Coleman's Crossing crash seriously injures Raymond man. More traffic congestion is anticipated tonight near the Fairgrounds. And the potential cost of a property tax repeal to MEVSD
Give us a few moments and we'll serve up what matters in Marysville on Friday, July 18, 2025
In this edition, sponsored by Suds Brothers Car Wash on Damascus Road in Marysville:
One person was seriously injured in a crash that clogged Coleman’s Crossing on Wednesday
Prepare for more traffic congestion tonight around the County Fairgrounds
Marysville School Board members learn how much it would take to maintain services if property taxes are repealed
Mill Valley murder suspect is found not competent to stand trial, for now
And more….
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Coleman's Crossing accident results in serious injury
Local motorists may have been frustrated by the traffic backups related to an accident on Wednesday afternoon. They were delayed because a person was seriously injured.
A Raymond man suffered serious injuries in a one-vehicle accident on Delaware Avenue on Wednesday afternoon around 4:20 p.m.
31-year-old Caleb Kise was transported to Riverside Methodist Hospital with suspected serious injuries by Marysville Fire EMS crews.
Marysville Police issued a Nixle alert to ask motorists to avoid the area. However, the crash caused a serious traffic jam in the Coleman's Cross area, the primary ingress/egress intersection. The other access area is closed due to construction of the new roundabout at Industrial Parkway.
Mr. Kise was traveling eastbound on Delaware Avenue when he ran the red light, went left of center, and drove over the raised median. His pickup then struck a tree before crossing over into eastbound traffic and striking the curb.
Marysville Fire crews arrived at the scene and found Kise still in the tipped Ford F150 pickup with serious injuries. He was removed from the undamaged passenger side of the vehicle, treated, and then transported.
Marysville Police cited Kise for failure to control. It's unclear what contributed to the accident. There was no detection of alcohol, marijuana, or other substances, according to the report filed by the Police Division.
The scene was cleared by 5 p.m., allowing traffic to begin clearing.
A few motorists were impatient with the traffic backup, choosing to ignore road closure signs and drive through the Industrial Parkway roundabout construction site.
City Engineer Kyle Hoyng told me that damage to the worksite was minimal.
"Fortunately, there was only minor rutting in the roundabout, and our contractor was able to address it," he said. "It should go without saying, but ignoring road closure directives creates safety risks and may lead to penalties."
Traffic alert: Expect congestion around the Fairgrounds this afternoon and evening
Expect heavy traffic tonight around the Union County Fairgrounds.
A big crowd is anticipated for the Justin Moore concert, and traffic will be a factor getting in and out of the Fairgrounds.
"Friday night is going to be extremely busy in the area," City Manager Terry Emery shared with City Council members this week.
Parking lots open at 2 p.m. and gates open at 3:30 p.m.
Opening acts start at 4 p.m., and Moore is slated to take the stage at 8:30 p.m. All times are subject to change.
Marysville schools are getting ready for the new school year
Marysville school parents should have received an email this week regarding transportation information.
Parents also received a phone call Thursday night reminding them to look at that email.
Interim Superintendent Jonathan Langhals said the district is trying to avoid the bussing debacle that plagued the opening of last school year.
He said if kids are routed, families should have received an email on Thursday.
State budget caps administrative costs for school districts
One of the common arguments brought up against the Marysville school levy this spring (which was approved by voters in May) is that the district is bloated with high-paid administrative staff.
But the facts don’t seem to fit that narrative.
A new state budget provision stipulates that school districts are not allowed to spend more than 15% of their overall budget on administrative expenditures. That’s a provision across the board for the more than 600 districts in the state.
How will Marysville fare under the new 15% cap?
District Treasurer Todd Johnson reported on Thursday night that the district is well below the 10% mark on admin expenditures.
The Marysville schools stand to gain a small amount of new money in the state budget, relatively speaking, to the tune of $196,000 in FY 26 and roughly $117,000 in FY 27.
The district forecast assumes a $240,000 increase from the state.
How a full property tax repeal would impact working Marysville school district residents
A movement is afoot to repeal property taxes in the state of Ohio.
Petitions are being circulated across the state, including Union County, to place the question before voters, likely in 2026.
Assuming property taxes were repealed, the only option for school districts would be to levy an income tax to replace the lost revenue.
How would that impact working households in the Marysville school district?
School Treasurer Todd Johnson told Board of Education members on Thursday night:
“If you did away with property taxes, and assuming we were to have the same level of funding from an income tax standpoint, that would be about a 6.5% income tax.”
MEVSD Board action summary
On Thursday night, the board approved the employment of several new staff members, including new principals for Raymond and Edgewood Elementary schools.
