Bowen, Osenga inducted into Vantage Alumni HOF

McCoy keeps an eye on the weather

VW independent staff/submitted information

With his retirement set for the end of this month, longtime Van Wert County EMA Director Rick McCoy is still concentrating on severe weather outbreaks for the spring season, while seeking state reimbursement from the late January winter storm and a powerful mid-March wind storm.

Recent severe weather including tornadoes has been very active in March going into April and McCoy said the upcoming weeks look extremely interesting and will need to be watched closely. He also noted that recent rains have certainly helped with the drought that persisted last fall through the winter. According to McCoy, the rain deficit was close to 12 inches but so far in March and April, the county received just over 6.5 inches, which has helped dramatically.

“I still expect some very beneficial, possibly even heavy rains in April so this should alleviate the drought,” McCoy stated.

McCoy has been looking at trends and forecasts to get a good feel for the upcoming year and said National Weather Service officials continue to point towards a very stormy wet spring, and the climate already has transitioned away from LaNino, which gave us a very cold and snowy winter and now into a neutral pattern thru June.

“What is of interest, it appears we will quickly go into a Super El Nino pattern which is somewhat rare and it will persist going into winter, McCoy said. That pattern would suppress this year’s hurricane season and would mean a mild fall for us and a warmer then normal winter with little snow.”

The longtime EMA director said he’s continuing to work with the state on the January 24 snowstorm and the March 13 windstorm. Because McCoy submitted snowfall totals of nearly 10 inches to the National Weather Service, it qualified Van Wert County to be in a top percentile of recorded snowstorms for the area. Upon receiving notification from the state that the county would be eligible for disaster assistance funds for a 48 hour period of snow removal from roadways due to snowfall and winds causing drifting snow, McCoy contacted all 12 townships, County Engineer Kyle Wendel, the cities of Van Wert and Delphos, plus the villages and requested overtime hours in the event and also hourly use of snow plows.

Stevens shares data center benefits

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

It’s been a hot topic as of late and more information about it was shared Thursday night.

Van Wert Area Economic Development Director Brent Stevens was the keynote speaker at Vantage Career Center’s All-Boards Dinner and Alumni Hall of Fame night on Thursday and he spoke about the planned $10 billion data center at the Mega Site.

He noted that during negotiations, the developer agreed to pay for Bonnewitz Crossing, which will connect N. Washington St. and Mendon Rd., plus improvements to Mendon Rd., including an overpass. The extension and improvements alone are estimated at approximately $25 million.

As he has done on previous occasions, Stevens noted the data center will use a closed loop cooling system, which will eliminate the need for massive amounts of water, which has been a fear of local opponents of the project.

“It just so happens that the parts that are being built for the closed loop system are being built by Danfoss right here in town,” Stevens stated. “Unlike many facilities that have drawn criticism for high water consumption, this design recycles and reuses all of its cooling liquid on-site.”

He also said Danfoss in Van Wert is expected to add 53 new jobs to keep up with demand for sustainable equipment in the next year.

“We are not importing a problem, we are showcasing a homegrown solution,” he said.

According to Stevens, a well-planned data center project does not raise residential or business electric rates. Instead, he said, these developments help fund grid upgrades that northwest Ohio needs for the long term.

Stevens also addressed fears about emissions.

BOE updated on Medical Academy

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

While the timeline to complete renovations to the building that will house the Vantage Academy of Medical Careers is tight, Superintendent Rick Turner still anticipates launching the school’s medical programs in the new space at the start the 2026-2027 school year.

Turner gave an update during Thursday’s monthly meeting of the Vantage Career Center Board of Education and said while work progresses, a structural issue was recently identified.

“The west wall of the sports exercise room was found to be improperly anchored, causing instability during high winds,” Turner explained to the board. “To resolve this, the wall will be demolished and rebuilt using steel columns and metal-stud framing. Consequently, interior framing for this section will be delayed to avoid future rework.”

