Fostoria News PIVOT Recovery Court building in Fostoria with sunrise background.

SENECA COUNTY | PIVOT Recovery Court Serving Tiffin & Fostoria Awarded $190,000 State Grant

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Fostoria News PIVOT Recovery Court building in Fostoria with sunrise background.

Author: FFP Ai Bot

TIFFIN — Seneca County’s PIVOT Recovery Program has received a $190,000 grant from the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction. The specialty court serves offenders with drug and alcohol addictions in the county’s courts, including the Tiffin-Fostoria Municipal Court.

The grant will pay for substance use treatment, peer support, case management, employment assistance and other services meant to help participants stay sober and avoid new offenses, according to a news release from the Seneca County Common Pleas Court reported by TiffinOhio.net on Oct. 7.

“This investment reflects the State of Ohio’s continued commitment to evidence-based recovery programs that change lives,” Common Pleas Judges Steve C. Shuff and Damon D. Alt said in a joint statement. They said the program “gives individuals the tools and support they need to overcome addiction, become productive members of the community, and build a better future for themselves and their families.”

How PIVOT works

PIVOT stands for Participating in Victory of Transition. Instead of relying only on traditional sentencing, it pairs court supervision with treatment. Participants appear regularly before Shuff, Alt and Tiffin-Fostoria Municipal Court Judge Rhonda L. Best, who track their progress.

The program lasts at least 15 months and has five phases: compliance, engagement, growth, development and maintenance, according to the Common Pleas Court’s website. In the first phase, which lasts at least 60 days, participants attend weekly status hearings, take drug tests at least twice a week, meet weekly with a case manager, live in sober housing and follow a 9:30 p.m. curfew. As participants move up, they go to court less often, their curfews are relaxed and the sobriety required to advance grows longer, from 20 straight days in the first phase to 60 in the fourth. Before graduating, participants must complete a community engagement project.

The program also covers mental health services, meetings with probation officers and help finding stable housing.

Earlier funding

The new award is not the program’s first outside money. In October 2024, PIVOT received $157,665 from the OneOhio Recovery Foundation, which distributes Ohio’s share of opioid settlement money from the pharmaceutical industry. At the time, Shuff called PIVOT “a very unique specialized drug court for the Seneca County Common Pleas Court and Tiffin-Fostoria Municipal Court.”

The latest announcement did not say how long the grant runs, how many participants it will serve or whether the county must put up matching money. The judges thanked the state corrections department and said PIVOT will keep working with local treatment providers and community groups.

#Fostoria #Tiffin #SenecaCounty

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Tyler Robinson case update with a young man and quote about freedom and extinction.

The Path to Trial in the Charlie Kirk Murder – Death Penalty Sought by Prosecutors

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 The Path to Trial in the Charlie Kirk Murder

Fostoria Free Press — Following the conclusion of Tyler Robinson’s five-day preliminary hearing on July 10, 2026, the high-profile aggravated murder case is entering a critical waiting period before the next major court date.

Here’s a clear breakdown of what’s next in the legal proceedings against the 23-year-old accused of assassinating conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025.

Next Court Date: September 1, 2026 – Final Arguments & Probable Cause Ruling

On Monday, September 1, 2026, the parties will return to the Fourth District Court in Provo, Utah, before Judge Tony F. Graf Jr. for oral arguments on whether there is sufficient probable cause to bind the case over for trial.

  • Both the prosecution (Utah County Attorney’s Office) and the defense will present written briefs beforehand:
    • State’s brief due: July 28, 2026
    • Defense response: August 11, 2026
    • State’s rebuttal: August 18, 2026

This hearing will give attorneys the opportunity to summarize the evidence presented during the preliminary hearing and argue their positions one final time before the judge rules.

