News

Man receives drug charges after pursuit
Court News, News
Grand jury indictments
By Kyle Meddles 
April 3, 2025
A man from out of town is facing drug charges after fleeing in a police pursuit. The Union County Grand Jury is charging Dustin Scott Harris, 45, of Forest, with two counts of aggravated possession of...
Roadwork on 736
News
By Michael Williamson 
April 3, 2025
Drivers move through a single-lane construction site on Route 736 north of Plain City this week. The roadwork is part of an Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) project to replace a bridge deck ov...
PCPD solves case involving dead baby
Local News, News, Plain City, ...
Plain City Police Chief Dale McKee, right, updates the community Wednesday on the Madison Baby Doe case two years after the infant’s body was discovered in a garbage can in a neighborhood south of the village. During the press conference, McKee said that Anuradha Manukonda, of Greene County, identified as the baby’s mother, was charged with gross abuse of a corpse, a felony of the fifth degree. Also pictured is Lt. Tom Jaskiewicz. (Journal-Tribune photo by Michael Williamson)
By Michael Williamson 
April 2, 2025
After two years of investigation, the mother of Madison Baby Doe has been identified and charged. The Plain City Police Department released a statement and held a press conference Wednesday stating th...
Howard comes home
Education, Marysville School Board, News
Newly hired Marysville Superintendent Zack Howard, right, talks with Marysville City Administrator Terry Emery, left, and retiring Marysville Superintendent Diane Allen during a welcome event hosted by the board of education Tuesday night. Howard will officially take over duties in the district on Aug. 1. (Journal-Tribune photo by Chad Williamson)
New superintendent reflects on local teachers who shaped him
By Chad Williamson 
April 2, 2025
The Marysville school district held a rare spring homecoming Tuesday night when Zack Howard’s contract as superintendent was approved by the board of education. “I’m so grateful for the opportunity to...
New superintendent’s contract details released
Education, Marysville School Board, News
By Chad Williamson 
April 2, 2025
The Marysville Board of Education found the type of candidate it was looking for in Zack Howard, a leader with experience as a superintendent and also intimate knowledge of the local community. “I thi...
Mother indicted in Madison Baby Doe case
Local News, News, Plain City News
By From JT Staff Reports, Mike Williamson 
April 2, 2025
A suspect has been identified and indicted in relation to the Madison Baby Doe case in Plain City. On March 13, a grand jury issued a single count indictment against Anuradha Manukonda for gross abuse...
Chapman will be Fairbanks’ next leader
Education, News
By Michael Williamson 
April 1, 2025
The Fairbanks school district has its new superintendent. On Monday evening, the board of education voted to have Janel Chapman be the new head of the district following the announcement that current ...
Richwood Library goes viral
Local News, News
Above, adult services specialist Moriah Marquis poses with a book and a library card in a still image from the viral video. Marquis often stars in roles promoting the library on its social media pages. (Photo submitted)
Short video garners more than 6M views in just one week
By Kyle Meddles 
April 1, 2025
The Richwood Public Library has become a viral sensation. On March 25, the library’s social media team posted a short video to its Instagram and TikTok accounts promoting library cards. Exactly a week...
Charges stem from assault at mini mart
Court News, News
Grand jury indictments
By Kyle Meddles 
April 1, 2025
A Richwood man is facing as many as eight years in prison for assaulting another man in the village. The Union County Grand Jury is charging Dondre Ken Yon Matthaw Deal, 27, whose court-listed address...
Eight counties awarded grants targeting inmate addiction in jails
News
By From JT Staff Reports 
April 1, 2025
Grants totaling more than $1.2 million are headed to eight Ohio counties to help sheriffs prioritize addiction treatment for jail inmates, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced recently. In all, Y...
NCA will oversee new development
Marysville City Council, News
By Michael Williamson 
March 31, 2025
The clock is ticking on a decision by Marysville City Council to appoint members to the newly approved community authority for Marysville Southeast. Council recently voted to approve the establishment...
Milford Center artist to be featured in statewide exhibition
News
Above, the wooden sculpture “Ghost Dog” by Milford Center artist James Mellick, will be featured in the Ohio Designer Craftsmen’s annual exhibition at the Ohio Craft Museum after being selected out of 400 entries. Mellick has used wood carving and assemblage as his medium of choice for 42 years, with a focus on telling stories through dogs. (Photo submitted)
By From JT Staff Reports 
March 31, 2025
A Milford Center artist will be featured in an art exhibition for the “Best of 2025.” James Mellick is set to have his art featured in the Ohio Designer Craftsmen’s 42nd annual juried exhibition from ...
MPD officer cited after cruiser crash
News
By From JT Staff Reports 
March 31, 2025
A Marysville police officer was cited in a property damage crash. According to Ohio State Highway Patrol reports, Robert W. Bartholomew, 48, with no address listed, was cited for improper overtaking o...
