McCoy: be prepared for dangerously cold conditions

ODJFS: be sure to protect SNAP benefits

VW independent staff/submitted information

COLUMBUS — Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) Director Matt Damschroder is urging Ohioans receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to act now to protect those benefits and be aware of skimming devices.

“Criminals continue to prey on vulnerable Ohioans who rely on food assistance to supplement their monthly grocery costs,” Damschroder said. “SNAP recipients should be vigilant in protecting their benefits by looking for signs of skimming, protecting their EBT card number and PIN, and using tools such as the ConnectEBT app and its ‘Lock Everywhere’ feature to avoid becoming victims.”

Criminals use a process called “skimming” to steal EBT card numbers. This is when a fraudulent device is placed over a point-of-sale card reader to steal payment card information. When a recipient swipes their card over a compromised device, they are unsuspectingly sharing their card information with criminals.

SNAP is a federal food assistance program of the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service that is overseen in Ohio by ODJFS and administered by county departments of Job and Family Services. ODJFS has a webpage on how Ohioans can protect their identity and benefits SNAP recipients are encouraged to take some simple steps to reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim:

   Manage your benefits by downloading the secure ConnectEBT app on your mobile phone or tablet. Through the App’s card lock features, users can enable a feature that requires the user to unlock their EBT prior to making any purchases, including in-state.

• Create a PIN for your card that is unique and difficult to guess.
• Change your PIN monthly, before each scheduled deposit.
• Never share your card number or PIN. ODJFS will never ask for these numbers.
• Carefully examine point-of-sale card readers before using them to check for skimming devices.
• When using your card, cover the keypad with your body or hand to stop others from seeing your PIN.

ODJFS uses a variety of methods to detect potential fraud, including suspicious activity and identifying point-of-sale terminals where skimming or criminal transactions may be taking place. ODJFS shares that information with the Ohio Investigative Unit, local law enforcement and FNS. EBT cardholders can reduce their risk by following these tips on avoiding skimmer devices:

• Do not use card reader if you notice anything unusual.
• Pull at the edges of the keypad before swiping your EBT card to ensure there is nothing over the reader.
• Notify store staff if you notice anything suspicious with the card reader.

Pep band…

Members of the Van Wert High School pep band perform during Friday night’s boys basketball game between the Cougars and Wapakoneta. The pep band helped deliver some energy and helped Van Wert to a 57-47 win over the Redskins. A full game story can be found on the Sports page. Bob Barnes/Van Wert independent

Gov’t offices to be closed on Monday

VW independent staff

Monday is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a federal holiday. Accordingly, all local, state and federal government offices will be closed for the day, along with banks and most schools. Post offices will be closed as well and there will be no mail delivery on Monday.

ESC superintendent tenders resignation

VW independent staff

PAULDING — The Western Buckeye Educational Service Center Governing Board has accepted the retirement-resignation of its superintendent.

Thomas Taylor’s resignation was accepted Wednesday night, after ESC board members went into executive session. His resignation will take effect effect July 31.

Husted tabbed to replace Vance

VW independent staff/submitted information

COLUMBUS — Governor Mike DeWine didn’t have to go far to find his pick for Ohio’s next United States senator.

Lt. Governor Jon Husted will replace JD Vance, who resigned from the Senate last week and will take office as the 50th vice president of the United States on Monday. DeWine announced his selection on Friday.

“There were many people who I considered very qualified to serve in the U.S. Senate to represent the State of Ohio, but I came to the conclusion that the best person to serve is a person who has been close to me for the last six years – a person who I work with almost daily –  and that is Lt. Governor Jon Husted,” DeWine said. “I have worked with him, I know he is knowledgeable, I know his heart, I know what he cares about, and I know his skills. All of that tells me he is the right person for the job.”

“I know Ohio well, and I will fight for Ohio as a U.S. senator,” Husted said. “I look forward to working with President Trump, Vice President Vance, and the Republican majority who have an America First agenda to fight inflation, stop illegal immigration, and advance conservative values.”

Prior to serving in the DeWine Administration, Husted served as Ohio secretary of state, speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives, and a member of the Ohio Senate.

“My time here at the Statehouse has been a true joy, but representing Ohio in the U.S. Senate is an amazing opportunity,” Husted said. “It is something that an adopted kid who grew up on County Road J in Montpelier, Ohio, could have never imagined.”

Governors place friendly bet on game

VW independent staff/submitted information

COLUMBUS — Ahead of Monday’s College Football Playoff national championship game between The Ohio State Buckeyes and the University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has placed a friendly wager with Indiana Governor Mike Braun.

“As two powerhouse collegiate football teams battle it out on the gridiron in the College Football Playoff national championship, I am confident that The Ohio State Buckeyes will defeat Notre Dame and claim the national title,” DeWine said. “I am excited to engage in this friendly wager with Governor Braun, showcasing some of the best homemade buckeyes.”

Governor DeWine has wagered Ohio’s famous buckeye candies from Marsha’s Homemade Buckeyes in Perrysburg. Governor Braun has wagered a bundle of Indiana-made sweet treats including items from South Bend Chocolate Company, headquartered in South Bend, Indiana.

