Man thanks Middle Point Fire Department for rescue

U.S. 224 to reopen before Thanksgiving

VW independent staff

Barring any late setbacks or unforeseen delays, U.S. 224 between U.S. 30 and Lincoln Highway in Van Wert will reopen to traffic later this month.

According to the Ohio Department of Transportation District 1 Office, U.S. 224, east of the new roundabout, is slated to reopen on Tuesday, November 24. It closed July 30 for rehabilitation of the bridge over the railroad.

In a separate project, John Brown Rd. in Van Wert is now scheduled to remain closed until Monday, November 23. The closure is tied to the U.S. 30/John Brown Road restricted crossing U-turn (RCUT) construction project. In addition, U.S. 30 is restricted to one lane (16′) in each direction until Monday, November 23. 

Winter Safety Awareness Week to begin

VW independent staff/submitted information

COLUMBUS — While Ohio winters can be a great time of year to enjoy seasonal activities, they can also bring dangerous conditions like snowstorms, icy roads, freezing rain, and even flooding. In a coordinated effort, Governor Mike DeWine and the Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness (OCSWA) recognize November 15-21 as Winter Safety Awareness Week.

“Preparation is key when it comes to winter weather,” said Governor DeWine. “Winter Safety Awareness Week is a great opportunity to prepare for winter before the temperatures drop.” 

As winter approaches, residents are encouraged to enjoy the most wonderful time of the year, but also to be prepared for the harsher impacts the season can bring.

During severe weather, getting accurate and timely communications is important. Ensure you have several ways to receive reliable emergency information and alerts.

“Ohio residents should take advantage of the many activities winter brings while staying mindful of changing weather conditions,” said Ohio Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Director Sima Merick. “The best time to prepare is before winter weather arrives. You can do this by reviewing your emergency plan and preparing your emergency kit.”

Below are some tips to help you prepare for winter hazards.

Have an emergency kit and plan

Your plan and kit should include all members of your household, including pets. Consider household members who may need medical equipment or medication, as well as for the needs of babies, young children, and older adults.

Know where to get reliable emergency communications

You should have multiple methods of communications, alerts, and notifications to notify you of impending severe weather or other urgent situations. Know what type of communication works best for you and your family before an emergency happens.

Practice your plan

Gather your household together so everyone understands the plan and their role in the process.

To learn more about winter safety and preparedness, visit the OCSWA Winter Safety Awareness Week Page.

Nearly 200 local deer-car crashes reported

VW independent staff

As noted in a story earlier this week, Van Wert County is no stranger to car vs. deer crashes.

The latest numbers provided by the Van Wert County Sheriff’s Office show deputies have handled 127 car-deer crashes so far this year. Through November 2, the Van Wert Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol has handled 66 car-deer crashes. However, that number includes Paulding County, which is also covered by the Van Wert patrol post.

Drivers are reminded to be extra careful around dawn and dusk, remember to brake, but not swerve.

Bomb scare…

A portion of E. Central Ave. was closed off to traffic and nearby residents were asked to evacute amid a bomb scare Friday afternoon. The Van Wert Police Department was dispatched to a home in the 500 block for a welfare check at approximately 3:30 p.m. According to Police Chief Doug Weigle, officers found a box with wires and lights. The tenant, who was the subject of the welfare check, said it was a fake bomb but officers backed out and contacted the Lima Bomb Squad. The resident was taken for a mental health evaluation and the all-clear was given approximately 90 minutes later. Bob Barnes/Van Wert independent

Arraignments held in Common Pleas Court

VW independent staff

Seven defendants were arraigned on various criminal charges, while one other person was sentenced on a felony charge on Tuesday. All of the hearings were held in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court, with Judge Martin D. Burchfield presiding.

Phillip Cross, 38, of Delphos, entered a not guilty plea to possession of cocaine and trafficking in cocaine, both first degree felonies. He was released on a surety bond and a pre-trial conference was scheduled for 8 a.m. December 9.

David Willke, 37, of New Castle, Indiana, entered a not guilty plea to receiving stolen property, a fourth degree felony. Bond was set at $100,000 cash or surety and a pre-trial conference was set for 10 a.m. December 9.

