Guest column: children and divorce

By Anna Parise and Jillian B. Von Gunten

For Ohio families navigating divorce or separation, the legal process can add pain and uncertainty during a time that is already difficult. But for children caught in the middle, the stakes can be even higher. They need and deserve stable, meaningful relationships with loving parents and a court process that is focused on their well-being.

That is why the Ohio State Bar Association supports Ohio Senate Bill 174, which brings needed improvements to how children are supported during divorce and separation proceedings, and in situations when their parents haven’t been married.

SB 174 modernizes Ohio family law in a thoughtful, balanced way. It reflects what experts have learned over decades: children can do best when both parents remain actively involved in their lives whenever it is safe and appropriate.

The bill updates Ohio’s laws governing parenting plans and the allocation of parental responsibilities.

• It encourages cooperation between parents while preserving a court’s ability to protect children in cases involving abuse, neglect, domestic violence or other serious concerns.
• Parental authority is preserved and parents can submit their own agreed parenting plan, separate plans for judicial comparison, or rely on the judge if they cannot agree.
• Parents have a new pathway to increase their parenting time. Current law makes it hard for parents that children do not live with to revise parenting plans and increase their parenting time. This bill improves that by creating a new easier process for revising parenting plans so children can more easily benefit from having more time with both parents.
• Judges do not displace parents—they step in only when parents are in conflict or when a child’s safety demands it.
• Most importantly, it recenters everyone’s focus where it belongs — on the best interests of the child.

Family law is among the most difficult areas of our justice system. Judges are asked to participate in deeply personal decisions affecting children and families during times that are often filled with conflict and tough emotions. Ohio’s statutes in this area have evolved over many years, but often in piecemeal fashion. SB 174 provides a clearer, more coherent framework for courts, attorneys and families to follow. That clarity matters.

When the law is confusing or inconsistent, the risk of conflict only goes up. Litigation can drag on and costs go up. Emotional wounds can deepen. Children experience more stress. A more understandable and structured process benefits everyone involved.

The Ohio State Bar Association supports this legislation because it reflects a careful effort to improve how Ohio’s family courts function in the real world. It recognizes that, in all but extreme or particularly unfortunate circumstances, children benefit from continuing and meaningful relationships with both parents after separation. It also recognizes that every family situation is different and that the court should have the ability and flexibility to make case-by-case decisions to safeguard children based on safety and specific and unique facts.

Importantly, SB 174 is the product of bipartisan collaboration and extensive stakeholder input over many years. That matters, too. Meaningful reforms to family law should never be rushed or ideologically driven. They should be practical, balanced, be informed by significant input, and centered on children. This legislation reflects that approach.

No legislation can eliminate the pain of family separation or reduce impacts that children experience. Nor can courts repair fractured relationships. With sound, well-reasoned laws and policies, however, we can encourage healthier outcomes and reduce unnecessary conflict to advance the interests of the innocent participants in the process—children.

Ohio’s legal system works best when it evolves thoughtfully to meet the needs of the people it serves. SB 174 represents that kind of progress. It seeks to improve Ohio’s family court process in ways that are clearer, fairer and more focused on helping children maintain strong, stable relationships with the people who love them.

That is a goal all Ohioans should support.

Note: Anna Parise is a partner at the Painesville firm of Dworken & Bernstein Co. Jillian B. Von Gunten is an attorney with the Zanesville firm of Allen & Baughman. Both practice in family law and are members of the Ohio State Bar Association.

Don’t risk your spring projects

By Franklin Freytag

COLUMBUS — As the spring construction season kicks into high gear, the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Industrial Compliance is urging business owners and property managers to hire only licensed commercial contractors. Through the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB), the Division ensures that the more than 10,000 licensed professionals in electrical, HVAC, plumbing, hydronics, and refrigeration meet the state’s high safety and quality standards.

One of the key reasons Ohioans should work with licensed contractors is because they comply with the state’s building codes and safety regulations. While hiring unlicensed professionals may appear cost-effective at first, it can often lead to unsafe conditions and legal liabilities that may have to be addressed down the road.

“Working with a licensed contractor guarantees that the contractor has met professional and safety standards,” said OCILB Ohio Contractor Administrator Michael Baisden. “Verifying licensing upfront keeps people safe as well as saves time and money by avoiding potential significant setbacks.”

How to Verify a Commercial Contractor is Licensed

• Check credentials. You can find information on all state-licensed commercial contractors by accessing Ohio’s License Lookup Tool at https://elicense4.com.ohio.gov/Lookup/LicenseLookup.aspx.
• Verify qualifications. Ask to see a contractor’s journeyman card or evidence of a state-approved apprenticeship.
• Contact local building departments. Ask your county, city or township building department to verify that the contractor is licensed or registered to work in your area. In addition, ask if permits are required for the specific work being completed at your location.
• Check insurance. Request proof of the contractor’s insurance. You should also verify with the insurance company that the policy is active and provides adequate coverage.
• Ask for references and review past work. Request references from similar projects that have been recently completed and follow up with those clients to understand their experiences.
• Review the contract carefully. Make sure the written contract includes scope of work, materials, timeline, payment schedule, change-order process, and warranties. Avoid vague contracts and don’t be pressured to sign an agreement immediately. Be cautious of large down payments or being asked to make a full payment before work starts. Require a clear breakdown of labor and materials in the contract.

Common Red Flags to Avoid:

• You cannot find the contractor’s name or license information in the Division’s online database.
• The contractor is unable or unwilling to provide documentation verifying their qualifications.
• The contractor refuses to obtain required permits.
• The contractor will not share references, or the references report negative experiences.
• You feel pressured to sign a contract or make quick decisions.
• The contractor requests a large or even full payment before they begin any work.
• You receive an offer that is significantly cheaper than others, or it simply seems too good to be true.

