SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
Clarification on marijuana consumption was made during Monday night’s meeting of Van Wert City Council, but the matter of allowing recreational marijuana dispensaries appears to be far from settled.
During a special “Council of the Whole” meeting held before the regular meeting, council members discussed both topics and listened to input and questions from members of the public who attended the meeting. Approximately 20 people showed up for the meeting, but not all spoke.
Many of the people in attendance seemed to agree on prohibiting marijuana consumption at places like city parks. One person suggested posting times when marijuana consumption would be allowed at parks, while another suggested treating consumption much the same as DORA (Downtown Outdoor Refreshment Area), which is highly regulated.
Council members later amended proposed legislation dealing with cannabis consumption and heard the second of three readings. The proposed ordinance was renamed “an ordinance banning the consumption of cannabis on all designated city properties.” The list of designated properties includes Smiley Park, Jubilee Park, Franklin Park, Fountain Park, Rotary Park and the reservoir, along with city-owned parking lots on Central Ave. and Market Street, plus city-owned buildings, including the Municipal Building and Van Wert Municipal Court. A third and final reading/vote is expected at the next meeting.
Law Director John Hatcher pointed out the state legislature could still set a law that would limit all marijuana consumption to homes or private property, which would override any local law.
“Unfortunately, most of the state’s marijuana legislation is still pending,” Hatcher stated. “They’ve not come out with all of their guidelines on everything.”
(more…)POSTED: 04/23/24 at 3:49 am
VW independent staff/submitted information
As people of action, the local Van Wert Rotary Club strives to impact the community and is always seeking opportunities to accomplish Rotary’s mission and demonstrate drive to create positive change.
Accordingly, the Van Wert Rotary Club is seeking community project proposals. Submitted projects should either address a specific community need, a specific community improvement, or a project that adds overall value for the greater good of the community. The selected organization will partner with Van Wert Rotary Club to present their annual auction to be held on the evening of Saturday October 26, at the Junior Fair Building at the Van Wert County Fairgrounds.
Those interested should submit their proposal to vanwertrotary1@gmail.com by Friday May 3, using this form. Anyone with questions should contact Rotarian Mark Verville at 419.203.6619.
Established in 1905, Rotary International is a humanitarian service organization which brings together business and professional leaders in order to provide community service, promote integrity, and advance
goodwill, peace, and understanding in the world. It is a non-political and non-religious organization.
The Van Wert Rotary Club was formed in 1920 and through the years has assisted with countless projects that still have an impact on the local community. Some past projects include Lake Rotary and the Nature Center at Camp Clay; restrooms, the concession facility and digital sign at Fountain Park; the Rotary Athletic and Soccer Complex on John Brown Road, and the walking path and Rotary Park at the Van Wert Reservoir.
POSTED: 04/23/24 at 3:48 am. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information
The Van Wert High School junior class is inviting the public to the Prom Open House from 1-3 p.m. this Saturday, April 27, in the Van Wert Middle School Gym.
This year, the students chose ‘Hit the Jackpot” as the theme. Come and see how the students transform the gym and get a picture with an Elvis impersonator, Siegfried and Roy, and card dealers. Those attending should enter the open house on the north side of the building, middle school door number M44.
The public is also invited to attend the promenade from 7-8 p.m. in the high school gym. Please park on the north side of the building behind the middle school gym and enter through door M44. Follow the signs to the high school gym for the promenade.
POSTED: 04/23/24 at 3:48 am. FILED UNDER: News
United Way of Van Wert County recently granted Convoy Sports Center a check for $1,000. The money was given on behalf of the New Initiative Funds which allows organizations that are tax exempt to apply in order to help with a one-time need or project in Van Wert County. The funds will be used for the purchase of an AED to ensure health and safety of everyone at the ballpark. Shown above are Convoy Sports Secretary Megan Speaks (left) and United Way Executive Director Ashley Bultemeier. Any tax exempt organization in Van Wert County can learn more or apply for funds by contacting the United Way office at 419-238-6689 or email administration@uwvwco.org. Photo submitted
POSTED: 04/23/24 at 3:47 am. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information
Van Wert County has been chosen to receive $8,800 to supplement food and shelter programs under the Phase 41 SSA process. The selection was made by a national board chaired by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and consisting of representatives from the Salvation Army, American Red Cross, United Jewish Communities, Catholic Charities, National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA, and United Way Worldwide, which provides the administrative staff and functions as fiscal agent. The local board is responsible for distributing funds appropriated by Congress to help expand the capacity of food and shelter programs in high need areas around the country.