Jessica Parthemore is the new principal at Raymond. Pamela Bertke is the new principal at Edgewood.
Lease negotiations approved for cell tower
The Board authorized district staff to enter into negotiations with Verizon to lease a part of the Bunsold Middle School property for a cell phone tower.
Above: The area marked in red is the subject of lease negotiations for a cell tower
The land is unusable for educational purposes, and it could generate much-needed additional revenue for the district.
Any final negotiated agreement will have to come back and be approved by the board.
Master facilities recommendation adopted
The Board adopted the Master Facilities Plan that has been in development over the past year.
Board member Dick Smith said the recommendation provides flexibility, without putting additional tax burden on the population.
“I think it makes a lot of sense,” he said. “This measure doesn’t lock us into anything. It just says this is the plan at this point.”
Board president Bill Keck underscored Smith’s point.
“It’s a recommendation that we are approving tonight and not necessarily the implementation of everything,” Keck said. “I think that’s one thing that has some people nervous. It’s just a recommendation.”
Board member Nan Savidge thanked the community task force for providing critical feedback on the recommendation.
She foresees that the same group can help continue the future direction of the plan.
Swindler found not competent to stand trial, for now
A 27-year-old Marysville man who admitted to stabbing his father to death in their Mill Valley home in April has been declared not competent to stand trial.
An expert psychologist determined that Micaiah Swindler can be rehabilitated and deemed competent within the next year.
Union County Common Pleas Court Judge Don Fraser on Wednesday morning ordered Swindler to undergo rehabilitation at the maximum-security Central Ohio Behavioral Healthcare Center in Columbus to restore his competency.
Fraser deemed Swindler not competent to stand trial based on an expert evaluation.
Although Swindler admitted to stabbing his father, Joseph Swindler, to death back on April 21 in their Meadowlark Lane residence, he entered a not guilty by reason of insanity plea to multiple charges, including aggravated murder, felonious assault, tampering with evidence, and possessing criminal tools.
Before he can stand trial, the competency issue must be resolved.
Judge Fraser noted the case will be marked inactive until a report is received on Swindler’s rehabilitation.
Swindler appeared in person at the hearing and calmly sat through the proceedings.
One transported after collision on NW Parkway
Allen Township EMS transported a 57-year-old Marysville woman to Memorial Hospital following a two-vehicle accident on Northwest Parkway at Paver Barnes Road on Tuesday afternoon around 5:30 p.m.
68-year-old Terry Dorn of Marysville was traveling westbound on Northwest Pkwy when his 2020 Ford F-250 struck a 2018 Chevy Cruze operated by Darlene Daniels of Marysville. Daniels was attempting to turn southbound into a private drive.
Dorn was cited by state troopers who investigated the crash.
Daniels was transported for treatment of minor injuries
Union County Presents Legally Blonde: The Musical
This weekend, Encore! Union County proudly presents Legally Blonde The Musical, a vibrant, high-energy production based on the novel by Amanda Brown and the hit Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer film.
The cast features 44 talented performers and 7 crew members representing six local high schools and nine colleges and universities.
Performances will take place at Veterans Memorial Auditorium on the following dates and times:
Friday, July 18 at 7:00 PM
Saturday, July 19 at 7:00 PM
Sunday, July 20 at 3:00 PM
The production is co-directed by Ashley Garrett Schwyn and Rhonda Hill.
Tickets are priced at $15 for adults and $10 for seniors (60+) and students.
Reserve your seats online by clicking here.
Marysville Marching Band to Host Rhythm Race 5K
Looking for something fun to do with your family on Saturday morning?
Look no further than the Marysville High School Marching Band's Inaugural Rhythm Race 5K & Rhythm Rush Kids Run.
It will kick off at 7:55 am on July 19 with the Rhythm Rush Kids Run. It's a fun 100-yard dash where every kid 6 and under will earn a specially made Rhythm Rush Rattle!
After the kids run, the community is invited to walk or run the Rhythm Race 5K, a beautiful course through Schwartzkopf Park and Mill Valley South Park, starting and ending at the Marysville High School Band Room.
Runners will be serenaded along the way with music by the Marysville Monarch Marching Band, which is celebrating its 96th season this year and preparing to perform at Dollywood next spring.
"We're excited for the new season and proud to bring this event to Marysville! Our band members march hundreds of miles every season between rehearsals, halftime performances, and competitions, so why not walk or run a few miles to support these incredible student musician athletes?" said event chair and fundraising team member Franki Goodman.
You can register by clicking here or on site beginning at 7:00 am on Saturday at the High School Band Room, located on the back side of Marysville High School.
All funds raised through this event will support the band programs throughout the Marysville School District.
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Have a great Friday!
-Joe C.