VW independent staff/submitted information
March 16-22 has been designated as Severe Weather Awareness Week and all Ohioans are encouraged to prepare themselves for spring and summer weather hazards, including thunder, lightning, tornadoes, and floods.
Ohio is no stranger to inclement weather and Severe Weather Awareness Week is a good opportunity to create an emergency preparedness plan and an emergency kit to help you and your family be safe. You can also use this time to prepare your home for the harsher side of spring and summer.
“Severe weather can impact Ohio at any time of the year, and Severe Weather Awareness Week is a great time to learn about severe weather and how to prepare for it,” Governor Mike DeWine said. “Being prepared ahead of a disaster is one of the most important things you can do to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.”
A statewide tornado drill will be held at 9:50 a.m. Wednesday, March 19. Ohioans are encouraged to participate in the drill and practice their emergency sheltering plans. Ohio counties may use this time to sound and test their outdoor warning sirens and mass notification systems. Schools, households, and businesses are also encouraged to practice their tornado drills and emergency plans.
“The statewide tornado drill gives Ohioans a chance to practice safe sheltering before a real severe weather event,” said Ohio Emergency Management Agency Executive Director Sima Merick. “We encourage all Ohioans to be prepared – stay safe and know what to do when severe weather strikes.”
(more…)POSTED: 03/14/25 at 9:18 pm
Crestview Elementary recently named its Students of the Month sponsored by Van Wert Cinemas. Students making the Knight Leader Board each month will be put into a drawing for a free 30-day pass to the movie theater for their entire family. Van Wert Cinemas Feburary Students of the Month are: Connor Hess, Zoey Adams, Journie Tutle, Josiah Clifton, Charlotte Long, Kallan Staten, Oscar Salazar, Lane Perkins, Jaxon Owens, and Shawn Walraven. Photo submitted
POSTED: 03/14/25 at 9:14 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information
COLUMBUS — With St. Patrick’s Day and the beginning of the NCAA basketball tournament slated to take place on back-to-back days, the Division of Liquor Control reminds Ohio permit holders to be attentive as customers visit local bars and restaurants across the state to take part in festivities.
“As we approach this busy season for Ohio’s bars and restaurants, it’s important that our licensees to take proactive measures to promote safe and responsible celebrations,” said Division Superintendent Jackie DeGenova. “By educating and training their staff, permit holders can create an environment where patrons can enjoy St. Patrick’s Day, the basketball tournament, and other events safely and responsibly this month and throughout the year.”
Liquor permit holders are prohibited from selling alcohol to underage individuals or allowing its on-premises consumption. Proactive measures such as checking identification to verify customers are 21 or older — not just at the door, but at the point of sale — are a good start. It’s also a good practice for staff to compare the photo on the ID to the purchasing consumer, and to ask questions regarding information contained on their ID to verify their identity.
Permit holders must ensure their staff is able to recognize signs of intoxication and refrain from serving customers who appear intoxicated. Liquor permit holders or staff who want to make sure they are educated on the most up-to-date rules and regulations on the sale and handling of alcohol should complete the Ohio Investigative Unit’s Alcohol Server Knowledge (ASK) course, which is available here free of charge.
Whenever consuming alcohol, Ohioans are always encouraged to drink plenty of water, eat food before and during the event, and make plans for safe transportation in the event they plan on consuming alcohol away from home.
In addition, with warmer temperatures returning, Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) visitors are urged to follow rules, including respecting open container laws, local businesses and permit holders. If Ohioans plan on attending an event with a temporary liquor permit, including those near a DORA, participants are reminded they are not permitted to bring their own drinks or outside alcohol to that event.
POSTED: 03/14/25 at 9:13 pm. FILED UNDER: News
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent sports
History will be made today and tomorrow at the University of Dayton, when the 50th annual OHSAA girls basketball state championship games tip off at UD Arena. The same can be said for the boys tournament, which will be held next weekend at the same venue.
For the first time, there will be seven gold trophies and seven silver trophies awarded – championship and runner-up trophies to teams participating in seven different divisions.
Since 1988, the Ohio High School Athletic Association hosted championship games in four different divisions – Divisions I-IV. Prior to that, from 1976 to 1987, it was three different classes – Class AAA, AA and A.
Approximately one year ago, the OHSAA made it official – three new divisions would be added for girls and boys basketball, Divisions V, VI and VII. In addition, OHSAA officials announced the new divisions and a new format would be used with the 2024-2025 school year.
The expansion required some changes. Sectional tournaments were moved up by a week and the biggest and most notable change involved the state semifinals. No longer would 12 state semifinal and championship games be played at one site over three days as they had been for the previous 49 years. Instead, the semifinal final games would be played at neutral sites around the state one weekend, followed by the championship games in Dayton the next weekend.
(more…)POSTED: 03/13/25 at 9:06 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
State Representatives Jim Hoops (R-Napoleon) and Roy Klopfenstein (R- Haviland) recently introduced legislation to rebrand U.S. 24 as “Ohio’s Heartland Highway.”
