New lumberyard opens

The Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and Van Wert city officials helped owners Lee and Karla Krendl and Brian Mercer open Lee’s Ace Hardware’s new lumberyard. Here, Mercer cuts the ribbon on the new facility, which will provide basic lumberyard items for do-it-yourselfers, as well as builders and contractors. Mercer noted that, with the closing of Carter Lumber, the local hardware store saw an opportunity to ensure that area residents would continue to get quality lumber in the Van Wert area. Like Ace Hardware, the lumberyard will be open seven days a week. (Dave Mosier/Van Wert independent)