Bells are ringing

The local Salvation Army operation officially kicked off its Red Kettle Appeal fundraising campaign on Tuesday with an event held in downtown Van Wert. Here, Major Art Barter becomes the first bell-ringer of the 2013 holiday season. Kettles will be set up at Walmart, Main Street Market, Big Lots, Sav-A-Lot and Rural King from now until Christmas. In addition to the red kettle initiative, Lee Kinstle GM Sales & Service is sponsoring the Toss A Toy program that works to provide toys for needy children in the area. (Van Wert independent photo)