What the Judge Will Decide

Judge Graf must determine whether prosecutors have met the relatively low probable cause standard — essentially, whether there is enough evidence to believe Robinson committed the crimes charged. Legal experts widely expect the case to be bound over for trial, as the prosecution presented extensive evidence including:

  • Surveillance video
  • DNA on the alleged murder weapon (Disputed by defense)
  • Alleged confessions via text and statements to his roommate
  • Ballistics and other forensic testimony

If the judge finds probable cause (widely anticipated), Robinson will be formally bound over for trial. He would then be arraigned and enter a plea (almost certainly not guilty).

Timeline After September 1

If the case proceeds to trial (expected):

  • Arraignment and Pretrial Motions — Likely in the weeks following the ruling. Defense has already filed various motions (change of venue, suppression of evidence, death penalty challenges, etc.).

  • Jury Selection & Trial — Death penalty cases in Utah are complex and can take many months to schedule. A full trial could occur in late 2026 or 2027.

  • Potential Outcomes: Trial, plea deal (unlikely given the high-profile nature and death penalty notice), or other resolutions.

Prosecutors continue to seek the death penalty. Robinson remains in custody without bond at the Utah County Jail.

Significance of the Case

This remains one of the most closely watched criminal cases in the country due to the public prominence of the victim, intense political attention, and debates over media coverage and pretrial publicity. Kirk’s family has attended hearings and continues to seek justice and closure.

The September 1 hearing is the next pivotal moment that will determine whether the case moves from the preliminary stage into a full jury trial.

This article is based on court scheduling and public statements as of mid-July 2026. Court dates are subject to change. For the most current information, check official Utah Courts records or local news updates.

Fostoria News 23-year-old man faces death penalty in preliminary hearing.

Preliminary Hearing for Tyler Robinson in Charlie Kirk Murder Case Concludes; Strong Evidence Presented as Case Heads Toward Likely Trial.

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Fostoria News 23-year-old man faces death penalty in preliminary hearing.

Preliminary Hearing for Tyler Robinson in Charlie Kirk Murder Case Concludes; Strong Evidence Presented as Case Heads Toward Likely Trial.

Provo, Utah — The five-day preliminary hearing for Tyler Robinson, the 23-year-old accused of assassinating conservative activist Charlie Kirk on September 10, 2025, at Utah Valley University (UVU) in Orem, wrapped up on July 10, 2026. Prosecutors presented a substantial body of evidence—including surveillance videos, DNA analysis, ballistic reports, and alleged confessions—aimed at establishing probable cause for aggravated murder and other charges.

Judge Tony Graf did not issue an immediate ruling. Instead, the court will reconvene on September 1, 2026, for final oral arguments after both sides submit written briefs (state by July 28, defense reply by August 11, and state rebuttal by August 18). Robinson, who faces the death penalty if convicted, declined to testify and has not yet entered a plea.

Key Evidence Presented in the Hearing

Prosecutors detailed Robinson’s alleged movements on the day of the shooting, supported by UVU surveillance footage showing him on campus multiple times, including before and after the incident. Videos captured him in different clothing, climbing onto a rooftop, and leaving the area. One video reportedly showed him in a “sniper position,” causing the judge to flinch.

Forensic testimony included DNA evidence linking Robinson to the suspected murder weapon (a bolt-action rifle with one spent round), a towel it was wrapped in, and tools used to engrave messages on bullets. ATF experts noted limitations in DNA analysis but affirmed support for Robinson as a major contributor.

A pivotal element was testimony and a recorded interview with Robinson’s former roommate and romantic partner, Lance Twiggs (who received immunity). Twiggs described Robinson returning home, confessing to the shooting, expressing regret (“he wishes he hadn’t done it”), and pacing while crying. Text messages allegedly showed Robinson admitting responsibility (“I am, I’m sorry”), stating he planned it for “a bit over a week,” and citing motive: having “enough of [Kirk’s] hatred. Some hate can’t be negotiated out.” Twiggs also testified that Robinson asked for a tool to engrave bullets beforehand.

Additional evidence included a pre-shooting note, Robinson turning himself in after family confrontation, and ballistic details. Kirk’s widow Erika and his parents attended parts of the hearing, describing it as a painful reminder.

The defense challenged the reliability of DNA evidence, video admissibility, and other points but did not present an alternative perpetrator theory.

