Watching hoarders as they empty the shelves of supermarkets, grocery stores and pharmacies as COVID 19, the coronavirus pandemic, takes its toll on daily life in our communities, it is easy to assume that a crisis brings out the worst in people. But, the fact is it can bring out the best in us, as well. […]
POSTED: 03/22/20 at 9:29 pm. FILED UNDER: Opinions
COLUMBUS — Leading business organizations across Ohio tonight praised Governor DeWine’s recent actions to curb the spread of coronavirus, which causes COVID-19. Most recently, the Governor announced his decision to close bars and restaurants to in-house patrons until further notice, in order to limit community spread of the disease. “The Ohio Chamber of Commerce commends […]
As the New Year begins, I would like to reflect on the interest the state legislature has shown in reducing unnecessary rules within our state agencies and future steps that will improve the overall business environment. A study from November 2019 conducted by the Mercatus Center at George Mason University placed Ohio in the top […]
POSTED: 01/10/20 at 12:11 am. FILED UNDER: Opinions
As Sheriff of Van Wert County, I would like to discuss an issue very close to each of us — crime prevention. My Office is committed to making neighborhoods safer places to live. By doing so, we will improve the quality of life for individuals and families … both young and old. It is imperative that we […]
POSTED: 03/12/19 at 7:03 am. FILED UNDER: Opinions
As the school year winds down to an end, I find myself reflecting on the tragic events that took place over the past year within our schools. It is high time that we come together as a state and as a nation with creative solutions to better protect our schools, which seem to have become […]
POSTED: 05/26/18 at 7:16 am. FILED UNDER: Opinions
The Van Wert City School Board believes its community should know the importance of potential wind farm revenue to the school district. Wind revenue would make a substantial difference to operating funds. VWCS is the largest school district in Van Wert County, serving 2,100 preschool through 12th grade students. Approximately 50 percent of students are […]
POSTED: 05/03/18 at 6:57 am. FILED UNDER: Opinions
The Van Wert County commissioners and other local government officials talk a lot about economic development. Unfortunately, that’s apparently all it is: talk. During a recent candidates’ night hosted by the Heart Land Patriots, Commissioner Thad Lichtensteiger commended development director Stacy Adam for her work on economic development, noting: “Stacy is sharp, she is aggressive, and […]
POSTED: 04/17/18 at 10:57 am. FILED UNDER: Opinions
A few weeks ago, a group of business leaders and educators came to us to express their support for wind energy in Van Wert County. They extolled the financial benefits to the schools, businesses, and government offices that the current wind farm has brought and that subsequent wind projects would bring. We greatly appreciated that […]
POSTED: 04/14/18 at 7:37 am. FILED UNDER: Opinions
Let’s face it, Van Wert County like most rural communities in the United States, is no stranger to the opioid epidemic. Mental health, school safety, and workforce development are also at the forefront of small communities across the nation. In a time where Van Wert is losing population and our median age is climbing, what […]
POSTED: 04/05/18 at 6:23 am. FILED UNDER: Opinions
Van Wert County can no longer continue to lose potential business due to inadequate airport facilities. My campaign slogan is “Work Together — Grow Together.” We must work together as county and city to ensure the Van Wert County Airport provides a warm welcome to all air travelers, especially corporate air traffic. Our current airport […]
POSTED: 03/17/18 at 2:58 pm. FILED UNDER: Opinions