Second Honor Flight of 2026 to depart next Tuesday

Two defendants appear in CP Court

VW independent staff

Just two criminal hearings were held in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court this week. The cases are separate and unrelated.

Joshua Burnett, 48, of Van Wert, denied violating his bond with a positive drug test and failing to appear in court. Judge Martin D. Burchfield set a further hearing for 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 10.

Dylan Slagle, 22, of Van Wert, pleaded not guilty to one count each of importuning and disseminating matter harmful to juveniles, both fifth degree felonies. He was released on surety bond and a pre-trial conference was scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 24.

Students ROAR!

The Convoy Lions Club held an awards ceremony at the end of the school year to award the third grade classes at Crestview Elementary for working hard in the advanced reading program. In recognition of their hard work the ROAR (Reinforcement Of Advanced Reading) pays them five cents per point. They must pass a test over the content of the book with a score of 80 percent or better. Point values for each book are determined by the AR Program. Pictured are Greg Kulwicki, Convoy Lions Club; Leo the Lion; Mike Myers, Convoy Lions Club; Lydia Ballard, first place; Claire Hirschy, second place; Landon Shaner, third place. Special thanks to Convoy Tastee Freeze for the donation of the free ice cream cones. Photos submitted

And the pitch…

Van Wert’s Conner Harris fires a pitch during Tuesday’s Division IV regional semifinal game against Perkins at Bowling Green State University. Unfortunately, the Cougars were held off the scoreboard and lost to the third ranked Pirates 3-0. A full game story can be found on the Sports page. Photo courtesy of Monica Campbell

Yost issues report on sex buyers

VW independent staff/submitted information

COLUMBUS — More sex buyers are being arrested and prosecuted in Ohio, but jail time and fines remain minimal, and a mandate that offenders attend “john school” is inconsistently enforced, according to a new report released on Tuesday by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost.

“The Drivers of Demand,” commissioned internally by Yost, provides a first-ever look at sex buyers arrested in Ohio and the criminal consequences they have faced.

“For far too long, victims bore the blame for sex trafficking,” Yost said. “But that blame really belongs to sex buyers – they’re the ones fueling the illicit trade. Without the demand, sex trafficking doesn’t exist.”

Reducing the demand for commercial sex has been a core priority for Yost throughout his tenure as attorney general. His office played a leading role in pushing for the passage of House Bill 431, which, effective in 2021, established a criminal charge specifically for sex buyers (“engaging in prostitution”), toughwe penalties for sex buyers, and required those convicted of the charge to attend an educational program – or “john school.”

The report summarizes the case outcomes of more than 1,800 individuals arrested on charges of buying sex in Ohio from 2019, the beginning of Yost’s tenure, through 2025.

Many of the charges stemmed from the work of regional human trafficking task forces and statewide sweeps organized under the Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission, an arm of Yost’s office. Most recently, Operation Spring Cleaning yielded 122 arrests of people seeking to buy sex.

Churches teaming up to offer GriefShare

Submitted information

First United Methodist Church and Trinity Friends Church in Van Wert are partnering this summer to host GriefShare, a special weekly seminar and support group designed to help people rebuild their lives after losing a loved one.

The 7-week session will run on from 6-8 p.m. each Wednesday night from June 10-July 22.

The group will meet at First United Methodist Church in the Scheidt Room, located at 113 W. Central Ave., Van Wert. The facility is fully handicap accessible.

At GriefShare, participants will watch a weekly video featuring counsel and insights from respected grief experts and relatable personal stories, followed by a time of sharing and support. Session topics include what is “normal” in grief, how to handle difficult and overwhelming emotions, and what to do with regrets, questions, and worries

Participant workbooks are available for $20 each to help guide individuals through the 7-week journey. Scholarships are available. GriefShare is a network of thousands of grief support groups meeting worldwide. The program is designed to offer help and hope as individuals navigate the intense pain of losing a spouse, child, family member, or friend.

For more information, to register, or to inquire about the program, please contact Jamie Ramos at First United Methodist Church (419.238.0631 ext. 105), Megan Tschantz at Trinity Friends Church, or visit vanwertfirst.net/events. General information about the program can also be found at griefshare.org.

