06/05/2026
Dear Parents,
I want to take a moment to address some concerns that have been shared from various areas across our county. These concerns are not coming from a place of criticism, but from a genuine desire to protect the most important part of all of our lives—our children.
Summer is here, and it’s great to see kids outside enjoying fresh air, being active, and staying engaged in their communities instead of being stuck indoors on electronic devices. In our rural area, many families also have ATVs, four-wheelers, side-by-sides, and dirt bikes. For many children, these vehicles provide recreation, responsibility, and even assistance with daily chores.
However, we continue to receive reports of juveniles operating these vehicles on public roadways, often without regard for their own safety or the safety of others. We’ve all been young once, and most of us can remember feeling invincible at that age—but experience tells a different story.
To be direct: your child’s safety is our highest priority. I know it is yours as well. None of us ever expect something tragic to happen, but part of protecting our kids means setting boundaries—even when those boundaries are inconvenient or unpopular.
Allowing juveniles to operate ATVs and similar vehicles on public roadways is not a safe practice. Traffic today is heavier, faster, and more unpredictable than ever before, and the risks are significant.
Ohio law clearly outlines where and how these vehicles may be operated. I encourage all parents and guardians to take a few minutes to review those laws and make informed decisions. But the bottom line remains simple—public roadways are not a safe place for children on these vehicles.
This message comes not from a desire to take away enjoyment, but from firsthand experience responding to far too many preventable injuries involving young riders.
In closing, I understand opinions will differ. Some will agree, some will disagree, and others will scroll past without a second thought. That’s part of public dialogue. But my position remains unchanged:
I care deeply about the safety of our children. As a parent and as someone who has dedicated years to public service in this county, I want nothing more than to see them grow up safe, healthy, and supported.
Enjoy your summer, be safe, and take care of one another.
Sheriff Champlin
