SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
It’s never an easy decision, but two Lincolnview High School seniors emerged as winners of the 54th annual R.K. Thompson Self-Reliance Award.
Amy Chavez and Jackson Dunlap were named the winners during Wednesday night’s banquet at Vantage Career Center. They were chosen from 10 finalists, five girls and five boys.
Chavez, the daughter of Octavio Chavez and Martha Salinas, is a member of National Honor Society, Lincolnview Service Club and Spanish Club while also serving as a Junior Rotarian. Her work experience includes time with Vancrest of Van Wert through the C.E.O. program. Following graduation, she plans to attend Ohio State to pursue a degree in nursing.
In her application, Chavez wrote she’s always seen herself as extremely self-reliant.
“As the No. 1 daughter in an immigrant household, I grew up filling out most of my own documents whether for school or government purposes,” she wrote. “I also did the same for my siblings and my parents. Because of the language barrier, my parents rely on me heavily.”
She also noted that reliance has increased within the past year, as her father became disabled and his ability to have a job has diminished, forcing her to miss school to take him to medical appointments and help with communication, as his limited English became more difficult to understand. To help her family with expenses, Chavez began working as an STNA at Vancrest full time, often exceeding 40 hours per week. Despite that, she’s accumulated 29 college credits during her junior and senior years of high school.
(more…)POSTED: 05/01/24 at 10:24 pm
The driver of this truck was taken to OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital after striking a tree on Lincoln Highway, near Baker Road. The accident occurred shortly after 11:30 a.m. this morning, when the driver tried to avoid a car turning into Ridge Cemetery. The car was hit and the driver was also taken to the hospital for observation. Both vehicles were towed from the scene. The Van Wert County Sheriff’s Office and Middle Point Fire Department were at the scene. Bob Barnes photo
POSTED: 05/02/24 at 1:36 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff
An Ohio City man is going to prison and has lost his driver’s license for life.
During a recent hearing in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court, Thomas Medford, 43, was sentenced by Judge Martin Burchfield to 30 months in prison with credit for 186 days already served. In addition to a lifetime license suspension, he was ordered to pay a $1,350 fine and court costs. Medford also admitted to violating terms of community control on a felony assault charge by having alcohol in his system. He was sentenced to 93 days in jail but was given credit for 93 days already served.
Two other criminal hearings were held this past week, both on Tuesday.
Todd Bruseau, 48, of Van Wert, was found competent to stand trial after an evaluation at Forensic Psychiatry in Dayton. A pre-trial conference was set for May 29. Bruseau is facing two counts of vandalism, both fifth degree felony charges, for allegedly using a flag pole to break two windows on the front of Brumback Library last November, and he’s accused of causing damage to several bubble lamps and glass to a flood light. Early damage estimates totaled several thousand dollars. He entered a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity.
Emmett Waltz, III, 36, of Van Wert, changed his plea to guilty to domestic violence, a third degree felony. Judge Burchfield ordered a pre-sentence investigation and scheduled sentencing for 10 a.m. June 12.
POSTED: 05/02/24 at 1:35 pm. FILED UNDER: News
A two-vehicle accident on U.S. 30 at the Convoy Road crossing brought two Convoy EMS squads and the rescue truck to the scene at 7:49 a.m. this morning. The driver of the van and a passenger in car were transported to OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital for treatment. The driver of the van was northbound on Convoy Road and failed to yield the right of way to the car that was westbound on U.S. 30. Both vehicles sustained major damage and were towed from the scene. The accident was investigated by the Van Wert County Sheriff’s Department. Bob Barnes photos
POSTED: 05/02/24 at 1:35 pm. FILED UNDER: News
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
PAULDING — The trial of a Paulding woman accused of hitting and killing a boy while he was riding his bike has been delayed, pending the results of a suppression hearing.
Cynthia Switzer,46, was scheduled to stand trial May 13-15 for aggravated vehicular homicide, a second degree felony. Instead, she’ll appear in Paulding County Common Pleas Court at 1 p.m. Monday, May 13, for a motion to suppress and a Daubert motion, which generally seeks to exclude the testimony of an expert witness.
According to court records, Switzer and her attorney, E. Charles Cates, are seeking to suppress tests of Switzer’s coordination and/or alcohol and/or drug levels.
“Before the results of an alcohol and/or drug test given a defendant are admissible in evidence, it is incumbent upon the State to show that the instrument was in proper working order, that its manipulator had the qualifcations to conduct the test,” the motion reads.
The motion also calls into question seven other factors to consider, including the chain of custody of a urine test, a possible link between alcohol test results and diabetes, which Switzer has, plus numerous body cam recordings.
The charge against is tied to the September 4, 2023 death of Ross Erwin Myers, 12, who was riding his bike on County Road 103, south of County Road 124 in Paulding Township when he was hit from behind and killed.
(more…)POSTED: 05/01/24 at 10:23 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Ladder trucks from American Township and the Van Wert Fire Department were used to raise the flag in honor of Van Wert County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Adam Clark, who passed away last Friday. A funeral mass was held Wednesday morning at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Delphos and he was laid to rest after the service. VWFD photo
POSTED: 05/01/24 at 10:23 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
COLUMBUS – As patio season gets in full swing, the Ohio Department of Commerce’s Division of Liquor Control and the Ohio Department of Public Safety’s Ohio Investigative Unit remind Ohioans that marijuana use remains strictly prohibited in liquor permit premises, including bars and restaurants.
After Ohioans voted to legalize the adult use of non-medical marijuana last November, the two Ohio agencies issued a memo to permit holders to emphasize that marijuana – in any form – cannot be used in their facilities or brought onto their properties. Since marijuana is still considered to be a controlled substance, the restrictions of Ohio Administrative Code 4301:1-1-52 remain in effect.
