Court appearance tied to Tuesday’s standoff is delayed

Burt St. to close most of next week

Submitted information

Starting next Tuesday, October 13, Burt St. in Van Wert will be closed for railroad work. This will be a hard road closure, meaning no traffic will be able to cross the tracks while the work is being done. The street should be back open for everyone on Saturday morning.

Students learn about cows and plows

By Alecta Baxter/Crestview FFA reporter

The Crestview FFA Chapter recently had the opportunity to participate in the annual Cows and Plows event held at the Van Wert County Fairgrounds. The event, which was organized by Van Wert Soil and Water Conservation District, welcomed local fourth-grade students for a day of hands-on agricultural education and learning experiences.

Van Wert Soil and Water invited numerous agricultural businesses, producers, and organizations from throughout the county to volunteer their time and share their knowledge with the next generation. Throughout the day, students rotated through educational stations where they learned about various aspects of agriculture, natural resources, livestock, crop production, and the many careers available within the agricultural industry.

Crestview FFA members assisted with the event by helping guide students between stations, interacting with participants, and supporting presenters throughout the day. The event provided an excellent opportunity for FFA members to promote agricultural literacy while encouraging young students to learn more about the industry that plays such an important role in their community.

The Cows and Plows event showcased the dedication of local agricultural businesses, producers, and volunteers who invested their time to educate future generations. Through engaging activities and hands-on demonstrations, students gained a better understanding of where their food comes from and the importance of agriculture in everyday life.

The Crestview FFA Chapter thanked Van Wert Soil and Water Conservation District for hosting the educational event and for providing local students with a memorable experience that helps foster an appreciation for agriculture and conservation.

Law enforcement officers work well together

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

Cooperation was the key to successfully and peacefully ending Tuesday night’s standoff in Van Wert.

After several tense hours, John Wise, 48, came out of his home in the 600 block of Burt St. and surrendered without incident. He was taken into custody and was transported to the Van Wert County Correctional Facility pending court proceedings.

There was a very heavy law enforcement presence along some of Burt St. and the surrounding area late Tuesday afternoon and evening, well into late night. The Van Wert Police Department was first at the scene, with additional assistance supplied a short time later by the Van Wert County Sheriff’s Office and Van Wert Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol. Those three agencies, along with others worked in unison for the best outcome.

“I think this situation shows how important those relationships are,” Van Wert Police Chief Doug Weigle said on Wednesday. “No one individual is as smart as the whole group. With several trained and experienced leaders at the command post to help make the best decision with the information at the time is a huge benefit. Each perspective is gathered and then a plan is put in place.”  

“I think it is rare to have as good a relationship we have with all agencies here in Van Wert,” Weigle added.

Drone units from the Van Wert Police Department and the Van Wert County Sheriff’s Office worked in tandem to provide information from above. The Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Auglaize County Sheriff’s Office provided Lenco BearCats, which instrumental in ending the standoff.

In the midst of the situation, Weigle noted the most important thing for all involved was a peaceful ending, which was accomplished.

“At the end of the day the mission is always to get all persons involved out and unharmed,” Weigle said.

Roundabout scheduled to open on Friday

VW independent staff

Van Wert County’s second roundabout is set to open this Friday.

The new roundabout at U.S. 224 and Lincoln Highway, just west of the Van Wert city limits, is scheduled to open sometime around midday on Friday.

Residents asked to complete survey

LIMA — Area Agency on Aging 3 and the Hancock Hardin Wyandot Putnam Community Action Commission is inviting residents of Allen, Auglaize, Hancock, Hardin, Mercer, Putnam, Van Wert, and Wyandot counties to complete a transportation survey to support the Regional Coordinated Transit Plan.

Released by Area Agency on Aging 3 ‘s Mobility Department and HHWP CAC, the survey will gather information about transportation needs and gaps throughout the region. Residents’ honest feedback will help inform planning efforts and provide a clearer understanding of transportation challenges within local communities.

All residents of the eight counties are encouraged to participate. Family members, caregivers, case managers, community organizations, and service providers are also encouraged to share the survey with people who live in the region.

Residents can complete the survey online at www.aaa3.org. Printer-friendly paper surveys are available in both standard and large-print formats. Residents and organizations interested in printed copies or return postage assistance may contact Area Agency on Aging 3’s Mobility Department or HHWP CAC.

Community members can help broaden participation by sharing Area Agency on Aging 3’s social media posts or distributing survey information to friends, family members, clients, and neighbors throughout the eight-county region.

Area Agency on Aging 3 provides life-span resources that inspire, educate and empower older adults, people with disabilities and family caregivers. The agency serves Allen, Auglaize, Hancock, Hardin, Mercer, Putnam and Van Wert counties. To learn more, visit www.aaa3.org or call 419-222-7723.

Arraignments and other hearings held

VW independent staff

It’s been a busy week in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court, with no less than 20 criminal hearings held in the court. Judge Martin D. Burchfield presided over each of the hearings.

Arraignments

Nicholas Tarbet, 31, of Van Wert, entered a not guilty plea to failure to provide notice of change of address, a third degree felony. He was released on a surety bond and a pre-trial conference was scheduled for 9 a.m. Wednesday, October 28.

