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Number of local parasite cases rises

VW independent staff

The number of lab confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis among Van Wert County residents has more than doubled since late July, going from three to seven as of Monday morning, according to Van Wert County General Health District Director of Environmental Health and Public Information Officer Britt Menchhofer.

Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclosporacayetanensis. People become infected by consuming food or water contaminated with the parasite. While fresh produce, including berries, leafy greens, cilantro, basil, and other herbs, has often been associated with Cyclospora infections, the source of the current infections being investigated have been connected to shredded iceberg lettuce across at least five states.

Symptoms typically begin 2-14 days after exposure and may include:

• Frequent, watery diarrhea
• Stomach cramps or abdominal pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Low-grade fever

Without treatment, symptoms can last for several days to weeks and may recur over time. Anyone experiencing persistent diarrhea or other symptoms consistent with cyclosporiasis should contact their healthcare provider. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help shorten the duration of symptoms.

The Van Wert County General Health District encourages residents to practice these food safety habits:

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling food.
• When produce is intended to be cooked, cook it thoroughly. Heating foods to 160°F (71°C) is the only known method to reliably inactivate Cyclospora parasites.
• Wash fresh fruits and vegetables under clean, running water before eating, cutting, or preparing them.
• Gently scrub firm produce, such as melons, cucumbers, potatoes, and apples, with clean hands or a clean produce brush.
• Clean cutting boards, utensils, countertops, and other food preparation surfaces before and after use.
• Refrigerate perishable foods promptly.
• Avoid eating produce that appears spoiled or damaged.

Although washing produce may not eliminate every possible contaminant, it remains one of the most important steps consumers can take to reduce the risk of many foodborne illnesses.

For more information about cyclosporiasis and food safety, visit https://www.cdc.gov/cyclosporiasis/about/index.html.

Crestview MS/HS shares start of year info

Submitted information

CONVOY — The Crestview Middle School and High School community is excited to begin the 2026-27 school year.  Students in grades 7-12 may pick up schedules and laptops from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, August 10-12, in the student services office. In addition, there will be an evening schedule and laptop pickup time for students in grades 7-12 from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, August 12.

During those times, middle school students may pay student fees and pick up their laptops ($25 insurance fee).

High school students may also pay and pick up their laptops ($25) during scheduled pick-up times.  Students enrolled in driver’s education must pay for the course by Monday, August 19.  All other high school student fees will be assessed after the last day for possible high school schedule changes, August 27.  

For fee payment, parents who utilize the PaySchools Central (formerly EZPay) credit card/online payment program will incur a convenience fee assessed by PaySchools Central.

Registration for students new to Crestview Middle School and/or Crestview High School will begin on August 5 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Contact the Student Services department to set up an appointment by calling 419.749.9100, ext. 6000.

The Final Forms platform is also open to complete beginning-of-the-year forms.  Access can be found at www.crestviewknights.com >Final Forms>Parent Login.

For incoming sixth grade middle school students, orientation will be held at 5 p.m. Tuesday, August 11. Sixth grade fees can be paid at this time and laptops can be paid for and picked up.  Parents will be mailed and emailed with further information this week.

The first day of school for MS/HS students will be Wednesday, August 19, starting at 8 a.m.

Two big and popular sales coming up

VW independent staff

Bargain hunters will be out in full force during back-to-back weekends, as two popular sale events roll right through Van Wert County.

The U.S. 127 Yard Sale, known as the “World’s Longest Yard Sale” will begin this Thursday, August 6, and continue through Sunday, August 9. It spans six states and 690 and will run through Paulding, Van Wert and Mercer counties. A number of vendors will be set up at the Van Wert County Fairgrounds.

The Lincoln Highway Buy-Way Sale will follow the 127 Yard Sale from Thursday, August 13 to Saturday, August 15. The annual sale spans Ohio, from the Convoy area to East Liverpool.

Ohio’s sales tax holiday is this weekend

VW independent staff/submitted information

COLUMBUS — Ohio’s annual sales tax holiday returns this weekend but it’s going back to its roots. Last year it was 14 days and in 2024, it was 10 days. Now, it’s just three days — from 12 a.m. Friday, August 7, through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, August 9.

When it was introduced in 2015, it was three days. Last year and in 2024, nearly all items up to $500 were not taxed during the sales tax holiday.

The following items qualify for the sales tax exemption during the three-day holiday:

• Clothing priced at $75 or less per item
• School supplies priced at $20 or less per item
• School instructional materials priced at $20 or less per item

“This annual holiday provides meaningful savings for Ohio families while supporting back-to-school preparation,” Tax Commissioner Patricia Harris said. “We encourage shoppers and retailers to plan ahead and take advantage of the exemption.”

Additional details, including commonly asked questions and guidance for consumers and retailers, are available on the Ohio Department of Taxation website. 

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.

Electric co-ops support safety at Camp Clay

VW independent staff/submitted information

The YMCA of Van Wert County was the recipient of a generous $1,000 grant from Operation Round Up, made possible through the support of Paulding Putnam Electric Cooperative and Midwest Electric, to provide new life jackets and safety harnesses for Camp Clay Aqua Park.

Safety remains the highest priority at both the YMCA and the electric cooperatives. Through this partnership, the YMCA was able to purchase additional life jackets and safety equipment that will be available for all guests to use while enjoying the Aqua Park.

“Providing a safe and enjoyable experience for every child and family who visits Camp Clay is at the heart of what we do,” YMCA CEO Hugh Kocab said. “We are incredibly grateful to Paulding Putnam Electric Cooperative, Midwest Electric, and Operation Round Up for investing in the safety of our community’s youth.”

Paulding Putnam Electric Cooperative and Midwest Electric recognize safety as a core value within their organizations and are committed to extending that commitment to the communities they serve. Their support helps ensure that children and families can confidently enjoy everything Camp Clay Aqua Park has to offer.

Camp Clay Aqua Park features seven exciting water attractions, floating mats, canoes, kayaks, a raft ride to the island, and a thrilling water zip line, creating an unforgettable summer destination for families throughout the region. With these new life jackets available for public use, guests can enjoy the water with an added level of confidence and security.

The YMCA of Van Wert County extended its sincere appreciation to Paulding Putnam Electric Cooperative, Midwest Electric, and the members who participate in the Operation Round Up program.

For more information about Camp Clay Aqua Park or other YMCA programs, please contact the YMCA of Van Wert County at 419.238.0443 or visit www.vwymca.org.

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.”