Crestview finishes second at Scholastic Bowl Tournament

Fire departments getting grants for radios

VW independent staff

A pair of Van Wert County fire departments has been named as recipients of 2026 MARCS (Multi-Agency Radio Communications Systems) Grants.

The Ohio City Volunteer Fire Department has been awarded $40,898, while Wren Fire & EMS has been awarded $39,744. Upon signing agreement letters, those fire departments, along with nearly 200 others throughout the state will receive the funds early next year.

The MARCS radio system provides statewide, secure, reliable public service wireless communication for first responders. The system allows first responders to seamlessly communicate with each other, as well as with other agencies that may be responding to an incident. Costs to acquire and operate the advanced MARCS radio system technology can be significant, which highlights the importance of these grants in helping to ensure fire departments of all sizes are able to access these valuable tools.

“This grant funding is a major resource for fire departments across Ohio, especially since it helps give them access to MARCS radios that they might not otherwise be able to purchase,” said Ohio State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon. “These radios help first responders better serve Ohio communities and protect those who call them home.”

The MARCS Grant is available annually to fire departments with service areas of 25,000 residents or less. Up to $50,000 per department is available through the grant. Priority funding goes to departments applying as part of a regional or countywide effort, as well as departments that show they are prepared to immediately begin using the MARCS radios upon receiving the funds.

Since 2020, the Division has awarded more than $24 million to fire departments across the state specifically through the MARCS Grant program, and an additional $13 million through its other grant programs to support equipment and training needs at departments.

Mentoring program spreads holiday cheer

Submitted information

The H2O mentoring program, a partnership between Van Wert City Schools and First United Methodist Church, recently brought holiday cheer to students and their mentors through festive gatherings and acts of kindness.

Eighth and ninth graders, along with their mentors, were hosted at First UMC for lunch and Christmas-themed games and activities coordinated by Teresa Shaffer and Julie Burenga. Meanwhile, tenth and eleventh graders gathered at Willow Bend Country Club, where they enjoyed a holiday buffet, participated in fun games and heard an encouraging message from Pastor Christian Taylor.

County offices closed December 24-26

VW independent staff

Following President Donald Trump’s announcement to close federal departments and agencies for the whole day on Christmas Eve, the Van Wert County Commissioners have made the decision to do the same. Van Wert County offices will now be closed all day Wednesday-Friday, December 24-26.

Toss A Toy donation…

The Van Wert Rotary Club recently donated toys along with approximately $500 in cash in support of the annual Toss a Toy initiative, a longstanding community effort that benefits children throughout Van Wert County. Toss a Toy was started a number of years ago by Eric McCracken, owner of Lee Kinstle GM Sales & Service, and has grown into a meaningful local tradition focused on ensuring children in need have a brighter holiday season. Rotary’s contribution continues the club’s commitment to “Service Above Self” and supporting programs that directly impact local families. Pictured with the donation are Van Wert Rotarians Ashley Bultemier, Bailey Carder, Gavin Cross, Ryan McCracken, Andy Czajkowski, Gary Taylor, and Seth Baker. Photo submitted

Cast announced for new production

The cast is set for the Van Wert Civic Theatre’s the upcoming production of Neil Simon’s beloved romantic comedy, Barefoot in the Park, a witty and heartwarming look at marriage, compromise, and the chaos of first apartments.

Barefoot in the Park plunges audiences into the hilarious ups and downs of newlyweds Paul and Corie Bratter as they navigate life in their first walk-up apartment — six flights up, no heat, and plenty of opinions. This Neil Simon classic explores the clash of personalities at the early crossroads of marriage, revealing the comedic struggles that come with learning how to live, love, and grow together. Filled with laughter and touching moments, the play reminds us that strong connections can thrive even with big differences, and that love often depends on compromise.

The cast for Barefoot in the Park includes:

• Paul Bratter — Adam Shanaman
• Corie Bratter — Alea Rex
• Mrs. Banks — Amber Evans
• Victor Velasco — Travis Nihiser
• Telephone Repairman — Ed Eichler
• Delivery Person — Dizzy Lantz

Performances will be held February 6, 7, 8 and 13, 14, 15 at the Van Wert Civic Theatre. Evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m., with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Tickets are $16. The box office will open to the public on January 23, theatre members may purchase tickets now. Tickets may be purchased by visiting vwct.org or by calling the box office at 419.238.9689.

Steel drum band to perform in Columbus

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

Lincolnview’s steel drum band has only been in existence for just two years but the unique band has already been selected for a high honor.

During Wednesday night’s monthly meeting, band director Mike Archinal told the Lincolnview Local Schools Board of Education the band will travel to Columbus in January to perform at the Ohio Music Education Association’s (OMEA) state convention, the third largest such convention in the country. Each year, the best of the best are chosen to perform for high school and college music educators from around Ohio. Between 200-300 applications, including audio recordings, are submitted each year and of those, 30 are picked for the honor.

According to Archinal, of the 30 bands selected, 16 are comprised of college students, 11 public schools and two are percussion only. Of the 11 public school bands chosen, the steel drum band was the smallest school picked to perform at the convention.

“Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think we could be selected,” Archinal told the board.

Approximately 3,700 music educators are expected to attend the convention at the Greater Columbus Convention Center and the steel drum band will play for about 45 minutes.

