NW Ohio sees a high number of deer vs. car crashes

Meet the Authors Night in Paulding

Submitted information

PAULDING – Meet 20 authors from Paulding County at a special “Meet the Authors Night” on Tuesday, November 17, hosted by the Paulding Writers’ Group. Admission is free. The evening begins at 6:30 p.m. at Paulding County History Museum, 600 Fairground Drive, Paulding.

Each local author will be introduced and asked to briefly speak about their work. Tables will be set up for the authors to sell and sign their works and meet readers. Paulding Writers’ Group members believe this will be an inspiring opportunity to celebrate local talent and hear about a large variety of genres, from children’s books to science fiction to memoirs.

Authors currently scheduled to attend include Caroline Arend, Kylee Baumle, Beth Ann Baus, Duane Bailey, Mark Holtsberry, Tonia Shinaberry King, Eva Sharron Kobee, Melinda Krick, Amber Krynock, Jane Nice, Paulding County Genealogical Society, Susan Paulus, Rich Phelan, Carol Razo, Adam Snyder, Joel Steiner, Kim Sutton, Nichole J. Suvar, Janet Wagner and Elecia Wobler.

Light refreshments will be served. Before and after the program, tour the museum’s annual Festival of Trees, which is November 13-21.

Gov’t offices closed on Veteran’s Day

VW independent staff

Most state, federal and local government offices will be closed on Wednesday, November 11, in observance of Veteran’s Day. All Van Wert County offices and the Van Wert Municipal Building will be closed that day. No mail will be delivered on Wednesday.

Van Wert standoff situation ends peacefully

VW independent staff/submitted information

A standoff situation at an apartment on Sunrise Court in Van Wert led to a large law enforcement presence Saturday night.

The Van Wert Police Department was dispatched the 1200 block of Sunrise Court shortly before 9:30 p.m., after receiving a call of a man threatening people with a firearm.

According to a press release from the Van Wert Police Department, officers arrived on scene and after speaking with the victim and witnesses, identified the suspect as Terry Dean Decamp, 85. Officers learned Decamp was inside of the apartment and had the firearm. They briefly spoke with him but he refused to cooperate and come out of the apartment.

Officers then requested assistance from the Van Wert County Sheriff’s Office, the Van Wert Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Van Wert County EMA’s CERT Team and the Van Wert Fire Department. CERT and the fire department blocked off access to Sunrise Court.

Officers re-established communication with Decamp, who continued refusing to exit the apartment. After extended negotiations, Decamp was subsequently taken into custody without further incident.

He was transported to the Van Wert County Correctional Facility and is currently charged with one count of aggravated menacing a misdemeanor of the first degree.

Festival of Trees just around the corner

VW independent staff/submitted information

PAULDING — It’s time for The Festival of Trees, Paulding County History Museum’s largest event and fundraiser of the year. The dates are Friday, November 13 through Saturday, November 21. Explore nearly 30,000 square feet of holiday trees, displays and decorations in three buildings with the theme, “A Few of My Favorite Things.”

Admission and parking are free, but donations are greatly appreciated.

The museum is located at 600 Fairground Drive in Paulding, across from the fairgrounds. The buildings are handicap accessible.

The Festival Committee, led by chairman Julie Anna Densmore, has been busy preparing for this nine-day gala event. Lights and garland have been hung and museum buildings decorated by dedicated volunteers. The committee is grateful for the generous community support, contributions and donations that make the Festival possible.

More than 80 spectacular holiday trees have been decorated by organizations, groups and clubs, businesses and individuals from around the county. Look for the decorating award winners. The Festival is welcoming many first-time participants this year.

The committee has planned the daily schedule to include meals, musical entertainment and even a few surprises for Festival-goers.

The Festival opens Friday, November 13 from 4-8 p.m. Museum volunteers will serve a spaghetti dinner with salad and garlic bread from 5-6:30 p.m.

Saturday, November 14, is Kids Day. The museum will be open 10 a.m.-8 p.m. From 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Santa will visit with children and hear their Christmas wish lists and Chris Bercaw will be creating balloon animals for the kids. Enjoy lunch from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. with a menu featuring hot dogs, burgers and baked beans, served by the museum volunteers. The Festival will be open the rest of the day with light refreshments served.

