FCS Show Choirs Performing At Schools This Holiday Season

(From Findlay City Schools)

Our amazing Show Choirs—Findlay First Edition and Voices in Perfection—have been touring our elementary and middle schools this holiday season, bringing music, energy, and a whole lot of festive spirit!

But it’s more than just a performance. For the students in the audience, it’s a glimpse into what they can be a part of one day.

Big thanks to our talented performers for sharing their gifts and showing what it means to be #TrojanTrue!

Cade Elected President Of County Engineers Association Of Ohio

(From the Hancock County Engineer’s Office)

Hancock County Engineer Doug Cade was officially sworn in as President of the County Engineers Association of Ohio (CEAO) on December 4 during the association’s annual winter conference.

The CEAO represents Professional Engineers and Surveyors serving as County Engineers across Ohio’s 88 counties. Since its founding in 1940, the association has united its members in delivering the highest quality transportation, drainage, surveying, and land record-keeping services. From ensuring the safe and efficient movement of people, goods, and services to supporting ongoing land development, CEAO works to provide innovative solutions to the many challenges facing Ohio’s local infrastructure.

As President, Cade will represent CEAO on state committees and play a key role in shaping legislation that impacts county roads, bridges, and economic development. In addition to this leadership role, Cade serves as a Commissioner for the Ohio Public Works Commission and contributes to numerous other infrastructure-related organizations.

Findlay YMCA Seeking Donations For Toy Drive

(From the Findlay Family YMCA)

We’re attempting something new this holiday season – our first Toy Drive! But, while our hearts are full, our donation bins are looking light for our Dec. 19 giveaway. The donation deadline THIS FRIDAY, Dec. 12.

If you can, please help us bring joy to local kids this season by donating a new or gently used, unwrapped toy. Big toys, small toys, noisy toys (sorry, parents) – we’ll take them all!

Drop off toys at either our Downtown Branch or East Branch during regular operating hours. Bins are located in the lobbies. We plan to give toys to members of the public on a first-come, first-serve basis in the Downtown Branch’s West Pool Lounge on Friday, Dec. 19, from 9-11 a.m. and from 4-6 p.m. We ask that only adults attend the distribution event.

For more information, contact Derek Draper, Community Outreach Director, at ddraper@findlayymca.com or at 419-422-4424 ext. 113.

Thank you for helping us spread some Christmas cheer this year!

Sheetz Findlay Distribution Facility Project On Schedule

(From Sheetz)

Today Sheetz, a major Mid-Atlantic restaurant and convenience chain, announced significant progress on its $169 million distribution facility in Findlay, Ohio. Sheetz confirmed the project is advancing on schedule, positioning the facility for an official opening in fall 2026.

When opened, this state-of-the-art building will house new food preparation and distribution services for Sheetz. The facility will directly support Sheetz’s growing presence across Ohio, where the company already operates more than 130 stores and is rapidly expanding in Columbus, Dayton and Toledo.

Hiring & Job Creation

When Sheetz broke ground on this facility in October 2024, it announced plans to create more than 700 jobs at the distribution center over the next five years. This is a commitment the company continues to advance with its next round of hiring.

Sheetz is announcing immediate plans to hire Department Managers across its distribution and bakery/ready-to-eat operations at this facility. These managers will oversee labor, equipment and production processes within their respective departments. Preferred candidates will bring at least five years of experience in supply chain or production operations, along with a minimum of one year in a supervisory role. Prospective candidates can review the full job responsibilities and apply directly here: Findlay Department Manager positions.

Named to Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For® list for the 10th straight year in 2025, Sheetz will offer Department Managers an industry-leading benefits package, including medical, vision and dental insurance, 12-week fully paid maternity leave, two weeks of paid paternity leave, a 401(k) retirement plan, college tuition reimbursement, an employee stock ownership plan, adoption assistance, flexible schedules, opportunities for advancement, quarterly bonuses, vacation time and more. Sheetz also ranked second on the most recent Best Workplaces in Retail list by Fortune and Great Place To Work®.

Sheetz currently operates 800+ store locations across Pennsylvania, Michigan, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio and Maryland, with locations open 24/7, 365 days a year. Sheetz opened its first Toledo location in September 2024, followed shortly by the opening of its second store in the market. Today, the convenience chain operates seven Toledo-area locations and plans to open several more in the coming years.   

Historic Homes Tour: Holiday Edition

(From the Hancock Historical Museum)

Step into the magic of the season with the 2025 Historic Homes Tour: Holiday Edition! Mark your calendars for December 13th and 14th as this beloved biennial tradition returns, offering a rare chance to explore Findlay’s architectural heritage. Experience some of the city’s most beautiful historic homes, spanning from the 1870s to the 1900s, each decked in festive holiday décor.

Kick off the weekend in style at the exclusive Yuletide Preview on Saturday, December 13th, from 6–10 pm. Enjoy a VIP evening touring these stunning homes at your own pace, followed by an elegant soiree at Swan House Tea & Coffee, complete with tea, gingerbread cookies, and delightful refreshments.

Tickets for this special preview are limited—secure yours online or at the museum before they’re gone!