Franklin Park vandalism…

The Van Wert Police Department is investigating more vandalism at Franklin Park. The latest round occurred at approximately 8:20 p.m. Monday. Security video shows how the damage to a lamp post happened and investigating officers said they have a good idea as to who caused the damage. The damage was discovered Tuesday morning as city park personnel arrived for routine park maintenance. Other damage was also discovered and is being investigated. Last week, Van Wert City Council shelled out $1,500 to replace benches that were destroyed at Franklin Park. Anyone with additional information about any vandalism at Franklin Park should contact the Van Wert Police Department. Bob Barnes photos

Van Wert to start mosquito spraying

Submitted information

The Van Wert Street Department will beging spraying for mosquitoes tonight, then will continue on Wednesday and Thursday nights. Spraying will begin at 9 p.m. all three nights, weather permitting.

Habitat for Humanity house dedicated

VW independent staff/submitted information

Habitat for Humanity of Paulding-Van Wert’s newest home was dedicated during a brief ceremony and open house held on Sunday.

The house in the 900 block of George St. in Van Wert is the new home of Cheyanna Wheeler and her son, Riot, 3.

“I never saw a community come together so much,” Wheeler told the crowd about the creation of her new home. “I never want to be anywhere else but Van Wert. It’s a wonderful community.”

Van Wert County Commissioner Thad Lichtensteiger welcomed Wheeler to Van Wert.

“Congratulations on the dedication of a new home,” he declared. “It looks beautiful.”

Lichtensteiger added that his father used to say “many hands make light work.”

“It conveys what happened here,” he remarked. “Home ownership is a barometer of the community – that investment shows you are part of the community.”

Lichtensteiger also stated that only one percent of homeowners participate in building their home, which puts Wheeler in a unique group. He added that helping build her house means that Wheeler has “put her heart and soul” into her home.

“Congratulations for being part of the community,” he stressed. “We’re delighted to have you own a home in our city and county of Van Wert.”

As part of the home’s dedication, Pastor Michael Baer of First Missionary Church and several church members blessed the dwelling while Pastor Daniel Perry of North Union Church presented the benediction.

Summer concert series starts Friday

VW independent staff

If you’re a fan of 1980s music, you’ll want to head to Fountain Park in downtown Van Wert this Friday night for the kickoff to Van Wert LIVE’s Feel Good Friday summer concert series.

Ladies of The 80’s Night Outwill take the stage at 7:30 p.m. and the NYC-based 80s tribute show will perform a setlist featuring all your favorite hits, including Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, Pat Benatar, Whitney Houston and more.

Friday night’s concert and all Feel Good Friday concerts are free. Those attending are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.

Gas prices down, still lower in Indiana

VW independent staff/submitted information

Average gasoline prices in Ohio have fallen 31.7 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $4.32 per gallon on Monday, according to GasBuddy’s survey of 5,345 stations in Ohio. Prices in Ohio are 58.4 cents per gallon lower than a month ago, but stand $1.43 per gallon higher than a year ago.

However, there’s still a notable gap in pump prices between Ohio and neighboring Indiana.

According to GasBuddy’s survey conducted throughout the Hoosier State, gas prices have fallen 25 cents per gallon and averaged $3.65 per gallon on Monday, the lowest average in the United States. The cheapest station in Indiana was priced at $3.01 per gallon on Sunday, while the most expensive was $5.09 per gallon, a difference of $2.08 per gallon.

By comparison, the cheapest station in Ohio was $3.53 per gallon on Sunday, while the most expensive was $5.85 per gallon, a difference of $2.32 per gallon.

The big difference between the two states – Indiana Governor Mike Braun has temporarily suspended the state’s gas sales tax and gas excise tax, which amounts to nearly 60 cents per gallon. The suspension is scheduled to end on Sunday, though Braun is reportedly considering extending it. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has declined a gas tax suspension.

The national average price of gasoline has fallen 19.5 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $4.26/g today. The national average is down 17.8 cents per gallon from a month ago and stands $1.18/g higher 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.

The national average price of diesel has decreased 15.5 cents compared to a week ago and stands at $5.437 per gallon.