VW independent staff/submitted information
AAA is reminding drivers that October through December marks deer-mating season, so the animals are more active and more likely to dart into the road, increasing the risk of a costly and potentially deadly collision.
Deer can be spotted near roadways any time of the year, but drivers should be especially vigilant in the fall, and especially during times of darkness. In Van Wert County alone, the Sheriff’s Office has already handled 78 deer-vehicle crashes this year.
The dangers and costs of vehicle-deer collisions are shown in the startling statistics, including these from a study published in the journal Cell Biology:
- About 2.1 million deer-related vehicle collisions occur in the United States annually
- Those collisions cause more than $10 billion in economic losses
- Every year, U.S. vehicle-deer collisions account for about 59,000 human injuries and 440 human deaths
While most deer collisions do not involve serious injury, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), in the 10-year period from 2014-2023, more than 1,900 people nationwide were killed in crashes involving animals.
According to data from the Ohio State Highway Patrol, nearly 20,000 crashes occurred last year involving deer – seven were deadly. Those numbers are down from 2023 when 13 crashes involving deer were fatal.
With that risk in mind, AAA reminds drivers to stay focused and look out for deer, especially during the morning and evening hours when the distracted animals are most active and most likely to intersect with vehicles on the road.
(more…)POSTED: 10/01/25 at 9:12 pm
VW independent staff
WASHINGTON, DC — While the federal government is shut down, Congressman Bob Latta (OH-5) has pledged to not draw a paycheck until the financial standoff is resolved.
“Government shutdowns are costly and unproductive, and members of Congress should not be collecting paychecks while other federal workers go without,” he stated. “That’s why I have directed CAO (Chief Administrative Officer) to withhold my paycheck. However, I believe that withholding pay for members of Congress should not be a voluntary action, rather the standard should be that all representatives and senators automatically forgo pay whenever the government is shut down. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting a constitutional amendment to prevent members of Congress from receiving pay during a government shutdown.
“Congress must work together to find a solution so the government can reopen, and we can fulfill our responsibilities to the American people,” he added.
In addition, Latta has cosponsored a proposed Constitutional Amendment, House Joint Resolution introduced by Rep. Ralph Norman (SC-5), that would prevent members of Congress from receiving pay during a government shutdown.
Latta represents the Fifth Congressional District, which stretches from Van Wert, Paulding and Mercer counties all the way into Lorain County in northeastern Ohio. In all, the district is comprised of all or parts of 12 counties. He serves as a senior member of the Energy and Commerce Committee. He is Chair of the Energy Subcommittee and is a member of the Communications & Technology Subcommittee and the Environment Subcommittee.
POSTED: 10/01/25 at 9:11 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information
The Van Wert Rotary Club is pleased to announce the induction of Gavin Cross and Ryan McCracken as its newest members. The two are partners at Bridgemill Private Wealth and will be opening a local office within the next year, further strengthening their ties to the Van Wert community.
Cross and McCracken were sponsored into Rotary by Andy Czajkowski and Gary Taylor. Their induction reflects the Rotary Club’s ongoing commitment to welcoming business and community leaders who share Rotary’s values of “Service Above Self.”
“Gavin and Ryan bring great energy and experience to our club, and we’re excited about the impact they will make as Rotarians and community leaders,” said Rotary President Andy Czajkowski.
The Van Wert Rotary Club continues to be a driving force in community service, local initiatives, and global outreach. With the addition of Cross and McCracken, the club looks forward to building on its legacy of service and fellowship.
POSTED: 10/01/25 at 9:11 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
OhioHealth Physician Group is pleased to announce two upcoming free events in Van Wert designed to support the health and wellness of girls, teens, and women in the community. The events, “It’s a Girl Thing” and “Listening to Her: A Journey of Time and Change,” will provide valuable health information and resources for all different stages of life.
The first event, “It’s a Girl Thing,” will take place from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, October 16, at LifeHouse Church on Fox Rd in Van Wert. The popular annual session is designed for girls ages 9-13 and their mothers or a trusted friend. The evening will focus on navigating the journey to womanhood, covering topics like puberty and other physical and emotional changes in a supportive environment led by caring health professionals.
Later in the month, OhioHealth will host “Listening to Her: A Journey of Time and Change” from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, October 29, at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center. This new event is catered to adult women and will feature a panel discussion with OhioHealth experts.
Topics will include hormonal changes, perimenopause and menopause, gut health, diabetes, and mental wellness. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions during a dedicated Q&A session.
