As the November election approaches, Logan County residents are gearing up to cast their votes for a range of candidates and on several local issues impacting their communities.
From school board positions to township trustees, mayoral races, and local levies, there’s a lot at stake in this year’s ballot.
The Logan County Board of Elections has officially certified the list of candidates and issues to appear on the ballot this fall in each precinct throughout the county. In addition, the deadline for those who may like to file as a write-in candidate is by 4 p.m. Monday, Aug. 28.
From education to infrastructure and public safety, candidates elected to various positions and the outcomes of the local issues on the ballot will have a direct impact on the daily lives of Logan County residents.
As the election date approaches, residents are encouraged to stay informed about the candidates and research the issues at hand. Every vote counts, and participating in the democratic process is crucial to ensuring that the community’s voice is heard and represented.
Here’s an in-depth look at the candidates vying for elected positions:
Board of Education races:
Bellefontaine City Schools: Mark A. Fissel, Kristen Lang, Laurie Showalter, Colin Yoder and Karen Wilson
Benjamin Logan Local Schools: Scott Spriggs
Indian Lake Local Schools: Chad Ross, Steven W. Spath and Gabriel D. Wickline
West Liberty-Salem Local Schools: Patrick Adams and Ryan Cole
Board of Educational Service Center Races:
Midwest Regional ESC Sub-District #1: Ryan E. Woolley
Midwest Regional ESC Sub-District #4 (write-in candidate): Janet Moore
Midwest Regional ESC Sub-District #5 (write-in candidate): David H. Campbell
Midwest Regional ESC Sub-District #6 (write-in candidate): James Bingham
Midwest Regional ESC Sub-District #7 (write-in candidate): Connie C. Dyer
An array of townships will see candidates running for trustee and fiscal officer positions:
Bloomfield Township: Kelly Copeland (unexpired term ending 12-31-2025), Kyle Knief (unexpired term ending 12-31-2025), and (One candidate for Full Term)
Bokescreek Township: Larry Mouser (Trustee), Jennifer Wright (Fiscal Officer)
Harrison Township: Gary Wayne Ginter (Trustee), Judy Hartzler (Fiscal Officer)
Jefferson Township: Matthew Wiley (Trustee), Heather Clapsaddle (Fiscal Officer)
Lake Township: Randal R. Varner (Trustee), James Wish (Trustee), Douglas (Bill) Boy (Fiscal Officer)
Liberty Township: Jacob F. Vitt (Trustee)
McArthur Township: Donn William Volbrecht (Trustee), Brandi R. Altstaetter (Fiscal Officer)
Miami Township: Ronald E. Pope (Trustee), Marvin Wayne McCully (Trustee, unexpired term ending 12-31-2025), Kaitlyn Bailey (Fiscal Officer)
Monroe Township: Dale D. Barns (Trustee), Jenny Stanford (Fiscal Officer)
Perry Township: John C. Brose (Trustee), Cindy Stalling (Fiscal Officer)
Pleasant Township: Stephen L. Sanders (Trustee), Donald L. Pippin (Fiscal Officer)
Richland Township: Tracy M. Baker (Trustee), Cathy Pool (Fiscal Officer)
Rushcreek Township: David Davis (Trustee, unexpired term ending 12-31-2025), Jeremiah Defibaugh (Trustee, unexpired term ending 12-31-2025), Glen M. Rutan (Trustee, unexpired term ending 12-31-2025), Heather Lynn Wright (Trustee, unexpired term ending 12-31-2025), Douglas Lyons (Trustee, full term), and David S. Willoby (Fiscal Officer)
Stokes Township: Theresa Honnold (Trustee), Kent E. Zimmerly (Trustee), Janna Rice (Fiscal Officer)
Union Township: Stephen L. Yoder (Trustee), Rebecca J. Robison (Fiscal Officer)
Washington Township: Donald L. Lewis (Trustee), Lisa Miller (Fiscal Officer)
Zane Township: Jack Graham (Trustee), Amie Raterman (Trustee), Joni K. Cox (Fiscal Officer)
Mayors, Council Members, and Commissioners:
Belle Center: Lance R. Houchin (Mayor), Shannan Penny (Council Member), and
DeGraff: John Lewis Miller (Mayor), Stephanie Orsborne (Mayor), Nancy Hall (Council Member), and Gabriel T. Kean (Council Member)
Huntsville: Michael Hyder (Mayor), Robin M. Jenkins (Council Member), and (One additional Council Member)