Confidence in Proceeding to Trial

Legal experts and those involved expressed strong confidence that the case will advance to a full trial, given the low probable cause standard at this stage (far below “beyond a reasonable doubt”).

Utah County prosecutors described the evidence as “overwhelming,” including DNA, videos, and confessions.

Former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani stated it is “almost a certainty” that Judge Graf will find probable cause, leading to a jury trial where Robinson is expected to plead not guilty. He highlighted strong video evidence that “doesn’t lie.”

Other analysts noted the hearing serves as a “mini-trial” preview, with prosecutors methodically building a compelling case likely to meet even higher trial standards.

The Kirk family’s attorney emphasized transparency and the family’s right to see justice proceed.

Tyler Robinson’s Current Whereabouts and Custody Status

Tyler Robinson has been in custody since shortly after the September 10, 2025, shooting. He turned himself in to authorities on September 11, 2025, following a brief manhunt and family intervention. He has remained detained without bail throughout the pretrial proceedings.

As of July 2026, Robinson is being held at the Utah County Jail in Provo, where he has appeared (in person or remotely) for court hearings, including the recent preliminary hearing. He is under heightened security protocols due to the high-profile nature of the case. There have been no reports of release or bond; he is expected to remain in jail pending the judge’s ruling on September 1 and any subsequent trial.

Background and Next Steps

Kirk, 31, co-founder of Turning Point USA, was shot in the neck during a speaking event. Prosecutors allege political motivation tied to Kirk’s views. Robinson surrendered shortly after and faces multiple charges, including aggravated murder with a victim-targeting enhancement and a violent offense in the presence of a child.

The case has drawn intense national attention, with ongoing debates over media access, gag orders, and defense motions (including attempts to disqualify prosecutors or remove the death penalty).

A ruling on September 1 will determine if the case proceeds. If bound over for trial, an arraignment would follow. Both sides anticipate a lengthy process due to the high-profile nature and death penalty implications.

This article is based on court proceedings and public reporting as of mid-July 2026. Developments are ongoing.

University Center Apartments Tiffin, Ohio

Displaced Tiffin Resident Says Security Deposit is Being Withheld After University Center Apartments Fire in Tiffin

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University Center Apartments Tiffin, Ohio

Here are stronger or more cost-effective options:

  1. Do It Yourself (Free or Very Low Cost) – Often the Best Alternative
    • Send a formal demand letter yourself (templates are free online from Nolo, state bar associations, or court self-help sites). Include move-out photos, inspection reports, and state-specific deadlines.
    • Mail it certified with return receipt for proof.
    • Many landlords pay after a well-written letter to avoid court. If not, file in small claims court directly (filing fees usually $20–$75, no lawyer needed).
    • Resources: Your state’s small claims self-help page (e.g., California, New York, Ohio have excellent free guides), Nolo’s guides, or local tenant rights organizations.
  2. Free or Low-Cost Legal Aid / Tenant Advocacy
    • Contact local tenant unions, legal aid societies, or housing nonprofits (e.g., via 211.org or state bar referral services). Many provide free templates, review, or representation for deposit cases.
    • In some states, you can recover 2x the deposit + attorney fees if the withholding was in bad faith.
  3. Other Online Services
    • LegalZoom or Rocket Lawyer: Similar document automation but broader support and potentially better reviews for hand-holding.
    • DoNotPay or similar “robot lawyer” apps: Cheaper automation for demand letters/small claims in supported areas.
    • Local small claims filing services or paralegals (often cheaper than full platforms if you just need filing help).

Pro Tip: Document everything thoroughly (photos, video walkthroughs on move-out day with witnesses if possible). This strengthens your case far more than any service.

Displaced Resident Says Security Deposit is Being Withheld After University Center Apartments Fire in Tiffin

By The Associates of the Fostoria Free Press

TIFFIN, Ohio — A former resident displaced by a devastating apartment fire at University Center Apartments is now battling management for the return of his security deposit, months after the blaze forced dozens from their homes.