The local board will determine how the funds awarded to Van Wert County are distributed among emergency food and shelter programs run by local service organizations in the area. The local board is responsible for recommending agencies to receive these funds and any additional funds available under this phase of the program.
Under the terms of the grant from the National Board, local organizations chosen to receive funds must:
- Be private voluntary non-profits or units of government
- Be eligible to receive federal funds
- Have an accounting system
- Practice non-discrimination
- Have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs
- Be a private voluntary organization and must have a voluntary board
Public or private voluntary organizations interested in applying for funding must contact Ashley Bultemeier at the United Way office for an application. The deadline for applications is 11 a.m. Monday, May 6. Anyone with questions should contact the United Way of Van Wert County at 419.238.6689.
POSTED: 04/23/24 at 3:47 am. FILED UNDER: News
VW independent staff/submitted information
Average gasoline prices in Ohio have risen 24.2 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.64 per gallon on Monday, according to GasBuddy’s survey of 5,345 stations in Ohio. Prices in Ohio are 21.4 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and stand four cents per gallon higher than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has decreased 0.4 cents in the last week and stands at $4.01 per gallon.
According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Ohio was priced at $2.99 per gallon on Monday, while the most expensive was $4.45 a gallon, a difference of $1.46 per gallon.
The national average price of gasoline has risen 4.3 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.64 per gallon on Monday. The national average is up 10.8 cents per gallon from a month ago and stands 1.1 cents per gallon lower than a year ago, according to GasBuddy data compiled from more than 11 million weekly price reports covering over 150,000 gas stations across the country.
“As the nationwide changeover to summer gasoline is now behind us, at least one of the three factors that had been actively causing prices to rise in the last couple of months is behind us,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “However, it may take time for the largest pain point to be over – refinery maintenance. The next few weeks should see many refineries wrapping up their work and gasoline output should rise, putting downward pressure on gasoline prices soon.”
While Israel’s retribution on Iran was somewhat surprising, it was also measured, with Iran virtually not even mentioning it publicly,” he added. “As such, the price of oil has moved slightly lower following the de-escalation that now appears to be taking place. I’m hopeful with reduced concern in the Middle East and an end to the seasonal factors pushing prices up that Americans will soon see relief.”
(more…)POSTED: 04/23/24 at 3:46 am. FILED UNDER: News
Van Wert Lodge No. 1197, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks recently donated $150 to the Van Wert Peony Festival Committee. The money will go toward the Peony Festival Scholarship Program. The Elks, nationally, are only second to the United States Government in the number of scholarships that are given out each year. Van Wert Elks Lodge is proud to be a contributor each year to this important scholarship program. Pictured are Matt Krol, Past Exalted Ruler and Kim Ousley, Pageant Director. Photo submitted
POSTED: 04/23/24 at 3:46 am. FILED UNDER: News
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
Trial dates have been set for a Van Wert man charged with murder, voluntary manslaughter, two counts of involuntary manslaughter and strangulation. In a separate and unrelated case, a man facing charges tied to the death of his girlfriend is seeking to inspect and suppress evidence.
Larry Andrus case
Barring a plea bargain, Larry Andrus Jr. will stand trial August 12-14 in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court. The dates were established during a pretrial conference held last week. According to court records, a final pre-trial conference is scheduled for August 1.
