Hunters took nearly 27,000 deer on first day of season

Two Van Wert residents hurt in crash

VW independent staff/submitted information

AMERICAN TOWNSHIP — Drug impairment is believed to be a factor in a Tuesday afternoon crash that injured three people in Allen County.

According to the Lima Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the head-on crash occurred at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday on Ohio 309 near Grubb Rd. During the investigation, troopers learned Joseph D. Fritts, 34, of Lima, was driving a 2008 Ford F-150 pickup truck westbound on Ohio 309 and crossed the center line into oncoming traffic. Alexis M. Miller, 23, of Van Wert, was driving a 2010 Buick LaCrosse eastbound on Ohio 309 when her car was struck head-on. The truck went off the south side of the roadway and the LaCrosse came to final rest on the roadway.

Fritts and Miller were both transported by American Township EMS to St. Rita’s Mercy Health for reported minor injuries. There were two passengers in Miller’s car. Evan M. Miller, 20, of Van Wert escaped injury, but Sierra N. G. Adams, 22, of Van Wert was transported by private vehicle to St. Rita’s Mercy Health with serious, but non-life-threatening injuries. Seat belts were in use, but troopers said drug impairment by Fritts is suspected.

Troopers were assisted at the scene by deputies with the Allen County Sheriff’s Office, American Township Police, American Township Fire & EMS and Able Towing. Ohio 309 near Grubb Rd. was closed for just over an hour.  The crash remains under investigation.

Fatal accident case continued to 2025

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

A pre-trial hearing is scheduled for January 14 for an out-of-state man charged in connection with an October crash than claimed the lives of two Van Wert County men.

Records from Van Wert Municipal Court show Timothy Kiester, 61, of Berrien Springs, Michigan, recently signed a time waiver to allow more time to prepare his case. The pre-trial hearing date was established on Monday of this week.

Kiester is facing two counts of vehicular manslaughter, second degree misdemeanors. If convicted, the maximum penalty on each charge is up to 90 days in jail, a $750 fine and a mandatory license suspension of six months to three years.

The fatal crash occurred October 21 on U.S. 127 near Hickory Sticks Golf Course in Van Wert. According to the Van Wert Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Kiester was operating a 2016 Cheverolet Silverado that was hauling a camper, and allegedly failed to maintain assurred clear distance ahead. His truck struck the rear of a 2016 Ford Focus driven by Zachary J. Wood, 30, of Convoy. The collision forced Wood’s car into the path of a semi-truck driven by Christopher Poland, 33, of Niles.

Wood and a passenger, Logan G. Elder, 29, of Van Wert, were pronounced dead at the scene. Poland was taken to OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital. No mention was made of injuries to Kiester, who is free on bond.

Dog licenses for 2025 now available

VW independent staff/submitted information

Attention all Van Wert County dog owners – 2025 dog licenses are now on sale. All dogs three months old or older require a license.

Dog tags may be purchased by mail, online or at one of the following locations:

• Van Wert County Auditor’s Office, Room 205, Van Wert County Courthouse, Van Wert
• Animal Clinic of Van Wert, 13995 Lincoln Highway, Van Wert
• Trisha’s Ruff Grooming 309 Bonnewitz Ave., Van Wert
• Ohio City Express 511 W. Carmean St., Ohio City
• Secret Garden Floral & Gifts, 109 W. Tully St., Convoy
• Willshire RoadDog 603 Rockford Rd., Willshire

Dog licenses may be purchased online here. A convenience fee will apply.

The Van Wert County Auditor’s Office encourages dog owners to purchase by mail or online when possible. If purchasing by mail, please include a self-addressed stamped envelope along with the proper fee. If purchasing a tag at one of the above locations, please take your application with you if you received one by mail.

The license cost is $18 per tag. For licenses purchased after January 31, 2025, a penalty of $18 per year tag must be paid in addition to license cost. A three-year tag for $54 and lifetime dog tag for $180 are available only in the Auditor’s Office. Kennel licenses are $90 for five tags. Extra tags are $1 each. The penalty for a kennel license is $90 if purchased after January 31, 2025.

Anyone with questions should contact the Real Estate Department at the Van Wert County Auditor’s Office 419.238.0843.

OSHP releases Thanksgiving crash numbers

VW independent staff

COLUMBUS — The Ohio State Highway Patrol is reporting eight people were killed in seven crashes around the state during last week’s five-day Thanksgiving holiday reporting period.

According to the OSHP, the deadly crashes were reported from Wednesday, November 27 through Sunday, December 1. Of the eight people killed, three were not wearing a safety belt and one crash involved impaired driving. None of the fatal crashes occurred in Van Wert County.

Officials said the total number of people who died this year was the fewest since the 2018 Thanksgiving reporting period, when seven people died in fatal crashes.

Additionally, the highway patrol said 247 people were arrested for operating a vehicle while impaired. Troopers also issued 569 safety belt citations and 297 citations for distracted driving violations.

CDBG funds coming to Middle Point

VW independent staff

49 communities in 45 counties, including Van Wert County, have been chosen to receive $10.9 million in allocations to support community development projects.

The funding, which is coming from the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Allocation Program, will assist communities in completing a variety of infrastructure improvements and public services aimed at spurring economic growth and improving the quality of life for residents.

Van Wert County will receive $150,000 to support several improvements in the village of Middle Point. including flood and drainage improvements, sewer facilities improvements, and water facilities improvements. Middle Point Village commited $980,000 in leveraged funds for a total project cost of $1.8 million. Additionally, Van Wert County received a Neighborhood Revitalization Grant to support the projects.