About Residential Contractors

While residential contractors are not required to be licensed by the state, local building departments throughout Ohio may have their own verification or licensing requirements. Ohioans can use the Ohio Board of Building Standard’s Building Department Lookup to quickly and easily find their local building department based on their address.

Ohioans with complaints about residential contractors should file a complaint with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office’s Consumer Protection Section at 1.800.282.0515 and/or their local building department.

Guest column: financial literacy

By Jamie Crawford

COLUMBUS — April marks Financial Literacy Month, and the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Financial Institutions is encouraging Ohio communities to deepen their focus on financial well‑being by expanding access to practical, reliable financial education.

As part of that effort, the Division is reminding eligible organizations across the state to apply for funds available through the Ohio Financial Literacy Grant Program before the April 30 deadline, ensuring financial skills reach more Ohioans where they live, learn, and work. The program offers grants of up to $50,000 to nonprofits, schools, and community organizations that offer programs that teach essential skills to Ohioans of all ages, such as budgeting, saving, managing credit, and planning for unexpected expenses. Full details and application materials are available at com.ohio.gov/FinLitGrant.

In 2025, the Program received record interest from organizations, receiving more than 600 applications for grant funds. That interest aligns with statistics that show the need for financial literacy programs is substantial. According to a report from the National Endowment for Financial Education, 88% of Americans said they entered 2026 facing some level of financial stress. Poor financial literacy cost Americans more than $246 billion in 2025.

“These challenges show how essential it is for communities to prioritize strong financial education,” said Division Interim Superintendent Ingrid White. “Organizations across Ohio play a vital role in helping people understand how to budget, save, and make informed decisions. The Financial Literacy Grant Program helps expand that reach so more individuals, especially young people, can begin to build secure financial futures.”

DoverPhila Credit Union in Dover, Ohio, who received $13,000, was one of eight organizations across the state to receive grant funds in 2025. They used funds to offer financial education workshops and tools to students, families, and educators, equipping participants with practical money management skills to improve economic outcomes.

“Anytime that we can show members of our community how to manage their finances and put themselves in a better position, we put the community as a whole in a better position,” said Katy Steinebrey, Certified Financial Counselor with DoverPhila Credit Union.

“Without these grant dollars, there’s no way that the North College Hill City School District would be able to afford this program, which means our students would miss out,” said Dr. Eugene Blalock, Jr., superintendent of North College Hill City School District, which also previously received grant funds.

To support all Ohioans in strengthening their financial footing, the Division offers these straightforward, practical steps that can be adapted to anyone’s situation:

• Know Your Income: Use your net income, not gross, to form a plan you can stick to.
• Monitor Your Spending: Get a clear picture of where your money goes to spot opportunities to cut back or redirect.
• Set Clear Goals: Prioritize achievable targets like building an emergency fund or reducing debt.
• Stay Flexible: Revisit and adjust your budget as life circumstances shift.
• Automate Savings: Make saving effortless by setting up automatic transfers to stay consistent.

Guest column: seniors and scammers

By Jamie Crawford

COLUMBUS — The number of Ohioans approaching the age of retirement is as high as ever before. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, an estimated 18.8 percent of the state’s population, or 2.21 million Ohioans, are aged 65 years or older. That is up significantly from 13.3 percent in 2000. Nationwide, the United States is currently in a “peak 65” period, with approximately 11,200 baby boomers set to turn 65 every day through 2027, which is up from 10,000 roughly a decade ago.

Given the wealth that many retirees have accumulated throughout their lives and an increased risk posed by bad actors, the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Securities is using National Consumer Protection Week to call attention to the threat that retirees – and their nest egg – face from scammers who target older individuals.

According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, Americans aged 60 and older reported more than 140,000 complaints and nearly $5 billion in losses to scams in 2024. In addition, Ohio ranked eighth in the nation for the total number of complaints filed by this age group.

Older adults are often singled out because they typically have more savings, might be less familiar with fast-changing technology, and can be hesitant to report fraud to authorities. Scammers attempt to exploit these vulnerabilities with convincing stories designed to create fear and urgency, making victims sometimes believe they’re fixing a problem rather than sending money to criminals who will disappear overnight. Losses among older adults are staggering. According to the Federal Trade Commission, reports of scams costing $10,000 or more have quadrupled since 2020, while cases involving losses of $100,000 or more have increased nearly sevenfold.

“Every day, more Ohioans retire to enjoy the resources they spent their lives building,” said Ohio Securities Commissioner Andrea Seidt. “Unfortunately, scammers see those resources as an opportunity. The good news is that there are simple steps you can take to protect your hard-earned savings and ensure your golden years aren’t tarnished by fraud.” 

Common Scams Targeting Retirees

• Grandparent Scam: A caller pretends to be a grandchild in urgent need of money.
• Financial Services Scam: Fake banks or debt collectors claim your account has been compromised and they need your account information to resolve it.
• Tech Support Scam: Fraudsters pose as tech experts to trick you into giving personal information to gain access to your devices.
• Government Impersonation Scam: Scammers spoof agencies like Social Security or Medicare to trick you into giving sensitive information.
• Romance Scam: Criminals build fake relationships online, solicit money from the victim, then disappear without a trace.

How to Protect Yourself

• Pause and verify: If someone contacts you about an urgent problem, hang up and call the number found on their official letterhead or website.
• Never share personal information or passwords over the phone, email or via text.
• Avoid quick payments and pressure tactics: Scammers often demand gift cards, wire transfers, or peer-to-peer apps. Don’t make payments via these methods because they can be extremely difficult to track.
• Talk to someone you trust: A second opinion can help identify and stop a scam in its tracks.