“For something I didn’t know very much about, to see what our students have done with Mr. Archinal’s leadership – it’s just been incredible,” Superintendent Jeff Snyder said. “We now have the advanced steel drum group, a varsity and JV group, and a junior high and sixth grade group. So many kids want to be part of it. It’s been incredible for our students to have another appreciation of music a iittle bit different than a typical concert, pep or marching band.”

“I’m growing with them, I’m growing with the excitement and I’m growing with the community who wants to hear our kids play,” Archinal said.

Churches hosting Christmas Eve services

VW independent staff/submitted information

Many churches throughout the area have special services planned to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Most of those services will be held on Wednesday, December 24. Here is a list of services as submitted by local churches.

First United Methodict Church, 113 W. Central Ave., Van Wert, will host its traditional Christmas Eve service at 7 p.m. The evening will officially begin with prelude music at 6:30 p.m. The main service will feature the beloved tradition of scripture, carols led by the Chancel Choir, and candle lighting.

The service will culminates in the poignant moment of candle lighting, where the congregation shares a collective light, symbolizing the hope and peace of Christ’s birth. Following the service, the church will offer Family Communion from 8-8:45 p.m. All who wish to stay and take communion together with their family are welcome to participate in this intimate offering.

First Presbyterian Church of Van Wert will worship on Christmas Eve with a candlelight service at 7 p.m. in the church Sanctuary. Traditional carols, prayers, and musical offerings by the Chancel Choir and Westminster Ringers will celebrate the Birth of The Child.

The Grover Hill Community Christmas Eve service will begin at 7:30 p.m. December 24, at the Zion Community Church. The service is a collaboration of the Middle Creek United Methodist, Roselms Community, and Zion Community churches. Zion Community Church is located at the corner of 1st and Harrison Streets in Grover Hill.

St Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, at the corner of N. Washington St. and Sycamore St. in Van Wert will hold a Holy Communion Service at 7:30 p.m. Christmas Eve, and a candlelight Christmas Eve service at 11 p.m.

St. Paul’s Church, 6077 German Church Rd, Ohio City, will be holding their candlelight Christmas Eve service at 6:30 p.m. The service is open to the public and is a great way to kick off your family Christmas celebration. That evening will feature many of your favorite Christmas Carols  and a message entitled  ” God Had A Plan.” The service will conclude with Holy Communion and a candlelight service. 

Trinity Global Methodist Church, 220 S. Walnut St., Van Wert, will have special music at 7:45 p.m. Wednesday, December 24, followed by a worship service and Communion at 8 p.m. The service will conclude with Silent Night in candlelight.

Hospital metal detectors…

An extra layer of security is coming to OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital with the installation of metal detectors at the main entrance and the emergency room entrance. OhioHealth is installing metal detectors and bag and purse checks at all 26 of its hospitals to expand weapons-free screening as part of a systemwide effort to prevent workplace violence. Officials said the screening process will take just a few moments and will not delay patient care. Health care workers face a increased risk of violence nationwide. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, workers in health care are five times more likely to experience workplace violence than employees in other industries. VW independent file photo

Yost announces Menards settlement

VW independent staff/submitted information

COLUMBUS — Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has announced a $4.25 million multistate settlement with Wisconsin-based home improvement retailer Menards over allegations of deceptive rebate advertising.

An investigation by Ohio and nine other states found that Menards’ advertising often gave shoppers the impression that they would get an immediate discount at the register, but the savings actually came later in the form of in-store merchandise credit.

“Fine print shouldn’t cancel out big promises,” Yost said. “If a deal isn’t an immediate discount, companies need to say that plainly so consumers can make informed choices.”

The states raised several concerns with Menards’ marketing and sales practices, including allegations that the company:

• Advertised “11 percent off ” or “11 percent off everything” in a way that suggested an instant price cut, even though customers received only a rebate to use on future purchases.
• Listed prices that already reflected an 11 percent discount, reinforcing the idea that shoppers were saving money at checkout.
• Failed to clearly explain important limits of the rebate program, burying key details in fine print.
• Told customers that “Rebates International” was a separate company handling rebates, even though it is operated by Menards itself.

As part of the settlement, Menards has agreed to change how it advertises and runs its rebate program by:

Hearings held in Common Pleas Court

VW independent staff

Four defendants facing various charges appeared in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court on Wednesday. Judge Martin D. Burchfield presided over each of the hearings.

Jason Tallman, 43, of Venedocia, changed his plea to guilty to an amended charge of domestic violence, a first degree misdemeanor. Sentencing was scheduled for 9 a.m. January 21.

Brandon Cooper, 28, of Van Wert, changed his plea to guilty to aggravated possession of drugs, a felony of the fifth degree. Judge Burchfield ordered a pre-sentence investigation and set sentencing for 9 a.m. February 4.

Cyle Black, 39, of Van Wert, signed a time waiver in open court and requested additional time to prepare his case. A pre-trial conference was scheduled for 9 a.m. January 28. Black is charged with aggravated trafficking in drugs, a fourth degree felony; trafficking in a fentanyl related compound, a fifth degree; aggravated possession of drugs, a fifth degree felony, and possession of a fentanyl related compound, also a fifth degree felony.

Nicholas Fitzsimmons, 24, of Van Wert, signed a time waiver in open court and requested additional time to prepare his case. A pre-trial conference was  set for 9 a.m. January 28.vHe’s charged with failure to comply with the order or signal of a police officer, a fourth degree felony; OVI, a first degree misdemeanor, and driving under financial responsibility suspension, a fourth degree misdemeanor.