Hancock Co. in state of emergency

FINDLAY — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine declared a state of emergency Sunday for 11 counties following tornado devastation from last week. Hancock County, along with Auglaize, Crawford, Darke, Delaware, Licking, Logan, Mercer, Miami, Richland and Union counties, were included in the declaration. About 12 properties and structures along the southern edge of Hancock County were damaged in an EF-1 tornado Thursday. The National Weather Service said preliminary results estimated winds reached 100 miles per hour over a 3.3-mile path that was 100 yards wide. DeWine's declaration ordered all relevant state departments and agencies to lend services, equipment, supplies and personnel as necessary to assist in the response and recovery effort. These agencies include the state's: • Department of Public Safety• Emergency Agency• Highway Patrol• Department of Transportation• Department of Health• Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services• Department of Natural Resources • Department of Administrative Services The local North Central Ohio chapter of the American Red Cross assisted with local damage to the several Hancock County homes, and have remained at the ready to assist support efforts in Logan County after a twister touched down there Thursday. DeWine also activated the Ohio National Guard to help Logan County officials clean up storm debris on public property. At least three people were killed, and many more injured, during Thursday's storm. Local businesses and organizations have collected donations for those affected in Logan County over the weekend. Leah Alsept and Denise Grant contributed to this story.