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Wayne County, It's an honor to serve you in the 77th House District. I am committed to working on conservative policy that delivers tax relief to Ohioans, spurs economic growth in our communities, and protects our second amendment rights. This month has been an exciting one and I have several updates to share with you. Sincerely, State Representative Meredith Craig

August Newsletter

Working Together for Wayne County I had the opportunity to join mayors from across Wayne County for their quarterly meeting. It was a great chance for me to share updates from my first eight months in office, listen to local priorities, and discuss how we can continue working together to strengthen our communities. One highlight of the meeting was presenting a commendation to Smithville Police Chief Hartman in recognition of his receiving the 2025 Theodore S. Jones Service Award, one of the highest honors from the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police. Chief Hartman’s leadership and dedication to public safety are a true credit to our county and state. I’m also grateful for the participation and partnership of Congressman Max Miller, County Commissioner Jon Hofstetter, and all our mayors. Collaboration across every level of government is how we deliver real results, and I look forward to continuing that work for Wayne County.

Celebrating 125 Years of Killbuck Savings Bank

Congratulations to The Killbuck Savings Bank Co. on the grand opening of their new Wooster branch and for reaching an incredible milestone — 125 years of service!

For over a century, Killbuck Savings has been a trusted partner for families, businesses, and communities across our region. Their continued growth is a testament to the strength of local institutions and the lasting impact of community banking.

It was an honor to help celebrate this achievement, and I look forward to seeing their Wooster branch thrive as they continue to serve Wayne County for many years to come.

Story Time at the Wayne County Library

I had the privilege of joining families at the Wayne County Library for story time. It was such a joy to read with the kids and see their excitement for books and learning. It was a reminder of how important it is to foster a love of reading early in life.

I also had the opportunity to sit down with Library Director Jennifer Shatzer to discuss the library’s role in our community and the many ways it continues to serve families of all ages. Our libraries are more than places to check out books. They are community hubs that inspire learning, connection, and growth.

I’m grateful to Jennifer, her staff, and all the families who made the morning so memorable.

Shreve Lake is Back!

We celebrated the long-awaited reopening of Shreve Lake Wildlife Area for fishing and boating. After years of work and dedication, the dam is repaired, the fishing pier and kayak ramp are in place, and the lake is stocked full of bluegill. This project would not have been possible without the foresight of my predecessors, who secured the capital funds, and the commitment of Governor DeWine, who made the restoration a priority. Their efforts, along with the work of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, ensured that this special place could once again be enjoyed by families, sportsmen, and nature lovers across Wayne County and beyond.

Shreve Lake is more than a body of water; it’s a part of our community’s outdoor heritage. I’m thrilled to see it back and look forward to the many memories it will help create for generations to come.

White House State Leadership Conference

I was honored to represent Ohio at the White House State Leadership Conference alongside my fellow State Representatives and Senators.

Throughout the day, we heard directly from Cabinet Secretaries — including Lee Zeldin (EPA), RFK Jr. (HHS), and Howard Lutnick (Commerce) — as well as other White House officials, including the Deputy Chief of Staff and key policy advisors. We had the chance to ask questions and engage in meaningful dialogue about President Trump’s agenda and how federal and state leaders can work together effectively.

Experiences like this highlight the importance of collaboration between all levels of government as we strive to strengthen our communities, grow our economy, and deliver results for the people of Ohio. I am grateful for the opportunity to represent our state in these conversations.

Sharing Experience: Former Staffers Engage Current Legislative Aides

I had the pleasure of sitting down with our current House legislative aides to share a bit about my own experience serving as an aide in the Ohio House — exactly ten years ago!

Those early years gave me invaluable experience, lasting friendships, and a perspective that continues to guide me in my work today. It is inspiring to see the energy, dedication, and passion these young public servants bring to their roles every day.

Supporting and mentoring the next generation of leaders is one of the most rewarding parts of public service. Their commitment to our communities gives me confidence in the future of Ohio’s state government.

Celebrating Local Agriculture and Family Business

I had the pleasure of visiting the Borton family at Lincoln Way Vineyards. From the science behind crafting each bottle of wine to the careful, thoughtful decisions that go into every step of production, it’s clear that winemaking is both an art and a discipline.

Even more impressive was seeing how this business has remained a true family affair. The pride, teamwork, and dedication the Bortons bring to their vineyard reflect the best of what family-run businesses offer our community.

Agriculture is more than just an industry in our region; it’s a foundation of our local economy, a source of jobs, and a part of our heritage. Visiting places like Lincoln Way Vineyards reminds me how important it is to support and celebrate the hard work of our farmers and producers, who contribute so much to the quality of life here in Wayne County.

Go Akron Zips!

I attended the Akron Zips football home opener alongside my colleagues, including State Rep. Bill Roemer, and it was a great reminder of the role The University of Akron plays in our community. Beyond athletics, the university supports local students, businesses, and economic growth, especially now that Wayne College serves as UA’s only branch campus in our region. Wayne College students can even attend Akron Zips games for free, giving them a chance to connect with the university and experience the excitement of college athletics firsthand. Events like this highlight how UA strengthens our community while providing opportunities for students to get involved and engaged.

Visit to Orrville Power Plant

I recently had the opportunity to tour the Orrville Power Plant. This municipally owned facility plays a critical role in how the city delivers reliable, affordable electricity to its residents. Seeing the operations up close reinforced the importance of local control in power generation and distribution. Municipal utilities like Orrville’s are uniquely positioned to respond to the needs of their communities. They maintain strong service reliability and support local economic development, all while being directly accountable to the public they serve. A special thank you to Orrville Mayor Matt Plybon for joining me on the tour. It’s clear that Orrville is setting a strong example of how community-driven energy solutions can benefit both residents and businesses.

Upcoming:

See You at the Wayne County Fair!

The Wayne County Fair kicks off Saturday, September 6, and runs through Thursday, September 11, and I’m excited to be there for most of the week! I look forward to seeing all of you and supporting our 4-H youth and their projects.

I’ll have some items to hand out, and when time permits, you can find me under the grandstand. Stop by to say hello. I can’t wait to connect and celebrate everything that makes the fair a special part of our community.

Preparing for the Ohio House to Return

The Ohio House will return for committee and session at the end of September. It’s been a productive summer filled with meetings, preparation, and laying the groundwork to move the bills I’ve introduced toward passage when we return.

Equally important has been the opportunity to hear from constituents about other issues affecting our families, businesses, and neighborhoods. Whether it’s addressing concerns through agency regulations or shaping state law, I remain committed to ensuring that the voices of our community are reflected in the work we do at the Statehouse.

I’m grateful for the engagement and input from our community and look forward to continuing this work as session resumes.