Wachtmann introduces state pension bill

COLUMBUS – State Representative Lynn Wachtmann (R-Napoleon) recently introduced legislation that, if enacted, will amend various aspects of Ohio’s five public pension systems in an effort to ensure their long-term solvency. “Ensuring the stability of Ohio’s five public pension systems is paramount for all current and future public retirees, as well as for the entire […]

Don’t miss out on Earned Income credit

From IRS information Last year, approximately 1,850 low- to moderate-income taxpayers in Van Wert County claimed and received the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). As a result, more than $3.8 million in EITC money – an average of $2,048 per taxpayer – came back to county residents, to be saved or spent as each recipient […]

Rockford FD gets $69,000 fed grant

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) announced a grant award in the amount of $69,635 to the Rockford Fire Department. The funding was made available under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant program. Congressman Latta issued the following statement upon notification of the grant award: “This grant will strengthen […]

Findlay auditor new state representative

COLUMBUS – House Speaker William G. Batchelder (R-Medina) announced that the Republican Caucus has selected Robert C. Sprague of Findlay to replace former Rep. Cliff Hite (R-Findlay), who was appointed to the vacant First Senate District seat previously held by Steve Buehrer. Sprague was recommended unanimously by a five-member House panel that interviewed 11 applicants […]

Sheriff declares county snow emergency

Van Wert independent Unlike a good portion of Ohio, Van Wert County escaped the more serious effects of the winter storm that dumped snow and some ice on the county Monday, Tuesday and today, but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t a memorable storm even here. County EMA Director Rick McCoy said this morning that the […]

County Spelling Bee date announced

Western Buckeye ESC information Sandra Freeman, Western Buckeye Educational Service Center coordinator of Gifted Education, invites the public to attend the 2011 Van Wert County Spelling Bee. The Spelling Bee is scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday, February 10, at The Marsh Foundation School Auditorium. Thirteen contestants representing eight Van Wert county schools in grades 4-8 […]

Patrol works to make Ohio safer

Ohio State Highway Patrol information It is a new day in the Ohio State Highway Patrol, and troopers recently have been tasked with this question – “What will you do today to contribute to a safer Ohio?”  The answer can be found in the Patrol’s new symbol of its efforts, Trooper Shield – which challenges […]

Recycling sked for February released

Solid Waste Management District info The Van Wert Solid Waste Management District has announced the township recycling schedule for the month of February. The schedule will not be altered by the Presidents’ Day holiday. The hours for the township drop-off service are 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Residents and businesses can also deliver clean recyclable materials to […]

Lancer Band Boosters to serve meal

The Lincolnview Band Boosters will be serving a pre-game dinner prior to the boys’ basketball game between the Lancers and the Delphos St. John’s Blue Jays this Saturday, February 5. The dinner, which includes meat prepared by the Venedocia Lions Club, will run from 4:30-6:30 p.m. in the Lincolnview cafeteria. The menu will include sausage […]

Law Enforcement 2/1

Van Wert Police January 29, 10:33 p.m. — Four Spencerville area teens were cited for alcohol-related offenses related to a traffic stop in the 800 block of Fox Road. Steven P. Brown, 17, the driver of the vehicle stopped, was cited for operating a vehicle while impaired (OVI) and underage consumption, while three other teens […]