“We are committed to providing resources that empower women and girls in our community to take charge of their health,” said Paula Stabler, president of OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital. “These events offer a wonderful opportunity for open conversation and learning, and we are thrilled to bring these trusted experts and important topics to Van Wert.”
Registration is required for both events to ensure a spot.
- To register for “It’s a Girl Thing,” visit OhioHealth Van Wert’s “It’s A Girl Thing” Community Event Registration.
- Registration for “Listening to Her” is open through October 20 and can be completed at OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital: Listening to Her – A Journey of Time and Change.
POSTED: 10/01/25 at 9:10 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff
A Van Wert man sentenced to 10 years behind bars in early 2020 for sex crimes has been granted an early release from prison.
On Wednesday, Tristan Wehner, 25, appeared via a video link in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court on a motion for judicial release from prison. Following the hearing, the motion was granted and the remainder of Wehner’s term was suspended by visiting Judge Jonathan Hein. Wehner was placed on five years of community control, was ordered to consume no alcohol or illegal drugs, have no contact with victim, complete any recommended counseling, perform 100 hours of community service and pay monthly supervision fee and court costs.
Court records show Van Wert County Prosecutor Eva Yarger opposed the motion.
In January, 2020, Wehner was sentenced to 36 months in prison on one count each of sexual battery and tampering with evidence, each a felony of the third degree, and two counts of extortion, each also a felony of the third degree, all to run consecutive for a total of 10 years. He was also classified as a Tier 3 sexual offender, meaning he’s required to register his address every 90 days for life.
The charges against Wehner, then 19, stemmed from an investigation by the Van Wert Police Department into a sexual misconduct complaint. An investigation revealed Wehner had had a sexual relationship with a minor from August 1 through December 1, 2019, while allegedly in a position of authority, employed by or serving in a school where the girl was enrolled, and had then used extortion to force the girl to continue the relationship.
Also as part of the investigation, police had applied for a search warrant for Wehner’s cell phone. After he was notified of the search in early December 2019, Wehner then tried to delete evidence from the phone prior to turning it over to police. When police examined the phone, they found evidence of a second victim that Wehner had also extorted to continue a sexual relationship by use of threats.
POSTED: 10/01/25 at 3:18 pm. FILED UNDER: News
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
Reservations are now being accepted for this year’s Veterans Day program at Lincolnview Local Schools.
The annual program will be held at 12 p.m. Sunday, November 9, in the Lincolnview Elementary School gymnasium. The doors will open at 11:30 a.m. that day and the program will include a catered meal by Burtch’s Barn to Table and music by the Lancer Steel Drum Band during lunch.
Veterans may order up to four total tickets to bring their current Lancer student or students to the meal and program at no cost to them. In order to receive tickets, program coordinator Stephanie Renner is Veterans of current Lincolnview/Lincolnview Vantage Career students to contact her with the following information:
- Veteran name(s)
- Student name(s) and current grade (that will be attending with their Veteran[s])
- Veteran’s home mailing address
- Veteran’s phone number (in case Renner needs to contact the Veteran)
- Number of tickets, up to four maximum. Anyone with more than four current Lancer student family members wanting to attend should contact Renner, who will her best to accommodate the request.
The information should be sent via email to Renner at srenner@lvlancers.com or 567.259.6583. Reservations must be made no later than Wednesday, October 22, which is a firm deadline.
Renner also noted that after 15 years of either organizing in-person programs, coupon meals during COVID-19 years or card showers for local Veterans, this will be her final year as program coordinator.
(more…)POSTED: 09/30/25 at 9:44 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
The following events will take place in Van Wert this month.
The Van Wert Booster Club’s annual homecoming parade will be held from 6:30-7 p.m. Wednesday, October 8, followed by a stadium rally at Fountain Park. The street closures are N. Jefferson St., from the 500 block through the 200 block of S. Jefferson St.
Van Wert County Historical Society’s Annual Chicken Dinner drive-thru pick-up event will be held from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Saturday, October 11. The street closures will be E. Third St., to traffic turning on E. Third St., from N. Washington St., wanting to drive east; E. Third St., from N. Market St., from N. Market St., to thru traffic wanting to drive west to N. Washington St. The drive thru line up will be from N. Market St., moving west towards the Van Wert Historical Society where the vehicles stop briefly to pick up their dinner, then proceed to N. Washington St., in a single lane to exit onto N. Washington St.
Van Wert trick or treat – the annual event will be held from 4-6 p.m. Saturday, October 25. Residents who want to participate should leave their porch light on.
