Local Archived News

Robotics teams qualify for state championships
By Ally Lanasa, Richwood Gazette
Four of North Union’s VEX Robotics high school teams, two middle school teams and two VEX IQ elementary school teams have qualified for state championships, which will be held at the Marion Fairgrounds and Veterans Memorial Coliseum the first two weekends in March.

Committee to apply for annual Tree City USA recognition
By Ally Lanasa, Richwood Gazette
The Village of Richwood Tree Committee plans to apply to have the village
recognized as a Tree City again.
More than 3,600 communities across the nation have made the commitment to become a Tree City.

Richwood digs out after winter storm causes Level 3 snow emergency in Union County
By Ally Lanasa and Mac Cordell
Road crews were hard at work in Union County throughout the recent severe weather, ensuring that the public stayed safe despite the area escalating into a Level 3 snow emergency.

Commissioners agree to require citizen vote for public transportation expansion in county
By Mac Cordell, Marysville J-T reporter
In a split vote Wednesday, Feb. 2, the Union County Commissioners passed legislation that would require a public vote to expand public transportation options.

Families have new resource in tough times
By Mac Cordell, Marysville J-T reporter
Families in crisis have an option for help in Union County.
The Mobile Response and Stabilization Service (MRSS) Team provides assistance to families and youth, up to 21 years old, who are experiencing difficulties or distress and need immediate help.

Concerns raised about NU proposed calendar
By Ally Lanasa, Richwood Gazette
A North Union High School counselor raised concerns about scheduling conflicts between the high school calendar and Tri-Rivers Career Center’s and Marion Tech’s calendars at a North Union Board of Education public hearing at the board offices last Thursday, Feb. 10.
“My concern is about the ending date of the first semester. The deeper it goes into January, the more problems it causes at the high school,” said School Counselor Jennifer Willis.

Trial for former humane agent again pushed back
By Mac Cordell, Marysville J-T reporter
The bond has been modified and a pretrial hearing has been set in the case against a former Union County animal control officer.
Steffen Evan Baldwin, 41, of St. Augustine, Florida, is charged with engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, bribery, grand theft of a firearm, 15 counts of telecommunications fraud, 13 cases of cruelty to animals, six counts of tampering with records and two counts of grand theft — all felonies.

Council seeks project grants
By Ally Lanasa, Richwood Gazette
Village of Richwood Mayor Scott Jerew told the council the village is a candidate to receive a Central Ohio Rural Planning Organization (CORPO) grant of $47,500 for an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant multi-use path during the meeting on Monday.

CORPO proposes more than $900K for regional transportation projects
From Richwood Gazette staff reports
The Central Ohio Rural Planning Organization (CORPO) has released a list of proposed transportation projects to collectively receive $943,737 in federal funds during state fiscal years 2022 and 2023. CORPO is seeking public comment on the proposed projects through March 14, 2022.

NU team completes season
Submitted by North Union
North Union’s In The Know team finished their season with a 3-5 record. NU went down to the league runner-up Grove City. Grove City earned 220 points, while NU earned 130 points.

UCF new director announced
Submitted by Union County Foundation
Adam J. Hodnichak has been hired as the new executive director of The Union County Foundation, succeeding long-time leader, David A. Vollrath, who will retire from the post in April after more than 20 years.

Health department promotes outdoor attractions throughout Union County
By Kayleen Petrovia, Marysville J-T reporter
Officials at the Union County Health Department are working to share their enthusiasm for the outdoor recreational opportunities in the area.
Tamisha Matus, Creating Healthy Communities coordinator at UCHD, shared the new Union County Great Outdoors Map with Board of Health members.
“This is a foundation for us moving forward,” Matus said.
The brochure-style map details parks, attractions, covered bridges, golf courses, agri-tourism, trails and “water adventures” available throughout the county.

NU board expected to approve calendar
By Ally Lanasa, Richwood Gazette
The North Union Board of Education is expected to approve a resolution for a 2022-23 calendar at the regular meeting in March.
During its meeting on Monday, the board discussed the favored calendar that decreases student days of instruction.

Richwood man indicted on child porn charges
By Mac Cordell, Marysville J-T reporter
A Richwood man has been indicted, charged with downloading child pornography.
The Union County Grand Jury has indicted Tylor Anthony Lemaster, 31, of 100 S. Fulton St. Lemaster is charged with one count each of pandering obscenity involving a minor and illegal use of a minor or impaired person in nudity-oriented material or performance.