This is the story of how a handful of corporate checks, hidden behind legal shells and friendly nonprofits, rewired Ohio’s government and cost ordinary people real money. What began as targeted political spending became a coordinated machine: $60 million funneled through dark‑money groups, aggressive primary interference to install loyal legislators, a secret $4.3 million payment […]
Written by Swamp.Fox
You asked for it, so the Swamp Fox delivered it! Here’s a breakdown of the contributions received by the campaign committees of Marion and Morrow county’s state legislators. Keep in mind that both OH state senators and OH state representatives are currently paid an annual salary of $73,609.00. Reineke, as the president pro tempore of […]
Written by marionwatch-investigates
Recently, Ohioans have been told that every new interchange, every rezoned field, and every “temporary” regulatory exception is simply the cost of progress. But the pattern unfolding across Marion, Morrow, Crawford, and other Ohio counties reveals a coordinated strategy to fast-track industrial infrastructure and prepare the region for massive data center clustering long before […]
Written by Swamp.Fox
For all of you living in southwestern Morrow County and southeastern Marion County, who are at risk of losing your homes and your way of life as a result of this highway, here’s your current and future Ohio State Representatives: Riordan McClain and his daddy, Jeff McClain. Father and son McClain both reside in Wyandot […]
Written by Swamp.Fox
By now, most of you have probably heard about the state of Ohio’s plan to construct a new highway that connects I-71 at Marengo in Morrow County with US-23 north of Waldo in Marion County. This whole scheme, which will likely result in the state using eminent domain to confiscate the homes and land of […]
Written by Swamp.Fox
Here’s a rundown of the property tax levies that will appear on the ballot in Marion County on May 5th. If you live in Marion Township, Waldo Township, Richland Township, or Pleasant Township, your respective fire departments all want more money. It’s like the Notorious B.I.G. said, “Mo Money, Mo Problems.” Well, that’s true for […]
Written by marionwatch-investigates
Immigration enforcement in Ohio has entered a volatile new phase in early 2026, marked by a sharp rise in federal activity and an equally forceful pushback from several of the state’s largest cities. While local governments are moving to shield residents through new legislation and civil rights protections, federal agencies have intensified operations across the […]
Written by Swamp.Fox
Marion’s own “Dr. Dolittle,” Commissioner Mark Davis, officially endorsed Ben Weber for the 86th District State Rep race. Dr. Dolittle, as you may or may not know, serves on the Marion County Republican Central Committee. He’s actually the guy who helped announce Weber’s campaign on July 2nd–less than two months after Weber graduated law school. […]
Written by Swamp.Fox
He wants to make it clear: The Swamp Fox doesn’t have some axe to grind with any individual politician in Ohio–with the exception of Mike DeWine. That being said, when he researches campaign contributions, he can’t help but get a little fired up. Take, for example, our very own 86th district State Rep race. Can […]
Written by Swamp.Fox
A little political satire never harmed anyone. Average Ohioans don’t want Big Money buying off its politicians. Average Ohioans don’t want Big Business building behemoth data centers that have an unquenchable thirst for energy and water, all the while getting tax breaks from their stooges in Big Government. They get tax breaks, water and energy […]
Written by Swamp.Fox
The Swamp Fox has broken it all down for y’all, after analyzing the campaign finance reports filed with the Ohio Secretary of State, so be sure to check out those charts for all the potentially swampy details! This position will represent all of Union County as well as Prospect, Pleasant and Marion Townships–including the city […]
Written by Swamp.Fox
We’ve got some swampy shenanigans orchestrated by some sour socialists going on in the race for the State Rep of the 86th District, folks–and the Swamp Fox ain’t having it! Wezlynn Davis, a conservative candidate in this year’s Republican primary, previously challenged incumbent Tracy Richardson, who currently holds the seat but cannot run for re-election […]
Written by Swamp.Fox
As Republicans in north central Ohio look to the upcoming gubernatorial primary, which will see Vivek Ramaswamy up against Casey Putsch and Heather Hill, I think it’s appropriate to look back to the last primary, which saw Governor Mike DeWine challenged by Joe Blystone, Jim Renacci and Ron Hood. DeWine, who epitomizes Republican-In-Name-Only (RINO) policies, […]
Written by marionwatch-investigates
Republican conservative candidate Wezlynn Davis, running for State Representative in Ohio’s 86th District, recently appeared on The Watchmen’s Report and showed the spirit of a true activist. This is a spirit we at Marion Watch Investigates deeply recognize, as we also began our work as activists and are part of a large nationwide network of […]
Written by marionwatch-investigates
Marion City Councilwoman and FInance Committee Chairwoman Twila Laing’s appearance on The Watchman’s Report exposed a long-standing financial crisis rooted in the deliberate or negligent disabling of core software security controls. A fervent supporter of the Marion City Charter initiative, she echoed officials and citizens that finances are the top driver for the charter, and […]
Written by marionwatch-investigates
In June 2025, the United States witnessed two distinct forms of activities. The “No Kings” protests, a coordinated, nationwide event, saw millions demonstrate against perceived authoritarianism. In Marion, Ohio, a local group exemplified the movement’s grassroots nature, focusing on strengthening democracy in response to civic apathy, with a voter turnout of only 7%. Organizers framed the national protest as a peaceful, ideological stand, reclaiming Flag Day from what they termed the president’s “authoritarian excesses.”