If you suspect that you or a loved one has been targeted by an investment fraud, contact the Division’s Investor Protection Hotline at 1.877.683.7841 or email sgeneral@com.ohio.gov.

Guest column: have money waiting?

By Franklin Freytag

COLUMBUS — In recognition of National Unclaimed Funds Month in February, the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Unclaimed Funds is reminding Ohioans to check for any potential money they might have waiting to be claimed. Whether the money is in your name, a loved one’s name, or your business, all it takes is a couple of minutes to see if you have money waiting for you.

Unclaimed funds come from a variety of sources, including dormant bank accounts, uncashed checks, stocks and bonds, utility deposits, or unclaimed wages. Last year at this time, the Division launched a new system that streamlines how Ohioans search for, claim, and track their unclaimed funds. If it’s been a while since you last searched for funds, now’s a good time to check again. That’s because funds are reported to the Division throughout the year by banks and other entities.

Here are the top five reasons to search for and claim your missing money right now.

• Searching is quick, free and easy – Conducting an online search takes just a few minutes at unclaimedfunds.ohio.gov. There’s no cost and the process is secure.
• Financial boost for important needs – Recovered funds can help pay bills, increase savings or cover unexpected expenses, providing real value when reinvested in your financial health.
• Decade deadline – Ohioans have 10 years to claim any unclaimed funds that have been reported to the Division. In addition, if any funds reported this year and going forward are not claimed within 10 years, then they will be considered abandoned and will no longer be claimable.
• Get peace of mind – If this has been on your to-do list for a while, think of how relieved you’ll feel once you start the process of putting this money back where it belongs – in your pocket.
• It’s a win-win – There is no downside. Searching for unclaimed funds is free, and you might discover money you didn’t realize you, or even a loved one, have. Even small amounts can add up.

In addition to conducting searches, Ohioans can upload required documents and track their claims status without leaving the new platform. This system also offers greater communication with claimants about the status of their claim in the event items are missing that the Division needs in order to complete its review.

“This system was built with Ohioans in mind,” said Division Superintendent Akil Hardy. “By leveraging technology, we’ve made the search and claims process easier for claimants. I’m proud of how our team has leveraged this new system to return even more money back to Ohioans.”

The Division is still experiencing a historically high volume of claims due to increased public interest and media coverage surrounding unclaimed funds. It’s important to note that each claim is different and processing times can vary based on the complexity or simplicity of the claim, and if all of the required documentation is submitted in a timely manner. Incomplete document submission remains one of the main reasons for slow processing times.

To learn more about best practices for claiming your funds, check out our recent release about the do’s and don’ts of claiming your unclaimed funds.

Editor’s note: Franklin Freytag is the public information officer for the Ohio Department of Commerce.

Op-ed: strengthen against addiction

By Alicia Bruce

Northwest Ohio knows how to pull together, something I’ve seen time and again as a social worker and Program Director with the Tri-County ADAMHS Board serving Mercer, Van Wert and Paulding counties. I see it also as the representative from our area (Defiance, Fulton, Henry, Paulding, Putnam, Van Wert and Williams counties) on the OneOhio Recovery Foundation Board of Directors, where Ohio’s opioid settlement dollars are being put to work to drive addiction prevention, treatment and long-term recovery.

In the Foundation’s last grant cycle, seven projects in our region received $583,086, with most funding supporting recovery services along with targeted investments in treatment and other efforts—local partners solving local problems. With Regional Grant Cycle 2 underway and the Grant Portal now open, it’s a good opportunity to build on this work. Here are a few ideas to help strengthen your proposal:

Focus on barriers. Recovery falls apart when the support basics fail. Transportation in rural communities, childcare for outpatient visits, safe beds for women and children, legal help to stabilize housing or employment—these are just a few challenges that can be overcome with the right ideas and resources. Spell out how your project can remove such friction points.

Link the chain. Some of the best efforts to take on addiction connect prevention to treatment to recovery, not in theory but through working partnerships. A court-based program that diverts eligible defendants into treatment should show the handoffs to counseling, peer supports, housing and employment, for example.

Show the math. How many people would be served? What are the projected outcomes at 6 and 12 months? How will they be tracked. If you’re building capacity—a van route, evening hours, a peer-mentor cohort—quantify it realistically.

Plan for after the grant. OneOhio’s dollars are meant to be catalytic. Show how a project will sustain the work with reimbursements, collaborations or local philanthropy.

Grants don’t only go to large, established organizations, smaller ones are eligible also. Faith-based groups, civic organizations and other community-driven efforts should consider applying or partnering with other groups to apply. If you run a volunteer driver program, a moms’ support group with childcare, a skills class that leads to living-wage work, you can be part of the solution—especially in rural communities where distance magnifies every hurdle.

Regardless of if you are big or small, know that accountability and transparency are part of the equation. The Foundation manages its funds for the interest of all Ohioans and grantees are performing work with these funds that are in service to the people of our state. Careful, responsible and effective use of funds are expected and tracked. Grantees should understand that and be willing and able to comply with accountability and reporting requirements.

OneOhio exists because the addiction epidemic touched every zip code in our state, every income, every education background. The settlement funds are a chance to invest in what works to strengthen our state and help all those impacted heal. Region 16’s first awards helped stitch together transportation, housing, legal help and treatment so that people are more able to rebuild. With more strong proposals, we can make that progress better and brighter for everyone.