“As you drive along U.S. 24, you pass through some of the most productive farmland in America, tended by hardworking Ohio farmers,” Hoops said. “It’s only fitting that we honor our local agricultural entrepreneurs by giving this highway a name that reflects their dedication and contribution to our great state.”
“For local residents, the ‘Heartland Highway’ would be a source of Ohio pride, while for travelers, it would stand out as a welcoming and meaningful route,” Klopfenstein said. “I’m honored to be a part of this bill and help rename U.S. 24 in a way that truly reflects its significance.”
U.S. 24 passes through six other states including Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Kansas, and Colorado. This bill awaits a number and committee assignment.
POSTED: 03/13/25 at 9:05 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff
VENEDOCIA — A reminder that the Venedocia Lions Club will be sponsoring its Pancakes & Sausage Day from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. this Saturday, March 15, at the Venedocia Lions Building. Dine-in and carryout options will be available.
The cost is a freewill donation, and two pound packages of fresh sausage will be sold separately.
Proceeds from Saturday’s event will be used for various Venedocia Lions community projects, including scholarships for high school seniors living in Jennings and York Townships, local 4-H clubs, local food banks, Christmas With Kids, Toss A Toy, Haven of Hope, and Van Wert County CERT.
In addition, the Venedocia Lions Club will be accepting used eyeglasses, sunglasses, and cases to be used for Lions Club International projects. Please bring used glasses and place them in the donation box at the Lions Building on Pancakes Day. Used cases are accepted as well.
POSTED: 03/13/25 at 9:05 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information
The Van Wert Peony Festival Board has announced that tickets for the 50th annual Van Wert Queen Jubilee Pageant are now available for purchase at Laudick’s Jewelry, 1244 S. Shannon St. in Van Wert, or from any pageant contestant.
Tickets are all general admission and cost $10. Candidates from eight area schools will compete in this annual event on Friday, March 28, at LifeHouse Church in Van Wert.
POSTED: 03/13/25 at 9:04 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Ashley Metzger and Kay Cavinder from Alliance Automation wowed Lincolnview sixth graders with their knowledge and expertise. Students have been working on solving problems and creating their own inventions in the STEM Lab this month. Then they made presentations or videos on Canva to present to their peers. The two discussed some of the very same processes that sixth graders are learning in STEM. Alliance is a state-of-the-art facility that is designed to solve problems often through the use of robots. Numerous career opportunities await these students who have a love for programming robots and solving unique problems, as well as many other jobs in the science and technology fields. Photos submitted
POSTED: 03/13/25 at 9:03 pm. FILED UNDER: News
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
Just two criminal hearings took place in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court between the reporting period of Thursday, March 6, and Wednesday, March 13. Judge Martin D. Burchfield presided over both of the hearings.
Ryan Houser, 39, of Rockford, changed his plea to no contest to murder, an unclassified felony. He was found guilty by Judge Burchfield, who then ordered a pre-sentence investigation and scheduled sentencing for 10 a.m. May 7. A full story can be found here.
Amber Baker, 35, of Van Wert, changed her plea to guilty to non-support of dependents, a fifth degree felony. She was then sentenced to two years of community control, 90 days in jail to begin June 1 unless she is employed, and 30 days in jail at a later date. She must maintain employment, possess no alcohol or drugs without a prescription, undergo random screens, and must pay partial appointed counsel fees, monthly probation fees and court costs.
POSTED: 03/13/25 at 12:32 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information
CONVOY — Crestview Knight-Vision along with the high school chorus, jazz band, and middle school swing choir will present their annual after-dinner theater at 6:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, March 14-15 in the Crestview auditeria. Tickets for this year’s “Pink vs. Green” dinner theater are on sale to the general public. Ticket prices are $13 for adults and $12 for students. Dessert, drinks and snacks will be included with entry.
POSTED: 03/13/25 at 9:20 am. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
COLUMBUS — Across Ohio, rural communities face a growing crisis: legal needs are going unmet, putting residents at risk. Whether it’s securing child custody, resolving real estate disputes, addressing consumer fraud or defending against criminal charges, too many Ohioans are left without legal representation due to an attorney shortage.
Mary Amos Augsburger, CEO of the Ohio Bar, testified before the Ohio House Finance Committee this week, urging continued state funding for programs that help fill this gap. Without immediate action, she warned, Ohio’s justice system will remain out of reach for many of its most vulnerable residents.
The Crisis: A Shortage of Attorneys in Rural Ohio
In 82 of Ohio’s 88 counties, there are not enough lawyers to serve local communities. This is based upon an ideal ratio of one lawyer for every 700 residents. Many of these attorneys are nearing retirement, with the median age of private practice lawyers in Ohio at 54.5 years — and in some rural areas, the median age is 60 to 70 years.
Without enough lawyers, people struggle to navigate the legal system. This affects families handling probate and estate issues, small business owners managing contracts and individuals seeking justice in civil and criminal matters. The shortage doesn’t just inconvenience Ohioans — it denies them their legal rights.
(more…)POSTED: 03/12/25 at 8:47 pm. FILED UNDER: News
