Top 10 stories of 2025: state title, building projects

Lawsuit vs. council member dismissed

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

A blighted property lawsuit filed against an outgoing member of Van Wert City Council has been dismised by the City of Van Wert.

Online records from the Van Wert County Clerk of Court’s Office show the suit, which was filed on September 24 against Judith A. Hammond, AKA Judith A. Bowers, was dismissed in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court on Tuesday, December 23.

The dismissal came 17 days after the property in question, at 600 Leeson Ave., was sold at auction. The on-site auction was conducted by Straley Realty & Auctioneers with an opening bid of $5,000. Information on the winning bid was not immediately available, but a source said the final sale price was $10,000. Information on the buyer was not readily available.

Bowers was served with with a 15-day notice on January 3 of this year to bring the property into compliance. A 3,000 square foot building on the property has been vacant for years. Van Wert Law Director John Hatcher filed suit in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court on September 24, claiming the building adversely affects the surrounding community and nearby property values. The city was seeking an order to have Bowers bring the property into compliance, order it demolished at her cost, or an order to transfer the property to a new owner.

The auction was held three days ahead of a court hearing to act on a motion for summary judgement.

Bowers is finishing her second term as a member of council. She sought re-election last month but finished fifth out of five candidates in a race for three at-large seats. Her term will officially end on December 31.

Bluffton U. updates Be a Beaver program

Submitted information

BLUFFTON — Bluffton University is strengthening its commitment to access and affordability by expanding key financial aid initiatives designed to make a high-quality Bluffton education attainable for more students and families, including those from Van Wert County. 

Bluffton’s “Be a Beaver Program” has been updated to broaden eligibility and better reflect today’s financial aid landscape. The program now guarantees full tuition coverage for qualifying students based on a Student Aid Index (SAI) of 0 or less, using a combination of federal, state and Bluffton University aid. 

To qualify for the Be a Beaver Program, students must: 
• Apply and be accepted as a first-time freshman 
• File the FAFSA and receive an SAI of 0 or less 
• Hold a 3.1 cumulative high school GPA 
• Maintain full-time enrollment until graduation 

The award remains renewable for up to four years, provided students continue to meet academic progress and financial aid requirements. 

“We’ve seen tremendous interest in Bluffton’s academic programs and affordability initiatives,” said Claire Kleman, vice president of advancement and enrollment management. “By expanding the Be a Beaver Program to be based on Student Aid Index, we are opening the door for even more students to benefit from this support and continue to remove barriers for families navigating college costs.” 

Bluffton has also expanded its County Connect Grant to two more counties. This grant automatically awards $1,000 to students who live in or attend high school in Allen, Hancock, Hardin, Putnam and now Auglaize or Van Wert counties in Ohio. 

Officials urge safety when traveling

Submitted information

BEREA — The Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission and the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) are reminding all motorists to drive sober, buckle up, and make responsible choices behind the wheel during the ongoing holiday travel period.

“We want every family to enjoy the holidays without tragedy,” said Executive Director Ferzan Ahmed, P.E., of the Turnpike Commission. “If you plan to drink, please plan ahead for a sober ride. Whether it’s a designated driver, a ride-hailing service, or staying put for the night, making that decision before you celebrate is the best gift you can give your loved ones.”

To accommodate an increase in holiday traffic, construction in work zones across the Ohio Turnpike will be limited to two work zones including one near Exit 180 (Akron) and state Route 8 in Summit County and at milepost 185 in Summit County with a mainline bridge replacement (in both directions) over Tinkers Creek. Two lanes of traffic in both the eastbound and westbound directions will remain open and the speed in these zones is limited to 60 miles per hour.

During the 2024 Christmas holiday travel period, the Ohio Turnpike recorded 692,207 vehicle transactions and nearly 39 million vehicle miles traveled.

“Even when the forecast looks favorable, Ohio weather can change quickly,” said Chief Engineer and Deputy Executive Director Chris Matta, P.E. “If winter conditions develop, impaired driving becomes even more dangerous. Please make responsible choices—drive sober, and if you’ve been drinking, hand the keys to someone who hasn’t. Your decision can save a life.”

“As motorists, we all have choices that directly impact safety on our roadways,” said OSHP Sgt. Ryan Purpura. “Driving sober is one of the simplest and most important. If you’re celebrating this season, designate a driver before the night begins. It’s a small step that ensures everyone gets home safely to the people who matter most.”

The motoring public is encouraged to safely call #677 to report impaired or reckless drivers and stranded motorists.

County offices to be closed Jan. 1-2

VW independent staff

Van Wert County offices, including those in the Van Wert County Annex, will be closed for the New Year’s holiday, Thursday and Friday, January 1-2. All offices will re-open on Monday, January 5.

National Anthem…

Members of the Van Wert student section – the Cat Pack – gaze at the U.S. flag during the Star Spangled Banner before Tuesday’s varsity boys basketball game against Columbus Grove. The Cougars fell behind by eight in the second quarter but roared back for a 68-50 victory. A full game story can be found on the Sports page. Bob Barnes/VW independent

City, county offices to be closed

VW independent staff

The Van Wert Municipal Building will close at 11:30 a.m. today (Wednesday) and remain closed on Christmas Day. Normal hours will resume on Friday, December 26.

