(From Liberty-Benton Local Schools)

Looking back on a special moment from May 23rd…

For the first time, Liberty-Benton held a “Passing the Torch” ceremony, bringing together our graduating seniors and kindergarten students on the football field. Each senior gifted a small graduation bear to a kindergartner as they met at the center of the field—a symbolic and heartwarming exchange between the oldest and youngest members of our school community.

After a group photo, the seniors walked hand in hand with their kindergarten buddy for a memorable “clap out” through the PreK–8 building.

Don’t miss the drone footage of this unforgettable day: https://youtu.be/AZrNd78us1I

(From the Findlay City Schools Alumni Association)

We would like to send a HUGE Trojan thanks to the Class of 1985!

Not only did they plan a successful reunion, but at their FHS building tour, they donated $1,000 to FHS.

 We are so fortunate to have such generous alumni that want to leave a legacy here in Trojan Country.

The Hancock County Commissioners are providing a community outreach program this summer called “Town & Country Tuesdays” where each commissioner will be spending time each Tuesday at various local eateries and village parks throughout Findlay and Hancock County.

“Think of it as an informal town hall one-on-one casual meeting with individual commissioners,” said Commissioner Tim Bechtol. 

The schedule for each month will be posted on the commissioners’ website and the remainder of the June schedule and the full July schedule can be seen below.

• June 24th
  • Commissioner Bechtol @ Dietsch Brothers (W. Main Cross St.) – 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• July 1st 
  • Commissioner Hunker@ Jac & Dos (Arlington) – 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
• July 8th
  • Commissioner Bechtol @ Village of Arcadia Community Center – 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• July 15th
  • Commissioner Bechtol @ Mt. Blanchard Gazebo in Hurricane Park – 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
  • Commissioner Hunker @ Culvers – 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• July 22nd 
  • Commissioner Bateson @ Wildcat Cafe (Vanlue) – 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
  • Commissioner Bechtol @ HATS Ridealong – 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • Commissioner Hunker @ City BBQ – 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• July 29th 
  • Commissioner Hunker @ Tim Hortons (Tiffin Avenue) – 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
  • Commissioner Bateson @ Scramblers – 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
  • Commissioner Bechtol @ Lee’s Chicken – 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

(From the City of Findlay)

CONSTRUCTION 6/23-6/27:

Please note that there are projects that may appear to be finished but have outstanding items and are therefore listed below.

-Broad Ave. will be reduced to one lane in each direction from W. Trenton Ave. to W. Melrose Ave. for resurfacing.

-East St. will be closed to through traffic from E. Lincoln St. to E. Lima St. for curb replacement.

-Allen Ave. will be closed to through traffic from Main St. to the Railroad for curb replacement.

-Midland Ave. will be closed to through traffic from Main St. to the Railroad for curb replacement.

-Garfield Ave. will be closed to through traffic from Main St. to railroad for curb replacement.

-George St. will be closed to through traffic from Main St. to the Railroad for curb replacement.

-Twp. Rd. 80 (Baseline Rd.) will be closed to all traffic from Springlake Dr. (E.) to Springlake Dr. (W.) for a sanitary sewer project.

-Morrical Blvd. will be closed to through traffic from Logan Ave. to Bliss Ave. (End) for waterline installation.

-The Westbound lane of Howard St. will be closed to all traffic from 7am-7pm from Broad Ave. to the Walmart entrance for construction of the Interstate Trail.

-Broad Ave. will be reduced to one lane in the Southbound direction from Howard St. to Trenton Ave. for construction of the FHS Trail.

-N. Blanchard St. will be reduced to one lane in each direction from E. Melrose Ave. to Karen Ct. for curb replacement.

-Brookview Ct. will be closed to through traffic from Brookside Dr. to the cul-de-sac for curb replacement.

Please contact the Engineering Department with any questions at 419-424-7121.

(From the City of Findlay)

City Mission of Findlay‘s Low Barrier Shelter will have extended hours on Monday, June 23rd and Tuesday, June 24th 1pm-6pm for inclement weather.

If you need to escape from the heat for a little while, head to the City Mission’s Low Barrier Shelter at 510 W. Main Cross and use the Low Barrier entrance.

There is water next to the community window all summer long. The Low Barrier Shelter is open from 8pm to 8am year-round for anyone in need of a safe place to sleep.

Their community window serves two hot meals a day Monday-Saturday at 12pm and 5pm and dinner on Sundays at 5pm.

For more information on their Low Barrier Shelter or their Inclement weather center call 419-423-9151 #423

(From the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office)

On Tuesday, June 17, Sheriff Cortez had the honor of swearing in our newest Corrections Officer, Allison Lentz, with her family proudly in attendance.

Please join us in welcoming Officer Lentz to the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office — we’re excited to have her on board!

Kroger has plans to close approximately 60 stores over the next 18 months.

Kroger revealed the information about the upcoming store closures when it released its first quarter results.

Kroger said it expects to see a modest financial benefit from the store closures.

“Kroger is committed to reinvesting these savings back into the customer experience,” the company said.

Kroger said it will offer jobs in other stores to anyone working at a store that ends up closing.

The list of store closures had not been released as of the publication of this story.

Kroger has two stores in Findlay – at 1996 Tiffin Avenue and 101 6^th Street.  

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

The Heat Advisory goes through Tuesday night.

Dangerously hot conditions are occurring with heat index values above 100.

Health officials point out that consecutive days of excessive heat and humidity combined with little relief overnight due to very warm low temperatures can be especially hazardous.

People are advised to 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.

Putnam County and other counties to the west are under an Extreme Heat Warning. 

The hot conditions will likely continue into Wednesday and beyond.

Click here for the latest forecast and weather alerts. 

(From the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce)

Nominations are officially open for the 62nd Annual Small Business Awards!

Help us recognize all of the amazing businesses and organizations in the Findlay and Hancock County community by submitting your nominations today!

Visit FindlayHancockChamber.com/SBA to see the awards, their criteria, and to submit your nominations!

The awards ceremony will take place Thursday, October 9th.

More details to come!

People are being reminded to watch out for their pets during this stretch of really hot weather.  

The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Watch that includes the entire State of Ohio.

The Extreme Heat Watch goes from Sunday afternoon through Tuesday night.

Natalie Reffit, with the Humane Society and SPCA of Hancock County, says the biggest thing to remember is to never take your pet in a hot car with you.

“Just please leave them at home during the heat. They will be much safer at home, a car can heat up very, very fast.”

Natalie says if your dog is going to be alone at any time in your vehicle just leave them at home in the air conditioning.

She says if you do take your dog for a walk make sure to do so early in the day or late in the day when the heat isn’t as bad.

If your dog is outside for any amount of time she says to make sure they have plenty of shade and fresh water.

Signs of heat distress in a dog include excessive panting, vomiting, and diarrhea.

She says older dogs and short-nosed dogs like pugs and bulldogs are less tolerant of the heat.

When it comes to cats, she says beware of opening your house windows too wide because a cat could push the screen out and fall out and get lost.