Tyler Barbaree, 35, of Van Wert, entered a not guilty plea to criminal damaging or endangering, a first degree misdemeanor, and obstructing official business, a fourth degree felony. Bond  wasset at $250,000 cash or surety along with a waiver of extradition. A pre-trial conference was scheduled for 9 a.m. December 9.

Colby Black, 42, of Van Wert, pleaded not guilty to aggravated possession of drugs, a felony of the fifth degree. He was released on a surety bond and a pre-trial conference was scheduled for 10 a.m. December 9.

Frank Alexander, Jr., 33, of Van Wert entered a not guilty plea to grand theft of a motor vehicle, a fourth degree felony, and aggravated robbery, a first degree elony. Judge Burchfield set bond at $50,000 cash or surety and scheduled a pre-trial conference for 2 p.m. Tuesday, November 17.

Jeramiah Harris, 24, of Van Wert, pleaded not guilty to grand theft of a motor vehicle, a fourth degree felony, and aggravated robbery, a second degree felony. He was released on a surety bond and a pre-trial conference was scheduled for 8 a.m. December 9.

Malcolm Oliver, 30, of Delphos, pleaded not guilty to violating a protection order, a fifth degree felony. He was released on a surety bond and was ordered to have no contact with the victim. A pre-trial conference was scheduled for 8 a.m. December 9.

In addition to those hearings, Karen Hemker, 58, of Delphos, was sentenced to three years of community control and 30 days in jail at a later date for theft from a protected person, a third degree felony. She must undergo a mental health and substance abuse assessment and any treatment and random screens, and was ordered to pay restitution, partial appointed counsel fees, monthly probation fees and court costs.

Business helping Ohio City Xmas tradition

Submitted information

OHIO CITY — Some traditions are worth carrying on.

National Door & Trim is proud to help keep one of Ohio City’s long standing holiday traditions going. In partnership with the Ohio City Fire Department and with the support of local businesses, National Door & Trim is once again helping bring Ohio City Christmas for the Kids to life. What started as a small local effort has grown into a community-wide tradition, bringing together businesses, partners, friends, and neighbors to make the holidays a little brighter for children throughout the village.
 
With holiday preparations already underway, National Door & Trim is inviting local businesses and community members to join in. The goal is simple – help ensure every child in Ohio City gets to experience a little extra Christmas magic this year.

All monetary donations go directly toward purchasing gifts and everyday essentials for local children. Whether you’re a business looking to give back or a neighbor who simply wants to spread a little holiday cheer, every contribution makes a meaningful difference.
 
National Door & Trim is accepting donations through Tuesday, December 1, allowing time to purchase and organize gifts for distribution before Christmas.

There are two ways to give: donate online here directly through the Doors to Success Endowment Fund, or donate by mail. Checks may be made payable to the Van Wert County Foundation with Doors to Success Endowment included in the memo line. Mail to:

National Door & Trim
Attn: Rilee Conrad
P.O. Box 278
200 W. Skinner St.
Ohio City, OH 45874

National Door & Trim is grateful to the Ohio City Fire Department, local businesses, and everyone who continues to make this tradition possible. It’s a reminder that a small community with a big heart can make a lasting difference.

Chamber tickets, applications available

Submitted information

Tickets are still available for the Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce’s 21st annual Salute to Small Business Awards Bruncheon, which will be held from 11-12:30 p.m. Friday, November 20, at Walnut & Main Event Space in downtown Van Wert.

Chamber businesses will be recognized in the categories of Small Business of the Year, Charitable Non-Profit, Emerging Business of the Year, Downtown Champion, Women in Business, Palate Pleaser, The “Woo” Winning Others Over, Community Youth Champion, and Community Collaborator. Tickets are $40 each, click here to purchase.

Premier Event Sponsors for the event: Shultz Huber & Associates, Citizens National Bank, QTS, Walnut & Main Event Space, and Panthera Grid Partners. Community Influencer Event Sponsors: Statewide Ford Lincoln, Central Insurance, OhioHealth Van Wert, Greenway Bank, Laudick’s Jewelry, Superior Credit Union, Vantage Career Center, and Alexander and Bebout.

