By April Rodgers | FreeWire Your News Your Voice
As 2025 comes to a close, Crawford County has seen a year defined by high-profile criminal cases, political shifts, business closures and growth, and community resilience. From shocking crimes to new leadership and local investment, these are the stories that captured the most attention this year.
Tragedy in Crestline: Maxwell Anatra Charged in Parents’ Deaths
The Crestline community was rocked on November 18 when Maxwell Lindsey Anatra, 24, was accused of killing his parents. Crawford County Prosecutor Matthew Crall announced an eleven-count indictment, including two counts of aggravated murder, murder, aggravated burglary, robbery, theft of firearms, and tampering with evidence. Several charges carry firearm specifications.
Anatra’s arraignment was held December 3, with bond set at $1 million. He is scheduled for a pretrial hearing on January 14, 2026. If convicted on all counts, he faces life plus 61 ½ years in prison. The State, after consultation with the victims’ family, is not seeking the death penalty.
Bucyrus Shooting Incident
Kaelyn Smith, 22, was charged with felony offenses in October after prosecutors alleged she fired a gun into an occupied residence on Reid Street. No injuries were reported.
Smith is charged with felonious assault and discharging a firearm into a habitation, both second degree felonies. Bond was set at $100,000. If convicted, she faces up to 12 years in prison. A pretrial hearing in the case is scheduled for January 21, 2026.
Loss in the Line of Duty: Deputy Daniel Sherrer Killed
While the shooting occurred in neighboring Morrow County, the death of Deputy Daniel Weston Sherrer had a profound impact across north-central Ohio, including Crawford County.
On Memorial Day 2025, Sherrer, 31, was fatally shot while responding to a domestic violence call in Marengo. Body camera footage later released showed the calm, professional approach he took moments before the exchange of gunfire.
Brian Michael Wilson, 53, has been charged with aggravated murder. He was arraigned June 3, with bond set at $9 million. His jury trial is scheduled for June 8, 2026, in Morrow County Common Pleas Court. The case drew statewide attention and an outpouring of support from law enforcement agencies throughout the region.
Political Turmoil and Legal Battles: Former Councilwoman Carolyn Shireman
Former Bucyrus City Councilwoman Carolyn J. Flynn Shireman remained a frequent headline in 2025 following her resignation on February 24, just ahead of a criminal indictment. Her time on council was marked by public conflict, including contentious meetings, arguing with speakers at the podium and being escorted out of a meeting by the law director and service safety director.
Shireman now faces multiple felony and misdemeanor charges across two cases, including theft, intimidation, telecommunications fraud, and allegations of nonprofit fund mismanagement tied to Positive Seekers Inc.
Prosecutors allege misuse of Power of Attorney, unauthorized withdrawals, and improper handling of nonprofit funds.
The cases have been consolidated for a single jury trial scheduled for February 17, 2026. If convicted on all counts, Shireman could face up to 12 ½ years in prison. She remains out on bond and there is a Civil Protection Order prohibiting contact with the disabled victim in the case.
Bucyrus City Council: Chaos and a Walk-Out
Political tensions within Bucyrus City Council boiled over in December when Council President Kurt Fankhauser walked out mid-meeting during a dispute over control of the council’s Facebook page, taking the gavel with him.
Despite the disruption, council members continued the meeting without the gavel, approving the 2026 operating budget, updating the city’s taxi ordinance, and reorganizing committees. Council President Pro Tem Kevin Myers presided over the remainder of the meeting under those circumstances. Emergency legislation was also passed directing Fankhauser to restore the council’s Facebook page by end of December, with possible court action outlined if he failed to comply. The meeting underscored ongoing leadership divisions and raised continued concerns about transparency and governance heading into 2026.
Election Highlights: New Leadership and Levy Decisions
Voters across Crawford County weighed in during the November 2025 election, selecting new leadership and deciding several key local measures.
- Bucyrus City Council results included: Council President: Kevin S. Myers
- At-Large Council: James D. Mee, Robert E. Taylor, Ray Thitoff
- Ward Seats: Christopher Mauritz (Ward 1), Allison LeClair (Ward 2), Terry L. Spiegel (Ward 3, write-in), Cody Thomas Scott (Ward 4)
- The Bucyrus income tax proposal was rejected, while the Wren’s Nest liquor measure was approved.
In Galion, Brian C. Saterfield was elected mayor, and voters approved a school levy.
Crestline voters rejected a school bond issue, while several township levies passed.
Overall, the results reflected voter caution on new taxes, selective support for school funding, and a preference for stability and familiar leadership.
Business and Growth: Closures and New Beginnings
Economic shifts marked 2025 in Bucyrus and surrounding areas. Diamond Wipes International abruptly closed its Bucyrus plant, leaving approximately 40 employees without jobs. The closure surprised city leaders, particularly after earlier discussions of potential expansion. At the same time, several new businesses opened, signaling continued local investment:
- Mi Cerrito, located in the former Dillinger’s building
- Birch Tree Bookery, near Showplace and Makeever & Associates
- Spots Rolling Bean Coffee Co., between City Hall and CVS
- Kuntry Inks Tattoo Studio, on West Warren Street
On the industrial side, IB Tech began construction on a new warehouse facility expected to bring approximately 170 jobs to the area, offering a significant boost to the local economy.
Public Safety Leadership Transitions
Bucyrus saw a turnover in public safety leadership in 2025, closing the chapter on decades of service while ushering in new command.
Police Chief Neil Assenheimer retired effective May 30 after 25 years with the Bucyrus Police Department. Beginning his career as an auxiliary officer in 1998, Assenheimer was appointed chief in 2020. His tenure was marked by a focus on professional standards, deliberate hiring practices, and maintaining stability within the department. He often said the department’s strength was found in its people.
Jon Dorsey was sworn in as Bucyrus Police Chief on July 18 at City Hall, formally taking the reins as the department transitioned into its next phase of leadership.
The Bucyrus Fire Department also marked the end of an era with the retirement of Captain Ryan Sparks, who concluded more than 28 years of service. A lifelong Bucyrus resident, Sparks reflected on a career dedicated to teamwork, humility, and service, thanking the community for its ongoing support of local safety forces.
Together, the departures and appointments made 2025 a defining year for Bucyrus public safety — one that honored experience while setting the stage for the future.
A Year for FreeWire
2025 also marked FreeWire’s first year of publication. As the outlet continues to grow, coverage of local government, courts, public safety, and community issues reached more readers across Crawford County and beyond. With more than 1.5 million views each month, FreeWire enters 2026 focused on accountability, access to information, and continued growth.
Looking Back
From violent crime and courtroom proceedings to political conflict, elections, and economic development, 2025 was a year that tested Crawford County in multiple ways. Residents closely followed unfolding investigations, leadership changes, and debates over the future of their communities.
As the county heads into 2026, these stories reflect not only moments of loss and division, but also ongoing civic engagement, accountability, and efforts to move forward.
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