Please visit OneOhioFoundation.com/Grants to learn more. Talk with partners in the next community or county over. If your idea helps someone get to treatment, stay housed, find work and keep custody, that’s an idea worth submitting. Our families, communities and state recover together.

Note: the author is the Region 16 representative on the OneOhio Recovery Foundation Board of Directors and a licensed social worker. She currently serves as the Program Director for the Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health Services Board serving Mercer, Van Wert, and Paulding counties.

Guest column: Reseting finances

By Jamie Crawford

COLUMBUS — With the holidays officially over, it’s a matter of time until credit card bills from last month’s spending find their way into Ohioans’ mailboxes. While many individuals may be tempted to quickly set those bills aside, the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Financial Institutions (DFI) encourages everyone to slow down, review statements for any questionable charges, and consider how they might keep their financial goals on track in 2026.

According to a recent report, the average credit card balance per consumer now stands at $6,523, which is up 2.2 percent year over year. If that sounds like you, the Division recommends taking the following steps: 

• Negotiate a lower interest rate. Call your credit card company and highlight your history of on-time payments or mention competitive offers from other lenders. Even a small reduction can save you money over time.
• Try a low-spend month. Commit to spending money only on essentials, such as housing, transportation, and groceries, for 30 days. This can be an effective way to offset holiday costs and reset your spending habits.
• Create a debt payoff plan. Don’t panic if you can’t pay everything off immediately. Instead, develop a realistic plan to tackle your debt as quickly as possible – and stick to it.

“All of us want to start the year feeling confident about our finances,” said Division Superintendent Kevin Allard. “Taking time now to review your financial situation and make some changes can help you set the stage for a stronger financial future this year and beyond.”

This is also a good time to thoroughly review your credit card statements to ensure there aren’t any unusual or strange charges. If you discover such charges, you should take the following steps: Lock or cancel your card; report the charge to your card issuer; update your online accounts including passwords; review other recent transactions and accounts; file a report with the FTC; and consider filing a police report since some banks and credit bureaus may require that in the event of large losses.

For more information and resources on financial health, fraud prevention, and credit improvement, visit the Division’s Office of Consumer Affairs website at com.ohio.gov/OCA.

Addressing property tax problems

By Dr. Howard Fleeter

A new report from the nonpartisan Ohio Education Policy Institute (OEPI) tells the story of how Ohio residential and agricultural property taxpayer costs have increased significantly over many years as well as a series of options to address the problem.

Authored by R. Gregory Browning, former state budget director under Gov. George Voinovich, and Dr. Howard Fleeter, Ohio’s leading school funding expert, the report is titled “Analysis of Residential Property Taxes in Ohio: A Balanced Approach to Reform. It identifies four forces that have combined to raise residential property taxes to the point that Ohio ranks eighth nationally in the weight of these local taxes. The four forces include:

1) years of state tax reforms that include dramatically reduced state income tax rates, significant reductions to some and elimination of, other business property taxes, and reductions to the property tax “rollback” — the mechanism by which Ohio pays a share of local property taxes. These changes, done in response to significant economic challenges and tax fairness issues, have also come at a price:

• Since 1991, the residential and agricultural share of school property taxes has increased from 47.5 percent to 67.5 percent in 2023, while the business share of property taxes has decreased from 52.5 percent to 32.5 percent.
•  State tax revenue has not kept pace with inflation over the past 20 years, and Ohio is currently 42nd nationally in its ranking of state-only per capita taxation.
• State education expenditures over the past 20 years have not kept pace with inflation. While there has also been a decline in public school students over this period, per-pupil state education expenditures have increased an average of only 0.7 percent annually once adjusted for inflation. Ohio now ranks 45th in the state share of K-12 revenue, down from 35th in 2002.
• Overall, Ohio has fallen from 15th nationally in total per-pupil spending on K-12 education to 20th nationally, spending slightly less than the national average.

2) Dramatically escalating home values in recent years have turned into residential property tax increases despite long-standing legal constraints designed to stop this from happening.

3) A relatively slow-growing Ohio economy with a persistent pattern of below-average per capita personal income makes it relatively harder to pay ever-higher property tax bills.

4) The goodwill of residents to keep voting for local property tax increases — increases that arguably come more frequently with slower growth in state funding.

The report spells out a short list of policy principles, including tax fairness — particularly for low-income property taxpayers, people with disabilities and eligible veterans — and the need for the state-local school funding partnership to continue by sharing the burden of addressing residential and agricultural property tax reform.

The analysis ends with a list of policy options anchored in these principles and providing substantive ways to address real property tax problems in Ohio. These options include:

1) Limiting automatic property tax increases in school districts at the 20-mill (required) floor to the rate of inflation. School districts at this level include the majority of Ohio school districts.

2) Targeted and expanded property tax relief by meaningfully expanding the state’s existing homestead exemption and/or limiting taxation for these eligible people to no more than 1% of their property value, a rate that roughly approximates the national average.

3) Give local governments new tools to lower property taxes through a voter-approved local homestead exemption.

4) Provide schools and other local governmental entities with new tools to help them improve operational cost ediciencies, thereby reducing the need for further tax increases over time.

These ideas require further development but represent a balanced approach to real property tax reform. It’s an approach that will fix what is broken without destroying Ohio’s longstanding, largely well-working system of funding schools and other essential local governmental services.

Editor’s note: Dr. Howard Fleeter is a consultant with the Ohio Education Policy Institute.

Guest column: Beyond the Mortgage

By Brandon Klein

COLUMBUS — Buying a home is one of the largest purchases many individuals will ever make, that means there’s also the potential for this experience to become one of the largest headaches, especially if consumers aren’t prepared. To help ensure Ohioans are equipped with the information they need to fully understand the full financial commitment involved with buying a home, the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing and Ohio Department of Insurance have partnered to break down these costs before someone enters the housing market.