In addition, the Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce is accepting applications for the 2027 Leadership Van Wert County cohort. The program will begin in January and finish in September, with each session taking place on the first Wednesday of each month. Along with the monthly sessions, the cohort will be responsible for finding, funding and facilitating a community service project.

Tuition for the program is $600. The program is open to employees of Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce members. The program was created in 1994 with the goal of presenting leadership concepts and providing community discovery opportunities by connecting with community leaders in unique environments.

Northwest State Community College will continue to serve as the exclusive sponsor of the Leadership Van Wert County program. The regional community college based in Archbold, is a public two-year college that is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. This accreditation allows the College to offer degree and certificate programs in the fields of arts & sciences; business & public services, nursing & allied health, and STEM and industrial technologies. They serve over 77,000 Northwest Ohio families across a six-county service area, including Van Wert county.

To learn more about the program or if you are interested in being a part of the 2027 cohort: Click here to apply.

Church offering free Thanksgiving dinner

VW independent staff

For those who are homeless, alone, or just in need of a helping hand, a free community Thanksgiving dinner will be held from 12-4 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 26, at the Trinity Friends Church Family Life Center, 605 N. Franklin St. in Van Wert. It’s considered a traditional Thankgiving dinner with turkey, ham and all of the trimmings.

It’s dine-in or carry out and transportation is available for those in need. Delivery within the immediate Van Wert area is also available. For transportation or delivery, simply contact the church office at 419.238.2788 by 12 p.m. Wednesday, November 25.

If anyone would like to volunteer, contact the church office. Volunteers are not required to stay the entire time.

Commissioners OK inside millage reduction

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

For the second time, the Van Wert County Commissioners have voted to reduce inside millage, meaning property taxes throughout the county should decrease.

In Ohio, inside millage is an unvoted property tax rate that local governments and school districts can levy without a direct vote from the public.

Appearing on this past Sunday’s Commissioners Corner/Mayor’s Conference program on radio stations 99.7FM WKSD and WERT 1220AM/104.3FM, Commissioner Stan Owens explained the latest cut, which was approved in late October. It took the inside millage from 1.8 to 1.3 mills. The initial cut, which came approximately two years ago, was from 2.4 to 1.8 mills, which resulted in savings of about $400,000. The latest cut, according to Van Wert County Commissioner Thad Lichtensteiger, should result in collective property tax savings of close to $600,000.

“We’ve cut that to pass tax savings back to our residents, along with what we did with the homestead exemption,” Owens said on the radio program. “We’ve reimplemented it (the homestead exemption) for another year to benefit our elderly people and lower fixed incomes with the high cost of food, heating and gas and so forth.”

“The bottom line is these tax dollars are the people’s money and we need to be responsible to where we can maintain our obligations of funding for operations in the county,” he added. “If we have an excess, we need to get that back to the people. One of the things that’s allowed us to do this is our sales tax – it’s been strong because people are shopping locally and compared to last year we’ve had one down month so far this year.”

VWHS hosts Veterans Day celebration

VW independent staff/submitted information

Van Wert High School welcomed local veterans, their families, and community members to its annual Veterans Day Assembly on Wednesday,  at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center. Coffee and snacks were served in the lobby before the program, which included student-created videos and performances by the high school choirs. The choirs sang the National Anthem and an America medley featuring “My Country, ’Tis of Thee” and “America the Beautiful.”

Guest speaker Colleen Wiley, a 1987 Van Wert High School graduate, spoke about her years at the former high school on Crawford Street and the teachers, friends, and community that helped shape her. She and VWHS secretary Shelley Smith joined the military together in November 1989, attended boot camp together, and both served in the Army Reserves.

Wiley said she did not fully understand the sacrifices behind her freedoms as a student. She encouraged students to help others, show respect, and be responsible citizens.

“You don’t have to wear a uniform to honor veterans,” she said.

Principal Chuck Rollins thanked Wiley, Mrs. Switzer for organizing the assembly, the student speakers, Ms. Bloomfield and the choirs for their performances, and Mrs. Baer and the media arts classes for producing the videos. He asked students to appreciate their freedoms and find ways to serve others throughout the year.

“To all of our veterans, on behalf of the entire Van Wert High School family, thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and your commitment to protecting the freedoms we enjoy,” Rollins said.