The Van Wert County Courthouse

Monday, Mar. 18, 2024

These drone photos show just some of the damage caused by last week’s EF-3 tornado in Logan County. Photos courtesy of Rick McCoy

VW independent staff/submitted information

There were some unsettling moments but Van Wert County came through last Thursday’s tornado outbreak unscathed, according to Van Wert County Emergency Management Director Rick McCoy. The worst hit area in the region was just over an hour south of Van Wert, in Logan County’s Indian Lake area, including Lakeview, Russells Point and Orchard Island.

According to McCoy, the National Weather Service on Wednesday was indicating that strong to severe storms would be possible across the area and had indicated that three rounds of storms were possible starting with the first in the early morning hours of Thursday before sunrise, a second round in the late morning around the lunch hour and another round by late afternoon into early evening.

By Thursday morning, the first lines of storms went through with a lot of lightning but nothing severe. However, the National Weather Service was still pinpointing an area south of the Van Wert County line to near Greenville where the best chance for severe storms with wind, hail and possible tornadoes could occur.

The second round of storms did materialize with the National Weather Service issuing a severe thunderstorm warning for the southwestern portion of Van Wert County at 12:43 p.m. As those storms moved through, straight line winds hit the southeast corner of Wren, damaging a barn and a shed with some tree damage.

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POSTED: 03/18/24 at 3:47 am

These pictures at Orchard Island in Logan County show the devastation caused by last Thursday’s EF-3 tornado. Residents, neighbors, volunteers and others were out in full force on Saturday to help begin cleanup efforts. Scott Truxell/Van Wert independent

POSTED: 03/18/24 at 3:45 am. FILED UNDER: News

VW independent staff

Here is a list of tornadoes confirmed by the National Weather Service to have touched down in Ohio on Thursday, March 14.

  • EF-1 in western Mercer County, west of Celina.
  • EF-1 in eastern Mercer County and western Auglaize County, west of Wapakoneta.
  • EF-3 beginning in southern Auglaize County near Fryburg, continuing through the Lakeview area in northern Logan County.
  • EF-2 in Darke County and Miami County. This tornado began in Indiana and additional information will follow after coordination with NWS Indianapolis. The National Weather Service is also investigating possible tornadoes in Adams and Jay counties in Indiana, that may have crossed into Mercer County.
  • EF-2 in central Union County near Broadway.
  • EF-1 beginning in central Delaware County, continuing through north central Licking County.

In addition, tornadoes were confirmed in Hancock, Seneca, Crawford and Richland counties.

Final details on these tornadoes, including track statistics and estimated maximum wind speeds, will be released as analysis continues over the next several days.

POSTED: 03/18/24 at 3:45 am. FILED UNDER: News

Submitted information

Governor Mike DeWine has declared a state of emergency across 11 counties impacted by last week’s severe weather.

The counties include Auglaize, Crawford, Darke, Delaware, Hancock, Licking, Logan, Mercer, Miami, Richland and Union counties.

The declaration orders all relevant state departments and agencies to lend their services, equipment, supplies, and personnel as necessary to assist in the response and recovery effort. Agencies providing support include the Ohio Department of Public Safety, Ohio Emergency Management Agency, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Ohio Department of Transportation, Ohio Department of Health, Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, and Ohio Department of Administrative Services.

In addition, DeWine activated the Ohio National Guard to help Logan County officials with the clean up of storm debris on public property. An assessment team from the 200th REDHORSE Squadron was deployed to Logan County Sunday to conduct an assessment of needed support.

POSTED: 03/18/24 at 3:45 am. FILED UNDER: News

VW independent staff

CONVOY — Pending board approval, Mimi Myers will be named as Crestview High School’s new principal.

Myers currently serves as Crestview Director of Curriculum/Instruction, but will resign that position to become principal. The Crestview Local Schools Board of Education will vote on her appointment during tonight’s monthly meeting. She’s expected to be given a two-year contract, effective August 1, plus 10 additional days for transition purposes.

Myers is replacing Dave Bowen, who’s retiring at the end of the current school year.

Tonight’s Crestview school board meeting will begin at 6 p.m. in the multipurpose room.