Van Wert Municipal Court will be closed Wednesday-Friday and will re-open on Monday, December 29.

Van Wert County offices, including the Annex will be closed Wednesday-Friday and will re-open on Monday, December 29.

Students of the Month…

Van Wert Lodge No. 1197, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, has selected Lincolnview High School senior Keira Breese (shown above) and Van Wert High School senior Maria Parrish (shown below) as the Students of the Month for December. Students are nominated by their high schools to receive this award. Each Student of the Month receives a monetary donation along with a certificate from the Van Wert Elks Lodge 1197 with the possibility to be named the Student of the Year. Students are judged on the basis of multiple achievements – volunteerism, character, leadership, service, citizenship and scholastic. This program is designed to recognize outstanding young men and women for their achievements in school and community. Breese and Parrish are pictured with Linda J. Stanley, Lodge Student of the Month Chair. Photos submitted

Hunters busy during bonus gun weekend

VW independent staff/submitted information

COLUMBUS — Hunters checked 15,835 white-tailed deer on Saturday and Sunday, December 20-21, during Ohio’s bonus gun hunting weekend, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife. Last year, hunters took 17,386 deer during the bonus gun weekend, and the three-year average is 16,010.

The Division of Wildlife annually reports deer harvest totals at notable points during the hunting season. During the gun weekend, hunters reported 4,039 antlered deer (26 percent of the total) and 11,796 antlerless deer (74 percent).
 
The top 10 counties for deer taken during the 2025 gun weekend were: Coshocton (576), Ashtabula (551), Knox (477), Tuscarawas (471), Columbiana (430), Carroll (427), Muskingum (398), Ashland (391), Richland (387) and Licking (381).

Locally, hunters in Van Wert County took 70 deer last Saturday and Sunday, just below the three-year average of 71. Hunters in Paulding County took 115 deer, up slightly from an average of 110, while in Putnam County, hunters took 65 deer, down notabably from the three-year average of 78. Bonus deer-gun weekend totals were up in Allen County, with 127 deer check, more than the average of 114, and 88 in Mercer County, an increase from the three year average of 80.

Hunters still looking to pursue deer can take part in the ongoing archery season, which continues until Sunday, February 1, 2026, and the state’s muzzleloader season, January 3-6, 2026.

This season the Division of Wildlife has increased its efforts to help hunters donate their deer to food pantries. Thus far, more than 3,350 pounds of processed venison has been donated by hunters.

Tuesday morning crash…

A two-vehicle accident occurred at about 11:40 a.m. Tuesday when an eastbound tractor trailer struck a Jeep Grand Cherokee near U.S. 224 and Van Wert Decatur Rd. The westbound Jeep was attempting to turn left onto 224 and was struck on the passenger side, causing heavy damage. The rig sustained moderate damage to the left front corner. One passenger was transported to OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital. On the scene was the Van Wert Post of the Ohio State Patrol, the Van Wert Fire Department’s EMS unit along with the Van Wert the County Sheriff’s Department, who assisted with traffic control. The jeep was removed from the site by 2AA’s Towing. Traffic was maintained on U.S. 224 during the accident investigation. Bob Barnes VWFD photographer

Marshall, Bowers, Kallas say goodbye

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

Monday night’s meeting of Van Wert City Council was the final one for three of its members.

At-Large Councilman Jeff Kallas, At-Large Councilwoman Judy Bowers and Fourth Ward Councilman Bill Marshall said their goodbyes during the meeting.

Kallas, who chose not to seek re-election, is finishing his third term. He said he’s enjoyed the opportunity to serve the community and be part of decisions that positively impact residents and local businesses. 

“I value the collaboration with fellow council members, staff, and community members and the chance to listen to different perspectives while working toward common goals,” he said. “As I depart, I will miss the relationships built, the teamwork involved in problem-solving and the sense of responsibility that comes with helping shape the future of our community.  It has been a pleasure and honor to have had the opportunity to serve on council for three terms.”

Bowers, who lost her bid for re-election last month, served two terms on council.

“It’s been an honor to be somebody to serve the city,” she said. “I wasn’t real sure what I was getting into but it was a learning experience and I really appreciate all the council members who I’ve worked with. I enjoyed doing the research I’ve done, I’ve learned a lot through different mayors and council members of different cities in Ohio and even Michigan.”

Marshall was appointed to a council seat in 2016 and ran successfully several times. Prior to filling the fourth ward seat, he served as at-large member. He decided it was time to step aside and he praised a number of city officials, council members, Council Clerk Stephanie Phillips and others.

“It’s been a wonderful pleasure to work for the city, it’s residents and all the people that I’ve worked with for the past nine years, 108 months, 210 meetings, but who’s counting?” he said with a smile. “I can’t remember a time that I ever felt we could not work as a group. We serve our city and that’s our job – we leave our biases to the side and we agree on how we do things.”