Knowing the various components that contribute to a monthly mortgage payment is key to making informed financial decisions and avoiding unnecessary financial strain.A typical house payment consists of the following elements: principal and interest, escrow fees for homeowner’s insurance, property taxes and private mortgage insurance (PMI), which protects the lender if you are unable to make payments on your loan. When combined, these elements can significantly impact overall affordability, especially when compared to just looking at the cost of the home itself.

“We’ve recently heard from a number of real estate agents that homebuyers have had to back out of real estate agreements in the final stages due to surprises with costs,” said Daphne Hawk, Superintendent of the Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing. “Buying a home is one of the most significant financial commitments many people make. Having a full and complete understanding of the recurring costs, like property taxes and insurance, helps homebuyers avoid potential surprises and ensures they only commit to what fits their budget.”

Interest rates and varying tax and insurance rates across Ohio mean potential costs can fluctuate greatly from one area to another. Prospective homebuyers are encouraged to assess how each factor affects their payment and ensure their monthly housing costs don’t exceed 30 percent of their gross income. This benchmark can help to maintain financial stability and protect against overextending personal budgets.

Tips for Calculating Monthly Housing Costs

The Ohio Department of Insurance and the Ohio Department of Commerce offer the following tips to help buyers research and estimate their true house payment:

• Research interest rates: Compare rates across multiple lenders to find a competitive mortgage rate. Online loan calculators can help estimate monthly payments for different rates. Homebuyers should work with a lender to understand the rates and get preapproval before shopping for a home.
• Estimate property taxes: Access your local county auditor’s website or contact their office to identify current property tax rates in the area where you’re looking to buy. Homebuyers interested in purchasing a home should review property taxes of recently sold nearby homes to estimate potential costs.
• Understand PMI: If your down payment is less than 20 percent of the home, make sure to account for private mortgage insurance (PMI) in your calculations. PMI protects the lender if you are unable to make payments on your loan. You have the right to ask your servicer to cancel PMI on the date the principal balance of your mortgage is scheduled to fall to 80 percent of the original value of your home, so make a note of when that will occur. Note, this only applies to conventional loans, not government loans.
• Shop for insurance: Obtain homeowners insurance quotes from different companies and carefully compare coverage and prices to ensure appropriate financial protection. Work with an insurance agent to determine where coverage adjustments can impact the price, and consider bundling with other insurance policies to potentially save money.

By taking these steps, homebuyers can confidently determine what they can afford and avoid taking on a commitment that risks their financial security. The Ohio Department of Insurance offers a range of educational homeowners insurance information, including a guide to homeowners insurance, available at insurance.ohio.gov. Homebuyers can also learn more by accessing the Ohio Department of Commerce’s Homebuyers Guide here or by visiting com.ohio.gov/real.

Guest editorial: modern investments

By Dean Monske

Over the next decade there will be trillions of dollars invested in infrastructure for AI data centers in the United States. Now is the time for northwest Ohio to make certain we are prepared for what may be the largest economic development opportunity ever presented. Our region has already attracted billions of dollars of investment in this evolving space, and we have the opportunity to attract billions more, but only if we work together to lay the proper foundation for an extraordinary opportunity that will benefit our communities.

For too long our area has been bypassed when similar opportunities have come and ultimately gone. The jobs and revenue went to other markets while northwest Ohio still pursues its place in the new, advanced economy.

Many of our forefathers capitalized on opportunities to create a vibrant community. We built the wealth of the region by attracting and welcoming the glass and automotive assembly industries. We developed traditional energy facilities at our refineries, and with First Solar, we have taken the lead in the growing renewable energy sector. Those clusters will continue to serve us well, but Northwest Ohio needs more to prosper. We are a great place to live and work but we have still not returned to pre-Covid employment levels in our region. Too many of our children and grandchildren are moving elsewhere to build their futures. Our region’s population is in slow decline and our community’s wealth continues to erode.

As some of the largest businesses in the world look to locate next-generation investments, it is clear the Northwest Ohio area has the desired attributes. We have flat land, water and sewer infrastructure, a strong electrical grid, an advanced fiber backbone with multiple providers, and modern high volume and pressure natural gas lines to meet energy needs. We have outstanding universities to educate tomorrow’s workforce and a strong skilled trades and construction sector.

But our advantages are only temporary. Other regions are scrambling to build similar infrastructure to attract these developments. Our region needs to act quickly and carefully to maintain our lead.

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Block supports data center project

To the Editor,

Monday night (May 4, 2026), the public had the opportunity to weigh in on the data center proposal before council. For months our community has been deliberating the potential development at the mega site, and the issue has been raised before council several times in my short tenure.

I had stated throughout my campaign and the first months of the year that I was on the fence about the data center but that I leaned heavily in favor. I wanted to see a more robust public process, stronger commitments to protecting Van Wert’s natural resources, and firm legislation to protect our residents from noise and pollution. While there is more work to do, I am now comfortable with the protections that have been announced and the commitments made by all parties involved thus far. I want to see the data center move forward.

I also want to acknowledge that the public process has been flawed. As several speakers pointed out at the recent public hearing, there is a feeling that your questions have gone unanswered and the process has been rushed. That concern is valid, because our city made mistakes and those missteps affected public trust. I believe future public meetings will help improve the conversation around the data center.

This public hearing is the meeting that should have occurred last year. Due to an error in following our own laws, the city government inadvertently bypassed several steps that allow for direct public input. This unintentional mistake meant that the people of Van Wert were barred from voicing their opinions at legally required public meetings in front of their elected representatives, regardless of whether that opinion was in favor or opposed. It also means Van Wert was caught flat footed in the middle of negotiations on the deal. I have called for those from our city government responsible for the mistake to own up to it.

