BOE members sworn in; update given on renovations

New Marsh Foundation trustee named

VW independent staff/submitted information

The Marsh Foundation has announced a trustee transition approved by the Third District Court of Appeals, honoring the service of longtime Trustee Gary Corcoran and welcoming Dr. Shad Foster as The Marsh Foundation’s 19th trustee.

Gary Corcoran will conclude his service as a trustee of The Marsh Foundation effective February 2. Corcoran has faithfully served the Foundation for 16 years, offering steady, mission-driven leadership rooted in faith, integrity, and a deep commitment to the children and families served by The Marsh Foundation. Throughout his tenure, he consistently placed the needs of the organization first, guiding decisions with thoughtfulness, humility, and care.

“Gary’s leadership has left a lasting imprint on this organization,” said Jeff Grothouse, Chief Operating Officer of The Marsh Foundation. “His service was thoughtful, mission-focused, and grounded in faith. We are deeply grateful for the dedication, guidance, and heart he brought to The Marsh Foundation over the past 16 years.”

Effective February 3, Corcoran will be named an Honorary Trustee of The Marsh Foundation, recognizing his years of service and continued connection to the organization.

Also effective February 3, Dr. Shad Foster will begin serving as trustee of The Marsh Foundation. Dr. Foster is a lifelong resident of Van Wert and a 1989 graduate of Van Wert High School. He pursued undergraduate studies at Bowling Green State University and The Ohio State University, earning a bachelor of science degree in human biology. He later graduated from National College of Chiropractic in Lombard, Illinois, in December, 1996 with his doctor of chiropractic degree. Dr. Foster has practiced chiropractic since 1997. He began his career as an associate at Casebere Chiropractic. In 2001, the practice became Foster Family Chiropractic. Since 2023, he has continued to serve the community at Fuerst Family Chiropractic. Throughout his career, Dr. Foster has remained committed to continuing education to ensure patients receive comprehensive and advanced care.

In addition to his professional practice, Dr. Foster has been actively involved in the Van Wert community. Previously, he served as a team physician for Van Wert High School for 19 years. He is currently a member of Lifehouse Church, Van Wert Rotary, and the Van Wert County YMCA Board.

Vehicle hit by train in Van Wert

VW independent staff

No one was injured when a car was hit by a train in Van Wert early today.

According to Police Chief Doug Weigle, the accident occurred at 3:12 a.m. on Fox Rd., when a train that was backing up hit the vehicle. The incident remains under investigation.

Flu vaccine encouraged as rates rise

VW independent staff/submitted information

COLUMBUS — Ohio Department of Health (ODH) Director Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff reports Ohio’s influenza rates are high and still increasing and he’s encouraging Ohioans to get the flu vaccine as the best protection against serious illness, particularly those who are most vulnerable, including children under age 11 and adults age 65 and older.

During a press conference, Dr. Vanderhoff said ODH reported 1,911 hospitalizations statewide for the week ending January 3. That compares to 1,456 hospitalizations in the previous week and 1,305 at this same point last year.

He said a spike in hospitalizations is not unusual for this time of year, and that a new strain of flu circulating now – called H3N2 Clade K, referred to by some as the “super flu” – is behind some of the increase.

“Because this is a new strain that most Ohioans have not encountered before this flu season, we face it with little background immune protection, and this lack of immunity is allowing this strain to spread quickly,” Dr. Vanderhoff said.

However, he said even though this is a new strain and the flu vaccine may not prevent you from getting the flu, it can help protect you against severe illness, hospitalization or even death.

On December 31, Ohio reported its first pediatric flu death of the season, a teen from Greene County.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 37.5 percent of Ohio’s children have received the flu vaccine this year, and about 41.3 percent of adults.

“It’s not too late to get vaccinated,” Dr. Vanderhoff said. “Flu season continues through the spring, and although the shot becomes most effective about two weeks after getting it, the sooner you get it, the sooner you are protected.  It is easy to get the flu vaccine either at your doctor’s office or at pharmacies in retail stores or stand-alone pharmacy locations throughout Ohio.”

Dr. Vanderhoff also addressed recent changes the CDC made to its recommended vaccine schedule for children.

He said it was important to understand that key portions of the new schedule remain unchanged, and the CDC made little to no change for 12 important vaccines, a list that aligns well with vaccines required for school attendance in Ohio.

Dr. Vanderhoff emphasized that these vaccines remain available and encouraged parents to talk with their child’s doctor to help decide what vaccines they need and when they need them.

