Van Wert County Republicans to Choose Juvenile Probate Judge Nominee in Primary

VAN WERT — Republican voters in Van Wert County will decide in the May 5 primary which of two candidates will move forward in the race for Juvenile Probate Judge.

The race features current Juvenile Probate Judge Eva Yarger and Van Wert County Commissioner Todd Wolfrum. The winner is likely to be unopposed in November, as no Democrat or independent candidate has filed for the seat.

Yarger was appointed to the bench by Governor Mike DeWine in February following the retirement of longtime Judge Kevin Taylor. Although she is currently serving in the position, she must run to retain the seat for a full term.

Before her appointment, Yarger served as Van Wert County Prosecutor beginning in 2017. Her legal career began in 1989, and over the years she worked in private practice, served as an assistant prosecutor in Van Wert County from 1996 to 2017, and later worked as a full time assistant prosecutor in Allen County for several months before becoming county prosecutor.

Yarger earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from The Ohio State University, with minors in English and economics, and later received her law degree from Arizona State University.

Wolfrum has served as a Van Wert County commissioner since 2013. He is a lifelong Van Wert County resident, a graduate of Lincolnview High School, Bluffton College, and the University of Toledo College of Law. He has maintained an independent law practice in Van Wert since 2003 and also serves as village solicitor for Willshire, Wren, and Venedocia.

Both candidates have emphasized experience in legal matters involving families, juveniles, and community issues. The court handles a wide range of cases involving juveniles, estates, guardianships, adoptions, and other probate matters.

The position carries a six year term that will officially begin in February of 2027.