MARION, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—As 2024 draws to a close, Marion County Now is taking a moment to reflect on the year’s most engaging stories, ranked by online interaction and activity on Marion County Now. Here are the highlights of the top ten stories that captivated readers throughout the year.
10. Domestic Violence Incident: The tenth most-read story involved a domestic violence incident that occurred on September 12. Officers from the Marion Police Department responded to a disturbance at a residence on Olney Avenue, where a female victim was injured after being struck with a bottle. She was subsequently transported to Marion General Hospital and later released. The male suspect, 19-year-old Randy Johnson, refused to cooperate with officers and was eventually arrested after the Marion Combined Special Response Team was activated.
9. Major Drug Bust by MARMET Task Force: In September, the MARMET Drug Task Force executed a series of search warrants across Marion, leading to multiple arrests and the seizure of significant quantities of illegal drugs, including methamphetamine, crack cocaine, and fentanyl. The operation highlighted the ongoing battle against drug trafficking in the area.
8. Voyeurism Case Involving Local Teen: The eighth story focused on 19-year-old Benjamin Dunham, who pleaded guilty to charges of voyeurism and interception of oral communication. Dunham’s arrest stemmed from an investigation into hidden cameras discovered in public restrooms at The Ohio State University at Marion and the Marion Family YMCA. He was classified as a Tier 1 sex offender for 15 years following this disturbing case.
7. Assault Charge Against Teacher: Jodi Grafmiller, a 49-year-old teacher at Hayes Elementary School, was charged with felony assault after a video surfaced showing her slapping a seven-year-old student with non-verbal autism. The incident, reported by a witness, led to escalated charges under Ohio law designed to protect functionally impaired individuals.
6. Ongoing Rape Case Against Councilman: Ayers Ratliff, a long-serving city councilman, faced serious allegations of rape involving a minor. The case has seen multiple legal challenges, and Ratliff remains free on a $500,000 bond as he awaits trial. His attorney has criticized the prosecution for being overly aggressive.
5. Homicide in Waldo: In September, a fatal shooting in Delaware County shocked the community of Waldo, resulting in an arrest warrant for 22-year-old Bruno Vasquez Munguia. The incident, which occurred early in the morning, left one person dead and sparked a significant investigation.
4. Monster Truck Accident at Fairgrounds: A tragic accident occurred during a monster truck event at the Marion County Fairgrounds, leaving a 56-year-old safety staff member seriously injured. The victim was airlifted to Grant Medical Center for treatment after being run over by a monster truck.
3. Complications in Ratliff’s Case: The ongoing legal proceedings against Ayers Ratliff faced complications as the Marion Prosecutor’s Office requested additional time to secure an indictment. This development has drawn attention to potential prosecutorial missteps and the complexities surrounding the case.
2. Dismissal of Serious Charges Against Bobby Stinson: In a significant legal development, charges against Bobby Michael Stinson were permanently dismissed due to the prosecution’s failure to provide crucial evidence to the defense. Stinson had faced serious felony charges, but the case was ultimately thrown out after multiple warnings to prosecutors regarding their duties.
1. Explosion at Tri-Rivers Career Center: The most-read story of the year involved an explosion at the Tri-Rivers Career Center that occurred in November. The incident prompted a letter from the principal to parents, detailing the event and informing them that two students were taken to Marion General Hospital for treatment.
As the year concludes, Marion County Now wishes its readers a happy and healthy New Year and remains committed to delivering important community news and updates.