Lincolnview BOE hears presentations, OKs agenda items

Choir concert…

The vocal music department of Van Wert High School held its fall choral showcase Thursday night.The freshmen choir, sophomore women’s chorus, select acapella choir, and concert choir all performed at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center. Bob Barnes/Van Wert independent

Extended early voting hours to be offered

VW independent staff

Next week is when extended early in-person voting hours will be offered at the Van Wert County Board of Elections Office. Various local issues and races are on the ballot.

Here is the schedule:

• Monday, October 27: 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, October 28: 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• Wednesday-Friday, October 29-31: 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, November 1: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Sunday, November 2: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Election Day is Tuesday, November 4. The polls will be open from 6:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. that day. A valid ID is required to vote. The Van Wert County Board of Elections Office is at 1362 E. Ervin Rd., Van Wert.

Carder inducted into Rotary Club

Submitted information

The Van Wert Rotary Club has announced the induction of Bailey Carder, Chief Advancement Officer at The Marsh Foundation. She was officially welcomed into the club by President Andy Czajkowski during a recent meeting held at Willow Bend Country Club.

A Delphos native, Carder has built her career around service and community engagement. Known for her strong work ethic and dedication to helping others, she brings both professional expertise and personal passion to Rotary’s mission of “Service Above Self.”

Outside of work, Bailey stays busy as a mom of two boys under the age of two and is an avid Michigan fan. Her upbeat attitude and “never say no” approach have already made her a valued part of the club.

“Bailey’s enthusiasm and commitment to helping others make her a perfect fit for Rotary,” Czajkowski said. “We’re thrilled to have her join our membership and look forward to the positive energy she’ll bring.”

The Van Wert Rotary Club meets each Tuesday at noon at Willow Bend Country Club. Community members interested in learning more about Rotary are always welcome to attend.

SNAP benefits may be in danger

VW independent staff

The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services is warning Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients that they may not receive their November benefits as normally scheduled if the federal government shutdown continues.

Currently, 1.4 million Ohio residents receive SNAP benefits.

Body cam video of mail burning

Axon body camera footage obtained from the Van Wert Police Department by the VW independent shows when officers arrived to find mail burning in the backyard of the home of a mail carrier in the 900 block of George St. early Wednesday morning. For best results, enlarge the video to full screen and please note, there is no sound. A full story can be found here. VWPD footage

Bagley frustrated with stadium elevator

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

Van Wert High School’s 2025 football season will come to an end at Cougar Alumni Field at Eggerss Stadium Friday night, a facility that undergone three phases of renovations, but one key part of it remains unfinished.

During Wednesday’s Van Wert City Schools Board of Education meeting, Superintendent Mark Bagley said the elevator, which has been idle all season, will not be available for use during the season finale. The elevator, which was installed during the summer, is meant to transport people to the handicapped accessible area known as Tyler’s Landing, outside of the press box. While the elevator is in place, it is in need of a particular part and a final state inspection.

“This week, quite frankly, the elevator company (TK Elevator) has not responded to phone calls or emails about what their progress is,” Bagley told the school board. “We’re trying to be respectful toward the process but we’re not getting much feedback right now, so that’s going to be an urgent priority as we finish up the football season, to make sure that is up and running next year. I’m grateful that we were able to get the platform in the northwest corner (of the stadium) this year, I’m grateful that of everybody being understanding toward the process, but quite simply when you don’t get communicated with it gets a little frustrating.”

The stadium renovation costs are being covered by a 20-year,1.15 mill bond issue that was approved by the vast majority of voters in the Van Wert City Schools district during the May, 2022 election, along with various private donations and fundraisers, including naming rights.  

The list of improvements to this point includes concrete restoration, widened aisles on the home side, handrails, artificial turf, a new concession stand, larger restrooms, a new home locker room and storage under the stadium, a larger press box, the elevator and the addition of Tyler’s Landing, and improvements to the Cougar Pride Wall.

The planning process is underway for a fourth phase of improvements. According to Treasurer Troy Bowersock, just over $7 million has been spent on the renovation project.

During the business portion of the meeting, the board approved the recommendation of the Van Wert Area School Insurance Group for 2026 premiums, which includes an eight percent increase for health insurance premiums and a two percent increase for dental insurance premiums.

Man sentenced for March shooting

VW independent staff

A Van Wert man involved in a drive-by shooting incident in early March has been sentenced to prison for his actions. Yusef Abdulrahman’s appearance in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court was one of nine cases heard between Thursday, October 16 and Wednesday, October 22. Judge Martin D. Burchfield presided over each of the hearings.

Abdulrahman, 51, was sentenced as follows: 24 months in prison for having weapons while under disability, a third degree felony; 18 months for improperly handling firearms in a motor vehicle, a fourth degree felony, and 180 days in jail for aggravated menacing, a first degree misdemeanor. All of the sentences will be served concurrently and he was given credit for 23 days already served. He was ordered to pay court costs.