Lakeview: Elaine Ann Fagan Moore (Mayor), Melvin Rotroff (Council Member), and
Quincy: Daniel G. Robinson (Mayor), (Two Council Members)
Rushsylvania: Jason Miller (Mayor), Phillip Andrew Wright (Mayor), Christopher Crumley (Council Member), Sarah Jane Cunningham (Council Member), Jeremy Lowe (Council Member), and Victoria Zupan (Council Member)
Russells Point: Robin Reames (Mayor), Joan Hinterschied (Council Member)
Valley-Hi: Stephen R. Roshon (Commissioner) and Kevin Shafer (Commissioner)
West Liberty: Bradley A. Hudson (Mayor), Jill C. McKelvey (Mayor), Shannon L. Maier (Council Member), and (One additional Council Member)
West Mansfield: John Newland (Mayor), (One Council Member), and Eddie L. Kise (Council Member)
Zanesfield: (One Mayor), Mark R. Berkfield (Council Member), and Glenna M. Theis (Council Member)
Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of each levy request and issue set to appear on the upcoming ballot:
Bloomfield Township Zoning Resolution:
Voters in Bloomfield Township will decide whether to approve the adopted zoning plan for the unincorporated area of the township. This resolution aims to guide future land use and development decisions in the area.
Bokescreek Township Renewal Levy (Current Expense):
Bokescreek Township residents will have the opportunity to renew a tax for the benefit of current expenses. This levy, estimated to collect $38,000 annually, will not exceed 1 mill for each $1 of taxable value, equivalent to $35 for every $100,000 of appraised value. The renewal will last for 5 years, starting in 2024, with the first installment due in 2025.
Bokescreek Township (Excluding Ridgeway) Renewal Levy (Fire Protection and EMS):
This proposal involves a renewal levy to support fire protection and emergency medical services (EMS) in Bokescreek Township, excluding Ridgeway. The levy is estimated to gather $36,000 annually, with a cap of 1.5 mills for each $1 of taxable value, amounting to $53 per $100,000 of appraised value. The renewal will span 5 years, commencing in 2024.
Jefferson Township Renewal Levy (Parks):
Jefferson Township seeks the renewal of a levy to support parks. Estimated to generate $19,000 annually, the levy will not exceed 0.25 mill for each $1 of taxable value, translating to $6 for every $100,000 of appraised value. This renewal will take effect in 2024, with the first collection in 2025.
Brewfontaine at the Hills LLC Local Option (Sunday Sales):
Brewfontaine at the Hills LLC, a local restaurant and bar, has petitioned for the sale of beer, wine, mixed beverages, and spirituous liquor on Sundays. The proposal pertains to a D-6 liquor permit.
McArthur Township Renewal Levy (Fire Protection, Excluding Huntsville):
McArthur Township residents will vote on a renewal levy to fund fire protection, excluding Huntsville. The levy is projected to gather $57,000 annually, with a maximum rate of 1.25 mills for each $1 of taxable value, equivalent to $35 per $100,000 of appraised value. The renewal will span 3 years, starting in 2023.
Monroe Township Renewal Levy (Road Construction):
Monroe Township proposes the renewal of a levy to support road construction. Estimated to collect $100,000 annually, the levy will not exceed 3 mills for each $1 of taxable value, amounting to $53 per $100,000 of appraised value. This renewal will continue indefinitely, beginning in 2024.
Castle Mac-O-Chee LLC Local Option (Liquor Sales):
Castle Mac-O-Chee LLC, operating an event center in Monroe Township, seeks permission for the sale of beer, wine, mixed beverages, and spirituous liquor.
Castle Mac-O-Chee LLC Local Option (Sunday Sales):
In a separate proposal, Castle Mac-O-Chee LLC is requesting permission to sell alcoholic beverages on Sundays.
Perry Township Renewal Levy (Current Expense):
Perry Township voters will decide on a renewal levy for current expenses. This levy, projected to generate $52,000 annually, will not exceed 1 mill for each $1 of taxable value, equivalent to $20 per $100,000 of appraised value. The renewal will span 5 years, beginning in 2024.