“Structural column placements previously raised concerns regarding ceiling heights, but these have since been resolved,” he added. “Window positions will be shifted slightly to compensate for the columns, while casework in the nursing practical lab and medical assistant room will be reduced or fitted with fillers to maintain 10- foot ceilings.”

Turner said work also continues on the mezzanine extension and the north end addition and he noted the architect in charge of the project, Munger Munger + Associates is working with the City of Van Wert on the elevation of the Bonnewitz Ave. extension.

“This ensures the north parking lot grade is correct and the driveway exit transitions smoothly onto the new road,” Turner stated. “Installation of the school zone and pedestrian crossings on Franklin Street is expected to begin within the next few weeks.”

The Vantage Academy of Medical Careers, which will be located in the former Thomas Edison building, across the street from the main campus

A new member, Matt Hormann, was sworn in Thursday night. He represents Antwerp Local Schools and is replacing former board member Dennis Recker.

The board approved a lengthy list of certified employees for the 2026-2027 school year, including Anna Baker, early childhood center instructor, two years; Ryan Benroth, Project Lead the Way instructor, one year; Gary Cearns, welding instructor, four years; Stephanie Clevinger, full time instructor substitute, one year; Alayna Kistler, intervention specialist, one year; Austin Meyer, network systems instructor, one year; Kelly Moreno, preschool head teacher, two years; Miriam Owens, marketing and design instructor, one year; Amolia Pope, intervention specialist, two years; Michelle Reinhart, intervention specialist, four years; Jerry Robinson, carpentry instructor, four years; Alexandria Sarno, math instructor, one year; Eric Schwab, intervention specialist, continuing contract; Stacia Spieth, math instructor pending supplemental license, one year; Audrey Stechschulte, school counselor, continuing contract; Luke Trinosky, culinary arts instructor, one year; Jennifer Warnecke, full time substitute, one year; Brooke Webster, intervention specialist, two years. Sydney Wilke, FCS satellite instructor, one year.

New sports betting restrictions proposed

By Nick Evans/Ohio Capital Journal

COLUMBUS — Three Ohio Republican lawmakers are introducing legislation to place “guardrails” on the state’s sports betting system, including stopping online/phone gambling, limits on wagers, banning the use of credit for betting, and limiting advertisement.

They warn that gambling is as addictive as illegal drugs, costs Ohio citizens enormous amounts of money, and threatens the integrity of sporting events.

Clinical Director of Addiction Services at Lindner Center of Hope Dr. Chris Tuell explained among addictive behaviors, gambling has the highest suicide rate.

He added that the number one reason for divorce isn’t infidelity, it’s financial problems.

“This is Narcan,” he said, holding up the small plastic nasal spray. “We don’t have a spray for problem gambling. We don’t have a pill for problem gambling.”

Ohio state Reps. Riordan McClain, R-Upper Sandusky, Gary Click, R-Vickery, and Johnathan Newman, R-Troy, acknowledge that sports betting is here to stay. But they want to place restrictions on what, how, and where Ohioans can wager.

“The fact is that most betters do not win,” McClain said, citing statistics that only about five percent of sports bettors make money over the long term.

“That means roughly 95 percent of Ohioans who are betting make deposits, not withdrawals,” McClain said.

Click asked, “Is it really worth the taxes that we gain to risk people’s lives, their mental health, their personal well-being, their families, their homes? I don’t think it is.”

“So, while we’re not going to roll back the clock to what it was before,” he went on, “we’re going to put some common-sense consumer protections in place to protect Ohio citizens.”

The legislative language for the lawmakers’ ideas is still getting hammered out, but they’re expecting to file two proposals: one focused on consumer protections and the other on sports integrity.

DNA testing ordered in Spirko murder case

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

It’s a case that goes back nearly 45 years with a defendant who is almost 80 years old and claims he’s innocent. Now, he’s getting a chance that could help prove his claim.

