(From Hancock Public Health)

HPH will periodically be conducting mosquito spraying in Hancock County communities this summer. (June 24th – October 1st).

If you would like your residence to be excluded from having our sprayer go by, please call (419)424-7870 or email environmental@hancockph.com

The Black Heritage Library and Multicultural Center in Findlay will be holding its 5th Annual Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration.

The event will take place at 817 Harmon Street from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 21. 

The event will include live musical performances, food, guest speakers, comic and spoken word performers, along with children’s activities and DJ music.

The Juneteenth Celebration is part of the Findlay Hancock County Community Foundation’s ‘Fun for All’ series of free community events.

Juneteenth is celebrated annually on June 19 to commemorate the ending of slavery in the United States. 

(From Ottawa-Glandorf Local Schools)

THANK YOU TO THE OTTAWA-GLANDORF HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1965!!!!!!

Yesterday a number of members of the OGHS Class of 1965 were on hand as Tawa Tree Service planted two Elm trees in front of the high school. The goal is to eventually graft the two trees together to recreate the “Old Twin Elm” tree which was located on the property prior to the high school being built in 1964. The original Twin Elm succumbed to Dutch Elm Disease a few years before construction of the high school began. In 1955 the circumference was measured and determined to be 31 ft . 3 in. by the Ohio Forestry Association and judged to be the largest Amercian Elm tree in the state of Ohio.

Thank you to the Class of 1965 for your help and efforts in attempting to recreate this iconic landmark, which is a key part of a verse of the Ottawa-Glandorf High School Alma Mater.

“Where once stood an old twin elm tree,

Three great school in one are we.

Here we’ll grow in wisdom, courage, and humility.”

(From Blanchard Valley Health System)

Blanchard Valley Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, a division of Blanchard Valley Health System, now offers the nationally recognized “Own the Bone” program at four convenient locations throughout the region. Patients can now access the program in Findlay, Bluffton, Carey, and Ottawa.

“Own the Bone” is a specialized bone health initiative focused on preventing future fractures and improving long-term outcomes for patients who have experienced a fragility fracture, often caused by osteoporosis. The program provides coordinated care emphasizing education, prevention, and ongoing support to help patients reduce their risk of additional injuries and improve their overall bone health.

Through this program, patients receive a thorough evaluation following a fracture. The care team works closely with each individual to develop a personalized plan that may include lifestyle and nutritional guidance, physical activity recommendations, medication management, and regular follow-up. The program also ensures close collaboration between orthopedic specialists, primary care providers, and rehabilitation teams to deliver seamless, whole-person care.

Dr. Lucas McKean, an orthopedic surgeon at Blanchard Valley Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, emphasized this initiative’s value and his team’s dedication. “The ‘Own the Bone’ program gives us a proven way to treat fractures and prevent the next one. It’s about addressing the underlying cause and empowering patients with the tools they need to protect their bone health,” he said. “Our experienced team is committed to providing the highest quality care, and this program allows us to deliver a more complete, patient-centered approach.”

Other providers assisting in the program include Katie Fultz, PA-C, Breanna Laudick, PA-C, and Crystal Guyton, APRN-CNP.

Jenn Reese, director of musculoskeletal services at Blanchard Valley Health System, also highlighted how the program reflects the organization’s broader mission. “Offering ‘Own the Bone’ across our region aligns perfectly with our commitment to keeping our community healthy and active,” she said. “This program strengthens our ability to care for patients in a way that supports long-term health and independence, which is at the heart of everything we do at BVHS.”

Blanchard Valley Orthopedics & Sports Medicine is committed to providing exceptional care beyond treatment, helping patients actively maintain and improve their bone health. Offering the “Own the Bone” program across multiple locations reflects this commitment and brings vital preventive care closer to home for many residents in the region.

Patients interested in the “Own the Bone” program can schedule an appointment by calling 419.429.6473.

