by Logan Andrew | FreeWire Magazine — Your News, Your Voice
Bucyrus City Council’s September 2 meeting opened with tension before moving into recognition, public concerns, and policy debates.
The invocation sparked immediate friction when Council President Kurt Fankhauser led a Christian prayer heavy on biblical references. Councilwoman Aaron Sharrock objected, noting it was denominational and asking whether Kurt had invited other faith leaders to participate. Fankhauser ignored the comment and went straight to the Pledge of Allegiance.
From there, Police Chief Jon Dorsey took the floor early to honor Officer Devin Wireman with the department’s Life Saving Award for reviving a woman who collapsed while mowing her yard in April. Dorsey reminded drivers to slow down in school zones, addressed growing concerns about e-bikes, and noted the danger of high-speed models that mimic mopeds. His remarks carried extra weight coming days after a cyclist was killed in a crash on the north end. Dorsey also promoted the Sept. 13 Suicide Prevention Walk and playfully announced he had challenged Fire Chief Chad Schwemley and his crew to a tug-of-war at this weekend’s Fall Family Festival where, he claims, “the firefighters [will] get dragged all the way across the field.”
Greg White used his public participation time to hammer away at the fire department’s overtime costs and city record-keeping, warning of harassment statutes if his concerns weren’t addressed. His most curious grievance, however, was that numbering his comments in the July minutes amounted to defamation of character — a claim that drew quiet chuckles around the chamber. Later, Councilwoman Vicki Dishon clarified that the numbering was not a personal slight but instead simply a difference in preference between former clerk Miranda Wise and herself that was applied to multiple speakers, not just White and Fankhauser.
Robert Taylor struck a different tone, opening with apologies to both police and fire for his past criticism. He said seeing officers and firefighters respond to last week’s crash gave him a new appreciation for their work, though he still has concerns about staffing and budgeting. Taylor called for tighter scrutiny of e-bikes and scooters, but also turned to the broader dysfunction at council. While he sharply blamed Fankhauser for fueling much of the drama, Taylor said it would be unfair to act like Fankhauser alone was responsible.
Alena Fox thanked Dorsey for highlighting suicide prevention resources and again urged Fankhauser to resign, questioning why he had taken his “Bucyrus Exposed” videos private. Fankhauser deflected, responding instead with a jab at Fox’s hair, which prompted Councilman Terry Spiegel to move — successfully — to strike the remark from the minutes. The following evening, Fox and Dorsey released a video on the Bucyrus Police Department’s Facebook page to further highlight suicide prevention. Fox spoke about her work with NAMI’s Marion/Crawford affiliate, which is offering a family education class in October, while Dorsey stressed that residents should never hesitate to call police if they or a loved one are experiencing a mental health crisis. He said officers are there to help, but the 988 hotline remains an option as well.
The night’s biggest policy discussion came when Fankhauser introduced a letter asking council to explore stronger rules for police body and dash cameras, citing ordinances in Cleveland, Akron, and Columbus. Chief Dorsey pushed back gently, saying, “if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it,” and warning against micromanaging the department. He did, however, welcome open discussion and said he has “nothing to hide.” Several members agreed that Bucyrus isn’t Columbus but that “good ideas can come from anywhere.” After debate, council voted 5–2 to accept and file Fankhauser’s letter, though it was not listed later among the evening’s referrals.
On the business side, council moved to hire former clerk Kelly Patterson at $25.25 per hour, with a special meeting set for Sept. 4 to finalize the appointment. Mayor Bruce Truka’s nominations of Lynn Makeever and Melinda Tubbs to the Community Improvement Corporation were approved. Council also referred the use of opioid settlement funds to the Finance Committee and agreed to study “cumulative zoning” as a potential update to city code.
The meeting ended on an unusual note when Dishon asked that her pay be docked for a past unexcused absence, insisting the law required it. Fankhauser reluctantly agreed to send the letter to the auditor.
Council adjourned after one hour and 18 minutes, with Bucyrus once again caught between moments of public service recognition and the political drama that continues to hang over city hall.
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