Frankart survives Seneca County Commissioner primary by under 100 votes
Incumbent Bill Frankart edged Jim Distel by 53 votes in Seneca County's commissioner primary and will face independent David Ziegler in November.
Local Government
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Formal complaints filed against Sandusky County judge over Venmo campaign funds
A Defiance man has filed formal complaints with 2 Ohio regulatory bodies alleging Sandusky County Judge Brad Smith violated state campaign finance law by accepting campaign contributions through a personal Venmo account — allegations Smith has not addressed publicly.
Sandusky County Judge Brad Smith took campaign cash through personal Venmo, records show
Public transaction records show Sandusky County Judge Brad Smith's personal Venmo account received payments labeled as campaign contributions — a practice Ohio law requires be conducted through a separate, campaign-dedicated account.
Beth Tischler rates Jon Ickes '9 out of 10' as he faces discipline for n-word, child rape trial texts
Sandusky County Prosecutor Beth Tischler rated Judge Jon Ickes a 9 out of 10 in disciplinary proceedings that found he repeatedly called an 18-month-old rape victim's case the "baby cocksucker case," used the n-word in the courthouse within earshot of a Black defendant, and sent sexual texts to staff during the trial.
Forced out of court clerk job over politicking and bungled cases, Sandusky County GOP chair appointed to commissioner seat
Justin Smith was reprimanded in 2019 for using county work time on political business and turning in inaccurate work before resigning. Seven years later, the Sandusky County GOP he leads named him to fill a commissioner vacancy.
Sandusky County prosecutor backs judge she cleared of $33K audit finding
Sandusky County Prosecutor Beth Tischler formally abated a $33,300 state audit finding against Judge Brad Smith — with Ohio Attorney General approval and no repayment required — before publicly backing his re-election campaign. Both are on the May 5 primary ballot.
Tiffin City Council approves 12-month data center moratorium
Tiffin council voted 6-0 Monday to freeze development for up to a year while city officials weigh zoning options and Ohio lawmakers pursue statewide regulation.
Frankart pressed health director on Seneca Poultry probe, then couldn't name who oversees it
A health district timeline shows Commissioner Bill Frankart called Health Commissioner Julie Richards about her Seneca Poultry inquiry. Months later, he incorrectly told voters the facility was locally monitored — a claim the Seneca Conservation District publicly corrected.
Tiffin mayor responds to planned TMD closure: 'Deeply concerning for our community'
Tiffin Mayor Lee Wilkinson called the planned TMD closure "deeply concerning" and said the city will support affected workers while remaining hopeful a buyer emerges before the April 30, 2026 deadline.
Why so many Republicans are running against each other in Seneca County
Republican voters in Seneca County will decide dozens of contested central committee races and competitive primaries for commissioner and state House in the May 5 election, signaling rare intraparty tension.
Why a new Seneca County chicken facility could raise local water bills
Aqua Ohio cautions that runoff from a large egg-laying operation near Tiffin could increase drinking water treatment costs, potentially impacting customer water rates.
Façade Enhancement Program to continue in Tiffin in 2026
The City of Tiffin will continue its Façade Enhancement Program in 2026, offering matching grants for exterior improvements to downtown historic buildings.
Seneca County parts ways with controversial contractor during heated meeting
TIFFIN, Ohio — Seneca County commissioners are adding a new twist to a longstanding transparency dispute by refusing to renew…
Tiffin City Council names Kyle Daugherty to fill at-large vacancy
TIFFIN, Ohio — Kyle Daugherty was chosen to fill an open at-large council seat during a special Tiffin City Council…
Tiffin City Council to interview four candidates for vacant at-large position
TIFFIN – Four candidates have submitted self-nominations to fill the remainder of at-large Councilmember John Kahler’s term, which expires Dec.…
Tiffin City Council accepting applications for vacant seat
TIFFIN, Ohio — Tiffin City Council is accepting applications to fill an at-large seat following the resignation of Councilmember John…
John Kahler resigns from Tiffin City Council, citing conflict of interest concerns
TIFFIN, Ohio – John Kahler, who has served as an at-large councilmember for Tiffin City Council since January 2024, announced…
Seneca County 'playing footsie' with records request on hiring of controversial contractor
Tiffin, Ohio — Nearly a month after a public records request was filed seeking information on the hiring of Seneca…
Ohio Supreme Court to determine future of Sandusky County judge accused of harassment
FREMONT, Ohio — The Ohio Supreme Court is set to evaluate whether Sandusky County Judge Jon Ickes will retain his…
Seneca County Commissioner Tyler Shuff involved in another DUI incident, this time as a passenger
TIFFIN, Ohio — Seneca County Commissioner Tyler Shuff was involved in another drunk driving incident Monday evening, though this time…