Last week, Van Wert County Common Pleas Court Judge Martin D. Burchfield signed an order for new DNA testing in the case of John George Spirko Jr.

The results could help bring closure to the case, or raise new questions.

Spirko, 79, is serving life in prison for the 1982 abduction and murder of Betty Jane Mottinger, who served as postmistress in the tiny village of Elgin, in southeast Van Wert County.

The testing will be done at Spirko’s expense and Judge Burchfield’s order states duct tape and debris/hair samples found on the duct tape, a painter’s drop cloth found at the scene, a hunter’s knife, rope, cord and a piece of tarp, fingerprints and blood samples are all subject to testing. Virginia-based Bode Technology will do the testing. The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office’s Property Room is responsible for transporting the listed items via commercial carrier to Bode Technology.

“Bode shall consult with the Defendant regarding a course of testing, with the goal of analyzing any human DNA that can be collected from those items,” Judge Burchfield wrote in his order. “Defendant shall remain in communication with Bode throughout the DNA testing process to determine the order in which the items will be tested. Upon completion of DNA testing, Bode shall provide counsel for the Defendant and counsel for the State of Ohio with the complete results of testing, including but not limited to allelic charts, electropherograms, and any other underlying data related to testing in this matter. Upon request, Bode shall provide any underlying data necessary for analysis by probabilistic genotyping software.”

Plea changes and other hearings held

VW independent staff

A Van Wert man accused of causing the death of another man in late 2024 has changed his plea.

During a hearing held Wednesday morning in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court, Joshua Sargent, 44, changed his plea to guilty to an amended charge of attempted corrupting another with drugs, a third degree felony. Judge Martin D. Burchfield ordered a pre-sentence investigation and scheduled sentencing for 9 a.m. May 27. Sargent faces up to 36 months in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

He was originally charged with with involuntary manslaughter, a first degree felony, and corrupting another with drugs, a second degree felony, in connection with the early October, 2024 death of KC Kerns, 43, of Van Wert. His body was found in the wooded lot of the old reservoir at the corner of Blaine St. and Anderson Ave. Sargent was accused of supplying drugs that resulted in the death of Kerns. He was was originally charged in early May, 2025, but the case was later dismissed due to the availability of a witness. Once the witness became available, the charges were refiled.

In addition to that hearing, nine other hearings were held on Tuesday and Wednesday. Judge Burchfield presided over all of the hearings.

Intervention in lieu/bond violations

Emily Apple, 39, of Paulding, admitted to violating her intervention in lieu by failing a drug test. She was then sentenced to two years of community control, 30 days in jail at a later date, and 26 hours of community service. She is to undergo mental health and substance abuse assessment and any treatment, and must pay court costs.

Jeremy Dunbar, 29, of Van Wert, admitted to violating his bond and intervention in lieu by receiving an additional charge. Judge Burchfield ordered a pre-sentence investigation and set sentencing for 9 a.m. May 20.

Ashley McCarthy, 43, of Van Wert, admitted to violating her bond and intervention in lieu by failing a drug test and failing to complete treatment. A pre-sentence investigation was ordered and sentencing was scheduled for 9 a.m. May 13.

Zachariah Germann, 38, of Van Wert, admitted to violating his bond by failing to appear. He then changed his plea to an amended charge of theft, a first degree misemeanor, and possession of a fentanyl-related compound, a fifth degree felony. Judge Burchfield ordered a pre-sentence investigation and set sentencing for 9 a.m. May 27.

Class 1 firefighters…

Hours of training have paid off for five more Scott firefighters who have earned their Firefighter 1 certification (left to right): John Rosswurm, Bryce Rosswurm, Sam Steffen, Adam Stoller and Owen Manz. Photo submitted

New bill introduced by Klopfenstein

VW independent staff/submitted information

COLUMBUS – State Representatives Roy Klopfenstein (R-Haviland) and Josh Williams (R-Sylvania Twp.) recently introduced House Bill 786 – legislation that works to combat AI Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM).