For more information about Blanchard Valley Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, visit www.bvhealthsystem.org

(From the Fostoria Police Department)

On 06/14/2025 at approximately 0211 hrs, Fostoria Police Officers conducted a traffic stop in the 400 blk of Columbus Ave. During the traffic stop, officers began to develop reasonable suspicion that there were possible illegal drugs in the vehicle. During the duration of the traffic stop, a K9 unit, Officer Jared Lindig and Bandit, were called to the scene to investigate further. After a positive indication by Bandit, probable cause was established, and officers began to search the vehicle for illegal substances.

While searching the vehicle, Officer Brayden Moon located a white powdery substance in the purse of passenger, Latoya Bowers. The substance, now presumed to be Fentanyl, became airborne due to weather conditions and Officer Moon was exposed. Shortly after the exposure, Officer Moon collapsed and is believed to have suffered an overdose. Officers on scene, Moira White and Jeremy Salaz began life saving measures and called for EMS. Officer in Charge, Colin Taggart arrived on scene and administered several doses of Narcan to Officer Moon, reviving him. Officer Moon was then transported by EMS to Fostoria Community Hospital for further evaluation, where he was treated and later released.

Ms. Bowers was arrested for Corrupting Another with Drugs, ORC 2925.02, a felony of the second degree. The driver, Alex Tiell was also arrested and charged with Complicity, ORC 2923.03, a felony of the second degree. Both Bowers and Tiell were transported to and are currently being held at the Seneca County Jail. Other charges will be filed, pending further investigation and chemical testing.

“I cannot say enough, how proud I am of these officers and how they responded, saving a fellow officer’s life in this chaotic moment. Experience and training truly paid off, and an officer’s life was saved today because of it.“

Chief Gabe Wedge

Fostoria Police Department

(From Habitat for Humanity of Findlay/Hancock County)

Habitat for Humanity of Findlay/Hancock County officially finished construction of three homes during a Home Dedication ceremony for all three homes in the 1700 block of Bishop Lane, Findlay, Ohio.

These are the first three of six homes to be built by Habitat for Humanity of Findlay/Hancock County in 2025. They are the third, fourth and fifth of 20 homes Habitat will build in the Krystal Ridge Addition neighborhood by the end of 2027. The first two homes were built in the fall of 2024.

“This year we are celebrating 25 years of building community in Findlay and Hancock County, and we can’t be more excited,” says Wendy McCormick, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Findlay/Hancock County. “We can’t wait to celebrate the completion of the first three homes of our biggest build year yet to close the gap on the affordable housing shortage in our community.”

Kara Summers and her two daughters (pictured above) will reside in Home #62. For them, the idea of “home” once felt more like a wish than a certainty. Kara works as a State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA), caring for others even as she dreams of becoming a nurse herself. Despite her determination, life has thrown its share of obstacles in her way. Housing in Findlay was either way too expensive or simply unavailable.

One afternoon, Kara came across a newspaper article about Habitat for Humanity’s Financial Opportunity Center (FOC). Something about the program resonated with her. Kara became the very first FOC coaching client in 2021. After paying down debts and stabilizing her employment, Kara and her girls were selected as a Habitat Partner Family. For the Summers family, their new home represents security, stability, and a place to grow.

Amanda Gault and her 12-year-old daughter will reside in Home #63. For the past seven years they have called the basement of Amanda’s parents’ home. The space was full of love, but it wasn’t their own. The houses Amanda could afford to purchase needed significant repairs – more than she could take on. The stress of not having their own home weighed heavily on her. Amanda’s mom had been urging her to look into Habitat for quite some time. Finally, in January 2024, Amanda took a leap of faith. From that first meeting with Habitat, Amanda began to feel hope again. She learned how to manage her spending with guidance from the Financial Opportunity Center (FOC). Amanda began to feel more in control of their future. Amanda knows this home will be more than a place to live. It’s a fresh start, a foundation for their future, and a space where they can create new memories together. It will be “a place to call home.”