Local court handles heavy docket

VW independent staff

Wednesday was a busy day in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court, with more than a dozen criminal defendants appearing before Judge Martin D. Burchfield. The hearings included several plea changes and a pair of requests for early release from prison.

Plea changes

Kameron Cooper, 47, of Grover Hill, changed her plea to guilty of misuse of credit cards, a first degree misdemeanor. She was then sentenced to one year of community control, 30 days in jail at a later date, must undergo a mental health and substance abuse assessment and any treatment, and was ordered to pay restitution and court costs.

Devan Hall, 21, of Delphos, changed his plea to an amended charge of attempted counterfeiting, a fourth degree felony. Judge Burchfield ordered a pre-sentence investigation and set sentencing set for 9 a.m. December 16.

Megan Lane, 22, of Van Wert, changed her plea to guilty to an amended charge of attempted tampering with evidence, a fourth degree felony. She then requested and was granted intervention in lieu of conviction and her case was stayed pending completion of the treatment program. She was ordered to pay court costs.

Ronnie Smith, 66, of Convoy, changed his plea to guilty to an amended charge of attempted possession of cocaine, a first degree misdemeanor. He was then sentenced to one year of community control, 30 days in jail at a later date, was ordered to undero mental health and substance abuse assessment and any treatment, and was ordered to pay court costs.

Cyle Black, 40, of Van Wert, changed his plea to guilty of tampering with evidence, a third degree felony. Judge Burchfield ordered a pre-sentence investigation and set sentencing for 9 a.m. December 9.

Estaban Rivera, 49, of Scott, changed his plea to guilty to an amended charge of attempted having weapons, a fourth degree felony. A pre-sentence investigation was ordered and sentencing was scheduled for 9 a.m. December 16.

Corbin Cornelius, 26, of Van Wert, changed his plea to guilty to an amended charge of domestic violence, a fourth degree felony. A pre-sentence investigation as ordered and sentencing was scheduled for 9 a.m. December 9.

Grant money to benefit Willshire

VW independent staff

State grant money is coming to the Village of Willshire.

Van Wert County will receive a $750,000 Neighborhood Revitalization grant to assist the village of Willshire in the replacement of aging waterlines, rehabilitation of sidewalks along Walcott Street, and the replacement of a tornado siren. The project will benefit all 345 residents of the village.

Arnott, Vemillion earn OHSP awards

Submitted information

Ohio State Highway Patrol Trooper Thomas J. Arnott has been selected the 2026 Trooper of the Year at the Van Wert Post.

The selection of Trooper Arnott is in recognition of outstanding service during 2026. Fellow officers stationed at the Van Wert Post, chose Trooper Arnott based on his leadership abilities, professional ethics, courteous treatment of others, enthusiastic work attitude, and cooperation with supervisors, peers, and the public.

Originally from Clio, Michigan, Trooper Arnott joined the Highway Patrol in 2017 as a member of the 162nd Academy Class. Trooper Arnott is also a graduate of the University of Northwestern Ohio where he earned a degree in diesel technology. Trooper Arnott serves as a Field Training Officer and has also been awarded the Patrol’s physical fitness and safe driving awards.

Trooper Arnott and his family reside in Mercer County.

Radio Dispatcher Melissa D. Vermillion has been selected the 2026 Dispatcher of the Year at the Van Wert Dispatch Center. Vermillion joined the Highway Patrol in 2016. She is a graduate of Bath High School. Dispatcher Vermillion serves as a Field Training Dispatcher. She was honored in recognition of her outstanding service over the past year. Supervision and dispatchers chose Dispatcher Vermillion based on her technical job knowledge and ability, her enthusiastic work attitude, teamwork, and prompt and courteous response to the public’s request for information and assistance.

Dispatcher Vermillion and her family reside in Darke County.

Both Arnott and Vermillion are in contention for District and State honors as Trooper of the Year and Dispatcher of the Year. Those honors will be announced at a later date.

New electric aggregation rate announced

Submitted information

Van Wert County recently executed a new electric aggregation agreement with Dynegy at a program rate of 11.74¢ per kilowatt-hour (kWh), or $0.1174/ kWh. The new rate will provide long-term price stability for residential and small business participants from December ,2026 through the June, 2029 billing period.