Despite the city’s error, Thor Equities and the end user have been constructive and patient partners in the process. They have committed to funding sorely needed infrastructure upgrades that will benefit both the development area and traffic patterns more broadly through town. They have committed to protecting our water – both supply and discharge – by investing in technology that will only use 660,000 gallons every 4-6 years, and by committing to EPA-regulated pre-treatment of any discharge. Thor has been receptive to several of my own requests including noise ordinances and further public meetings.

The pieces are in place to make the Van Wert data center a great project. At this point, we need to move beyond the annexation and zoning process while we continue to refine the details. I have confidence that those in our corner are negotiating earnestly on our behalf, and though we are not finished yet and further stipulations and regulations need to be deliberated, the annexation and zoning can safely proceed. I encourage everyone to stay tuned in and be active participants even beyond the May 11 council meeting, as the public process will continue and we all can together advocate for the best project to help make Van Wert better.

Hall Block

Van Wert City Council At-Large

Wren man supports Riedel

To the Editor,

Voters have a decision to make when it comes to electing our next state senator to represent northwest Ohio, and the choice couldn’t be more clear. Craig Riedel, who lives in Defiance, has a nearly 30 year business background to pair with his strong conservative voting record. Riedel brings an outsider’s perspective to government that will help solve the problems that we face in Ohio today. 

As a state representative, Riedel never voted for a tax increase. He voted no on the gas tax increase in 2019 because Ohio runs budget surpluses in the billions. Ohio had the money available to pay for the infrastructure improvements without raising our taxes. Riedel’s private sector experience gives him the ability to make tough decisions that career politicians simply don’t have.

Riedel also possesses the character and courage to stand up to crooked politicians. In 2019, Riedel was one of a handful of Republicans who had the strength to vote no on the corrupt House Bill 6 scheme that put Larry Householder in prison. Once again, Riedel’s business background gave him the insight to know the whole thing was a scam. FirstEnergy and Larry Householder cooked up a plan to defraud Ohioans of more than $1 billion. Householder will continue spending the next 18 years of his sentence in a federal prison near Youngstown. Northwest Ohio needs a fighter who will stand up to corruption and not back down from a fight.

Craig Riedel’s background paired with his rock-solid voting record make him the clear choice for voters in the 1st Senate District. Riedel is the only candidate in this race to have received an A rating from all three major pro-2nd Amendment groups, and three pro-life groups here in Ohio. Ohio needs more business leaders in government who can make tough decisions, not the same career politicians who have gotten us into this mess. Vote Craig Riedel for State Senate on May 5.

Jeremy Kitson

Wren

Resident shares data center concerns

To the Editor,

As a community, we share many concerns about the potential addition of a Data Center. Many of our concerns and questions remain unaddressed. While the addition of an information website (vanwertohiodatacenter.com) was a fine first step in helping address some of the questions the local community has, the website went into very little detail on some of the major issues, and the website comes across more as a political advertisement, as it only went into the positives of the data center while avoiding any of the possible negative outcomes that will be a part of any data center project. This perception isn’t helped by the fact local residents are currently receiving pro data center fliers in the mail while they have a nearly 7 minute long, professionally made video advertisement that is being pushed towards them on sites like Youtube. There seems to be a lot of work and money being put towards selling this Data Center to people in Van Wert, while very little work has been done to share the possible pitfalls. 

One of the major areas of concern for residents has been over water usage. The big response to these concerns has been that the Data Center will rely on a “Closed Loop System” that will not draw water from our local supply. However, there has been little information shared about what a Closed Loop System really is. What we do know about closed loop systems through publicly available information is that while they help reduce water evaporation, they also involve adding acidic and toxic chemicals to the water inside the system. This water/chemical mixture cannot be used in perpetuity, and it needs to be withdrawn and replaced from the system over time. Unfortunately for residents, it appears that the Ohio EPA will be moving to deregulate what data centers do with their wastewater, with upcoming changes to regulations allowing data centers to dump this water cooling slurry directly into our water table, affecting local wells and streams. So an important question to answer here is, what will the data center do with this wastewater, and what recourse will we have if this wastewater ends up in our agriculture and drinking supply? 

Another issue of major concern has surrounded the noise from the facility. It has been nice to hear that local leaders have taken the opportunity to visit operating data centers around Ohio and Michigan. But as far as it’s been reported, visits have taken place at midday, where any noise from these data centers was competing with street and industrial noise. That begs the question if any local leaders have planned trips to gauge the noise levels around these facilities late at night and if any plans are being made to judge the noise levels when these facilities are running their generators. Noise concerns shouldn’t be brushed aside simply because “mopeds that drive by my house are louder than what these are.” Even slight noise, which will be delivered 24/7, should be of concern to local leaders, as it will be an issue of great concern for locals who end up living near this data center. The important question here is, what recourse will local residents have if noise levels become too much, even in instances where they technically are in compliance with local noise ordinances?

There are also concerns being shared about energy prices and air quality. It’s good to hear that the company building the data center will be responsible for installing the necessary energy infrastructure, limiting the increase in energy prices for locals. Having said that, the idea that this data center will not lead to increased energy prices seems far-fetched. It’s common knowledge at this point that data centers are energy hogs. With all the proposed projects in the state, we are expecting energy requirements to increase by nearly 800% by 2030. This energy demand has already resulted in inflated energy prices in other communities across the state and country, which has resulted in data centers relying on their “emergency generators” as de facto energy sources, with some data centers running their generators 24/7. To avoid going back to the issues surrounding noise, it’s important to think about what effect constant industrial diesel generator use will have on local air quality. Simply relying on a blanket statement that the generators will meet Ohio EPA standards doesn’t cut it. The Ohio EPA operates with business interests in mind well before it ever considers the health of locals. What recourse will we have if constant generator use leads to air quality issues? 