Man hit by SUV, suffers serious injuries

VW independent staff/submitted information

EMERALD TOWNSHIP — The Van Wert Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a serious injury pedestrian crash that occurred shortly after 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, on Paulding County Road 115, near Ohio 111 in Emerald Township.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2014 Nissan Murano, driven by Jacob Andrews, 24. of Paulding was southbound on County Road 115 at the same time a pedestrian, Larry Dix, 54, of Paulding was crossing the road, walking east to west. Dix was struck by Andrews as he crossed the center yellow line. Troopers said Dix was wearing dark clothing with no reflective material at the time of crash.

He was transported from the scene by Paulding EMS to Paulding County Hospital and was later lifeflighted to Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne with life-threatening injuries. Andrews did not suffer any injuries as a result of the crash and was wearing his seatbelt at the time of the incident.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted on scene by the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office, Paulding Fire and EMS and Gideon’s Towing.

The Van Wert Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol investigates accidents in Van Wert and Paulding counties.

Recreational pot sales top $800M

Megan Henry/Ohio Capital Journal

Ohio’s recreational marijuana sales surpassed more than $836 million in 2025, the first full year recreational sales were legal. 

Recreational sales started in August 2024 and the state’s total recreational marijuana sales were $1,091,250,807, as of Jan. 3, according to the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Cannabis Control. 

Ohioans voted to legalize marijuana in 2023 and recreational sales totaled more than $242 million in 2024.

Ohio’s medical marijuana sales started January 14, 2019, and the state’s total medical marijuana sales were $2,293,970,758, as of Jan. 3, according to the Division of Cannabis Control. Medical marijuana sales brought in more than $233 million in 2025. 

Ohio’s average marijuana prices are a bit lower now than they were compared to last year at this time.  

The manufactured sales average was $23.83 for the week ending in January 3 compared to $26.66 for the week ending of Jan. 4, 2025, according to the Division of Cannabis Control. 

There are 190 dual-use marijuana dispensaries in Ohio, meaning they can sell medical and non-medical marijuana, according to the Division of Cannabis Control. More than 130 Ohio municipalities and townships, including Van Wert, have moratoriums in place banning the sale of adult-use cannabis as of December 2, according to Ohio State University’s Moritz College of Law. 

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed a bill into law last month that made various changes to the state’s voter-passed marijuana law, including adding crimes such as making it illegal to bring legally purchased marijuana from another state back to Ohio. 

DeWine signed Ohio Senate Bill 56, which is set to take effect in March. The bill also bans intoxicating hemp products. 

McColley chosen as running mate

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

The man chosen as Republican Vivek Ramaswamy’s running mate in his bid for Ohio governor has a name that is well known to this area.

Ohio Senate President Rob McColley (R-Napoleon) was formally named by Ramaswamy on Wednesday.

“I’m excited to announce Rob McColley as my running mate to be the next lieutenant governor of Ohio,” Ramaswamy said in a statement. “I’m an entrepreneur, not a politician, and selected Rob to be a governing partner who can help advance our ambitious legislative agenda. Rob is a proven conservative leader, and he is committed to my vision to make the American Dream a reality for every Ohioan.”

“Ohio needs a businessman, not a bureaucrat; a creator, not a quitter; a visionary, not a victim. That leader is Vivek Ramaswamy,” McColley said in a statement. “He will be one of the boldest leaders in the history of our state, and I’m honored to help execute his vision.”

McColley currently represents Ohio’s 1st Senate District, which includes Defiance, Hancock, Hardin, Henry, Fulton, Paulding, Putnam, Van Wert, and Williams counties, as well as part of Logan county. McColley was first elected to the Ohio House of Representatives in 2014, then was appointed to the Senate to fill a vacancy in December of 2017. However, due to term limits, he is unable to seek re-election to the senate.

Governor Mike DeWine, who will leave office at the end of the year due to term limits, issued a statement endorsing Ramaswamy and he lauded the selection of McColley as his running mate.

“The first important decision any Governor makes is who will be his or her choice for Lieutenant Governor,” Governor DeWine said. “Vivek Ramaswamy has made a great pick in Senate President Rob McColley to be his running mate. Senate President McColley is a strong leader who is well respected by the members of the General Assembly.”

VWHS to host robotics competition

VW independent staff

26 teams from around Ohio will be competing in the 10th annual Van Wert FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) Robotics qualifier on Saturday, January 17. Competition matches will start at approximately 10 a.m. and run through the day. The competition is free and open to the public. There are 12 qualifying tournaments in Ohio. 2-4 teams from each qualifier will advance to the state championship.

Partnership supports local veterans

VW independent staff/submitted information

A collaboration between the YMCA of Van Wert County and Central Mutual Insurance Company focused on supporting local veterans during the winter season. Through the partnership, 51 veterans in the community received essential winter care bags as a small token of gratitude for their service and sacrifice.

