Republican Central Committee Appoints New Prosecutor, Discusses Upcoming Events
The Paulding County Republican Central Committee met Thursday, April 2, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in Paulding with Chair Laurie Lucas presiding. Members present included Cheryl Stromski, Laurie Lucas, Paul Ludwig, Jan Commers, David Burtch, Michael Strable, Matt McDougall, Mark Bennett, Shannon Ruschel, Matt Miller, Caleb Miller, and Harry Wiebe, along with several guests. Sympathy was extended to Caleb Miller and his family following the passing of his sister.
Following the pledge of allegiance and roll call, the committee moved into business with the treasurer’s report presented in Treasurer Barry Rupp’s absence. The committee approved payment of several bills, including $130 for an ad in the Paulding County Township Association Trustees Handbook, $157.75 for ad design work, and $55 for a fair trophy.
The primary action item of the evening was the appointment of a new Paulding County Prosecuting Attorney. Due to the retirement of Joseph R. Burkhardt effective February 28, 2026, the committee, as authorized under Ohio law, voted to appoint Matthew A. Miller to fill the vacancy. After the resolution was read and discussed, a motion was made and unanimously approved to appoint Miller, effective immediately. Miller will serve until a successor is elected and qualified.
In her report, Chair Laurie Lucas shared updates on recent political events, including attendance at a fundraiser for Jim Hoops. She also highlighted the upcoming Republican Women’s meeting scheduled for April 8 at Fiesta Habanero, noting that plans for the upcoming Meet the Candidate Soup and Sandwich Supper would be finalized. The April 14th “Meet the Candidate Night” will be at St. John’s Lutheran Fellowship Hall with approximately 19 candidates scheduled to attend, including multiple candidates for Secretary of State, Ohio Supreme Court, and the 9th Congressional District.
This event is just ahead of the May primary election. Members were encouraged to attend and participate in event preparations.
Under old business, the committee discussed plans for the Paulding County Fair, including tent rental, trophies, and booth setup scheduled for early June. Members agreed to pursue improvements to the party’s parade float, including potential repairs, repainting, and updated signage following the primary election.
New business included discussion of participating in the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary celebration. Ideas included selling themed merchandise such as flags and t-shirts at the fair and creating a Republican Party banner for use at community events.
The committee also discussed increasing public visibility by submitting regular meeting summaries to local media and posting updates on social media platforms. It was agreed that summaries would be prepared monthly to keep the public informed.
During elected officials’ reports, Board of Elections representatives provided updates on the May primary election. Early voting will begin April 7, with extended hours closer to Election Day. Due to a scheduling conflict at Wayne Trace, voting in certain precincts will be relocated to the Grover Hill VFW, with notifications being mailed to affected voters.
Commissioner Mike Weible highlighted ongoing efforts to separate Paulding County Job and Family Services from Defiance County, with a new director hired and a transition planned for completion by July 1. He also noted continued progress on a solar energy project expected to reduce county energy costs.
State Representative Roy Klopfenstein addressed ongoing discussions regarding property taxes and unfunded state mandates. He noted that while some legislative changes have been made to limit tax increases, broader reforms remain complex due to the structure of local funding and state requirements. Committee members engaged in extended discussion on property taxes, school funding, and government efficiency.
The meeting concluded with appreciation expressed for local emergency responders following recent severe weather, and members were reminded that the next Central Committee meeting will be held Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:30 p.m.
