Municipal Court Judge Frederick C. (Fritz) Hany II has announced he  is seeking election to the Ottawa County Probate and Juvenile Court in 2020.

“Current Judge Kathleen Geisler has done a terrific job, and also implemented many effective programs benefitting Ottawa County families. My wife, Susan, and I wish her, and her husband Ron, all the best in their future endeavors,” Hany said.

“I am very grateful to our citizens for their trust in me as their Municipal Court Judge and would like to take my judicial experience to the next level, our Probate and Juvenile Court,” Hany added.

“I know of no other candidate that has the knowledge, experience and understanding of our families’ issues, and he is well prepared to serve this family court,” said retired State Rep. Steve Arndt.

Port Clinton’s Mayor Mike Snider also supports Hany’s bid.

“During his tenure as judge, he has always been responsive to the needs of our citizens. Whether it’s establishing and upgrading the court website, instituting a mediation program or targeting the difficult issues involving the opioid crisis, he understands our families’ needs and struggles.”

Among programs or services found in both courts are Diversion and Community Service. Diversion allows qualified offenders to correct mistakes without having a record. Community Service recognizes accountability, yet at the same time provides work benefits to the public.

Four previous Municipal Court judges have moved on to the Common Pleas Court level. Judges Donald Wargowsky, James Thierry and Paul Moon to the Common Pleas Court General Division; and Judges Wargowsky and Merrill Rudes to the Probate and Juvenile Court. Judge Wargowsky is the only person to be elected to all three courts.

In addition to his current duties at the Municipal Court, Judge Hany serves as a faculty member of the Ohio Judicial College (“Judges teaching Judges”), a former member of both the Ohio Sentencing Commission and the Commission on the Rules of Practice and Procedure in Ohio Courts.

Beyond the bench, Hany’s local community service includes serving as the first president of the Ottawa County’s Visitor’s Bureau, a past member of the Magruder Hospital Board of Trustees and past president of the Oak Harbor Lions Club.

Hany is married to his wife Susan (Loeffler), who is an Oak Harbor High School teacher. They have two daughters, Joan and Elizabeth (Mookie).