Local Archived News

Animal advocate indicted for cruelty
By Mac Cordell, Marysville JT reporter
The former chief humane agent for the Union County Humane Society could now be facing more than eight decades in prison for allegedly killing dogs and stealing from their owners.
The Union County Grand Jury has indicted Steffen Evan Baldwin, also known as Steffen Finkelstein, 39, of 32035 Mountain Shadow Road, Acton, CA. Baldwin is charged with engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, bribery, 15 counts of telecommunications fraud, 13 cases of cruelty to animals, six counts of tampering with records, two counts of grand theft, two counts of falsification, and one count each of grand theft of a firearm and impersonation of a peace officer.

Heifer festival comes to a close
From Richwood Gazette Staff reports
What began in 2005 as a small church event, The Richwood Heifer Festival, had grown into a large community festival that many looked forward to each year. But 2020 has brought an end to the festival.

Announcements made regarding 2020 All Ohio Balloon Fest
From Marysville JT Staff reports
After months of scrambling to make adjustments, organizers of the All Ohio Balloon Fest have rescheduled this year’s event to Aug. 12-14, 2021. Officials said they moved away from holding the event this year fearing the potential impact on the health of the community would outweigh its entertainment value.

N. Union district seeking parental decisions on start of new year
By Sherryl Sheets, Richwood Gazette
The North Union Local School District has a “Reset and Restart” survey for parents and guardians to fill out as district officials are now moving forward with learning options for the 2020-2021 school year. You are asked to please watch a presentation and read the information about our two learning options on the district’s website, https://www.n-union.k12.oh.us/DigitalAcademy.aspx.

School board approves coaching contracts
By Sherryl Sheets, Richwood Gazette
The North Union Board of Education approved contracts for several positions for the start of the 2020-2021 school year. During the July 20, 2020 meeting, the following one-year limited expiring supplemental contracts were approved.

Accused dog abuser appears in court
By Mac Cordell, Marysville JT reporter
Nearly a dozen protesters gathered outside the Union County Courthouse Wednesday in preparation for Steffen Baldwin’s first court appearance.

Richwood Fair releases Junior Fair schedule
By Sherryl Sheets, Richwood Gazette
Richwood Fair board members have had to make a lot of decisions regarding the upcoming Richwood Fair, Sept. 2 – 7. COVID-19 has affected fairs across Ohio and the United States in meeting guidelines from the health departments.

Council preparing to reorganize police department
By Sherryl Sheets, Richwood Gazette
For several years, the Richwood Police Department (RPD) has trained many officers for the local department. Shortly after completing their training, many officers have taken jobs in other law enforcement agencies, due to the opportunity to earn higher wages. Monday night, village council members approved the Resolution No. 08022020.

Fire destroys cars at Kirby’s in village
By Kayleen Petrovia, Marysville JT reporter
Local first responders are estimating 60 cars were destroyed in a fire Friday afternoon at Kirby’s Auto Parts and Towing in Richwood.
Northern Union County Joint Fire and EMS District Chief Randy Riffle said his crew was dispatched to the business at 28 Marriot Street at 3:06 p.m. on Friday.

North Union schools to begin classes Sept. 8
By Sherryl Sheets, Richwood Gazette
With only a few weeks before school begins in the North Union Local Schools, the Board of Education met Monday evening to determine how the school will look. A partnership with the state and county health departments, Center for Disease Control and Prevention, school districts in Union County and Educational Service Centers has released “Reset and Restart” guidelines.

School supply drive falls short of goal
From JT Staff reports
United Way of Union County’s Learn United School Supply Drive concluded last week.
The United Way of Union County’s annual Learn United School Supply Drive wrapped up and the donations appear to be down from previous years.

Meet and greet your elementary teacher
By Sherryl Sheets, Richwood Gazette
Darlene Allison, North Union Elementary School (NUES) principal is inviting all elementary students to meet their teacher before the start of the 2020-2021 school year.

Council dealing with COVID-19
By Sherryl Sheets, Richwood Gazette
The Richwood Village Council continues as the rest of the world does in dealing with the regulations of the worldwide COVID-19. It is difficult to make plans not knowing one day to the next when guidelines continue to change.

Election officials detail complex voting season
By Mac Cordell, Marysville JT reporter
As state and federal officials debate the process and security for the upcoming election, local officials are working to give voters as many options as possible.
Local election officials said that over the Labor Day weekend Secretary of State Frank LaRose will mail absentee ballot request forms to every registered voter in the state.

Area officials honor suffrage movement
Kayleen Petrovia, Marysville JT reporter
As Union County officials mark the county’s bicentennial, they are also commemorating 100 years of women’s right to vote.
Local officials hosted the Union County Women’s Suffrage Centennial Event Friday morning to mark the ratification of the 19th Amendment.

Ohioans urged to register to vote
From Richwood Gazette staff reports
In an effort to get every eligible voter registered and make their voice heard, Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose wants to get 110,448 Ohioans who are eligible to vote, but aren’t yet registered.

Fireworks to mark start of fair
By Sherryl Sheets, Richwood Gazette
The Richwood Independent fair board members are inviting the community to a fair kickoff of fireworks on Saturday, Aug. 29.
The event will take place on the fairgrounds, but those wishing to see the display must find a site off of the fairgrounds to observe. No one will be allowed on the grounds during the event, which begins at dusk.