POSTED: 03/18/24 at 3:44 am. FILED UNDER: News

VW independent staff/submitted information

Vantage Career Center recently hosted the Northwest Ohio Regional SkillsUSA Competition, an event that brought together hundreds of skilled students from 20 participating school districts. The competition provided a platform for students to showcase their career and technical skills in various fields, promoting excellence in career and technical education.

The highlight of the event was the hands-on competitions, where students demonstrated their proficiency in areas such as welding, machining, automotive technology, construction and criminal justice. These competitions not only allowed participants to display their technical aptitude but also provided them with a real-world experience, aligning with the mission of SkillsUSA to prepare students for the workforce.

In addition to the technical events, students engaged in competitions that tested their abilities in interviews, job demonstrations, crime scene investigation, customer service, and more. This comprehensive approach ensured that the competitions encompassed various aspects of career readiness and professionalism.

Local leaders, college representatives, and employers generously volunteered their time as judges and scorers for the Northwest Region SkillsUSA Ohio competition held at Vantage Career Center. Photo submitted

Welding and machining competitions were particularly intense, with students meticulously crafting metal pieces to exact specifications. The precision and skill demonstrated in these events highlighted the dedication and training that these students received through their respective career and technical education programs.

The competitions not only showcased the students’ abilities but also emphasized the importance of these trades in various industries.

The criminal justice and automotive technology competitions were a showcase of innovation and problem-solving. Students were presented various tasks which challenged them to apply their knowledge in practical scenarios. The event encouraged critical thinking and creativity, essential qualities for success in these fields.

In the construction events, students demonstrated their prowess in building and design. From blueprint interpretation to hands-on construction tasks, participants showcased their ability to work collaboratively and efficiently.

The Team Works Competition highlighted the importance of skilled trades in the construction industry and the need for a workforce well-versed in these essential skills.

Beyond the technical competitions, students participated in events that tested their soft skills, such as interviews and customer service scenarios. These components of the competition focused on developing students’ communication, teamwork, and professionalism – crucial attributes for success in any career path.

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POSTED: 03/18/24 at 3:43 am. FILED UNDER: News

VW independent staff/submitted information

COLUMBUS — March 17-23 has been designated as Severe Weather Awareness Week, and the Ohio Emergency Management Agency is encouraging all Ohioans to prepare themselves for spring and summer weather hazards, including thunder, lightning, tornadoes, and floods.

Severe Weather Awareness Week is held annually each March.

“As evidenced by last week’s horrific tornadoes, it is so important that all Ohioans know what to do before, during, and after extreme weather events,” Governor Mike DeWine said. “While it’s important to be prepared all year long, Severe Weather Awareness Week is an ideal time to review and practice emergency plans to be prepared and stay safe.”

Tornadoes are a threat during the spring and summer months. VW independent file photo

At 9:50 a.m. on Wednesday, March 20, all Ohioans can participate in a statewide tornado drill and test their emergency and sheltering plans. Ohio counties may use this time to sound and test their outdoor warning sirens and mass notification systems. Businesses, schools, and households are also encouraged to practice their tornado drills and emergency plans.

“The statewide drill offers time to establish a safe shelter location before severe weather strikes,” said Ohio Emergency Management Agency Executive Director Sima Merick. “We know sheltering can save lives and encourage all Ohioans to make or review an existing emergency plan and be prepared.”

Planning is the first step in preparedness. Below are safety and preparedness tips to help you stay safe during inclement weather.

Safety and Preparedness Tips

Tornado Watch – be prepared: When conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes. Be ready to move to a place of safety if the watch is upgraded to a warning or if threatening weather approaches.

Tornado Warning – take action: When a tornado is imminent or has been sighted. Warnings indicate impending danger to life and property. Seek safe shelter immediately.

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POSTED: 03/18/24 at 3:43 am. FILED UNDER: News

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

LAKEVIEW — The National Weather Service has confirmed that an EF-3 tornado devastated the Indian Lake area Thursday night. The tornado, packing wind speeds of 136-165 miles per hour, touched down at the southern end of Indian Lake at approximately 8 p.m. Thursday and caused severe damage to homes and businesses in the Lakeview and Russells Point communities, along with the Orchard Island area near Russells Point.

Search and rescue operations were conducted Thursday night and into Friday morning. By Friday afternoon, Logan County officials said search and rescue operations were completed. As many as 20 people reportedly suffered injuries and three people were reported dead as a result of the tornado.