The resident, who wished to remain anonymous for fear of complicating his situation, reached out for guidance after being denied the return of funds he believes are rightfully his. In a message seeking advice, he wrote:

“Good afternoon, I hope this message finds you well! I am in need of advice, and I feel you are the guy to go to. I was one of the residents displaced by the fire that happened last January at University Center in Tiffin. I am reaching out because I am being denied my security deposit by the manager, and I am unsure of what avenue I can take to receive my denied funds.”

The landlord’s most recent message to the past tenant:

Fostoria News Tiffin University Center Apartments fire safety update and tenant relocation info.

The fire occurred in January 2025 at the University Center Apartments, located at 196 East Market Street in Tiffin, near Heidelberg University. According to reports at the time, the Red Cross responded to the scene to assist displaced residents. The blaze caused significant damage, leaving many without immediate housing and personal belongings.

While specific details about the cause of the fire and extent of damage were not fully detailed in initial coverage, the incident disrupted the lives of numerous tenants during the winter months. Many were forced to find emergency shelter, with support from local organizations like the Red Cross.

Tenant Rights in Security Deposit Disputes After Disasters

Under Ohio law, landlords must generally return security deposits (or provide an itemized list of deductions) within 30 days after a tenant vacates the property. Disasters like fires can complicate matters, but tenants displaced through no fault of their own often have strong claims for full refunds, especially if the property became uninhabitable.

Legal experts and tenant advocates note that fire damage typically falls under the landlord’s responsibility for maintenance and insurance. Withholding a deposit without clear evidence of tenant-caused damage beyond normal wear and tear may violate state regulations.

Recommended steps for the resident (and others in similar situations):

  1. Send a formal demand letter — Document the displacement due to the fire, reference move-in condition reports, and request the full deposit with an itemized accounting.
  2. Gather evidence — Photos, communications with management, Red Cross assistance records, and any insurance claims.
  3. File in small claims court — If unresolved, this is a low-cost option designed for disputes like this (limits typically cover most security deposits).
  4. Contact local resources — Seneca County tenant advocacy, legal aid, or the Ohio Attorney General’s consumer protection division.

University Center management has not publicly commented on individual cases, but property owners are generally expected to handle insurance claims for fire-related losses rather than shifting costs to tenants.

This situation highlights ongoing challenges for renters in older apartment complexes near college towns like Tiffin. As winter fires remain a risk, clearer policies on post-disaster deposit returns could prevent similar disputes.

If you or someone you know was affected by the University Center fire and is facing deposit issues, local news outlets and tenant rights groups are available to help amplify these stories and connect people with resources.

Have information on this or similar cases? Contact the Fostoria Free Press tip line.

Little v. Hecox (from Idaho) and West Virginia v. B.P.J – Begins Jan 13th, 2025 – Fostoria Free Press

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The U.S. Supreme Court is scheduled to hear oral arguments on January 13, 2026, in two closely watched cases, Little v. Hecox (from Idaho) and West Virginia v. B.P.J.. Both cases challenge state laws that bar transgender girls and women from competing on girls’ and women’s sports teams, and they could significantly influence how Title IX and the Equal Protection Clause apply to transgender students in school athletics.​

The first case, Little v. Hecox, concerns Idaho’s HB 500, a law that prohibits transgender girls and women from participating in female school sports teams; it is being challenged by transgender athlete Lindsay Hecox and others who argue the law is unconstitutional. The second, West Virginia v. B.P.J., involves a similar West Virginia statute that bars transgender girls from competing on girls’ teams and is being contested by Becky Pepper‑Jackson, a transgender middle‑school runner.​

The U.S. Supreme Court on Oct. 9, 2024. (Photo by Jane Norman/States Newsroom)

 The U.S. Supreme Court on Oct. 9, 2024. (Photo by Jane Norman/States Newsroom)

At the heart of both cases is whether these bans violate the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment or conflict with Title IX’s ban on sex‑based discrimination in education. The challengers, represented by groups including the ACLU and Lambda Legal, contend that such laws single out transgender girls for exclusion and deny them equal educational and athletic opportunities.​