“Any liquor permit holders who knowingly or willfully permit the use of marijuana in, upon, or about their licensed permit premises are subject to administrative citation,” said Paul Kulwinski, DOLC Director of Licensing and Interim Superintendent. “By ignoring the law, bars, restaurants and any other liquor permit holders are putting their license in jeopardy. We urge liquor permit holders throughout the state to do everything possible to ensure their premises is a marijuana-free zone.”
Ohioans who suspect a liquor permit holder is allowing marijuana usage on its premises should contact their local OIU office.
In addition, the initiated statute passed by voters that took effect in December of last year states that a non-medical cannabis consumer who uses non-medical cannabis in a public area is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. Additionally, Ohio’s law prohibiting smoking or vaping in public indoor spaces applies to smoking marijuana as well.
Non-medical cannabis is not yet available to purchase in Ohio dispensaries, and the general public is not yet permitted in dispensaries unless an individual is a registered patient or caregiver in the Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program. There are currently no entities licensed to sell non-medical cannabis in the state of Ohio. In addition, individuals are not permitted to bring marijuana into Ohio that has been purchased in another state, as federal law prohibits traveling across state lines with marijuana.
POSTED: 05/01/24 at 10:22 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
The Van Wert Parks & Recreation Department is now accepting applications for local non-profits to use the Fountain Park Rotary concession stand during the Feel Good Friday Concert Series.
This summer there will be seven dates up for grabs starting with Friday, June 14. Friday, June 7, will not be available due to the Peony Festival.
In years past, non-profit groups have sold concessions and drinks during the concert series to earn revenue that would be used for their non-profit groups. The determination of groups has yet to be decided and will depend greatly upon the number of organizations that pre-register. Organizations who were awarded in the 2023 concert series are not permit to apply this year, but can re-apply in 2025.
To register, contact the parks office by phone at 419.238.9121 or by emailing Director Kyle Klinker at kklinker@vanwert.org. The deadline to register is 4 p.m. Friday, May 17.
Once registration is closed, organizations who have registered will be invited to attend a lottery selection meeting at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 23, at the Jubilee Park Office,137 Gleason Ave. At least one representative from each group must be present for the selection and review process. If any open dates are remaining after the lottery selection process, those dates will then be offered to local food trucks.
POSTED: 05/01/24 at 10:22 pm. FILED UNDER: News
An under the hood engine fire destroyed this Dodge 1500 pickup truck in the Walmart parking lot on Wednesday. The Van Wert Fire Department was dispatched to the scene shortly before 3:30 p.m. and firefighters quickly brought the blaze under control. No other vehicles were damaged and there were no injuries. Bob Barnes/VWFD photographer
POSTED: 05/01/24 at 10:22 pm. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
The Van Wert Civic Theatre is ready to present its latest production, the inspiring musical “Hands on a Hardbody.” This exciting show promises to be a powerful exploration of dreams, sacrifices, and the lengths we go to for a shot at the American dream.
The experience begins even before the curtain rises. Van Wert Civic Theatre has transformed the theatre into a full-fledged car dealership, complete with balloons and streamers. As you enter, you’ll be transported to the heart of the small Texas town where the story unfolds. This immersive environment sets the stage for the emotional rollercoaster that awaits. The audience becomes an invisible 11th participant, witnessing the desperation, camaraderie, and unexpected bonds that form under the relentless Texas sun.
Inspired by a true story, Hands on a Hardbody features a contest where 10 determined contestants vie for the ultimate prize – a brand-new truck. The only catch? They have to keep their hands on it for as long as possible. As days turn into nights and fatigue sets in, the competition reveals the hopes, dreams, and struggles of each character.
This show features a talented local cast, including John Shuffle, Adam Ries, Marcus Freewalt, Taylor Hesseling, Nick Long, Doug Grooms, Dale Terry, Jerry Zimmerman, Amanda Block, Amy Boley, Kim Warnecke, Nancy Shuffle, Hannah Davis, Stacy Rife, Chad Kraner, Josh England, Ashley Roberts, Courtney Wendel, Terry Plas, and Roger Rex.
The production is a collaboration under the direction of Chad Kraner, with musical direction by Dee Fisher, choreography by Kim Pollock, and stage managing by Ashley Roberts. Lighting and sound are handled by MaryAnn Falk, Burdette Bolenbaugh, and Elliott Mueller on drums, and Eric Falk on bass guitar.
Show dates are May 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11 at 8 p.m., with matinee performances at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 5 and 12. Purchase tickets by visiting vwct.org or calling 419.238.9689.
POSTED: 05/01/24 at 3:41 am. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
CONVOY — Crestview High School has been named as one of America’s Best High Schools by U.S. News & World Report, ranking 63rd among Ohio high schools, 1886th nationally, and first in Van Wert County.
“The recognition afforded to Crestview High School from U.S. News and World Report is a tribute to our students and community,” Crestview High School Principal Dave Bowen said. “Thank you to our staff members, both current and past, who work so diligently to provide a top-notch quality education for our students. The small-school educational environment provides the backbone to the body that is our educational system. I am proud of all that is accomplished at CHS.”
The publication uses criteria gathered from state tests compared to other schools within the same state, looks for above-average performance of economically disadvantaged students on state tests, and factors in graduation rates along with college-readiness performance. Other notable rankings for Crestview included a 49th in State Assessment Performance Rank and 64th in College Readiness Index Rank.
POSTED: 05/01/24 at 3:40 am. FILED UNDER: News