Abdulraham was arrested March 6 at his home on Sycamore St., about 90 minutes after he allegedly shot a firearm out of a vehicle in the Second St. Monroe St. area. A witness saw him leaving the scene and gave police a description of his car. Officers were able to locate evidence at the scene and at Abdulraham’s home.

No injuries were reported as a result of the shots fired and no damage was found during the incident.

Three other defendants were sentenced in separate cases.

Braden Etgen, 22, of Van Wert, was sentenced to 12 months in prison with credit for 135 days already served for stragulation, a fifth degree felony. His sentenced will be be served consecutively to his Mercer County Common Pleas Court cases and he was ordered to pay court costs.

Jeffrey Kallas, 24, of Van Wert, was sentenced to 150 days in jail with credit for 30 days already served for aggravated possession of drugs, a fifth degree felony. He was ordered to pay court costs.

Corbin Cornelius, 25, of Van Wert was sentenced to 90 days in jail with credit for 58 days already served for receiving stolen property, a fourth degree felony. He was ordered to pay court costs.

CEO program celebrates 10th anniversary

Submitted information

The Van Wert High School CEO Program is celebrating its 10th year, kicking off the milestone with an inspiring message from Paula Stabler, President of OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital, at the first CEO Breakfast of the year.

Stabler, a longtime supporter of the program, shared her journey from patient care technician to hospital president and encouraged students to take full advantage of the hands-on learning opportunities the program provides.

“When we started partnering with the CEO Program, I was the director of the emergency department,” Stabler said. “Shadowing local businesses isn’t just to check a box. It’s a chance to explore careers, make connections, and lay the groundwork for your future.”

The CEO Program, started by Program Coordinator Kerry Koontz, has grown from 17 students at Van Wert High School to a county-wide program with participants from all three area high schools. Nearly 650 students have participated since its inception. The program provides seniors with real-world experience through internships, apprenticeships, and educational placements, enabling them to develop both career-specific skills and essential workplace soft skills.

Stabler emphasized the importance of curiosity, professionalism, and first impressions, sharing stories of former students who went on to successful careers in nursing, business, and beyond. She encouraged students to “be curious, be kind, be confident” as they build a foundation for their futures.

“It’s been a true honor for Van Wert Hospital to be part of the CEO Program,” Stabler said. “It helps students discover their strengths, passions, and the opportunities that exist right here in our own community.”

Also in attendance was Laney Nofer, Grants and Program Coordinator for the Van Wert County Foundation. The Foundation remains a strong supporter of the CEO Program, providing financial backing, hosting a CEO student intern, and supplying CEO apparel to all students.

The CEO Program and its students extended sincere gratitude to the many businesses and organizations in and around Van Wert for their ongoing partnership and support, as well as Van Wert School at the Goedde for preparing breakfast that started the day.

Marsh looking to fill trustee seat

Submitted information

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 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.

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 November 12. Materials may be sent by email to gmiller@third.courts.state.oh.us or by mail to: Third District Court of Appeals Gregory Miller, Court Administrator, 204 North Main Street, Lima, Ohio, 45801.

The Marsh Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving children and families through a variety of programs designed to promote healing, growth, and success. Located in Van Wert, The Marsh Foundation provides group home care, family foster care and adoption, and clinical services that include equine-assisted learning and psychotherapy. The organization also operates a fully accredited on-campus school serving students in grades 2–12. The Marsh supports children and families from across western Ohio with both campus-based and community-focused services. The Marsh Foundation’s mission is to inspire hope, to teach and to care for children and families.

Carfentanil cases on the rise in Ohio

VW independent staff/submitted information

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost is urging caution as new data from the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation shows a continued rise in drug seizures involving carfentanil and other deadly synthetic opioids.

“The amateur chemists who create these deadly drug combinations don’t care if you live or die,” Yost said. “Here’s the deal: If you take drugs that weren’t prescribed by your doctor, you risk lethal exposure to synthetic opioids.”

Through the first three quarters of 2025, BCI forensic scientists have identified carfentanil in 199 items submitted to the bureau’s laboratory for testing.

Carfentanil’s presence peaked in Ohio in 2017, when BCI identified it in 1,119 drug samples. Despite a sharp decrease in its prevalence in recent years – carfentanil was confirmed in nine samples in 2023 and 40 in 2024 – the uptick noted by BCI earlier this year is spreading.

The 199 items found to contain carfentanil so far this year encompass samples from 46 Ohio counties. The drug’s highest prevalence has been in central and northwestern Ohio, including 11 cases in Allen County, and one case each in Van Wert and Auglaize counties. There has also been a more recent increase noted in southern Ohio counties.

Carfentanil is a lethal synthetic opioid about 100 times more potent than fentanyl and about 10,000 times more potent than morphine. An analog of fentanyl, carfentanil is not approved for use in humans but is used by veterinarians to anesthetize elephants and other large animals.

Carfentanil can be found alone or in complex mixtures with fentanyl, xylazine, para-fluorofentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine and/or ketamine. The opioid comes in several forms (powder, compressed solid materials, tablets and liquid) and colors (white, off-white, brown, tan, green, light blue and purple).