Local Lawyer Endorsed for Putnam County Judge Role

Barry Schroeder's legal experience and community ties make him qualified, says mayor

Apr. 7, 2026 at 12:22am

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A close-up painting of a wooden judge's gavel resting on a bench, with warm sunlight and deep shadows creating a contemplative, cinematic mood.The endorsement of a respected local leader could boost a judicial candidate's community standing and chances of election.Leipsic Today

A letter of support from the mayor of Leipsic, Ohio has endorsed Barry Schroeder's candidacy for the Putnam County probate and juvenile judge position. The mayor cited Schroeder's work as the village solicitor since 2017 and his strong legal background as reasons he is qualified for the judgeship.

Why it matters

The probate and juvenile court judge plays a critical role in the local community, overseeing important legal matters involving families and minors. The mayor's endorsement of Schroeder highlights his qualifications and community ties, which could sway voters in the upcoming election.

The details

In the letter, Leipsic mayor John Smith praised Schroeder's legal expertise and his work advising the village council on various matters since becoming the village solicitor in 2017. Smith said he has come to rely on Schroeder's counsel in his own term as mayor, indicating Schroeder's strong standing in the local community.

  • Schroeder became Leipsic village solicitor in 2017.
  • The letter of endorsement was written in April 2026.

The players

Barry Schroeder

A local attorney who has served as the solicitor for the village of Leipsic since 2017 and is now running for the Putnam County probate and juvenile judge position.

John Smith

The mayor of Leipsic, Ohio who wrote a letter endorsing Schroeder's candidacy for the Putnam County judgeship.

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What they’re saying

“I have known Barry since 2017 when I was on Leipsic village council, when Barry became our village solicitor. Now, in my term as mayor, I rely on Barry's legal expertise and community ties as reasons he is qualified to serve as Putnam County's probate and juvenile judge.”

— John Smith, Mayor of Leipsic, Ohio

What’s next

Voters in Putnam County will decide the probate and juvenile judge election in the upcoming November 2026 general election.

The takeaway

Schroeder's long-standing legal experience and strong community relationships in Leipsic have earned him the endorsement of the local mayor, positioning him as a qualified candidate for the Putnam County judgeship.