Electric co-ops help support safety at YMCA’s Camp Clay

Head-on accident claims two lives

VW independent staff

JACKSON TOWNSHIP — A Friday evening crash along U.S. 127 near milepost 8 in Paulding County’s Jackson Township left two people dead.

According to the Van Wert Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the accident occurred just before 6:30 p.m., when a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse driven by Guadalupe Amaro Martinez II, 28, of Paulding, collided head-on with a northbound 2024 Dodge Ram 3500 driven by Judd Charles Spencer, 56, of Cecil.

Troopers said Martinez had crossed the center line. Martinez and a passenger, Guadalupe A. Martinez Jr., 55, of Paulding, were both pronounced dead at the scene. No information was given on Spencer’s injuries or condition.

Speed is suspected to be a factor in the crash, which remains under investigation by the Van Wert Patrol Post. The Van Wert Post covers Van Wert and Paulding counties.

The Highway Patrol was assisted at the scene by the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office, Paulding Fire Department and Gideon’s Towing.

VWACCB to offer concert in Celina

Submitted information

The Van Wert Area Community Concert Band will perform in concert at the Harley C. Jones Memorial Rotary Amphitheater in Celina on Sunday, August 9. The program will begin at 7 p.m. and is free to the public.

Music performed at the concert will include several patriotic selections celebrating the country’s 250th anniversary (semiquincentennial). A few of these selections are: An American Celebration, Last full Measure, Golden and a Bob Dylan medley.

Band member Warren Bowery will be featured singing Neil Diamond”s America and the 1970’s hit Come On Down To My Boat Baby. Band member Jerry Wolfe will sing his version of Frank Sinatra’s, New York, New York and Celina music teacher Katie Brautigam will also be a featured vocalist with the band.

Area military personnel and veterans will be honored with a Salute To America’s Finest. The program will conclude with the stirring Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the U.S.A.”

Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy a concert in the beautiful Bryson Park setting by the lake.

The band  isdirected by former Parkway band director Richard Sherrick and features members from Van Wert, Ohio City, Delphos, Convoy, Chat, Middle Point, Spencerville, Celina and Rockford.

Dangerous substances appearing in drugs

VW independent staff/submitted information

COLUMBUS – The Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center released two public safety bulletins on Friday alerting Ohioans of dangerous substances showing up in Ohio’s drug supply.  All of these substances increase the risk of overdose and potentially fatal consequences.

The first bulletin addresses orphine analogs. Orphines are a sub-group of new synthetic opioids which are being encountered in seized drug samples and suspected overdose incidents across Ohio. NSOs are synthetic drugs that mimic the effects of controlled opioids such as morphine and fentanyl.  NSOs are particularly dangerous because of their potency.  They can disrupt breathing and impact the central nervous system, increasing the potential for an overdose.

The second bulletin warns of the synthetic veterinary sedatives medetomidine and xylazine, which are prevalent in Ohio’s drug supply.  These substances are not approved for use in humans.  Veterinary sedatives cause sedation and can induce life-threatening effects, which can complicate overdose response and emergency care.

“The drug landscape is always evolving and currently contains dangerous and unpredictable polydrug mixtures.  People may think they are taking one substance, when it could be something else entirely, something much more dangerous and potentially fatal,” said Ohio Department of Public Safety Deputy Chief of Staff Cynthia Peterman.  “The ONIC wants to be sure Ohioans, first responders, public health, overdose prevention, and all of our community partners are informed and prepared when they encounter people who may have been exposed to these substances.”

If an overdose is suspected, call 911, administer naloxone, and stay with the individual until emergency medical personnel arrive on scene. A person experiencing a drug overdose involving multiple drugs may still demonstrate symptoms of intoxication even after breathing is restored. Naloxone is safe and should be used in the event of a suspected overdose.

Governor Mike DeWine signed an executive order in July of 2019 creating ONIC, a specialized criminal intelligence unit to assist local law enforcement in conducting intelligence-driven drug trafficking investigations. Operated as a division of the Ohio Department of Public Safety, ONIC has locations in Columbus, Cleveland, Toledo, and Cincinnati.