Contemporaneously, Los Angeles erupted in riots, a chaotic and reactive event sparked by large-scale federal raids against transnational criminal organizations. While the government targeted cartel-affiliated criminals, the public perception of indiscriminate immigration enforcement in communities fueled the unrest. The arrest of a prominent labor leader, David Huerta, during these raids escalated localized protests into a national firestorm. The “No Kings” movement was a planned, symbolic political statement, whereas the Los Angeles riots were a spontaneous and violent reaction to aggressive federal law enforcement actions, a clash between a narrative of national security and the reality of community impact. The former was a protest against a would-be king; the latter, a war in the streets.
Written by marionwatch-investigates
Marion Watch’s investigation spotlights the interconnected experiences of Skylar Haberman and community activist Naomi Craig in Marion County. Haberman alleges his child’s welfare is severely compromised in the mother’s care and that a neighbor-initiated protection order is a tool for harassment, resulting in approximately 80 police calls to his home. He claims these calls were then used against him in his custody dispute, which is further complicated by the presiding judge having previously represented his ex-partner—a clear conflict of interest.
This situation intersects with Naomi Craig after Haberman hired her son for lawn work. Subsequently, Craig’s son faced alleged police harassment over a minor, unsubstantiated claim. Craig views this as retaliation, especially given prior police inaction on her own serious reports of threats and attempts by a council member to silence her public concerns.
Written by marionwatch-investigates
The controversial resolution of serious felony charges against Wayne E. Sisson III has intensified public concerns about justice in Marion County. Felonious assault, strangulation, and domestic violence charges, potentially carrying over eight years in prison, were dismissed. Instead, Sisson pleaded to a misdemeanor, receiving 180 days (158 suspended) and two years community control. Given the grave questions this outcome raises, legal and ethics experts consulted by marionwatch.com advise that an independent, thorough review by an appropriate external oversight body—such as the Ohio Board of Professional Conduct, the Office of Disciplinary Counsel, the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, or a specially appointed independent prosecutor—is essential to investigate these matters comprehensively, aiming to restore accountability and ensure equitable justice.
Written by marionwatch-investigates
Local attorney Jack Herchel VanBibber is confronting a new wave of serious misconduct allegations, detailed in a “First Amended Complaint” filed on May 15, 2025, by the Supreme Court of Ohio’s Disciplinary Counsel. This follows a May 7, 2024, two-year stayed suspension for previous infractions.
The fresh accusations include profound client neglect, making false statements to courts and investigators, engaging in improper sexual conduct, and repeated failure to cooperate with disciplinary authorities. Alarmingly, some alleged new misconduct reportedly began just days after his June 2023 disciplinary hearing for prior issues. The complaint also highlights concerns from the Ohio Lawyers Assistance Program regarding VanBibber’s candor about substance use.
These developments cast a shadow over previous community support, including a 2023 letter from Marion County Prosecutor Raymond Grogan. The new allegations, if substantiated, could trigger VanBibber’s current stayed suspension or lead to more severe sanctions, including disbarment, further intensifying scrutiny of Marion County’s legal system.
