(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.

(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.

(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

(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.

(From the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office)

To the Hancock County Community,

Below is a summary of our key activities and accomplishments for November 2025.

Operational Statistics – November 2025

. Total Incidents Closed: 2487

. Criminal Investigations: 108

. Traffic Stops Conducted: 339

. OVI/Reckless Operation Investigations: 22

. Traffic Crashes Investigated: 117

. Court Documents Served: 235

. Arrest Warrants Executed: 42

. Detective Bureau/METRICH Operations: Ongoing drug investigations.

. Body-Worn Camera (BWC) Program: Awaiting award notifications in March 2026.

. Policy and Procedure Review: Many updates to policies/ procedures.

. Emergency Communications: 887 calls received through 9-1-1 services

Corrections Division November 2025

. Average Daily Inmate Population: 81

. Total Book-ins: 136 (including both felony and misdemeanor classifications, male and female)

. Internal Incidents Managed: 131

. Meals Provided: Over 8,000 (77,518 YDT)

Clerical/Records Division November 2025

. Background Checks: 41 (503 YTD)

. Records Requests: 37 (531 YTD)

. Reports Processed: 57 (787 YTD)

. Expungements: 16 (289 YTD)

University of Findlay Dining Services has announced that all on-campus dining locations will no longer accept cash beginning January 1, 2026.

Accepted methods of payment will continue to be credit and debit cards, Derrick Dollars, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Wallet.

Get more details below.

(From the City of Findlay)

CONSTRUCTION 12/8-12/12:

-S. Main St. will be reduced to one lane in the Southbound direction from Tecumseh Dr. to Highland Dr. for a sanitary sewer project.

-Morrical Blvd. will be closed to through traffic from Bliss Ave. to Lima Ave. for a waterline project.

-Tappan St. will be closed to through traffic from Logan Ave. to Langrange St. for sanitary installation.

-All roads in the Springlake subdivision will be open; however, the contractor will be in the area cleaning up. Use increased caution when driving through the area.

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

(From Tiffin Police Chief David Pauly)

Celebrating Partnership & Innovation at Columbian High School!

Today I want to extend a huge thank you to Officer Stevens for representing the Tiffin Police Department at Columbian High School Stacey Geiger’s Intro to Business class. Officer Stevens spent the morning working directly with two student groups as they used the Engineering Design Process to imagine the future of drone technology and logistics right here in Tiffin.

We are also incredibly grateful to Columbian High School for their continued partnership with the Tiffin Police Department. Collaborations like this not only strengthen the connection between education and public service, but also help students see new pathways for their futures.

A special thank you as well to Stacy Geiger for inviting the Tiffin Police Department into her classroom. We appreciate the opportunity to support your students, and we’re proud to see such innovative learning happening in our community.

Chief Pauly

(From the Ottawa Police Department)

If you find one of these in your yard do not touch it or pick it up.

This is the second one that has been reported to us in a two week span.

Please immediately call 419-523-3208 and dispatch will send an officer.

(From the Office of Ohio Governor Mike DeWine)

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine vetoed the following bill:

• Senate Bill 50, to amend sections 3331.02 and 4109.07 of the Revised Code regarding age and schooling certificate requirements and work hours for a person under sixteen years of age.

Governor DeWine issued the following veto message: 

“Learning to work is an essential part of growing up.  Businesses across Ohio each day give young people the opportunity to learn the so-called soft skills that will serve them well when they become adults.  In analyzing this bill, it is important to define what it would do and what it would not do.

“The bill would, for the first time, allow 14- and 15-year-olds to work up to 9 pm on SCHOOL NIGHTS.  Our child work rules have been in place, across this country, for many years.  They have provided that 14- and 15-year-olds can work after school up to 7 p.m.  This bill would extend that time to 9 p.m.  I believe it unwise to provide for 14- and 15-year-olds to work, on a school night, that late at night.  I see no compelling reason to deviate from current law.

“Under current law, 14- and 15-year-old children CAN work up to 9pm during the summer months and during any school break longer than 5 days in duration (i.e., Christmas break and spring break). Further, under current law, those 16 and older can work up to 9 p.m. even on school nights.  The only thing at issue here is whether, for 14- and 15-year-olds, DURING THE SCHOOL WEEK, the time when work must cease is 7 p.m. or 9 p.m.  I believe the current law has served us well and has effectively balanced the importance of 14- and 15-year-old children learning to work, with the importance of them having time to study.

“For the reasons set forth above, this veto is in the public interest.”