Local gas prices just below the state average

VW independent staff/submitted information

Average gasoline prices in Ohio have risen 17.2 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.00 per gallon on Monday, according to GasBuddy’s survey of 5,345 stations in Ohio. Prices in Ohio are 1.7 cents per gallon lower than a month ago and stand 6.2 cents per gallon higher than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has risen 1.1 cents in the last week and stands at $3.514 per gallon.

According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Ohio was priced at $2.45 per gallon on Monday while the most expensive was $3.59 per gallon, a difference of $1.14 per gallon. The national average price of gasoline has fallen 0.6 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3 per gallon on Monday.

As of Monday night, gas prices in Van Wert ranged from $2.85 a gallon at Murphy USA to $2.99 at several different gas stations.

The national average is down 7.7 cents per gallon from a month ago and stands 23.2 cents per gallon lower than a year ago, according to GasBuddy data compiled from more than 11 million weekly price reports covering over 150,000 gas stations across the country.

“Millions took to the road for Thanksgiving, and while some regions, like the Great Lakes, saw gas prices rise just in time for travel, most of the nation saw prices hold mostly stable or decline slightly as the national average remains near the lowest level we’ve seen since 2021,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “The weeks ahead should feature slight drops in gas prices in most areas, with over 100,000 stations now offering a gallon for $2.99 or less, which should stick around through the holiday shopping season. While the potential impacts from tariffs are something to watch, they would have no effect until late January, if implemented at all.”

Nedderman receives appointment

VW independent staff/submitted information

Vantage Career Center has announced that longtime Vantage Board of Education member Lonnie Nedderman (Crestview Local Schools) has been appointed to serve on the Investment Committee for the Northwest Region of the Ohio School Boards Association (OSBA).

This prestigious appointment underscores Nedderman’s expertise in financial stewardship and commitment to advancing education.

The OSBA Investment Committee is responsible for monitoring the association’s investment portfolio, reviewing performance reports, and making recommendations on investment policy issues to the OSBA Executive Committee and Board of Trustees. Composed of OSBA officers and four board members from each region who are recommended by the five OSBA regions and the CEO, the committee ensures sound financial management to support schools across the state.

As a representative of the Vantage Career Center for 20 years, Nedderman will contribute his unique perspective, ensuring that financial decisions align with the broader mission of empowering schools to provide exceptional opportunities for students and communities.

“As Vantage Career Center’s longest serving active board member, Mr. Nedderman brings to us a wealth of knowledge, experience, and commitment,” Vantage Superintendent Rick Turner said. “These same qualities make him an excellent choice to represent the Northwest Region on the OSBA Investment Committee. He will serve the OSBA and the Northwest Region very well in this capacity.”

The Ohio School Boards Association serves Ohio’s public school board members and educational leaders, advocating for high-quality public education and offering training, resources, and support. The Northwest Region’s Investment Committee plays a crucial role in maintaining the financial health necessary to carry out the association’s mission.

Agencies trying to keep older drivers safe

VW independent staff/submitted information

COLUMBUS — As part of Older Driver Safety Awareness Week (December 2-6), Governor Mike DeWine, the Ohio Department of Transportation, the Ohio Traffic Safety Office, and the Ohio Department of Aging are reminding Ohioans about programs available to prevent serious injuries and fatalities among Ohio’s older drivers.

People aged 65 and older make up the fastest-growing segment of drivers nationally and in Ohio. According to crash data from ODOT, older road users make up 23 percent of all traffic fatalities in the last three years and by 2030, the state will have more than 4.8 million residents who are 65 and older.

“Safety is our number one priority for anyone who travels on Ohio’s roads,” said Governor DeWine. “Driving is a great way to maintain independence, and we hope older Ohioans and their loved ones reacquaint themselves with safe driving tips, especially during Older Driver Safety Awareness Week.”

This year’s theme for Older Driver Safety Awareness Week is “Understand, Be Proactive, Plan”, stressing the importance of everyone working together to support older Ohioans driving as long as possible, and as safe as possible.

Understand: It’s important for older drivers to understand that the fit of their seatbelt, visibility, and knowledge of vehicle controls can make a difference in reducing injuries in the event of a crash. OTSO has been working to expand CarFit, an educational program developed by AAA, AARP, and the American Occupational Therapy Association aimed at improving older driver safety and comfort behind the wheel. At a CarFit event, trained volunteers complete a 12-point checklist with each driver to ensure safety and comfort within their vehicle.

“CarFit is not about assessing someone’s driving skills,” said Kimberly Schwind, Assistant Director of the Ohio Traffic Safety Office. “Instead, it’s about finding each driver’s best position in a vehicle to keep them driving safely. Older adults who participate in one of these events often leave with some kind of new tip or solution to help them become a safer, more confident driver.”

Greenway donates to BDC capital campaign

Submitted information

The Business Development Corporation of Van Wert (BDC) has announced a generous donation from Greenway Bank to support its capital campaign. This contribution will help the BDCVW further its mission of driving economic growth and development in the Van Wert area. Greenway Bank’s support is instrumental in funding critical initiatives that benefit the local business economy.

“Supporting the Business Development Corporation’s capital campaign is an investment in the growth and vitality of our local economy,” Greenway Bank said in a statement. “It helps attract new businesses, create jobs, and enhance the community’s infrastructure, benefiting residents and organizations like ours. By contributing, we proudly take part in shaping a prosperous future for Van Wert.”

The Business Development Corporation of Van Wert is a non-profit organization that promotes economic growth and development in the Van Wert area. The BDCVW strives to create a thriving community for businesses and residents through various programs and initiatives.

Learn more about the Business Development Corporation at www.bdcvw.com.

Christmas Eve church service info sought

VW independent staff

All local churches are encouraged to send information about their Christmas Eve services, including the time or times and any special plans for the service. The information will be compiled and published on the VW independent’s Church page on Friday, December 20.

Please send the information to editor@thevwindependent.com no later than Wednesday, December 18.