BUCYRUS, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—Mayor Bruce D. Truka issued a “State of the City” address Monday, reflecting on a year of transition in 2025 and outlining a massive technological and infrastructural overhaul for Bucyrus in 2026.
The Mayor’s address focused heavily on modernizing city operations, announcing that as of Jan. 1, 2026, all city departments have transitioned to a unified, secure network via Spectrum. This move, supported by IT partner KOSI, is designed to standardize cybersecurity and data backups across City Hall, law enforcement, and utility plants.
The technological shift follows the conclusion of a partnership with Wavelinc. Truka thanked former City Council President Kurt Fankhauser, Wavelinc’s owner, for his “honorable cooperation” and donations that the Mayor credited with saving the city over $30,000 during the transition.
Economic development remains a cornerstone of the city’s 2026 outlook. Despite the sudden closure of Diamond Wipes in 2025, which displaced 40 workers, Truka highlighted the community’s resilience through a rapid-response hiring event. Looking forward, IB Tech is expected to bolster the local economy with a planned expansion creating 170 new jobs.
“Our community continues to face challenges, but together we’ve achieved measurable growth,” Truka said.
Several major capital projects are moving forward this year, including:
- Wastewater Treatment Plant: Advancing discussions with the Ohio EPA to replace the current facility.
- Aviation: Progress continues on the construction of a new airport terminal.
- Parks: The groundbreaking of Norton Park (Norton Bicentennial Inc.) will provide new recreational space for residents.
The Mayor also recognized the retirement of Captain Ryan Sparks, a 28-year veteran of the Bucyrus Fire Department, and celebrated the city’s continued status as a “Tree City USA.”
The address concluded with a commitment to transparency and modernization, with the recently re-launched Bucyrus Access Channel serving as the primary hub for public programming and city updates.