News Flash

2024 Press Release

Bowling Green, OH – The Wood County Court of Common Pleas is warning residents about a recent surge in fraudulent phone calls targeting county citizens. Scammers are attempting to convince individuals they have missed jury duty and must make immediate payments to avoid legal penalties.

“These callers claim to be court officials, using the names of our elected judges and fabricated case numbers in an effort to defraud citizens,” said Court Administrator Brandy Hartman. “If you receive a suspicious call asking for payment, hang up and report it to the proper authorities.”

The Court reminds the public that it will never request payment over the phone for missed jury duty. Additionally, individuals summoned for jury duty in Wood County will not be provided with case numbers or directed to any location outside of the courthouse.

If you believe you’ve been contacted by one of these fraudulent callers, please report the incident to the Wood County Sheriff’s Office at 419-354-9001.

“Unfortunately, these scams are not new,” Hartman added. "We hope by sharing this information we can encourage our community to remain aware and cautious." The Court welcomes anyone receiving a jury summons or other jury communications to verify its legitimacy by contacting the Wood County Jury Office at 419-354-9620.

Leveraging technology to enhance public service is a key goal for the Wood County Court of Common Pleas, with their electronic juror capabilities being a prime example. “This is a convenient tool for jurors, which also saves costs and maintains our legal requirements,” explained Judge Matthew Reger.

Prospective jurors in the Wood County Common Pleas Court will receive a postcard notification of potential jury service, including instructions for accessing the online questionnaire. Jurors should visit the jury portal page (https://jury.woodcountyohio.gov) and complete the questionnaire online. This process is easy, efficient, and quick, allowing the public to request service excusal (with qualifying documentation) or service postponement (once per year).

Jurors can also activate automatic e-notifications to receive updates, confirmations, and reminders—an option highly recommended by the court. “The portal is mobile-friendly and easy to use,” said Court Administrator Brandy Hartman. “Those who sign up for e-notifications appreciate the expedient information.”

Providing services online is part of the court's broader efforts to reduce expenses and improve efficiency for Wood County citizens. The electronic juror notification system adheres to the rules of the Ohio Revised Code.

Courtroom proceedings can be complicated to understand even without the presence of audio inadequacy. When intricate details of a case are unable to be heard, serious consequences can result. Recognizing this, the Wood County Court of Common Pleas has taken significant steps to enhance communication access in its courtrooms.

Recently, the courthouse upgraded its already compliant technology systems to the most up-to-date versions. These improvements aim to ensure that all individuals interacting with the court can engage fully and feel included. Judges Matthew Reger, Mary “Molly” Mack, Joel Kuhlman, and David Woessner have implemented these new devices within Courts #1, #2, and #4, as well as the Domestic Relations Court and the Probate Court.

The newly installed Listen Technologies Hearing Assistance devices provide a dedicated personal audio feed to individuals in the courtroom. These devices are available not only to persons with hearing impairments but also to anyone who wishes to use them. The system is designed to wirelessly connect with hearing aids equipped with telecoils, allowing court participants to comfortably and adequately participate without needing a headset.

Court Administrator Brandy Hartman emphasized the importance of these advancements, stating, “Because of the sensitive nature of what we do, courts are held to a higher standard when it comes to accessibility of communications. In Wood County, we are pleased to have the means to meet and exceed those expectations so that we can provide the best experience to all who interact with our courts.”

When a judge determines that a particular piece of evidence or audio submission may be challenging to hear, they will pause the proceeding to distribute the devices to jurors, members of the public, or participants, even if they had not already requested them.

These technological upgrades represent a significant step forward in ensuring that the necessary details during court proceedings are clearly and accurately heard. By prioritizing accessibility, the Wood County Court of Common Pleas continues to uphold its commitment to justice and inclusivity.