POSTED: 09/30/25 at 9:44 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
A final reminder – that the close of registration for the November 4, 2025 general election is Monday, October 6. The Van Wert County Board of Elections office is located at 1362 E. Ervin Rd., Van Wert, and will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on October 6. Normal hours are Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Anyone not currently registered in Van Wert County or who has moved since the last election and has not changed their address with the Board of Elections should stop by one of the following locations and update their registration:
- Van Wert License Bureau
- Brumback and Delphos Public Library
- Department of Job & Family Services
- Van Wert County WIC
- Treasurer’s Office, Auditor’s Office, and Title Department in the Van Wert County Courthouse
- Board of Elections Office
You may also register to vote or update your voter registration online at https://olvr.ohiosos.gov/.
Any questions regarding voter registration may be answered by contacting the board office at 419.238.4192.
Early in-person voting will begin next Tuesday, October 7.
POSTED: 09/30/25 at 9:43 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information
The Van Wert Civic Theatre is preparing to bring holiday laughter and warmth to the stage with its upcoming production of One Christmas Eve at Evergreen Mall, a contemporary comedy by Lynne Halliday, James Hindman, Arlene Hutton, and Craig Pospisil. The show will be directed by Ashley Roberts.
Auditions will take place at 7 p.m. Sunday and Monday, October 12-13 at the theatre, located at 118 S. Race St., Van Wert.
One Christmas Eve at Evergreen Mall unfolds in eight short, funny, and heartfelt stories that take place on Christmas Eve inside a bustling shopping mall. From a lovesick Santa and an overzealous mall cop to frantic shoppers and surprisingly wise teenagers, the play offers a joyful and relatable glimpse into the chaos of the holiday season. The stories intertwine in unexpected ways, blending humor with the heartwarming spirit of the holidays.
The play is designed for an ensemble cast. It may be performed with as few as six actors—two in their 20s, two in their 30s, and two in their 40s—but theatres often choose to expand the cast, minimizing or eliminating the need for doubling roles. Casting is flexible, and the theatre encourages actors of all backgrounds and experience levels to audition.
Those interested in auditioning can sign up in advance online at https://forms.gle/E8ve7F6orWHgMibN6.
Performances of One Christmas Eve at Evergreen Mall are scheduled for December 4–7 and 11–14. Evening performances will be held Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m., with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.
POSTED: 09/30/25 at 9:42 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information
The Van Wert Area Retired Teachers Association (VWARTA) will hold its fall luncheon program at 12 p.m. Friday, October 10, at Willow Bend Country Club in Van Wert.
The menu will include a fall harvest soup/half sandwich wrap combo, frosted gelatin salad, and sweet treat, along with coffee and tea. The meal cost is $14 with a meal reservation needed by 6 p.m. Wednesday, October 8. Reservations may be made by calling or emailing Jean Minnig at 419.203.0642 or jaminnig@hotmail.com.
A presentation will be shared on local mental health resources for retirees/seniors. Important ORTA and STRS information will be shared during the business session as well. Dues of $10 for membership in the local VWARTA chapter for 2026 may be paid at the meeting.
For more information on the local Van Wert Area Retired Teachers Association, contact Deb Kleinhenz at 419.203.2283.
POSTED: 09/30/25 at 9:39 pm. FILED UNDER: Lifestyles, News
VW independent staff/submitted information
COLUMBUS — Ohio’s minimum wage is going up. The scheduled increase will occur on January 1, 2026, and will take the state’s minimum wage to $11 per hour for non-tipped employees and $5.50 per hour for tipped employees.
This adjustment represents a 2.8 percent increase from the current 2025 rates of $10.70 for non-tipped employees and $5.35 for tipped employees. The change reflects the mandate of the Constitutional Amendment (II-34a), passed by Ohio voters in November of 2006, which states Ohio’s minimum wage shall increase on January 1 each year by the rate of inflation.
In addition to the wage rate adjustment, the threshold for business applicability will also change. Effective January 1, 2026, the Ohio minimum wage will apply to businesses with annual gross receipts of more than $405,000, which is an increase from the current $394,000 threshold. For employees at businesses with annual gross receipts of $405,000 or less per year after January 1, 2026, and for 14- and 15-year-old workers, the state minimum wage remains tied to the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. Any changes to this rate would require an act of the U.S. Congress and the President’s signature.
POSTED: 09/30/25 at 12:02 pm. FILED UNDER: News
