Court building opens

The new Van Wert Municipal Court building opened for business on Monday. The court, now located in the former First Financial Bank building at the corner of Main and Washington streets, provides significantly more space than the former post office building on South Market Street. The new building also provides not one, but two courtrooms one for arraignments and other hearings on the first floor and a second courtroom (above) especially designed for jury trials. Payments of fines and other court costs can be paid on the first floor, while secure offices for the judge and several court administrators are provided on the second floor of the building. The building is also the most secure court building in Van Wert, with a metal detector and security officer located at the entrance. Judge Jill Leatherman said an open house will be scheduled in late October or November. (Dave Mosier/Van Wert independent)