Kenton City Council Receives Municipal Court Report; Mayor Praises Police, Fire and Public Works Departments; KHS Student Signs Employment Agreement

Kenton City Council conducted its 8th regular session of the year Monday evening.

Judge Andrew Tudor presented the Court’s Annual Report to Council.

Judge Tudor noted that his term began January 1 this year, and the transition has been very smooth.

He credits his staff for their assistance in making that possible.

He said he is continuing to round-up his team with two well-known attorneys who will serve as of acting judges, who will sit in for him when he is absent or must recuse himself from a case.

They are Hardin County resident Richard Reese and retired Judge Gregory Grimslid have been sworn-in to serve as back-ups.

Upper Sandusky Municipal Court Judge James Ruhlen is his mentor judge, who was assigned by the Ohio Supreme Court.

As to the 2025 Court Report:

The Court processed $1,250,384.50 in fines and costs. That is an increase of $83,778.05 from 2024.

Civil caseloads increased by one case, but the traffic and criminal caseloads increased 825 cases, which is a 45% increase.

He noted that much of them were CDL trucker cases as a result of construction relted traffic in Kenton.

The Court sent $400,868.20 dollars to the city last year in fines and costs.

Looking ahead, Judge Tudor said a new Traffic Violator’s Diversion Safety Program will be rolling out soon.

Through the program, he said an eligible traffic offender will be able to elect to enter into this program, which partners with Safe Driver online.com. If during a certain amount of time, they can take a remedial driver education program test and receive a certificate, and the Court will then dismiss the case, which means no driver’s license points or impacts on insurance.

Lastly, Judge Tudor said he is starting the process to form a Court Security Committee, which is required by the Supreme Court. The committee members will consist of first responders, court staff, city, county commissioners and the jail, and they will address court safety standards.

Also at the meeting, Police Chief Dennis Musser praised his officers, especially second shift officers for their work that resulted in the seizure of drugs last week during a traffic stop. The seizure of drugs in fact was the third one in seven days. Chief Musser noted that the officers are excited about the fact that they are taking these people off the streets. He said it is great to see his officers coming to work and people excited about what he considers actual police work, “We get caught up with trucks, semis, campers and trash, that’s all important, but when they go out and aggressively attack the drug issue or aggressively attack arrest warrants, especially higher risk ones, they’re doing that entirely on their own, and they’re excited about it. Sometimes, really excited. It’s very refreshing for me. We’ve had ups and downs over the years, and I think right now we have a group, especially on second shift, with Sgt. (Dylen) Carter, who was promoted recently, and Officer Rowland with his K9 pattern, they’re just absolutely crushing it out there.”

Safety Service Director said the railroad bore as part of the project underway on Main Street was scheduled to happen this week, but CSX has delayed it, so the bore underneath the railroad tracks is now scheduled for next week.

Mayor Lynn Webb praised the police and fire departments. She said, I would say we have the best in the area, like in the State of Ohio plus the United States.” Mayor Webb also praised the Public Works Department saying, “They fixed a 12 inch water main at Graphic Packaging Friday (April 24) that was quite a bear, and for the most part, nobody knew about it, so it was well orchestrated, we have the right dogs in the right dog house, so I just want to thank all of them.”

The mayor also announced the city as partnered with Kenton City Schools during their E‑Sign Day to connect students with real‑world career opportunities—enrollment, enlistment, or employment.

She said Public Works Superintendent Theron Gammon and Water Crew Leader Justin Wyomic worked closely with Kenton High School staff, and Haedynn Brown was signed for employment with the City, starting right after graduation.

She said this is our Homegrown Project—investing in talented, committed local kids who will strengthen our community for years to come.

Photo credit: Wes Goldsmith (posted on City of Kenton Government Facebook page) https://www.facebook.com/CityofKenton

Under business:

A resolution finalizing actions to permit the city to enter into a Highway Improvement Project with the Ohio Department of Transportation was passed after being read for the third and final reading. That has to do with the Roundabout Project.

A resolution authorizing the safety-service director to enter into a professional services agreement for design and funding assistance of the Downtown Phase II B Water and Sanitary Sewer Project with OHM Advisors was read for the second time and will be on third reading at the next meeting.

The 9th Regular Session of Kenton City Council will be held on May 11.