This drone photo shows the devastation caused by an EF-3 tornado in the Indian Lake area Thursday night. Photo courtesy of Above Aerial LLC

All major roads near Lakeview and Russells Point were closed all day Friday and local authorities requested the public avoid the area.

Governor Mike DeWine issued a statement Friday morning and visited the affected area later in the day.

“Fran and I area deeply saddened by those impacted by the tornadoes and severe storms,” he said. “We share the grief of the families who lost loved ones, home and livelihoods. Ohioans will come together as they always do with resilience and compassion as we support and rebuild our communities.”

DeWine also pledged the state will provide resources to victims of the storm and will do everything they can, in conjunction with the state legislature, to help neighborhoods and businesses rebuild.

A tornado of unknown strength also touched down in Fryburg, east of Wapakoneta in Auglaize County. Several homes and structures sustained severe damage but there were no reports of injuries or deaths. As many as four tornados may have touched down in Auglaize County.

One of the tornados formed in Mercer County, near Rockford, moved in to Auglaize County near St. Marys, then hit the Glacier Hills Campground near Wapakoneta. A twister also hit the Grand Manor Mobile Home Park in Celina. At least two people reportedly suffered minor injuries. A number of other structures in the Celina area also sustained notable damage, including a distribution center and a warehouse owned by R.J. Corman Western Ohio Lines.

POSTED: 03/15/24 at 8:47 pm. FILED UNDER: News

VW independent staff

As part of Ohio Spring Severe Weather Awareness Week, March 17-23, a statewide tornado drill will be held at 9:50 a.m. Wednesday, March 20. The drill will include activation of tornado sirens throughout Ohio.

POSTED: 03/15/24 at 8:45 pm. FILED UNDER: News

Editor’s note: Convoy will be celebrating 150 years as a village July 11-13, in conjunction with Convoy Community Days. In the months and weeks leading up to the celebration, a series of articles will be shared on the News page of the VW independent.

VW independent staff/submitted information

A road known to many people has a more familiar name now and local mail service wasn’t always a given. More details are shared below.

Stagecoach Road

It soon became a known fact that if people expected to make this area their permanent location a few roads would be necessary. So a stagecoach road was marked so that mail could be carried to a small settlement named Tully and the post office was in John Lare’s home. Without too much imagination, those who know where the Stagecoach Road was can follow it on a ridge from the John Miller Sr. farm west. There is a strip through a woods where the trees are shorter and other evidence of its location.

By 1838, the Stagecoach Road was completed. It had been an old Indian trail and was a natural formation. Even then, with no stone on it, traveling on it in very wet weather, especially spring, made the surface rutty. Stagecoach Road was later renamed Ridge Road and is now known as Lincoln Highway.

Conestoga wagons, made in Conestoga, Pennsylvania, traveled this road. Fastened to the rear of these wagons was a tar bucket, which held tar to grease the spindles and axles of these vehicles. It was from these containers the old saying arose, “You might go along and hang on for a tar bucket.” Though times were extremely hard for these first settlers, they remained strong and sure of their goal to form a good town.

Johnny Appleseed followed the Ridge Road through the township and planted trees on various farms.

Today, Tully Township is crossed by the four lane Highway, U.S. 30. If you are on U.S. 30 traveling west and look off to your right (north) you will notice how the road is a definite ridge in the township. It is said that Lake Erie once was up to this ridge and when it subsided there was a definite drop in land formation. Thus, that side of U.S. 30 is somewhat lower and slopped than the other.

Mail Service

As pioneers moved into this watery area, there arose a need for communication with friends and relatives who were left behind. Consequently, an attempt succeeded in establishing a stagecoach road on a ridge or higher land level north of Convoy.

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POSTED: 03/15/24 at 8:44 pm. FILED UNDER: News

VW independent staff

United Way of Logan County has launched the Indian Lake Tornado Relief Fund to help meet the immediate and long-term needs of Logan County families impacted by the March 14 storm.

Visit www.uwlogan.org to make your gift. 100 percent of every donation will go to the Indian Lake Tornado Relief Fund goes to help the community recover.

Editor’s note: a previous story said Van Wert Cinemas was collecting various food and toiletry donations today and tomorrow, however, the effort was put on hold after the Logan County Sheriff’s Department said such donations are not being accepted at this time.

POSTED: 03/15/24 at 12:14 pm. FILED UNDER: News