ONIC’s criminal intelligence analysts and computer forensic specialists provide investigative, analytical, and digital forensic support to local law enforcement agencies and drug task forces throughout Ohio.

Ohio Goes to the Movies postponed

Submitted information

Main Street Van Wert has announced that the Ohio Goes to the Movies event, originally scheduled for Saturday, August 1, has been postponed due to the forecast of inclement weather.

To ensure the safety and enjoyment of attendees, the event will now take place as part of the Harvest Moon Festival on Saturday, September 26, in downtown Van Wert.

The move will allow the community to still enjoy the fun, entertainment, and movie-themed activities planned for Ohio Goes to the Movies while making it part of the larger Harvest Moon Festival celebration.

“We were looking forward to celebrating Ohio Goes to the Movies with our community, but the safety of our attendees, vendors, and volunteers comes first,” said Main Street Van Wert Executive Director Mitch Price. “We are excited to bring the event back on September 26 and make it part of an even bigger day during Harvest Moon.”

Additional details regarding event times, activities, and the Harvest Moon Festival will be announced as they become available.

Paver tributes installed at Eggerss Stadium

VW independent staff/submitted information

For Van Wert Cougar football fans, Friday, August 21, can’t come soon enough. The thrill and anticipation of the season opener at home against Bryan looms large. The excitement, coupled with improvements and new construction at Eggerss Stadium makes it even more special.

The area just beyond the south end zone at the historic stadium has been buzzing all summer as new concessions, restrooms, entranceway, ticket booth, band bleachers, and a plaza area all take shape. It’s the culmination of years of planning and months of work to prepare for the 2026 season. The work is part of fourth and final phase of the massive renovation project.

To compliment all of these new features at Eggerss Stadium, a paver tribute area has been installed just inside the new south entrance.

“The concept of the pavers is to provide a way for fans and supporters of Van Wert athletics to recognize players, fans, coaches, and supporters of the stadium renovation by leaving a lasting legacy at the stadium,” said John White, Capital Campaign Chair of the project.

An initial group of pavers that were purchased over the past 18 months has been installed. This group still has to be fine-tuned, cleaned, and quality checked before the home opener. A second group is currently in production with hopes to be ready by late August.

“We are excited to provide a way for our fans and supporters to play a part in the success of this multi-year effort,” Van Wert City Schools Superintendent Mark Bagley said. “The paver project allows a method to leave a forever legacy.”

AEP, Butterfly Meadows open houses set

VW independent staff/submitted information

Wednesday, August 12 – that’s when a pair of local open houses will be scheduled to share more information about a new electric facility and a possible new solar farm.

AEP Ohio

Officials from American Electric Power have scheduled an August open house to update customers about power grid upgrades in Van Wert County. According to a news release, AEP Ohio is planning to upgrade the electric transmission grid in Van Wert County to meet growing power needs in the area.

The Maddox Creek-Norse Transmission Project involves:

• Building an electric facility, Norse Substation, off Stripe Road north of U.S. 30.
• Building about 2.5 miles of 345-kilovolt transmission lines* connecting the Maddox Creek Substation off Fife Road to the proposed Norse Substation.
• Connecting the Norse Substation to a customer facility.

The company plans to build two separate transmission lines from the Maddox Creek Substation that will merge onto a single set of structures before connecting to the Norse Substation.

The news release states the project will deliver power to a new customer facility, with the customer covering the costs for the connections between Norse Substation and their site, as well as the power they use. The project will also provide additional electric capacity to support future economic development and growth in the area.

Landowners and community members are invited to the open house to learn more about the project and share input, particularly on study segments under consideration for the new power lines.

Streets to close for August events

Submitted information

Portions of downtown Van Wert streets will be temporarily closed for a pair of August events.

The Main Street Madness 3-on-3 boys and girls basketball tournament will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, August 1. The street closure will be W. Crawford St., to S. Jefferson St. to the bridge by Fountain Park. The rain date will be Sunday, August 2, beginning at 12:30-6 p.m.