“It is our responsibility to protect Ohio’s most innocent, and as technology continues to advance, we must also adapt to ensure the continued safety of Ohio’s children,” said Klopfenstein.

“AI-generated child sexual abuse material is not a victimless offense; it perpetuates exploitation and erodes the safeguards that protect our most vulnerable,” said Williams. “We have a responsibility to ensure emerging technologies are never weaponized against children, and to act decisively to prevent the spread of harmful content.”

House Bill 786 would make clear that AI-generated child sexual abuse material is illegal under Ohio law and subject to the same criminal penalties as other forms of child sexual exploitation material. This legislation would provide prosecutors and law enforcement with clear statutory authority to investigate and charge these offenses, ensuring that emerging technology cannot be used to evade accountability.

45 other states have already passed similar legislation addressing AI-generated child sexual abuse material. This bill ensures Ohio laws keep pace with technology and reinforces the commitment to safeguarding minors in both the physical and digital world.

House Bill 786 awaits its first hearing in the House Judiciary Committee.

Politicians spend the day at Crestview

VW independent staff/submitted information

CONVOY – Students and staff at Crestview Local Schools, along with community members were able to interact with State Representative Jim Hoops (R–Napoleon) on Tuesday.

Rep. Hoops, who is currently a candidate for Ohio’s State Senate District 1 seat held by Senator Rob McColley, spent the day touring the campus. Rep. Hoops was accompanied throughout the visit by State Representative Roy Klopfenstein (R–Haviland). The site visit and tour were organized in coordination with the Crestview Employees’ Association (CEA, OFT-AFT).

Following a brief introductory meeting in the Crestview Board of Education office, Rep. Hoops began his tour at the Crestview Early Childhood Center (ECC), where he learned about the district’s newest facility and the opportunities it provides for young learners. The visit then continued to the middle school and high school, where Rep. Hoops toured art and agricultural classrooms. During these stops, he had the opportunity to speak with students and staff who were engaged in classroom instruction and individual projects.

At the conclusion of the tour, Rep. Hoops and Rep. Klopfenstein participated in two roundtable discussions—one with staff and community members, and another with students. These conversations focused on educational policy, property tax reform, and the state budget process. Both Hoops and Klopfenstein were eager to receive feedback from the roundtable participants.

Summer Concert Series lineup announced

VW independent staff/submitted information

Van Wert LIVE has announced the eagerly awaited lineup for this year’s “Feel Good Friday” Summer Concert Series. Thanks to the generosity of the Van Wert County Foundation, music enthusiasts can indulge in free concerts set to captivate audiences throughout the summer.

Before Feel Good Fridays start, the Van Wert Area Community Concert Band will perform at  Fountain Park at 7 p.m. Friday, May 22, as a kickoff to the Memorial Day weekend. Led by Richard Sherrick, this free concert will bring local musicians to the stage in an evening showcasing local talent.

The concert series will take place in the heart of Fountain Park, Van Wert, where people can gather for free to enjoy a diverse lineup of national and regional bands for six summer nights. The 2026 concert lineup promises an array of musical genres, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy. From soulful melodies to energetic beats, audiences can anticipate performances that will uplift spirits and create lasting memories. Each performance will begin at 7:30 p.m. and will be sure to deliver unforgettable musical experiences.

June 5: Ladies of The 80’s Night Out brings the ultimate decade of decadence back for one night only, featuring the sensational, NYC-based 80s tribute show. Prepare for an explosive setlist featuring all your favorite hits from icons like Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, Pat Benatar, and Whitney Houston.

June 12: Neon 90’s Country Rewind will have you experience the iconic songs of legends like Garth Brooks, Shania Twain, Alan Jackson, and Reba McEntire, and more. If you’re craving the fun, energetic, and timeless spirit of 90’s Country, don’t miss your chance to be part of the Neon 90’s experience. It’s the ultimate way to celebrate the music that made Country what it is today.