Race results in – council, school board, trustee, mayor

All Van Wert County issues approved

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

The only two countywide issues on Tuesday’s ballot in Van Wert County passed by a wide margin.

The overwhelming majority of voters who cast ballots approved property tax replacement levies for Van Wert County Council on Aging. A five-year, 0.25 mill levy was approved 3,394-879, while the other, a five-year 0.2 mill levy that also benefits Delphos Senior Citizens Inc. passed 3,309-911.

“On behalf of the Van Wert County Council on Aging, our Board of Directors and the older adults we serve, I would like to extend a sincere thank you to the residents of Van Wert County for supporting the Council on Aging levies, COA Executive Director Kevin Matthews said. “Your continued trust and commitment mean so much to our agency.”

The results were similar for the Brumback Library’s continuing 0.5 mill replacement levy. It was on the ballot in much of, but not all of Van Wert County and was approved 3,018-834.

“We are so incredibly grateful for the amazing support from our community,” Brumback Library Director Nellie Schmidt said. “Seeing this levy pass with such a strong margin shows just how much Van Wert County values its library and the services we provide. We’re excited to keep growing, adding new opportunities, and continuing to be a place our community can be proud of.”

Deadline near for Marsh trustee applications

VW independent staff/submitted information

A reminder that The Marsh Foundation is seeking a qualified and community-minded individual to fill the position of a retiring trustee. The six-year term for this position will begin on February 3, 2026, and conclude on February 2, 2032. Additional six-year terms may be granted at the discretion of the Judges of the Third District Court of Appeals.

The three-member Board of Trustees governs The Marsh Foundation by providing direction, leadership, and support to the organization. Trustees are responsible for safeguarding the organization’s mission, assets, and future. The ideal candidate will be an engaged leader who demonstrates integrity, sound judgment, and the ability to put the interests of The Marsh Foundation—and the children and families it serves—above all else. Community involvement, strong communication skills, and experience in areas such as education, business, finance, health, law, or nonprofit service are highly valued.

Applicants must submit a resume, a letter explaining their interest in the position and unique qualifications, and at least three references by Wednesday, November 12. Materials may be e-mailed to gmiller@third.courts.state.oh.us or sent by mail to: Third District Court of Appeals Gregory Miller, Court Administrator, 204 North Main Street, Lima, Ohio, 45801.

The Marsh Foundation, located in Van Wert, is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving children and families through group home care, family foster care and adoption, clinical services, and a fully accredited on-campus school for students in grades 2-12. The organization also offers equine-assisted learning and psychotherapy, providing youth opportunities to heal, learn, and grow in a supportive environment.

VWHS parent-teacher conferences set

VW independent staff/submitted information

Van Wert High School Principal Chuck Rollins has announced that 2025-2026 parent-teacher conferences will be held in the high school/middle school commons area from 4-8 p.m. Monday, November 24; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, November 25 (teachers will be on lunch break from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.), and Monday, February 16, from 4:30-7:30 p.m.

Parent-teacher conferences allow parents the opportunity to discuss their son or daughter’s progress with their child’s teachers. Members of the teaching staff welcome and encourage parents to visit the school during the scheduled hours.

Parents should plan to park in the far west parking lots to the back of the high school, and should enter through the high school gym entrance.

Child struck…

Van Wert police and firefighters were dispatched to the intersection of S. Washington St. and Crawford St. at 7:10 this morning, after a child was struck by an SUV. According to Police Chief Doug Weigle, the boy, 12, who attends the Van Wert School at the Goedde, was originally at the school but needed go home. He was walking eastbound on Crawford St and entered the intersection of Washington St. and was struck by the SUV, which was turning south onto Washington St. The boy was was taken to the OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. As of late morning, no charges had been filed. Bob Barnes/VWFD photographer

Various local races, issues on the ballot

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

Today is Election Day throughout Ohio. The polls will be open statewide until 7:30 p.m. Locally, there are just a handful of races on the ballot, but over a dozen issues. Local results will be published on the News page as they become available tonight.

Council races

Five people are running for three Van Wert City Council At-Large seats. Two of the candidates are incumbents seeking re-election: Judy Bowers, who is serving her second term and Jana Ringwald, who is finishing her first term. The remaining three candidates are Hall Block, Dewaine Johnson and Kirby Kelly. Incumbent Councilman At-Large Jeff Kallas is not seeking re-election.

Incumbent Council President Thad Eikenbary is running unopposed, along with three other incumbent council members – First Ward Councilman Jeff Agler, Second Ward Councilman Greg Roberts, and Third Ward Councilwoman Julie Moore. Incumbent Fourth Ward Councilman Bill Marshall is not seeking re-election and will be replaced by Eric Hurless, who is running unopposed. 

Johanna M. Quarles is the only person to file for Van Wert city treasurer.