Central Insurance generously assembled the care bags, which included warm socks, soap, shaving cream, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, combs, and body lotion, items that provide comfort and meet everyday needs during the colder months. YMCA staff distributed the bags, ensuring each veteran felt recognized, appreciated, and supported. Veterans have given so much in service to our country, and the initiative reflects the shared commitment of Central Insurance and the YMCA to give back to those who have served.

The YMCA also recognizes the importance of physical activity and community connection in overall wellness. Regular exercise has been shown to support mental health, assist with PTSD recovery, and improve quality of life for those transitioning from military service. Veterans are encouraged to utilize YMCA facilities, programs, and supportive environments that promote healing, strength, and well-being.

To further support those who have served, the YMCA offers discounted memberships for veterans, making access to wellness resources more affordable and inclusive.

The collaboration is a reminder of the impact that local partnerships can have. Together, Central Insurance and the YMCA are committed to honoring veterans not just during the holidays, but throughout the year.

Two men sentenced, others in court

VW independent staff

Two criminal defendants appeared for sentencing in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court Wednesday morning, while five others facing various charges also appeared in court. Judge Martin D. Burchfield presided over each of the hearings.

Gunnar Faterkowski, 19, of Van Wert, was sentenced to three years of community control, 180 days electronic house arrest and 30 days in jail at a later date for failure to comply with the signal or order of a police officer, a fourth degree felony. He is to possess no illegal drugs or alcohol, undergo mental health and substance abuse assessment and treatment, and was ordered to pay monthly probation fees and court costs.

Kyle Coble, 40, of Willshire, was sentenced to three years of community control, 90 days electronic house arrest, 30 days jail at a later date and 100 hours community service for domestic violence, a first degree misdemeanor, and intimidation of a witness, a fourth degree felony. He is to have no contact with the victim, must maintain employment, undergo mental health and substance abuse assessment and treatment, and must pay partial appointed counsel fees, monthly probation fees and court costs.

A pair of defendants changed their pleas to felony charges.

Sarah Allen, 44, of Van Wert, changed her plea to guilty two two counts of harrassment with a bodily substance, fifth degree felonies. Judge Burchfield ordered a pre-sentence investigation and a sentencing date is pending.

In a case that dates back to September of 2022, Bryant Hunt, 22, of Van Wert, changed his plea to guilty to an amended charge of robbery, a third degree felony. Hunt, who was originally charged with second degree felony robbery, was previously in the custody of the St. Joseph County, Indiana, Sheriff’s Office. A pre-sentence investigation was ordered and sentencing was scheduled for 9 a.m. February 25.

Gas prices predicted fall below $3 a gallon

VW independent staff/submitted information

GasBuddy has released its 2026 Fuel Price Outlook and the forecast calls for the yearly national average price of gasoline to fall back below $3 per gallon for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic. The yearly U.S. average is projected to be $2.97 per gallon, down 13 cents from 2025’s average of $3.102 and marking the lowest yearly average since 2020.

Despite the welcome relief from the highs seen earlier in the decade, GasBuddy expects 2026 to still bring familiar bouts of volatility tied to seasonal demand, refinery maintenance, hurricane season and ongoing geopolitical risks. Diesel prices are forecast to remain elevated relative to gasoline but continue easing from recent peaks, averaging $3.55 per gallon for the year.

Typically, prices are lowest during the winter months and gradually increase through the peak summer travel months before descending in the fall. There are exceptions, including Tuesday’s local price hike. Some stations went from $2.37 or $2.38 to $2.99 per gallon for self-serve regular.

Key highlights from GasBuddy’s 2026 Fuel Outlook:

• 2026 national average: Projected to be $2.97 per gallon, down from $3.10 in 2025 — the fourth straight yearly decline.
• Spring peak: Prices may briefly reach the low $3.20s during the switch to summer gasoline.
• Second-half relief: Prices are likely to fall after June, with December forecast to average $2.83.

• Diesel: Forecast to average $3.55 nationally in 2026, down from $3.62 in 2025.
• Lowest-priced regions: The Gulf Coast and South are expected to stay well under $3.
• Highest-priced regions: California, the Northeast and Chicago remain top-cost areas, but below 2022 highs.
• U.S. gasoline spending: Motorists are projected to spend $11 billion less on gasoline in 2026 compared to 2025.
• Average household spending: Projected at $2,083, down slightly from 2025.

“It’s not a return to ultra-cheap fuel, but for the first time in a long time, the wind is clearly behind drivers’ backs,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “If the market avoids major surprises, sustained averages below $3 per gallon could become commonplace in the year ahead.”