Written by marionwatch-investigates
In early May 2025, Frio County, Texas, became central to the national election integrity debate following felony indictments against six individuals, including the county judge, city council members, a school trustee, and the former elections administrator. Brought by Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office after a multi-year investigation, the charges primarily allege illegal “vote harvesting,” a third-degree felony under Texas law. Those indicted include Frio County Judge Rochelle Lozano Camacho, Pearsall City Council members Ramiro Trevino and Racheal Garza, Pearsall ISD Trustee Adriann Ramirez, former Elections Administrator Carlos Segura (also charged with tampering with evidence), and campaign worker Rosa Rodriguez.
This case unfolds within a polarized national climate where voter fraud concerns clash with voter suppression fears, particularly under Texas’s controversial 2021 election law, Senate Bill 1. Latino civil rights groups have criticized the investigation as politically motivated voter suppression. The involvement of a Republican Attorney General pursuing charges against primarily Democratic or nonpartisan officials in a predominantly Hispanic county with recent Republican gains highlights the significant political dimensions of this case.
Written by marionwatch-investigates
A contentious Marion City Hall meeting saw a mayoral proposal to limit public access spark citizen protest and council division. The “Can Do” organization faced financial scrutiny, contrasting with strong community support for Leapin’ Ministries. The meeting ended with unresolved issues, highlighting concerns over trust and transparency in local governance.
Written by marionwatch-investigates
Marion, Ohio continues to face significant, long-standing fiscal challenges rooted in decades of documented financial mismanagement and increasing, often unnoticed, debt since the late 1990s. This extensive report, significantly shaped by the work and input of Marion citizens, details the cumulative crisis, focusing on the Auditor’s office since 1999. MarionWatch aims to inform residents about the issues’ deep origins, empowering them for future decisions, as many were unaware of the problem’s multi-decade history. Following a long-standing practice via its community action network, MarionWatch shared article drafts with numerous citizens for review before publication. The investigation reveals persistent oversight and planning failures impacting services and public trust. Meaningful recovery requires fundamental transparency, accountability, and long-term planning. Informed citizen engagement, including attending city council meetings, is vital for building a stable future.
A Quick Look: Marion’s Auditor Office: A Decades-Long Disaster Zone (Full Investigation Coming Soon)
Written by marionwatch-investigates
The Marion, Ohio, Auditor’s office faces a financial storm, with current Auditor Meginness accused of misappropriating funds and concealing IRS penalties. This follows years of financial mismanagement, including a predecessor’s resignation and issues dating back to 1999. Persistent failures raise questions about systemic weaknesses and the need for lasting reforms. MarionWatch will release its Auditor Investigative report soon!
Written by marionwatch-investigates
Ultimately, ensuring council adheres to these principles may require sustained public engagement. Marion Watch encourages residents to attend future meetings – because if we, the people, do not speak up now, our grounds to complain about what happens next are diminished.
Written by marionwatch-investigates
This analysis examines the legality of excluding a Marion, Ohio council member from meetings due to whistleblower actions, and closing meetings to discuss related matters. A leaked audio recording features Twila Laing and Mayor Bill Collins discussing Councilman Jason Schaber’s exclusion and closing meetings, actions prompted by Schaber’s alleged whistleblowing on unlawful or unethical activities.
Written by marionwatch-investigates
Part I: Robert Landon: Timing, Resources, and Political Motivation in the 2019 Marion City Auditor Election Executive Summary This report examines the circumstances surrounding the criminal charges filed against Robert Landon during his successful 2019 campaign for City Auditor in Marion, Ohio. Landon, a Republican candidate, was charged with misdemeanor election law violations concerning the […]
Written by marionwatch-investigates
Please find below a PDF of an article from 2019. With our newest investigation nearing completion after nearly 5 months, we wanted to make this available to anyone who hasn’t had a chance to read it. The media mentioned in the article can be found by clicking the URL/hyperlinks. We have enabled file downloads to […]
Written by marionwatch-investigates
Justice Questioned in Marion County: An Investigation into Prosecutor Ray Grogan’s Case Handling Introduction: Scrutiny on the Marion County Prosecutor’s OfficeSetting the Scene Marion County, Ohio, a community known for its rich history and as the birthplace of Orville Redenbacher’s popcorn, operates within Ohio’s established legal framework.1 Central to its local justice system is the […]