In a time when electric prices remain unpredictable, continuing the electric aggregation program offers participants several key benefits:

• Protection from market volatility – Electricity pricing has increased dramatically across Ohio over the last several years and remains volatile. This trend is expected to continue with growing electric demand and higher costs to maintain infrastructure. This will impact electric generation costs across Ohio, including rates directly from your local utility or other third-party suppliers.
• Budget stability – The program provides a fixed price for a known term. While one of the goals of the aggregation program has historically been to provide savings when compared to the utility’s Standard Service Offer (also known as the price-to-compare or PTC), ongoing market volatility means savings cannot be guaranteed over the contract term. However, the program’s fixed energy rate will offer budget certainty and price protection in an uncertain energy market.
• Buying power – Our community partnered with other local communities to negotiate on behalf of all eligible residents and small businesses in the areas included. A competitive bidding process was used where offers were received from various suppliers to secure the best price and contracting opportunity possible at this time.
• Contract flexibility – The program allows participants the opportunity to opt out without penalty or leave with no cancellation or termination fees at any time during the contract term. If you relocate in the area, move out of the area, or find a better offer, you can do so without financial penalty.
• Green pricing option – A 100 precent green price is available as an alternative for interested participants. Customers may enroll in this product for a price backed by renewable energy.

Eligible participants will begin to receive opt-out notices from Dynegy in the mail over the coming weeks. The opt-out letters will provide new program details, including budget billing information, and no action is needed to participate. You will continue to receive one invoice from your utility each month with the new rate reflected approximately 45-60 days after receiving the opt-out letter. As always, there is no change or interruption to your electric service. All outages and emergencies should continue to be reported to your local utility and emergency services.

Those looking to opt out of the program will find details on how to do so by mail, phone, or website in the opt-out notice they receive.

City’s leaf pickup to begin November 16

VW independent staff

A reminder – the City of Van Wert’s annual leaf pickup is approaching.

Make sure that leaves are in paper biodegradable bags and placed by the curb. If your leaves are not placed in paper biodegradable bags and by the curb, they will not be picked up. Brush will not be picked up.

There is not a break down from ward to ward so make sure you place them out by 7 a.m. each of the following Mondays:

• Monday, November 16
• Monday, November 30
• Monday, December 7
• Monday, December 14

Turner retiring; Medical Academy discussed

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

The search is about to begin for a new Vantage Career Center superintendent.

Thursday night, the Vantage Board of Education accepted the resignation of Superintendent Rick Turner, who plans to retire at the end of his current contract, July 31, 2027. The board also voted to approve a contract with Celina-based Grand Lake Regional Educational Service Center to aid in the search for Turner’s replacement. The contract calls for a flat fee payment of $5,000 at the conclusion of the search process.

Turner’s ties to Vantage go back to the late 1970s. He graduated in 1979 from the school’s machine tool technology program. He was hired as Vantage superintendent in 2017. Prior to that, he spent a number of years at Apollo Career Center and worked as director of adult programs for more than 11 years at the Lima area vocational school before his appointment at Vantage.

Shortly after calling Thursday’s meeting to order, the board went into executive session with Grand Lake Regional ESC Superintendent Shelly Vaughn and Western Buckeye ESC Superintendent Missy McClurg to discuss the pending superintendent vacancy. The closed door session lasted over an hour.

The Vantage Academy of Medical Careers was a topic of discussion and the tone turned to dissatisfaction with the pace of work and general contractor Alexander & Bebout as the project winds down. The academy is in the former Thomas Edison building across the street from the main campus.

“Contractors need to complete final punch-list items for the academy,” Turner told the board. “Exterior landscaping is still pending and given the time of year, some final work may be deferred until spring.”

Turner said he believes the project could be completed with five good days by the workers.

“The thing that saddens me about this it’s an absolutely beautiful place – it’s going to be a wonderful training facility, we’ve just got to get over the hump,” he said.

Renovations were scheduled to be complete by August 1, in time for the new school year. However, it was pushed back to September 29, but is still not complete. The board also voiced unhappiness at the September meeting (see story here).