Perry Township Renewal Levy (Fire Protection):
Perry Township is proposing the renewal of a levy to fund fire protection. Estimated to collect $200,000 annually, the levy will not exceed 4 mills for each $1 of taxable value, equivalent to $71 per $100,000 of appraised value. This renewal will take effect in 2024.
Rushcreek Township Renewal Levy (Cemetery):
Rushcreek Township residents will vote on a renewal levy to support cemetery maintenance. Estimated to gather $28,000 annually, the levy will not exceed 0.5 mill for each $1 of taxable value, equivalent to $18 per $100,000 of appraised value. The renewal will last for 5 years, starting in 2023.
Union Township Renewal Levy (Road Construction):
A renewal levy for road construction is up for consideration in Union Township. Estimated to generate $40,000 annually, the levy will not exceed 2.5 mills for each $1 of taxable value, equivalent to $40 per $100,000 of appraised value. The renewal will span 5 years, starting in 2024.
Indian Lake Local School District Levy (Renewal):
The Indian Lake Local School District proposes renewing an existing levy to fund emergency requirements. The levy will total $2,878,500 and fall outside the ten-mill limitation. Estimated to average 4.8 mills for each $1 of taxable value, the levy amounts to $168 per $100,000 of appraised value. This renewal will span 5 years, beginning in 2024.
Indian Joint Fire District Levy (Renewal and Increase):
Indian Joint Fire District seeks the renewal of a 1-mill levy with a 1.5-mill increase to fund fire and EMS services. The levy, projected to collect $360,000 annually, will not exceed 2.5 mills for each $1 of taxable value, equivalent to $75 per $100,000 of appraised value. This combined levy will continue indefinitely, starting in 2024.
Stokes Central Fire District Renewal Levy (Fire Protection):
Stokes Central Fire District proposes the renewal of a levy for fire protection. Estimated to gather $129,000 annually, the levy will not exceed 0.8 mill for each $1 of taxable value, equivalent to $18 per $100,000 of appraised value. This renewal will continue indefinitely.
Stokes Southwest Fire District Renewal Levy (Fire Protection):
A renewal levy to support fire protection is on the ballot for Stokes Southwest Fire District. Estimated to collect $1,000 annually, the levy will not exceed 1.6 mills for each $1 of taxable value, equivalent to $18 per $100,000 of appraised value. This renewal will continue indefinitely.
City of Bellefontaine Proposed Income Tax Increase:
Bellefontaine residents will decide on a proposed 1.6 percent income tax levy increase. The additional funds will support parks, recreation operations, and capital expenditures of the Bellefontaine Parks and Recreation Department.
City of Bellefontaine Proposed Ordinance (Adult Entertainment):
A proposed ordinance amendment related to adult entertainment classifications is on the ballot. This amendment pertains to the inclusion of drag artist(s) and drag shows as Adult Cabaret Performances, with specific regulations.
Vicario’s Pizza & Pasta LLC Local Option (Sunday Sales):
Vicario’s Pizza & Pasta LLC, operating a restaurant in Bellefontaine, seeks permission to sell alcoholic beverages on Sundays.
Village of West Liberty Renewal Levy (Current Expense):
West Liberty residents will vote on a renewal levy for current expenses. Estimated to generate $100,000 annually, the levy will not exceed 2.5 mills for each $1 of taxable value, equivalent to $51 per $100,000 of appraised value. The renewal will span five years, starting in 2024.
Independent Petitions (Village of West Liberty):
Several independent petitions in West Liberty address the sale of beer, spirituous liquor, wine, and mixed beverages, both for on-premise and off-premise consumption.
Village of Rushsylvania Electric Aggregation:
Rushsylvania residents will decide whether the Village should have the authority to aggregate retail electric loads. This measure would allow for service agreements to facilitate the sale and purchase of electricity.
Village of Huntsville Additional Levy (Fire and EMS):
Huntsville proposes an additional tax to fund fire and EMS services. Estimated to collect $13,500 annually, the levy will not exceed 1.5 mills for each $1 of taxable value, equivalent to $53 per $100,000 of appraised value. This additional levy will span five years, starting in 2023.
As Logan County residents head to the polls, they will have the chance to shape the future of their communities by casting their votes on these levy questions and local issues. The outcomes of these ballots will play a crucial role in determining the direction and priorities of their townships, municipalities and school districts.