Tax dollars are great. But there has been little information on where these taxes will come from and where they will go. It seems that property taxes will be going to the Lincolnview School District, even though the data center will be located inside the Van Wert City limits and it’s the city residents that will have to deal with the majority of the negative consequences from a new data center. We also know a large chunk of the tax dollars will come from the temporary and permanent jobs, despite the prospective job numbers that are coming from the data center company likely being overstated by some degree. There are so many questions that need to be answered surrounding possible tax income. What guarantee do we have that this facility will produce the number of jobs it is promising? How many of these jobs will go to Van Wert residents? What, if any, tax breaks have we given this company to build in Van Wert? What percentage of tax dollars will be earned through revenue produced by this facility? How much of the estimated $200 million in tax revenue over 20 years relies on projected revenue numbers? How much revenue are data centers across the state actually producing? What happens if AI doesn’t take off like Silicon Valley is promising it will?

Now, I don’t want anyone to believe that I am anti-progress. Our local, state, and national economies are always changing. We as a community need to be open to change. But our city and county officials also need to do everything in their power to research ALL of the positive and negative impacts of any new industry on the local community, and present that information to the community in an unbiased manner. None of the local backlash aimed at this data center should have caught any of our local leaders by surprise. We have a long history of opposition to large projects in the city and county. Many of our local leaders hold their elected positions because they lead the charge to slow and/or stop projects that involved creating renewable energy infrastructure, with most complaints revolving around sound pollution, revenue/tax income, health impacts, and questions involving property values, all issues at play with this data center project. At the same time, we have watched local communities and schools benefit from these same projects that we fought against. It would be a disservice to the community to simply succumb to the current public opposition. This opportunity needs to be reviewed thoroughly, and treated seriously. As our local leaders have clearly stated, this is a once in a generation opportunity for our city.

At this point, I believe that it is within everyone’s best interest to hold a vote on a temporary memorandum, putting a halt towards this project for a period of 6 to 12 months. During this time, local government and business leaders should work with the community to ensure ALL information, both positive and negative, is discussed, weighed, and measured. Third party auditors should be given time to research the impacts on our local water, energy, and noise pollution. We should have an opportunity to hear from knowledgeable representatives from the company that will run the data center, and these representatives should meet with us at a future town council meeting to discuss these issues. Only after this work has been done do I believe it would be appropriate for the town council to make a final decision.

Ryan Fisher

Van Wert

Spouse doesn’t like campaign tactics

To the Editor,

I taught second grade for many years. When a child got caught in a lie, I’d sit them down and explain something simple: telling the truth is always better — because if I found out they lied on top of whatever they did, that was double trouble.

I’ve been thinking about that lesson during this campaign.

I’m Deb Hoops, and my husband Jim is running for State Senate in District 1. We’ve been married 37 years. I know him better than anyone — better than the people running ads about him.

Jim sponsored legislation that cut property taxes by $3 billion. He supported the income tax cut in the last state budget. He co-sponsored House Bill 68 to keep biological males out of girls’ sports. More than 50 local officials in the 1st Senate District have endorsed him — because they’ve watched him deliver, year after year.

His opponent has a different story to tell about Jim. It isn’t true. And Craig Riedel knows it isn’t true.

Craig Riedel, you’re in double trouble.

Please join me on May 5 in voting for my husband, Jim Hoops, for State Senate.

Deb Hoops

Napoleon

District voter endorses Jim Hoops

To the Editor:

I am writing to offer my support of Jim Hoops, in his candidacy for State Senator of District 1.

Jim Hoops has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to serving communities with integrity, dedication, and practical leadership. His ability to listen to constituents, understand the challenges facing working families, and deliver thoughtful, results-driven solutions, that’s what I want in a public servant.

Throughout his career, Jim has shown a strong work ethic and a clear understanding of the issues that matter most—economic growth, public safety, education, and responsible governance. He approaches the issues with a balanced perspective and a willingness to collaborate, ensuring that the voices of District 1 are heard and respected.

What truly distinguishes Jim is his accessibility and genuine connection to the people he represents. He is not only a leader but also a neighbor who cares deeply about the well-being and future of our communities. 

I am confident that Jim Hoops will continue to serve us well as our state senator in District 1, with the same level of excellence and dedication he as he has shown throughout his career, as a state representative. I strongly encourage voters to support his candidacy.

Thank you,

Edward Bohn

Pro-progress, risk mitigation

To the Editor,

The discussion regarding the proposed data center at the Marsh Road Mega Site represents a pivotal moment for our county. I am writing to state that I am firmly pro-progress, however, I am uncompromising when it comes to mitigated risk. Recent reports from the Van Wert Area Economic Development Corporation (VWAEDC) show that this project is a generational opportunity. According to Director Brent Stevens, the developer has committed to funding $25 million in infrastructure, including the Bonnewitz Crossing and the Mendon Road overpass. These are critical upgrades that our community needs, funded entirely by the developer rather than our local taxpayers. While the Lincolnview Local School District will receive the primary share of property tax revenue, the City of Van Wert will benefit significantly from income tax generated by 1,500 construction jobs and 250 permanent, high-skilled positions.

