BUCYRUS—As we prepare to close out 2022, Crawford County Now has compiled a list of the year’s top ten stories.
10. Lights Out…GE Closes…Over 150 jobs were lost with the closing of the Bucyrus General Electric Plant. The plant, which was in operation for more than 80 years, left a glaring hole in the lives of its employees and the city of Bucyrus.
9. Out Of Town Workers Win…As Bucyrus City Council began a desperate search for ways to increase revenue for the city, they explored decreasing or eliminating the tax credit for out-of-town workers. The motion was ultimately defeated for now.
8. A former area banker, Gary Painter, 50, of Galion, was charged with several counts of pandering sexually oriented material involving a minor. In a negotiated plea agreement, Painter was sentenced to 20 years in prison by Crawford County Common Pleas Court Judge Shane Leuthold.
7. Beloved Coach Loses Cancer Battle…Colonel Crawford High School lost a beloved member of their teaching and coaching family as well as a man who made a lasting impression on our entire community.
Lovingly known as “Coach Teg,” Ryan joined the Colonel Crawford family in 2008.
6. Crawford County Says No To Wind Turbines… With a turnout of 53.16%, the registered voters of Crawford County defeated measures that would allow turbines in Crawford County.
5. Teen Pleas Guilty To Dog Beheading…Readers were outraged at the low-level charges filed against a Juvenile in the brutal act.
A Bucyrus High School and former Pioneer Career and Technology student was charged with criminal mischief for allegedly beheading a dog he hit and killed on his way to school.
The juvenile did plead guilty in Crawford County Juvenile Court. Judge Pat Murphy ordered the juvenile to pay a fine and perform 15 hours of community service.
4. Bye Bye Brattie… In a story first featured in Crawford County Now that went on to gain worldwide attention, former Bratwurst Festival Queen Abigail Brocwell was terminated as the Bucyrus Bratwurst Festival Queen mere days before her reign was to end. Brocwell told CCN: “It’s been insane. I definitely didn’t expect this much support.”
3. Galion Police Chief Fired… Amid charges of sexual misconduct, Galion Police Chief Marc Rodriguez was terminated from the Galion Police Department. Rodriguez has filed an appeal.
2. Officer-Involved Shooting Ends In Arrest…Officers attempted to conduct a felony stop in the 200 block of W. Charles St. Before officers could get in position, the suspect (Jacob D. Davidson, 38, Centerburg, Ohio) opened fire on Officers. One Officer was able to get out of his cruiser and return fire. It appears a singular round struck the suspect in his helmet, causing him to take cover in his front seat and quickly surrender to officers. Crawford County Now will continue to cover this developing story.
1. DRUMROLL, PLEASE… Local Woman Wins Miss Voluptuous Ohio was the number one trending story on Crawford County Now for 2022. Brianna Streib Balliett of Crestline was crowned Miss Voluptuous Ohio on Saturday, November 19. The pageant was held at Cake and Icing’s event venue in Galion.
The staff of Crawford County Now looks forward to being your source for developing news stories in the coming year.