BUCYRUS, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—As we bid farewell to this year, Crawford County Now compiles our annual list of the most read stories of the year. Stories that make the list are based on reader statistics. We close out 2025 with more than 4,000,000 views; we thank you for your support. The top ten stories of 2025 beginning with number 10 are:
10. Crestline man arraigned on multiple felony charges involving disturbing evidence
Crestline man Michael Tesso, 28, faces 20 second-degree felony charges of pandering sexually oriented material involving a minor following a standoff and disturbing evidence seizure in Crawford County Court.
If convicted on all counts, Tesso faces up to 120 years in prison. In December, upon the request of the defense, Crawford County Common Pleas Court Judge Sean Leuthold ordered a competency evaluation to be completed on Tesso. Tesso remains in the Crawford County Jail.
9. Discovery of human remains identified as Galion man missing over two years. The Richland County Sheriff confirmed that human remains found in Crestline garage were those of a missing Galion man, Dustin R. Engler, 43. The investigation into his death remains open.
8. Diamond Wipes abruptly shuts down operations in Bucyrus. On October 24th, corporate officials gathered employees in their lunchroom and terminated their positions despite a recent corporate expansion. The terminations left many employees. North Central State College under the direction of Kim Jenney organized a Rapid Response Job Fair to explore job searching, on-site interviews, educational opportunities and local economic growth. In addition to the job fair, local friends and neighbors put together food pantry and thanksgiving meal for the families affected by the termination.
7. Two air lifted, four injured in a two-vehicle crash at State Route 39 and 598. Two people were seriously injured and four others received injuries after a two-vehicle wreck at the intersection of St. Rt. 39 and 598. The crash remains under investigation.
6. Homicide/Suicide in Tiffin; on November 19 Tiffin Police investigated a tragic suicide. Police responded to reports of gunfire and screams on Huss Street in Tiffin. Upon arrival police found multiple victims suffering from gunshot wounds. The events unfolded as a mother attempted to retrieve her belongings from her home amid domestic issues. She made arrangements with her ex-husband to help her move out of the abusive home. According to reports, the wife thought her husband was out of town making it safe to leave. However, her husband, Ryan Eagon had laid as trap. Eagon killed two children and his wife’s ex-husband. Eagon then turned the gun on himself.
5. Judge Sentences Bryce Witchey to 19 1/2 years in prison for child exploitation crimes. Witchey a long time source of fear for Mansfield residents, finally pleaded guilty to 31 counts including 30 counts of illegal use of a minor in nudity-oriented material. In a strong decision meant to send a message, Richland County Judge Brent Robinson deviated from the agreed sentence 12 years and hit Witchey with nearly 20 years in prison. Witchey’s legal troubles began on June 14, 2024, when Mansfield police arrested him following a mother’s report of inappropriate communications via social media in which he allegedly sought to make sexual advances toward her daughter. He is currently housed at the Correctional Reception Center.
4. A large police presence was in Galion as authorities searched for an alleged shooter in Mid-January. Jerold L. Frazier II. Frazier held police at a four-hour standoff before being taken into custody. In March, Frazier pleaded guilty to two counts of attempted murder. Crawford County Common Pleas Court Judge Sean Leuthold sentenced the 61-year-old 20-25 years in prison.
3. Suspect Arrested in Double Homicide. Max Anatra, 24, was arrested shortly following the murders of his parents on November 19, 2025, in Crestline. A concerned co-worker reported that a colleague, Lisa R. Anatra, 61, had not responded to work and that there may have been signs of a disturbance at her home. Upon arrival, Crestline Police officers requested additional support and gained entry into their home. They found Lisa Anatra and then a second victim, her husband, 63-year-old Matthew Anatra in a detached garage on the property. Investigators learned from family members that their son Maxwell Anatra had been present the night prior and had since become unreachable. As the investigation progressed, detectives uncovered that he had traveled to Michigan earlier that morning and might try to flee the country. After issuing a murder warrant, Crawford County Law Enforcement coordinated with Homeland Security. The collaboration proved effective when it was reported that Anatra had been apprehended by Canadian officials. Anatra, who is represented by Mansfield Attorney James Mayer III, will have his first pre-trial hearing on January 14, 2026.
2. Former Shelby Teacher Pleads Guilty to Charges Involving Minors. Former Shelby School District Teacher Stefanie Kellenberger pleaded guilty to 21 felony counts including sexual battery and unlawful sexual conduct with minors. the 40-year-old teacher entered her plea in August. The prosecution and defense recommended a 15-year prison sentence with a possibility of parole after Kellenberger serves a full ten years. Kellenberger began serving her sentence at the Ohio Reformatory for Women in early October.
1. The number one story of 2025 belongs to the former Galion/Crestline Chamber of Commerce Director Miranda Jones. After a lengthy investigation that lasted nearly two years, Jones was indicted by a Crawford County Grand jury in October on multiple felony counts. Jones faces charges including one count of engaging in a pattern of corrupt behavior, identity fraud, money laundering, and telecommunications fraud. Jones remains in custody at the Crawford County Jail. Jones is represented by Mansfield Attorney Cassandra Mayer. Her next pretrial is scheduled for January 12, 2026, at 1:30pm.
While 2025 comes to an end, Crawford County Now remains committed to bringing you continued coverage of the stories affecting the lives of all Crawford County residents. Thank you all for being a part of our journey. Here’s to a Happy New Year.