(From Findlay High School)

 It’s almost that time again, Trojans! 

Check out these important Back-to-School Dates for Findlay High School and Findlay City Schools as we gear up for an amazing 2025–2026 school year:

August 6 – Schedule Pickup (Grades 10–12)
 10th Grade: 8:00–9:30 AM
 11th Grade: 10:00–11:30 AM
 12th Grade: 1:00–2:30 PM

August 8 – 9th Grade Orientation & Student Pictures
 Last Names A–K: 8:00–10:00 AM
 Last Names L–Z: 12:00–2:00 PM

August 14 – First Day of School for grades 1 – 12.  

Preschool and Kindergarten:
8-14-25 (A-K) and 8-15-25 (L-Z)

Get more back-to-school information for Findlay City Schools by clicking here.

Let’s make 2025–2026 a year to remember!

(From the Hancock County METRICH Drug Task Force)

On 8/6/25 at approx. 0500hrs the Hancock County METRICH Drug Task Force assisted by the Findlay Police Department Emergency Response Team (ERT) executed a narcotic search warrant at 332 ½ Rector Ave.

The search of the residence yielded 265 suspected pressed Fentanyl pills, two guns one of which was reported stolen from the City of Findlay, and multiple items indicative of drug trafficking were also located.

As a result of the search the following person was arrested and incarcerated at the Hancock County Justice Center:

Jama’ee Curtis (age 31)

332 ½ Rector Ave

Findlay, Ohio

Charge: Warrants through the Hancock County Sheriff’s Officer two counts of trafficking F3, Fresh charges of receiving stolen property F4 and possession of Fentanyl F1.

Additional charges of drug trafficking in drugs are expected at the conclusion of this investigation.

The Hancock METRICH Drug Enforcement Unit is supported by METRICH in Mansfield, OH and funded in part by the Office of Criminal Justice Services.

METRICH Crime Tip Hotline: 419-52-CRIME (419-522-7463) or download the METRICH enforcement unit mobile app to “Submit a Tip.”

(From the Hancock County Parkinson’s Network)

The Hancock County Parkinson’s Network (HCPN) has approved funding for two local projects aimed at providing support and enhancing the quality of life for individuals and caregivers affected by Parkinson’s disease.

The first project, from 50 North, will enhance their Parkinson’s exercise initiative. This program includes advanced, specialized training for instructors and the introduction of two tailored exercise classes for individuals at different stages of Parkinson’s. The initiative will also include essential equipment purchases and an ongoing evaluation process to track progress in mobility, mood, and confidence.

“We are proud to support 50 North’s initiative, which aims to increase the accessibility and effectiveness of exercise programs for those living with Parkinson’s in our community,” said Barb Matheny, Founder of the Hancock County Parkinson’s Network. “This program is an important step toward providing more comprehensive care and support for those affected by Parkinson’s disease.”

The second project, from Awakening Minds Art, is the Creative Connection: Art for Parkinson’s program. This community-based initiative will provide monthly, one-hour therapeutic art sessions for individuals with Parkinson’s and their caregivers. The program, which will be held at 50 North and a local nursing home, focuses on process-based visual art using adaptive tools. The goal is to improve fine motor coordination, emotional well-being, and foster a meaningful connection between participants and caregivers.

“Art has shown significant benefits for individuals with neurological conditions, and we are thrilled to support Awakening Minds Art’s program to provide creative engagement that helps improve the well-being of those living with Parkinson’s and their caregivers,” Matheny added.

Both initiatives aim to increase community awareness and improve the lives of those affected by Parkinson’s disease in Hancock County.

The Hancock County Parkinson’s Network remains committed to its mission of empowering individuals affected by Parkinson’s disease and their caregivers through education, programming, and support.

(From Blanchard Valley Health System)

Future nurses in the making!

Blanchard Valley Health System recently wrapped up its second annual Future Nurse Camp.

The camp gives students a hands-on look at the heart of healthcare, and we are proud to support the next generation of compassionate, skilled caregivers!

Interested in joining #TeamBVHS?

Visit bvhealthsystem.org/careers to view and apply for our open positions.

This year will mark the 25^th anniversary of Flag City BalloonFest in Findlay.

BalloonFest will be held on August 8th, 9^th, and 10th at Emory Adams Park.

BalloonFest is a free, family-friendly event that features food vendors, live music, Glow Encounter, a kids’ zone with inflatables and games, and much more.

There will also be hot air balloon rides and helicopter rides, weather permitting.

Some attractions and events at the BalloonFest have fees. All main attractions are free to attend.

Get more information about BalloonFest by clicking here and see some video from previous years when WFIN’s Matt Demczyk went up on a media flight below.

(From Marathon Petroleum)

Marathon Petroleum Corp. (NYSE: MPC) today reported net income attributable to MPC of $1.2 billion, or $3.96 per diluted share, for the second quarter of 2025, compared with net income attributable to MPC of $1.5 billion, or $4.33 per diluted share, for the second quarter of 2024.

The second quarter of 2025 adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (adjusted EBITDA) was $3.3 billion, compared with $3.4 billion for the second quarter of 2024. Adjustments are shown in the accompanying release tables.

“Our second quarter results reflect actions we have taken to deliver on our strategic commitments,” said President and Chief Executive Officer Maryann Mannen.

“In refining, our team delivered 97% utilization and 105% margin capture; and we remain constructive on the long-term outlook. We have advanced our portfolio optimization for today and the future with MPLX’s announcement of a $2.375 billion midstream acquisition in the Permian and MPC’s $425 million divestiture of its partial interest in ethanol production facilities. We believe execution of our strategic commitments will position our integrated system to deliver industry-leading capital returns and offer a compelling value proposition for our shareholders.”