Corbin Cornelius, 25, of Van Wert, entered a not guilty plea to strangulation, a fourth degree felony, and domestic violence, a third degree felony. Bond was set at $50,000 cash or commercial surety with electronic house arrest if released. He was ordered to  have no contact with the victim and a pre-trial conference was scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, October 28.

Justin Rey, 19, of Van Wert, entered a not guilty plea to strangulation, a fourth degree felony. Bond was set at $50,000 cash or commercial surety and he was ordered to have no contact with victim. A pre-trial conference was set for 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, October 28.

Kaden Ballard, 25, of Van Wert, pleaded not guilty to strangulation, a fifth degree felony, and robbery, a felony of the second degree. Judge Burchfield set bond at $100,000 cash or commercial surety with electronic house arrest if released, with a curfew. He was also ordered to have no contact with the victim. A pre-trial conference was scheduled for 8 a.m. October 28.

Landon Pratt, 23, of Van Wert, pleaded not guilty to complicity in the commission of an offense, a second degree felony. Bond was set at $25,000 cash or commercial surety with electronic house arrest and a curfew if released. He was ordered to have no contact with the victim and a pre-trial conference was scheduled for 8 a.m. October 28.

Estaban Rivera, 49, of Scott, entered a not guilty plea to having weapons while under disability, a third degree felony. Judge Burchfield set bond at $50,000 cash or commercial surety with electronic house arrest if released. He is to have no contact with the victim. A pre-trial conference was set for 9 a.m. Wednesday, October 28.

Ryan Grime, 33, of Bryan, pleaded not guilty to receiving stolen property, a fourth degree felony. He was released on a surety bond and was ordered to have no contact with the victim. A pre-trial conference was scheduled for 8 a.m. Wednesday, October 28.

Voters cast ballots, ask for mail-in ballots

VW independent staff

The first day of early voting in Van Wert County was brisk.

Van Wert County Board of Elections Director Pam Henderson said 202 voters came to her office to cast ballots on Tuesday, and she noted 600 ballots were mailed out on Tuesday, the first day any could be sent out. Henderson said another batch of mail in ballots went out on Wednesday.

Early in-person voting will continue between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. this week at the Van Wert County Board of Elections Office, 1362 E. Ervin Rd., Van Wert. For more information on the local ballot, click here.

Ag Society to fill open director seats

Submitted information

There are currently five open seats on the Board of Directors of the Van Wert County Agricultural Society. These seats consist of Hoaglin Township, Liberty Township, Washington Township, the Central Region and the Northern Region of Van Wert County, Ohio.

Per Article IV of the Van Wert County Agricultural Societies Constitution, these seats are now to be filled by appointment of the Van Wert County Agricultural Society Board of Directors. Any current member of the Van Wert County Agricultural Society may apply for the open seat. While being a resident of the open townships and/or region would not be a requirement, residency in those areas would be given preference.

Anyone who is interested in fulfilling an open seat on the Board of Directors is asked to contact the Fair Office to confirm their qualifications for appointment on or before October 20. The names of those interested will be reviewed by the Board of Directors and a decision on the appointment will be announced at the Annual Meeting on November 14.

Wise to be arraigned on Thursday

VW independent staff

The man charged in connection with Tuesday night’s standoff at a home on Burt St. in Van Wert has a court hearing scheduled for Thursday.

John D. Wise, 48, is scheduled to be arraigned in Van Wert Municipal Court via video hookup at 9 a.m. Wednesday. Bond will be set and a preliminary hearing will likely be scheduled. However, the case is expected to be transferred to Van Wert County Common Pleas Court at some point.

Wise is currently charged with aggravated menacing of a police officer, a fifth degree felony, and having weapons under disability, a third degree felony. Any additional charges would come from the Van Wert County Prosecutor’s Office.

Weigle thanks everyone for their help

Submitted information

Following Tuesday night’s standoff in Van Wert, Police Chief Doug Weigle penned an open letter thank everyone for their assistance and cooperation during the incident. The following is the letter as written.

As many know, last night’s incident was very intense. There were a lot of behind-the-scenes agencies I would like to take a moment and thank each one of those who don’t get recognition too often in these situations.

CERT Team, always willing to respond. They brought lights to assist and will always help in any capacity asked.

The Van Wert Fire Department supplied a fire truck, ambulance and personnel. They staged near the scene for any additional emergencies.

The Van Wert Water Department arrived in case we needed any water disconnected.

AEP and Dominion Gas had personnel to disconnect services if needed.

The response from several Law Enforcement agencies was very helpful.

Auglaize County Sheriff’s Office brought the Lenco BearCat and its SRT. This vehicle is a heavy duty, wheeled armored rescue and security vehicle.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol supplied a Lenco BearCat, ROOK and SRT as well. We were able to keep officers safe at the front and the back utilizing these vehicles.

The Van Wert Highway Patrol helped with outer perimeter and was available at incident command to help coordinate the assets provided.

The Van Wert County Sheriff’s Office utilized their drone team, negotiator and helped with the perimeter. They are also a big part of the Van Wert Police Department Special Response Team. Sheriff Tom Riggenbach was very helpful at incident command.

Lutheran Life Flight was called in and staged at the OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital.

I would also like to thank the community for their cooperation and patience.  Especially, the residents in the area of the incident that had to evacuate.