S. Jefferson St. from Main St. to Central Ave. will be closed for the Van Wert Freedom Cruise from 5-10 p.m. Saturday, August 8.

FOP donations…

Van Wert FOP Lodge 62 is proud to support the community and this week, the Lodge presented a $500 check to the Salvation Army of Van Wert. Major Deborah Weigner is shown above accepting the check from Brian Ellerbrock. FOP Lodge 62 also made a $500 donation to Karla’s Kupboard food pantry, located at Trinity Friends Church. Shown below is Pantry Director Barb Fetzer accepting the check from Ellerbrock. Photos submitted

Court clerk earns state certification

VW independent staff/submitted information

COLUMBUS — The Supreme Court of Ohio and the National Center for State Courts Institute for Court Management, recognized 38 court professionals who earned the Certified Court Manager credential during a recent certification ceremony.

The Class of 2026 represents courts from across Ohio, spanning municipal, common pleas, juvenile, probate, and appellate courts. Graduates hold roles ranging from court administrators and clerks of court to magistrates, probation officers, and program coordinators.

Megan Ryan, who has served as the Clerk of Court for the Van Wert Municipal Court since 2019, was among the class of graduates. 

The Court Management Program is a certification program available through the National Center for State Courts Institute for Court Management and The Supreme Court of Ohio Judicial College. Graduates of the three-year program underwent over 200 hours of training and education on six different topics:

• Purposes and Responsibilities of Courts
• Accountability and Court Performance
• Caseflow and Workflow Management
• Budget and Fiscal Management
• Workforce Management
• Project Management for Courts

Participants who successfully completed the program received a diploma and nationally-recognized certificate as a Certified Court Manager.

“Megan has always excelled in whatever role she had at the Van Wert Muncipal Court,” Van Wert Municipal Court Judge Jill Worthington said. “Selection for the Court Management Program at the Supreme Court of Ohio is a very competitive process. Court personnel from all over the state apply to be accepted to this program. Megan possesses the knowledge, skills and abilities to manage the Van Wert Municipal Court very well and her diverse experience made her the perfect candidate for this program.”

Sentencing hearings held in local court

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

Seven defendants were sentenced on various criminal charges during hearings held in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court on Wednesday. Judge Martin D. Burchfield presided over each of the hearings.

William Ladd, 51, of Van Wert, was sentenced to 4-6 years prison with credit for 84 days already served for sexual battery involving a victim between 13-17, a second degree felony. The crimes occurred between June of last year and February of this year. He must register as Tier III sex offender, which means he must register his address every 90 days with the county sheriff. Upon his release from prison, Ladd must serve five years of post-release. He was also ordered to pay court costs.

Abbey Eutsler, 39, of Van Wert, was sentenced to 180 days jail with credit for 42 days already served for possession of a fentanyl related compound, a fifth degree felony.

After violating his probation, Zachary Craig, 46, of Van Wert, was re-sentenced to 150 days jail with credit for 121 days already served for aggravated possession of drugs, a fifth degree felony.

After a probation violation, Brandon Craig, 43, of Van Wert, was re-sentenced to up to six months at the WORTH Center, three years of community control, and 30 days in jail at a later date for failure to comply with the order or signal of a police officer, a fourth degree felony. In addition, he must perform 100 hours of community service, seek and maintain employment, undergo a substance abuse assessment and any treatment, and pay monthly probation fees and court costs.

John Snavley, 60, of Van Wert, was sentenced to 180 days jail with credit for 54 days already served for aggravated possession of drugs, a fifth degree felony.

After violating the terms of his probation, Amani Perkins, 20, of Van Wert, was re-sentenced to up to six months at the WORTH Center; three years of community control, and 30 days in jail at a later date for domestic violence, a fifth degree felony. He must perform 50 hours of community service, undergo substance abuse assessment and any treatment, and pay monthly probation fees and court costs.