Mengerink retires

City officials and employees were on hand Thursday to recognize longtime city employee Donald Mengerink Sr. for his decades of service in the Water Distribution Department. Mengerink (center), a backhoe operator with 31 official years of city service, but whose work with the city goes back to the 1950s, is shown being congratulated by Mayor Louis Ehmer (right) and Safety-Service Director Jay Fleming at his retirement party. (Dave Mosier/Van Wert independent)