Idaho and West Virginia, along with supporting states, argue that their laws are designed to preserve what they describe as fair competition in women’s sports by maintaining teams based on sex assigned at birth and perceived physiological differences. They claim that allowing transgender girls who are transgender to participate on girls’ teams would undermine the goals of Title IX by disadvantaging cisgender female athletes.​

A ruling from the Court, expected by the summer of 2026, could create a nationwide standard for how schools and athletic associations must treat transgender athletes, resolving conflicting lower‑court decisions. Because many states have enacted similar restrictions in recent years, the outcome is likely to shape not only school sports participation but also future legal debates about access to other sex‑segregated spaces and programs.​

Jury trial news and legal updates from The Fostoria Free Press.

Elyria Man Roger Mincey Convicted on 12 Counts in Child Sexual Abuse Case

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Published: December 29, 2025 | Last Updated: December 29, 2025

LORAIN COUNTY, OH | In a significant development following our November 4, 2025, report on the intertwined criminal cases against Roger N. Mincey and Ashley Lenhart in Lorain County, a jury has found Mincey guilty on 12 out of 14 charges related to the sexual abuse of a minor. The verdict, delivered on November 12, 2025, marks a critical step in the prosecution of these heinous allegations, which stem from incidents dating back to 2020.

Mincey, 40, of Elyria, Ohio, was indicted in January 2024 (Case No. 24CR110392) on 13 felony counts and one misdemeanor, including rape, complicity to commit rape, complicity to sexual battery, gross sexual imposition, complicity to gross sexual imposition, pandering sexually oriented matter involving a minor, endangering children, compelling prostitution, and pandering obscenity. The charges accused Mincey of raping and molesting a preteen girl who is a relative of his former girlfriend, allegedly offering the woman money to facilitate access to the victim. An additional finding on one of the counts confirmed that the victim was less than 10 years old at the time of the offense.

The multi-day jury trial, presided over by Lorain County Common Pleas Judge Donna Freeman, began in early November 2025. After five days of testimony, closing arguments were presented, and jury instructions were read on November 10. Deliberations commenced the following day at 8:30 a.m., with the jury reaching a unanimous verdict by approximately 1:32 p.m. on November 12. Mincey was found guilty on Counts 1 through 8, 10, 11, 13, and 14—all felonies. He was acquitted on Count 9 and Count 12 was dismissed upon a Rule 29 motion. Following the verdict, Mincey’s bond was revoked, and he was remanded to the Lorain County Correctional Facility (LCCF) to await sentencing.

This conviction builds on earlier indictments from 2021, where Mincey faced similar charges involving minors identified as ML and ZM, though those cases appear to have been consolidated or expanded into the 2024 proceedings. The 2024 case focused primarily on the abuse of the preteen relative, highlighting a pattern of exploitation and endangerment.

Sentencing is scheduled for January 9, 2026, at 1:30 p.m., where Judge Freeman will determine Mincey’s punishment. Given the severity of the charges—many of which are first- and second-degree felonies—Mincey faces the possibility of life imprisonment without parole on the rape counts, along with mandatory sex offender registration. Prosecutors from the Lorain County Prosecutor’s Office, led by attorneys at the Justice Center, have emphasized the need for accountability in protecting vulnerable children.

Mincey’s co-defendant, Ashley Lenhart, 35, who shared the same Fifth Street address, faces her own set of related charges from 2021 and potentially 2024, including rape, sexual battery, and endangering children. While her case remains separate, the overlapping allegations suggest complicity in the offenses. Updates on Lenhart’s proceedings were not detailed in the recent docket entries, but her trial may follow similar scrutiny.

Community response to the verdict has been one of relief, with local advocates for child protection praising the jury’s decision. As one anonymous forum commenter noted during the trial, “These cases drag on too long, but justice for the victims is finally in sight.” The Lorain County Sheriff’s Office, which handled Mincey’s arrest on November 4, 2025, and subsequent transport, continues to support the investigation.