Party may mark opening of Richwood pickleball courts
News
By Kyle Meddles 
March 31, 2025
Several local Richwood community partners are looking to bring more events to the village in the future. At the regular meeting of village council, Carmen Shields, president of the Trailblazers adviso...
Schirg feels Fairbanks in a good place
Education, News
By Michael Williamson 
March 28, 2025
Fairbanks Superintendent Adham Schirg said even though leadership is changing, the school district is in good shape to handle whatever might come its way. “I feel that Fairbanks is in a really good, s...
Crash shuts down intersection
News
By Kyle Meddles 
March 28, 2025
The Marysville Police Department responded to the intersection of County Home Road and Route 4 at 4:08 p.m., Thursday, for a three-vehicle injury crash. Captain Nate Sachs said that an SUV ran a red l...
Local man charged with abduction
Court News, News
Indictments
By Kyle Meddles 
March 28, 2025
A Marysville man is being charged with abducting his fiance. The Union County Grand Jury is charging Paul Anthony Splendore, 43, of 268 Springwood Ln., with one count each of felony abduction of the t...
Jerome responds to engine braking concerns
News, Plain City News
By Kyle Meddles 
March 28, 2025
The Jerome Township Trustees moved to prohibit engine breaking within the unincorporated area of the township in an effort to respond to resident complaints. At a recent meeting of the township, Admin...
PC finance director recognized
News, Plain City News
By From JT Staff Reports 
March 28, 2025
Plain City recognized village finance director Renee Sonnett for 25 years of public service and employment at the village’s recent council meeting. Officials said Sonnett has “embodied what it means t...
County sorts out New California property access issue
News
By Michael Williamson 
March 27, 2025
Union County officials have an agreement on an access management issue with property in New California. At the regular Union County Commissioners meeting Wednesday, the board voted to allow access to ...
Suspect sought for passing fake $50s
News
By From JT Staff Reports 
March 27, 2025
The Union County Sheriff’s Office is looking for assistance in locating a suspect who is involved in eight reports of fraud involving counterfeit currency. Investigators say the man used fake $50 bill...
Opera House won’t be let go for a song
News
Offer of $101 rejected by 3-2 vote
By Kyle Meddles 
March 26, 2025
Richwood Council voted 3-2 to reject an offer to purchase the Opera House for $101 – which is not a typo. According to the contract, local chiropractor and Opera House Committee member Dean Gray made ...
Winds of change hit Marysville district office
Education, Local News, Marysville School Board, ...
Marysville Assistant Superintendent Jonathan Langhals, standing, talks with parents at a recent meeting about the future of school facilities. Langhals has opted to leave the administration office next school year to become principal of Northwood Elementary. He joins a handful of administrators leaving their positions within the district in recent months. (Journal-Tribune photo by Chad Williamson)
Superintendent post filled, but three other positions open up
By Chad Williamson 
March 26, 2025
Marysville School Treasurer Todd Johnson will be looking around at a lot of new faces in the coming months. While Johnson remains at his post, at least three of the district’s other top administrators...
Trout released at Harry Wolfe Park
News
By Kyle Meddles 
March 26, 2025
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) restocked Harry Wolfe Park pond Tuesday with nearly 1,000 Rainbow Trout courtesy of Castalia Fish Hatchery southwest of Sandusky, Ohio. Above, Tom Knigh...
Counterfeit money incidents reported
Local News, News
By Kyle Meddles 
March 25, 2025
Over the weekend, deputies with the Union County Sheriff’s Office responded to Costco and other businesses in the area on eight reports of fraud involving counterfeit currency. Sheriff Mike Justice sa...
Traffic scrutinized for 690-home, north side development
Marysville City Council, News
Prices will range from $500-$700K
By Michael Williamson 
March 25, 2025
One Marysville City Council member wants to make sure the city is not repeating mistakes made during the construction of Mill Valley. On Monday night, council heard the first reading of an ordinance t...
The people-first sheriff
Local News, News
Mike Justice finds that empowering staff makes transition smoother
By Michael Williamson 
March 24, 2025
Editor's note: Union County Sheriff Mike Justice allowed the Journal-Tribune to shadow him as he went about his rounds one day recently, sharing his perspectives a few months in on the job. -- Just a ...
Triad seeking safety grants
Education, News
By Kyle Meddles 
March 24, 2025
Triad is setting its sights on school safety grants while navigating an ever-changing federal and state funding landscape. At the recent meeting of the Triad Board of Education, Superintendent Vickie ...
Magnetic sewer project gets official word on $750k grant
News
By From JT Staff Reports 
March 24, 2025
The Magnetic Springs sanitary sewer project has received its full funding request from the state. The Ohio Department of Development announced recently that Union County will receive $750,000 to const...