After a summer that had been "short" on rain and long on heat, it all changed overnight. The National Weather Service reported over 7 inches of rain fell in a 24hour period in the Findlay area and the Blanchard river crested at 18.5 feet 7.5 feet above flood stage. That measurable amount varied, however Findlay officials adopted this measurement which matches the record of the flood of 1913.

Not since the great flood of 1913 had the Blanchard River exploded out of its banks with such widespread destruction. Flood waters stretched out past the "usual" area’s to reach homes and businesses that, up to the day before had been immune to the river’s influence. The displaced residents were provided shelter at St. Andrews Church, the traditional location for the local chapter of the Red Cross to provide disaster relief. The Church is located across the street from the Hancock County Justice Center. Surprisingly late Tuesday night word came that the Church would have to be evacuated. Floodwaters were rapidly spreading past the "traditional" areas that were prone to flooding. The floodwaters were engulfing blocks of the city that had never seen this threat before. Never had local relief agencies been faced with this kind of situation. But under the pressure the volunteer agencies in Findlay moved like a well-oiled machine.

Volunteers from the Red Cross, The United Way of Hancock County, The City of Findlay and many other agencies went into action. They converted the newly renovated ice arena now known as the Cube into a relief facility and staging center to assist with the efforts to help the many displaced citizens. The City of Findlay Parks Department manages this fine facility. This day though it was transformed into a "home away from home" for many folks that had nowhere else to turn. Through the efforts of countless volunteers who materialized it seemed out of nowhere, and the many local relief organizations, businesses and restaurants such as Buffalo Wild Wings, Chipotle, San Francisco Oven, City Barbeque, Stevi B's and more that unselfishly stepped up to the challenge, the Cube provided a new benefit for the community. Relief from the flood in the form of safety, a place to rest and hot meals were made available for anyone that was in need. There is never a substitute for home, but when there is no home to go back to it was wonderful to see how the people in our community, without question and recognition respond and come forward to help their neighbors and strangers. Business owners that had endured their own losses in the flood did not hesitate to help bring comfort and relief to the victims that lost their homes. New friendships were created and a sense of community and pride was reinforced in the face of this local disaster.

This story is still unfolding and as the days and weeks pass, the long road to recovery will be the new challenge. The cleanup will begin, rebuilding will take place, lives will be changed and everyone will have their own personal story to share. State and Federal agencies will make their appearance and hopefully provide the assistance that we have charged them with. But the true test of any community is that when the need arose, our differences were put aside and the only concern was to take care of our fellow citizens. This is the real story.