Chris Greiner will reside in Home #64. Her journey is one of unwavering resilience, love, and the quiet strength of a mother who never gave up. Born and raised in Findlay, her life has been anything but easy, but her heart has always been full of hope, determination, and an unbreakable drive to create a better life for her family. She raised her twin children as a single parent, always working full-time – sometimes even holding down two jobs just to make ends meet. Despite the challenges, Chris made sure that her kids had everything they needed: food, shelter, and love. Even though she worked tirelessly, the dream of owning her own home always felt out of reach, a distant star just beyond her grasp. She spent years working so hard, and now, after so many setbacks, she finally has a home of her own, a place where her children, her grandchildren, and even her cat can thrive in a space that is hers and hers alone.

During the past 10 weeks the three new homeowners have worked alongside more than 600 volunteers to build their homes. The Summers, Gault and Greiner families qualified as a low-income family unable to qualify for a conventional loan, who are willing to partner with Habitat and complete at least 400 sweat equity hours and purchase their home from Habitat through a 30-year low-interest mortgage.

Two of the spring homes are Signature Homes, which were financed by the donors who bought a “piece of the house” during Habitat’s 2024 Signature Fundraiser. Through donations of money and materials and volunteer labor, Habitat is able to build a Habitat Home and sell it at an affordable price. Major sponsors for the spring build include ADP, the City of Findlay, GSW, Kershner Excavating, Kreate, Marathon, McNaughton-McKay, National Lime & Stone, Ohio Logistics, The Reinhart Foundation, The Shelly Company, State Farm – Dan Maciejewski, Van Horn Hoover & Associates and Whirlpool.

The most recent housing study released last year indicated the Findlay community needs 150 single-family homes, costing less than $200,000, constructed during the next five years. Families seeking to become homeowners in the Krystal Ridge Addition can apply with Habitat for Humanity by visiting habitatfindlay.org or calling 419-429-1400.

(From the Findlay Police Department)

Please remember that S. Cory St. between W. Crawford St. and W. Main Cross St. is closed to the public effective Wednesday, June 11th at 8am for 90 days.

The East/West alley behind the Post Office between S. West St. and S. Cory St. will also be affected.

 Eastbound traffic in the alley will be required to turn South and exit the alley on W. Crawford St.

The bike lane will remain open.

WFIN – The city said the closure is for safety reasons for pedestrians as well as employees of the new  Allan H. Davis Judicial Center building, police department, sheriff’s office, municipal building, and courthouse which are all in that area.

After gathering data for 90 days the road closure would become permanent if approved.

(From the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library)

The Findlay-Hancock County Public Library invites the public to attend an informative presentation regarding an update on the state budget featuring insights from two experienced local leaders: Jennifer Williams, President of Williams Nonprofit Consulting, and Sarah Clevidence, Director of the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library. The program is scheduled to take place on June 18 at 2 p.m. in the library’s Lindamood Room.

This event will provide an overview of the state budget process and examine how budgetary decisions at the state level can significantly impact services in our local communities — including public libraries.

Jennifer Williams brings over two decades of experience in nonprofit advocacy and policy, helping organizations navigate and respond to government funding changes.

Sarah Clevidence, as Library Director, offers a direct perspective on how the state budget shapes public services and library operations.

This is a valuable opportunity for citizens to better understand how Ohio’s budget decisions affect our community.

No registration is required to attend. For more information, contact the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library at 419-422-1712.

(Library Director Sarah Clevidence is pictured below)

The Hardin County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal motorcycle crash.

The crash happened a little before 9 p.m. Thursday.

The sheriff’s office says Joseph Bayliff, of rural Dunkirk, was riding a Harley Davidson eastbound on County Road 90 when his motorcycle left the north side of the road, traveled across a drainage ditch and entered onto State Route 309.

Bayliff was ejected from the motorcycle and pronounced deceased at the scene, the sheriff’s office said.

The crash remains under investigation.