Eve Gray, Chairwoman of the Hancock County Democratic Party.

The Hancock County Democratic Party’s Fall Gala will be held on September 7th beginning at 5 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn at 1050 Interstate Drive in Findlay. 

Get more details by clicking here.

(From the Ohio Department of Transportation)

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) District 2 invites the public to attend an open house for the South Town Street Railroad Grade Separation project in Fostoria, Ohio.

Meeting details:

• Date: Tuesday, August 26, 2025
• Time: 4:00-7:00 p.m.
• Location: Collaboration Studio at the Fostoria Learning Center

342 Perry Street, Fostoria, Ohio

ODOT is proposing this project to improve safety and mobility of the at-grade crossings of South Town Street and Columbus Avenue at the CSX and Norfolk Southern railroads in Fostoria, Ohio.  The proposed project would provide a grade-separated crossing on South Town Street over the railroad tracks.  For maps and additional project details, visit the website: http://www.transportation.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/odot/projects/projects/119654.

The public is invited to attend the open house meeting and provide feedback regarding the recommended preferred alternative.  Comments regarding the project may be submitted at the meeting, on the project website through the comment submittal form, or by direct contact at the methods listed below. Comments received by Friday, September 26, 2025, will be included in the official project documentation, but all comments will be accepted at any time.

Individuals who require meeting materials in an alternate format or to provide comments are asked to contact ODOT at the number below. Public participation in this project is solicited without regard to race, color, sex, age, national origin or disability.

Questions or comments regarding the project may be directed to David Geckle, project manager, at 419-373-4377 or by email at David.Geckle@dot.ohio.gov.