(From the Findlay Police Department)

The Findlay Police Department is pleased to announce the hiring of two new police officers.

Makenna Hurley and Evan VanSkyock were officially sworn in by Mayor Christina Muryn.

Hurley, 23, is a graduate of Mohawk High School and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from the University of Findlay.

She currently resides in Sycamore, Ohio.

VanSkyock, 21, graduated from Versailles High School and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Bowling Green State University. He previously completed a four-month internship with the Findlay Police Department and resides in the Findlay area.

Both officers will attend the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy at Owens Community College to earn their Ohio Peace Officer Certification.

Upon successful completion of the academy, they will be assigned to the department’s Patrol Division.

(From the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts)

We’re honored to share that Marathon Center for the Performing Arts has received a $48,000 Sustainability Grant from the Ohio Arts Council to support our operations and help us continue bringing exceptional arts, culture, and entertainment to our community.

This funding helps sustain the high-quality programming you love, and we’re incredibly grateful to the Ohio Arts Council, Governor Mike DeWine, Representative Ty Matthews, and Senator Rob McColley for their continued support of the arts in Ohio!

(From the City of Findlay)

The City of Findlay is performing numerous construction projects throughout the city. The status of some of the projects is weather and contractor schedule permitting. Listed below are some of the projects and the restrictions that result from the ongoing projects. These restrictions are in effect from August 4, 2025, until further notice.

ALLEN AVENUE – Main Street to Railroad – Allen Avenue will be closed to through traffic from Main Street to Railroad for milling and paving.

MIDLAND AVENUE – Main Street to Railroad – Midland Avenue will be closed to through traffic from Main Street to Railroad for milling and paving.

GARFIELD AVENUE – Main Street to Railroad – Garfield Avenue will be closed to through traffic from Main Street to Railroad for milling and paving.

GEORGE STREET – Main Street to Railroad – George Street will be closed to through traffic from Main Street to Railroad for milling and paving.

TWP RD 77 (WESTERN AVENUE) – TWP RD 80 to Trail 81 – Twp. Road 77 (Western Avenue) will be closed to through traffic from Twp. Rd. 80 to Trail 81 for a sanitary sewer project.

MORRICAL BLVD – Logan Avenue to Bliss Avenue – Morrical Blvd will be closed to through traffic from Logan Avenue to the end of Bliss Avenue for waterline installation.

BROOKVIEW COURT – Brookside Drive to Cul-de-sac – Brookview Court will be closed to through traffic to from Brookside Drive to the cul-de-sac for milling and paving.

FOXFIRE LANE (S.) – Fox Run Road to Foxtail Drive – Foxfire Lane will be closed to through traffic to from Fox Run Road to the cul-de-sac for milling and paving.

STATE ROUTE 568 – Trail 237 to TR 242 – SR 568 will be maintained with portable traffic lights from Trail 237 to TR 242 for the installation of Greenway Trail Phase 3.

Motorists are advised to avoid these areas if possible. Short delays are expected in these areas over the next week.

The Engineering Department will release updates on information and schedules when it becomes available. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about any of these projects at 419-424-7121.

(From the Hancock County Board of Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS)

Four organizations have been awarded $16,900 in grants through the Hancock County Community Partnership for local prevention and wellness initiatives that promote health, wellness, safety, and/or reduce the likelihood of health-related problems for people of all ages.

The Partnership had requested proposals that focused on delaying the use of substances, including alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, vaping, and illicit drugs; supporting mental health and wellness; addressing problem gaming/gambling; and/or supporting the creation of welcoming spaces.

The recipients for 2025-2026 are: Awakening Minds Arts ($3,400), Bless Up and Bloom ($5,000), Fort Findlay FOP ($3,500), and Findlay High School ($5,000).

The Awakening Minds Arts Creative Wellness: Art for Mental Health & Social Connection initiative will support high school seniors navigating the transition to adulthood, a period often marked by stress, anxiety and uncertainty. Through a collaboration between AMA and the University of Findlay Social Work Department, social work students will offer a structured series of art and wellness workshops designed specifically for high school seniors in Hancock County by integrating creative expression, mindfulness training, and peer-centered activities to help students develop emotional resilience, self-compassion, leadership skills and a stronger sense of social and community belonging.

With its grant, Bless Up and Bloom will launch a wellness initiative providing haircuts and hygiene services to individuals currently enrolled in drug recovery programs in Hancock County. Many of these individuals face economic hardship and are unable to access these services independently. Goals include increasing self-confidence and self-worth among clients in recovery, supporting their reentry into the workforce and social settings and reducing relapse rates by addressing health and wellness holistically. Bless Up and Bloom will partner with local recovery programs to offer monthly grooming sessions onsite or at its salon location, serving 60–80 individuals over a six-month period.

Findlay High School experienced a significant number of student deaths during the 2024-2025 academic school year and sought a grant to support the need for mental health awareness and suicide prevention at Findlay High School. During the 2025-2026 school year, the C.O.R.E. (Community, Opportunity, Relationships, Empowerment) team will utilize funding to support positive mental health within its student population by offering workshops that focus on coping skills, building connections, and promoting self-care.

Counselors will determine which students participate in groups based on referrals from the school counselor and/or principal.

The Fort Findlay FOP Lodge #20 Foundation received funding for its Officer Appreciation Summer Picnic, an annual event designed to support Hancock County’s law enforcement community. Law enforcement and their families from all departments are invited to the free event to have fun, socialize and build supportive relationships between officers and youth. Families are also informed about the mental health resources available to them in the event of a crisis. A goal is to have at least 50 law enforcement families attend.