Judge candidates Newlove and Ruck cite experience handling juvenile and probate cases – BG Independent News

Judge candidates Newlove and Ruck cite experience handling juvenile and probate cases – BG Independent News

It’s rare in election interviews for candidates from both parties to begin by praising the person they hope to replace – in this case, Wood County Juvenile and Probate Court Judge Dave Woessner, who is retiring after many years in the position. “I think he has done, by all accounts, an amazing job,” said Democratic candidate Megan Newlove. “I want to continue what he has done.” Woessner is a rarity among juvenile/probate judges, said Republican candidate Doug Ruck. He conducted himself with “unfailing courtesy” and didn’t let cases languish, Ruck said. Both candidates have learned a lot from Woessner that will help either continue his role. NEWLOVE HAS ADVOCATED FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES By JAN McLAUGHLIN BG Independent News Megan Newlove, of Bowling Green, cited her career of over 25 years dedicated to matters addressed in both the juvenile and probate courts. She has provided services to local families at their most vulnerable times – advocating for families and protecting abused and neglected children, helping create lasting families through adoptions, and guiding clients through estate planning and probate administration. “Those have always been part of my career,” she said. Early in her career, Newlove practiced extensively in Wood County Juvenile Court, gaining firsthand experience with the cases that require both legal expertise and deep compassion, such as juvenile delinquency cases, custody disputes, abuse and neglect cases. Throughout her career, she has served as a guardian ad litem, advocating for a child’s best interests, and continues to serve as a volunteer guardian for adults with developmental disabilities. Newlove sees challenges ahead for the courts, with growing mental health needs and limited resources available. “They’re doing a great job, but there aren’t enough of them,” she said. She supports the juvenile court’s diversion program for youth. “That’s a hugely positive development. You have the opportunity to get them back on track.” Newlove said she has the ability to handle the “emotionally charged” cases that come before both courts in a calm, thoughtful manner, while listening with compassion. “I have the right temperament for this position,” she said. In addition to Newlove’s experience in the juvenile and probate courts, she also has a history of public service. She served on the BGSU Board of Trustees from 2010-2018, as chair for two years. She served on Bowling Green City Council from 2004-2009, also as president for a period. And she continues to serve on the city’s Board of Public Utilities. Her community involvement includes roles with the Black Swamp Arts Festival, Wood Lane Residential Services, and United Way. “I’ve always been involved,” she said. “I do what I can to help people.” “The Probate/Juvenile Court is where we can make the most meaningful difference in people’s lives,” Newlove said. “Whether it is protecting an abused child, advocating for a family in crisis, guiding individuals through the probate process, or helping create a forever family through adoption – this court serves people at their most vulnerable moments.” Newlove and her husband, an art teacher at Bowling Green High School, have two sons who graduated from BGHS and are currently enrolled at BGSU. RUCK VOWS FAIRNESS AND COMPASSION By JAN McLAUGHLIN BG Independent News Doug Ruck has spent much of his career handling cases in the Wood County Juvenile and Probate Courts, where he would like to serve as judge. A native and current resident of Pemberville, Ruck sees his experience in those courts as valuable building blocks. “I’ve been mostly focused on representing families,” he said. “The things these courts do, I know all about that.” In his nearly 28 years of practicing law centered in Pemberville, Perrysburg and Bowling Green, Ruck has experience with many types of cases heard in the Wood County Probate and Juvenile Court. In probate court, his experience includes handling estates, guardianships, adoptions, legal name changes, wrongful death hearings and trust/estate litigation. In juvenile court, he has represented youth and families in custody, child support and delinquency matters and frequently litigated subpoena and privilege issues in abuse/dependency and neglect cases. His litigation practice has taken him to 18 different counties in Northwest Ohio. Ruck has also represented local governments by serving as a village solicitor in Luckey for several years, and as the village solicitor for Gibsonburg for the last 16 years. He has served 28 years as lead counsel for Children’s Resource Center. If elected, Ruck said he will approach every case with fairness and compassion for those involved.  He recalled a couple adoption cases he handled early in his career that still stick with him. One involved foster parents who wanted to adopt a child whose parents had duct taped the child to a high chair for extended periods. The other involved grandparents who wanted to adopt a child after the mother’s boyfriend had nearly beaten the child to death. Ruck sees some challenges ahead for juvenile and probate courts. First is the increase in caseloads at the same time there is a decrease in resources. The juvenile court and detention center have between 85-100 employees and take big budgets to operate, he said. “That’s going to be the biggest challenge – fighting for budgets.” Programs like the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) and probate court guardians need more volunteers, he said.  Ruck also talked about his commitment to protecting the confidentiality of court records. “It’s something I consider very important,” he said. As a longtime scout leader and volunteer serving young people in a variety of settings, Ruck said he has a passion and concern for youth.   “Probate and juvenile courts hear some tough cases. I’ll approach each with integrity, respect for the law, and compassion for the people involved,” he stated. Ruck and his wife, who is a kindergarten teacher at a Christian school, have three children. He is an Eagle Scout, and has been a scoutmaster for more than 20 years. Their two sons and one daughter are Eagle Scouts, with Ruck being scoutmaster of the first chartered troop in the area with girls. “I’m pretty proud of that,” he said.