This case underscores the challenges in prosecuting child sexual exploitation crimes, including trial delays due to discovery, motions, and speedy trial waivers. For the latest developments, monitor the Lorain County Common Pleas Court dockets or official announcements from the prosecutor’s office. Mincey is presumed to maintain his innocence pending any appeals, but the guilty verdict stands as a strong affirmation of the evidence presented.

Police Arrest BGSU Falcon Players Caleb Goodloe, Leo Kemp, and Brennan Ridley

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Police Arrest BGSU Falcon Players Caleb Goodloe, Leo Kemp, and Brennan Ridley

SOURCE:

Three BGSU football players arrested

Last updated at 9:57 a.m. on Nov. 5
Tyler Kavalecz, Sports Production Director

November 4, 2025
Left to right: Caleb Goodloe, Leo Kemp, Brennan Ridley
BGSU Athletics
Left to right: Caleb Goodloe, Leo Kemp, Brennan Ridley

Bowling Green State University spokesperson Colleen Rerucha confirmed three football players—sophomore wide receiver and punt returner Brennan Ridley, 20, redshirt freshman wide receiver Caleb Goodloe, 19, and junior fullback Leone “Leo” Kemp, 21—were charged with misdemeanor assault and arrested on Sunday morning, as initially reported by BG Independent News.

The incident happened at 300 E. Wooster St. (Ziggy’s) at just before 2 a.m. The players were also criminally warned for criminal trespass.

Ridley and Goodloe allegedly assaulted a bouncer at the bar, with video footage showing the two players pushing and striking the victim multiple times, according to a Bowling Green Police Department incident report obtained by BG Falcon Media.

When another victim was attempting to break up the fight, Kemp allegedly placed the person in a chokehold, with video footage confirming the actions, according to the police report.

“I was sitting in the chair next to the bathroom and left it to break up a situation that began to unfold to the bar about 10 feet in front of me. Around six males were yelling and shoving each other, and I moved in the middle of the group, telling them to break it up. Punches began being thrown, and I was struck multiple times in the head, neck and face areas. I was put into a chokehold, was released and threw punches back in self-defense,” one of the victims told police, according to the report.

Police have taken the video from Ziggy’s as evidence.

Kemp and Ridley both had bonds posted on Sunday, with Kemp’s posted before he got to Wood County Jail. They posted a $1,025 bond.

Kemp, Ridley and Goodloe appeared at Bowling Green Municipal Court on Tuesday morning, with all three pleading not guilty, according to the court. Kemp was ordered no contact with the victim.

Goodloe is being represented by BGSU student legal services, according to the court. Kemp does not currently have an attorney, while Ridley is being represented by Sheldon Wittenberg, an attorney from the law firm Wittenberg & Phillips, which is based in Toledo.

Kemp is set to appear in court again on Nov. 17 at 2:30 p.m., Goodloe on Nov. 19 at 10 a.m. and Ridley on Nov. 21 at 10 a.m.

The last confirmed arrest involving a BGSU football player was Matthew Wilcox Jr., who was arrested for OVI in April 2018.

The most recent arrest involving a BGSU athletics figure was senior infielder David Silva, who was arrested for OVI in Jan. 2024.

Ridley transferred to BG from Hampton before the season. He has three receptions for 23 yards and is averaging 5.1 yards per punt return.

Goodloe has appeared in four games this season for the Falcons.

Kemp transferred from UCLA before the season and has one rush for one yard this year.

All three players are still on the team’s roster as of Wednesday, Nov. 5.

Falcon Media Sports Network’s Nate Hinners, Foster Roesti and Curt Lydy contributed to this story.

This is a breaking new story. Updates will be provided when available.

Ohio Child Sex Duo Trial: The Criminal Cases Against Roger Mincey and Ashley Lenhart in Lorain County

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Rebecca-Ann Cook Plans to to Appeal Traffic Convictions, Alleges Constitutional Rights Violations and Judicial Corruption in Tiffin-Fostoria Court

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