Off The Hook
July 1, 2016

Fraud finds friends … and me

By Melanie Behrens

Almost every day we hear of a new fraudulent scheme on the telephone or the computer.
I have personally experienced the IRS phone call, about four times. In case you haven’t received this, it’s what we call a Robo call, a recorded message saying this is the IRS and you owe thousands of dollars on...

Off The Hook
The legend of Werewolf Lane
By Melanie Behrens 
September 25, 2020
Editor’s note: The last article J-T columnist Melanie Behrens was working on before her death April 30 was the following story about Werewolf Lane. The information was supplied by Leroy Cook, who coll...
Off The Hook
Take a penny, leave a penny
By Melanie Behrens 
May 1, 2020
Copper pennies are the smallest increment in our money. And now, monetarily, they’re actually worth almost nothing. Many times in stores and businesses you will see a little jar that says, “need a pen...
Off The Hook
Pocket watches gave them their start
By Melanie Behrens 
April 24, 2020
I came across some information of how a once great retailer got its start and was surprised at the name disclosure at the end. I hope you too will enjoy this. If you were in the market for a watch in ...
Other news
UC prepares for reduction in SNAP, other programs
Local News, News
UC prepares for reduction in SNAP, other programs
By Michael Williamson 
February 3, 2026
Changes coming from the federal and state levels that Union County officials warned about in November are set to hit locally later this year. The county commissioners approved the annual funding allot...
Annexation of old Ranco property delayed
Local News, News, Plain City, ...
Annexation of old Ranco property delayed
By Michael Williamson 
February 3, 2026
The approval process for the former Ranco property just outside of Plain City has been held up slightly as property owners work through surveying issues. The Union County Commissioners recently moved ...
Incident brings aggravated burglary charge
Local News, News
Incident brings aggravated burglary charge
By Kyle Meddles 
February 2, 2026
The Marysville Police Department responded to and arrested a homeless man in a burglary case on Friday. According to police reports, Jackie W. Shoopman Jr., 54, who is listed as homeless in Marysville...
Two-vehicle crash at Fourth and Main
Local News, News
Two-vehicle crash at Fourth and Main
By From JT Staff Reports 
February 2, 2026
Emergency crews responded to a two-vehicle crash at the corner of Main Street and Fourth Street in Uptown Marysville just before 4 p.m., Monday. (Journal-Tribune photo by Kevin Behrens)
Treasurer: Residents should not pay full-year tax bill
Local News, News
Treasurer: Residents should not pay full-year tax bill
By From JT Staff Reports 
February 2, 2026
The Union County Treasurer is recommending residents pay the first half tax bills rather than all of it at once. Treasurer Andy Smarra sent out a release recently as taxpayers around the county look t...
Meijer planned for Jerome Township
News, Plain City News
Meijer planned for Jerome Township
By Jack Christian 
February 2, 2026
Jerome Township officials announced that Meijer will be coming to the township as part of a larger commercial development project expected to span the next several years. In addition to the Meijer Sup...