On Sunday, December 14th, from 11 am to 4 pm, the tour continues as six remarkable homes open their doors to the public. Explore at your leisure while docents share the fascinating histories and architectural highlights of each property. Start at any home and create your own path through Findlay’s storied neighborhoods. The Hancock Historical Museum is still seeking volunteers for this one-of-a-kind event. All training and historical information will be provided. Please visit our website for more information or to sign up.

Featured homes on this year’s tour include:

Decker-Hopkins House (c. 1874) – 1214 Hurd Avenue

Messinger-Aldrich House (c. 1903) – 1035 S. Main Street

Job Chamberlin Jr. House (c. 1874) – 1014 S. Main Street

George Treece House (c. 1888) – 908 S. Main Street

Emmor L. Entrikin House (c. 1885) – 844 S. Main Street

Swan House Tea & Coffee (c. 1857)– 225 W. Sandusky Street

The Historic Homes Tour is more than a walk through history; it’s a celebration of Findlay’s unique architecture and the homeowners’ passion and dedication. Your participation directly supports the Hancock Historical Museum’s programming and operations, ensuring these stories endure for generations to come.

Tickets for the Yuletide Preview are $65 for members and $75 for non-members. Advance purchase required. Sunday tour tickets are $25 in advance and $35 on the day of ($25 for museum members), available at the museum (422 W. Sandusky Street) or online at hancockhistoricalmuseum.org.

Special thanks to Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices – Koehler Realty, Swan House Tea & Coffee, and Burlwick & Co. for their generous support. For more details, including a tour map, visit hancockhistoricalmuseum.org or call (419) 423-4433. Don’t miss this festive journey through Findlay’s history!

Findlay Girl Helps Save Grandmother’s Life

(WTOL-11) – An elementary school student in Findlay is being called a hero.

Scarlett Emmons is like any typical 9-year-old.

She loves painting, spending time with her two cats and having movie nights with her grandma Jeanette Teneyck.

Now, Scarlett is being credited with saving her grandmother’s life.

While sleeping over at Jeanette’s, Scarlett noticed something strange as they were getting ready for bed.

Jeanette had crawled into bed and looked at her phone but then became unresponsive.

Scarlett took action, calling her mom, who immediately came over and then called 911.

Jeanette was rushed to the hospital. She had had a seizure.

Get more details in the full story from WTOL-11 by clicking here.

United Way Inviting Students To Apply For Secor Scholarship

(From the United Way of Hancock County)

Graduating seniors in our community can earn up to $8,000 toward their college education through United Way of Hancock County’s Secor Scholarship. Applications will be accepted through midnight on Jan. 19, 2026, with the selection to be made in March.

The scholarship is open to all high school seniors in Hancock County with a 3.5 or higher grade point average. Candidates are considered based on their academic achievements, but must also demonstrate a strong background in community service and volunteerism. These components will be evaluated through the scholarship application and essay, as well as a letter of recommendation from a trusted teacher, coach or mentor.

The award for the first academic year will be $2,000. The scholarship may be renewed annually for three additional years for a total of $8,000.

The United Way of Hancock County Foundation designates a Secor Scholarship selection committee comprised of community members and current and past United Way board members who evaluate applications, interview finalists, and select one scholarship recipient each year. Students related to anyone on the selection committee or United Way of Hancock County paid staff are ineligible to apply.

The application can only be completed digitally; no paper applications will be accepted. Access the application and more information at https://www.liveunitedhancockcounty.org/programs/secor-scholarship

For additional guidance, contact Brenna Griteman at marketing@uwhancock.org or 419-423-1432.

Sheriff’s Office Welcomes New K9 Therapy Pup

(From the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office)

The Hardin County Sheriff’s Office is thrilled to introduce the newest member of our team!
We believe in the power of the human-animal bond to help people heal and navigate through difficult times. Our new therapy K-9 will be a vital resource for both our community members and our first responders, providing a calming and supportive presence during stressful or traumatic situations.

The new K-9 pup was made possible through a donation from “A and W Goldens” located in Paulding County, Ohio. We are incredibly grateful for their contribution to enhancing the well-being of Hardin County residents!

Our new puppy needs a name, and we need YOUR help – cast your vote in our poll to vote for your favorite name option!
https://forms.gle/FGnUaPHqnAMkrAZp9

Putnam County Habitat For Humanity Home Dedication

(From Putnam County Habitat for Humanity)

On Monday, December 15, the 17th Putnam County Habitat for Humanity (PCHFH) home will be dedicated at 133 West Fourth Street, Ottawa. The public is invited to attend an open house from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. During that time, visitors can tour the new home and  appreciate the fine craftsmanship skills employed by PCHFH volunteers and local industry. Parking is limited along the streets.

Since its inception in 2009, PCHFH has built 12 new homes and rebuilt an entire house. Homeowners purchase their homes through low- or zero-interest mortgages provided by PCHFH or through USDA direct loans. Critical home repair projects completed by Putnam County Habitat for Humanity include bathroom remodels, roof repairs and replacements, electrical repairs, window replacements, wheelchair ramp additions and replacements.

Visit www.putnamohhabitat.org to find out more about PCHFH, call 419-523-9621 or visit the PCHFH office at 150 N. Oak Street, Ottawa, OH 45875 between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., Monday through Thursday. 

The Ramon family and volunteers worked together throughout the summer and fall to build the 17th Putnam County Habitat for Humanity Home. The Ottawa home will be dedicated on Monday, December 15.