“I’m excited to join Governor Mike DeWine of Ohio in this friendly wager,” Braun said. “The Notre Dame Fighting Irish have had an incredible run in this year’s College Football Playoffs, and I have no doubt they’re ready to take on the Ohio State Buckeyes and claim the national championship.”

On Monday, January 20, The Ohio State Buckeyes will take on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the CFP National Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The game will be broadcast on ESPN with kickoff at 7:30 p.m. It will air locally on 99.7FM WKSD and WERT 1220AM/104.3FM.

Road request denied, new plan offered

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

A request by the Marsh Foundation Board of Trustees to vacate Stripe Road in Van Wert has been denied by the Van Wert County Commissioners, but an new alternative plan is in the works, one that appears to have the approval of the Commisioners and the Marsh Board of Trustees.

The Commisioners held a public hearing on the request Thursday morning and it was attended by approximately 40 people, with most voicing opposition to the plan. However, after hearing details of the modified plan, those who were opposed before seemed to be in agreement with the new one. 

After listening to feedback the Commissioners made the decision to turn down the request, then turned their attention to a modified plan to re-route some of Stripe Road, instead of closing it altogether. The proposal to re-route was formulated during an opening meeting between the Commissioners and the Marsh Trustees held on Tuesday.

“We will likely entertain this process again once our potential new entity signs on the dotted line to occupy the Mega Site,” Commission President Thad Lichtensteiger said after the meeting. “We would likely vacate a smaller portion of Stripe, but the Marsh Foundation would construct an access road from Stripe to Mendon at their cost and then turn over to the county, and allow an easement for the construction of a Bonnewitz extension that would connect with Stripe.”

“A new Bonnewitz extension would likely abutt the south side of Vantage Career Center and potentially afford them another ingress/egress possibility,” he added. “Funding that project would be a little complicated, but our economic development director Brent Stevens has some ideas.”

The half-mile access road between Stripe Road and Mendon Road would be built roughly 1,000 feet south of the U.S. 30 overpass.

While he couldn’t give specific information, Van Wert Area Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Brent Stevens was able to shed some light on possible future activity at the Mega Site.

Local Habitat now accepting applications

VW independent staff/submitted information

Habitat for Humanity of Paulding-Van Wert is holding an open enrollment period for any resident of either county interested in applying for a Habitat-built home. The enrollment period will run through February 20.

Habitat is not free housing. Habitat builds homes in partnership with families who are unable to secure a normal bank loan. Homeowners, along with other volunteers help build the home, keeping the cost of the home low, When the home is completed, the partner family will have a zero interest, low payment mortgage loan that they must repay to Habitat.

The monthly mortgage payments the homeowner makes goes into a fund to help other families build their home. In addition to monthly house payments, each homeowner must pay for their own utilities, home maintenance, taxes and insurance.

Anyone interested may see if they qualify and can get a pre-application by calling 419.789.8902 or by emailing habitatpvw@gmail.com.

At this time, Habitat for Humanity of Paulding-Van Wert is not doing any rehab or repair projects.

Vantage launches robotics program

Submitted information

Vantage Career Center’s Adult Postsecondary Education Center is excited to promote its FANUC Robot Programing courses, which are designed to equip individuals and businesses with cutting-edge robotics skills. This program offers a comprehensive learning experience for entry-level participants, engineers, maintenance supervisors, operators, and anyone looking to advance their career or upskill their teams.

The credential pathway begins with a 20-hour Intro to FANUC Robotics course, offering foundational knowledge and hands-on training. Participants can then move on to the 40-hour FANUC Handling Pro course. Participants will receive an official Fanuc Completion Certificate for each course completed, which can enhance career prospects and improve operational effectiveness for the company.

Classes are typically scheduled during first shift hours, making it convenient for individuals, but can be customized for businesses. Employers can schedule classes to fit their teams’ specific needs. The streamlined format allows for comprehensive training in just one week, minimizing downtime for businesses and accelerating individual learning.

Participants will train on industry-standard FANUC Robots, ensuring practical, real-world experience with the latest technology. The program eliminates travel costs, holding local classes in Van Wert, saving time and money for businesses. Employers can also benefit from Ohio Tech Credit reimbursement opportunities, reducing the overall cost of training. The program is tailored to meet the unique needs of employers. Local companies have already leveraged this training to upskill their team members.

“The hands-on training provided by Vantage Career Center has been instrumental in improving our workforce capabilities,” said a representative from one of these organizations.

Open enrollment allows anyone, regardless of prior experience, to participate and gain a valuable credential.

Convoy Fire & EMS to hold Pancake Day

VW independent staff

CONVOY — On Saturday, February 1, Convoy Fire & EMS will hold its traditional Pancake and Sausage Day.

Pancakes, sausages, coffee, milk and orange juice will be served from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. that day at the Community Building at Edgewood Park. Free will donations will be accepted and dine in or carryout options will be available. Anyone who wants to help with the Pancake Day meal should contact one of the chairmen. All help is greatly appreciated.

Proceeds will be used to purchase new fire and EMS equipment.

There will also be a bake sale held the same day. Anyone would would like to donate should contact Matt Barricklow 419.203.3209.