This revenue makes sense for our municipal future, provided our due diligence is as modern as the facility itself. Because these contracts are of immense technical complexity, we must mandate outsourced, third-party validation. We need independent auditors — funded by the developer but answering only to the taxpayers — to verify every claim before a deal is signed.

To ensure this progress serves the people without creating a burden, we must maintain these unwavering standards:

• Resource Sovereignty: Physical “Auto-Shed” hardware triggers must be in place to prioritize residential power. If the grid is strained, the facility goes offline—not our homes.
• Water Protection: We require a 100% closed-loop cooling mandate to ensure zero draw from our local aquifer.
• Maximum Transparency: Every utility and tax agreement must remain a public record.

Our leaders stand as the shield for Van Wert, and we count on them to secure these protections to ensure this project carries its own weight. When these measures are verified by independent experts, this project will be a clear win for our community. Let’s build the future with our eyes open and our security guaranteed.

Respectfully,

Jarret Michale Hammons

Local attorney recommends Yarger

To the Editor,

My name is Steve Diller. I am now in my 47th year of practicing law. I have lived in Van Wert County the majority of my life. I would like to provide my opinion to the voters of Van Wert County on matter on the ballot in the upcoming election. It is the race for Juvenile/Probate Court Judge between Todd Wolfrum and Eva Yarger. The opinion I am advancing to you is based on my interactions over the years with the attorneys and Judges including Mr. Wolfrum and Ms. Yarger and factors including the frequency of appearances in the Courts of Van Wert County, the type of cases being handled, the manner and effort shown in fulfilling their duties as advocates for their clients.

First, I would indicate to you that I personally like both candidates and both of them have been exceptional assets to this community, Mr. Wolfrum as a Commissioner of Van Wert County for over 13 years and Ms. Yarger as an assistant Prosecutor, then Prosecutor and finally being appointed as Judge of the Probate and Juvenile Court upon Judge Taylor’s retirement.

The Juvenile Court is a crucial part of not only our system of justice in our community and society. It is a Court solely established to deal with children and it is reserved for dealing with the youth of our community that have committed acts ranging from truancy to violent crimes. It is a challenging area as often it is a product of a child’s home life. It takes knowledgeable, committed and wise individuals involved at all stages of the process, but ultimately it is the Judge who makes the fmal decision.

My opinion is based on the factors set forth above and in great part based on a phrase that “no one can serve two masters.” It has been my observation that in carryout his duties as a commissioner it took Mr. Wolfrum away from the practice of law. In contrast, Ms. Yarger’s duty and appearances increased across the board in all the Courts of Van Wert County.

That is why I recommend to you to vote for Ms. Yarger this election. She is extremely qualified for this position and I believe that if she is elected it will result in justice to those who appear before her and more importantly perhaps make a positive difference in in their lives and this community.

Sincerely,

Steve Diller

Van Wert

Van Wert County vs. State Machine

To the Editor,

There is a lot of noise surrounding the upcoming election for the Van Wert County Probate and Juvenile Court, but we need to look past the campaign signs and focus on a much deeper issue: the survival of local control in Van Wert County.

To be clear, this is not about whether one candidate is “better” than the other. Both individuals involved have their own records of service. This letter is not an endorsement or an attack on a person. It is a critique of a broken process and the state-level “machine” that fueled it.

When a vacancy occurs in our local courts, there is a clear expectation of how the process should work. Our local leadership – the people we elected right here in Van Wert County – did their due diligence. They vetted the options, understood our community’s specific needs, and sent their recommendations to Columbus. They spoke for us. Governor DeWine chose to ignore them.

By going directly against the wishes and recommendations of our local people to install a hand-picked appointment, the Governor sent a clear message: Columbus believes they should control our courthouse. When you add the weight of outside endorsements from organizations like the Koch network into a local race, the “machine” is no longer just a theory — it is a visible attempt to exert top-down control over our area.

Why does this matter to the citizens of Van Wert County?

Local trust — our county leaders know our families, our values, and our unique challenges better than any politician or strategist in Columbus ever will.

The “machine” play — when outside interests and state-level power players try to “control the bench,” they turn our legal system into a political tool rather than a local service.

Our voice — the Probate and Juvenile Court handles our most private family matters. That seat should be occupied by someone chosen by this community, not someone installed by a machine that snubbed our local representatives.

This isn’t about party lines, and it isn’t about Candidate A vs. Candidate B. It is about whether we believe Van Wert County should be governed by its own people or by a political machine in the state capital.

On Election Day, we have the opportunity to send a message. Let’s show Columbus that Van Wert County belongs to the people who live here, and our courthouse is not a satellite office for state-level interference. 

Jarret M. Hammons

Van Wert

Local attorney supports Yarger

To the Editor,

As a lifelong resident of Van Wert County and a practicing attorney, I write to express my personal support for Judge Eva Yarger for the Van Wert County Juvenile and Probate Court.

Judge Yarger is currently serving in this role by appointment, filling the remaining term of Judge Kevin Taylor following his retirement. Prior to taking the bench, she served as Van Wert County Prosecuting Attorney, bringing with her significant courtroom experience and a deep understanding of the law.

In my experience, the qualities that matter most in a judge are integrity, sound judgment, respect for the rule of law, and the ability to treat all parties fairly and impartially. Judge Yarger demonstrates these qualities. Her professional background and temperament reflect a commitment to applying the law thoughtfully and without bias.

Our courts depend on public confidence. That confidence is built when judges approach each case with preparation, patience, and respect for the process. Based on what I have observed, Judge Yarger possesses the character and discipline necessary to continue serving our community in this important role.

This endorsement is offered in my personal capacity as a member of the legal community who values a fair and impartial judiciary.

Sincerely,

Charles F. Koch

Van Wert