L’view hosting two Veterans Day programs

VW indepependent staff/submitted information

The Lincolnview Local Schools will be honoring Lincolnview community veterans on two upcoming days. On Friday, November 7, Llincolnview will host a school-wide Veterans Day event starting at 10 a.m. in the high school gymnasium. If there is a school weather delay, then the program will start at 1:30 p.m. K-12 Lincolnview students are strongly encouraged to turn in their Veterans Day form if they have a veteran coming to Friday’s program by Wednesday.

Lincolnview will also be honoring veterans with a separate program and meal at 12 p.m. Sunday, November 9, in the Lincolnview Elementary gymnasium. The deadline has passed for tickets for Sunday’s program.

Ceremony held for former Post commander

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

High level state officials, including Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio State Highway Patrol Superintendent Col. Charles A. Jones gathered in Van Wert Monday afternoon for a dedication ceremony honoring a former commander of the Van Wert Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

On October 28, 1970, Van Wert Patrol Post Commander Lt. James A. Kirkendall died in a crash involving two trucks on U.S. 33, just west of Saint Johns in Auglaize County. Lt. Kirkendall was traveling west on the rain-slicked road and clipped the left rear of a truck while changing lanes. His patrol vehicle spun into the eastbound lane and was struck by another truck. He was just 45 and was survived by his wife and two children, Mike and Lori.

Governor DeWine and Col. Jones joined members of Lt. Kirkendall’s family to unveil a memorial sign, dedicating the eastbound and westbound lanes of U.S. 33, between County Road 191 and Boundry Road in Auglaize County as the Lieutenant James A. Kirkendall Memorial Highway.

“Dedicating this highway in the name of Lieutenant Kirkendall is making a promise that we will never forget his sacrifice,” Governor DeWine said to those in attendance. “A promise that his story will not fade with time and a promise that the values he lived by, service and courage, will continue to guide us as a state.”

Lt. Kirkendall was well known in the community and among fellow law enforcement officers. He had served at a number of patrol posts around Ohio, including Georgetown, Troy, Sidney, Dayton, Urbana, Findlay, Massillon, and Springfield before coming to Van Wert. His career spanned 21 years and prior to that, he was a veteran of World War II.

“That gives us some indication of his sacrifice and also the sacrifice of his family,” Governor DeWine said.

“55 years after Lieutenant Kirkendall’s passing, his example continues to reflect the highest ideals of service,” said Colonel Jones said. “This highway dedication stands as a permanent reminder of his leadership and the enduring legacy he left within the division.”

CERT seeking donations for fire victim

Submitted information

On Sunday, November 2, the Van Wert County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) was dispatched to assist the Willshire Fire Department for a house fire on Green St. CERT is working to raise support for the resident. It has been determined that clothing and monetary donations are needed.
 
Adult male: Pants 38/32, Shirts 2XL, Footwear 11, Coats 2XL.

Please include Case No.1478 with your donation to ensure it is distributed to the correct person. Donations should be taken to Trinity Global Methodist Church, 220 S. Walnut St., Van Wert between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday-Thursday. Donations will be collected until Sunday, November 9.

Monetary donations can be dropped off or sent to Van Wert County Foundation/CERT located at 138 E. Main St. in Van Wert. Please include the Case No. 1478 in the memo. Donations may also be made online at vanwertcountyfoundation.org by clicking ‘Donate’ and selecting the ‘Van Wert EMA/CERT Fund’ and include the case number in the donation note.

Welcome home state champs!

The Crestview community showed up in full force to celebrate the Division IV state cross country champion Knights on Saturday. Hours after winning the title, the first cross country state championship in school history and in Van Wert County history, the team returned from Fortress Obetz and Memorial Park and went through Wren before returning to Convoy. The Knights also celebrated the accomplishments of two girls who qualified as individuals. Check the Sports page for details and more pictures. Wyatt Richardson/Van Wert independent

Travis Howze addresses first responders

VW independent staff

Internationally recognized speaker, author and former first responder Travis Howze was in Van Wert Saturday to address approximately 800 firefighters, law enforcement officers, EMS professionals, dispatchers, military veterans and mental health advocates on topics such as trauma, burnout and resilience in public safety professions. The event was held at Lifehouse Church.

Howze’s appearance had been in the works for well over a year. Howze’s appearance was secured by funds from Van Wert Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 681 and a number of local businesses and organizations.

Howze, a former firefighter, police officer and U.S. Marine brought his unique perspective to the issue of post-traumatic stress. After surviving career-ending injuries and the loss of several colleagues, Howze turned to comedy and public speaking as a way to cope and to help others heal. Now, he shares his journey across the country, encouraging those in uniform to speak up, seek help and reclaim their mental well being.

“We spend our entire careers saving others,” Howze said. It’s time we start saving ourselves. Mental health should be a priority, not a stigma.”

Howze’s mental health issues started in his childhood and culminated in June, 2007, while a member of the Charleston, South Carolina Fire Deparment. Nine firefighters perished during the Sofa Super Store fire and he was on the body recovery team. That event was what ultimately led him to develop his “Create Your Own Light” book and podcast.

Howze spoke for nearly three hours, then engaged in a meet and greet with photos with those in attendance, and signed copies of his book.