The charges against Andrus are connected to the September 30, 2023, death of Roy D. Watts, 59, at his home in the 300 block of S. Vine St. According to a police report, Andrus and Watts were involved in a verbal argument, followed by a physical altercation. The report stated that Andrus was interviewed by Van Wert Police shortly after the incident, along with at least one other witness to the altercation. He was indicted by a grand jury on November 2, but fled the area.
He was arrested November 8 by U.S. Marshals in Bay County, Florida. According to the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, he was traveling on a Greyhound bus from Pennsylvania and was scheduled to arrive at a Bay County tattoo shop for an interview. Once the bus was identified, members of the Florida Caribbean Regional Task Force, Panama City Division, pulled it over and arrested Andrus without incident.
Andrus was booked into the Bay County Jail and waived extradition back to Ohio. He was transported back to Van Wert County November 29. During arraignment that same day, he entered a not guilty plea and bond was set at $500,000. He’s represented by attorney Barry E. Schroeder of Ottawa.
Schroeder filed notice in January that Andrus intends to claim self-defense at the trial.
(more…)POSTED: 04/21/24 at 9:06 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information
The following work is anticipated to affect roads and highways in Van Wert County this week. All outlined work is weather permitting.
U.S. 30 rest areas between Ohio 49 and U.S. 127 in Van Wert County closed January 11 for approximately one year for complete reconstruction of the buildings.
U.S. 30 between the Indiana state line and Crawford County will have temporary shoulder closures until mid-April to replace signs.
U.S. 224 just west of Richey Road will be restricted to one lane for drainage repair.
Ohio 49 between South Street and Jackson Street (Wren-Landeck Road) in the village of Wren closed on January 29 for approximately 105 days for road reconstruction including storm, sewer, and water line installation. Traffic is being detoured along Ohio 81, and U.S. 127, 30 and 22.
Ohio 81 between Willshire Eastern Road and Harrison Willshire Road will close on Monday, April 29 for approximately 150 days to raise the roadway profile and replace two culverts. Access for local traffic to all properties will be maintained throughout construction. Traffic will be detoured along Ohio 49, U.S. 33 and Ohio 118.
Ohio 116 between the city of Van Wert and the Mercer County line will be restricted to one lane for crack sealing operations.
Ohio 709 between Ohio 118 and Ohio 116 will be restricted to one lane for crack sealing operations.
Leeson Avenue between Shannon Street (Ohio 118) and Rose Drive in the city of Van Wert closed on February 7 for 245 days for reconstruction including curb and gutter, storm sewer, and a multi-use path on the north side of the roadway.
POSTED: 04/21/24 at 9:06 pm. FILED UNDER: News
Submitted information
Van Wert Live has announced that the highly anticipated Molly Hatchet concert, originally scheduled for Friday, May 4, has been rescheduled due to unforeseen circumstances. The concert will now take place at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 22, at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center.
“We are committed to delivering an unforgettable concert experience with Molly Hatchet on June 22, and appreciate the understanding and support of our patrons,” Marketing Director Quincy Thompson said.
All tickets purchased for the original date will be honored for the rescheduled date. If you are unable to make the new date, please contact the box office at 419.238.6722 between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, or in-person at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center, 10700 Ohio 118 S. Van Wert.
POSTED: 04/21/24 at 9:05 pm. FILED UNDER: News
SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor
A proposed ordinance that would prohibit marijuana consumption on city property in Van Wert will be addressed Monday night, including possible changes for more clarification.
Van Wert City Council has scheduled a “Council of the Whole” meeting to discuss the ordinance, along with a separate ordinance that would ban recreational marijuana dispensaries within the city limits. The special meeting will begin at 5:45 p.m., followed by council’s regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. Both meetings will be held in Council Chambers on the second floor of the Municipal Building, 515 E. Main St. The public is welcome to attend the meeting and give input.
The ordinance that would prohibit marijuana consumption on city property has already had the first of three readings, but it’s possible the legislation will be revised to be more specific to help clear up any confusion and/or misinformation about consumption and city property vs. public or private property. City property includes parks, and places such as the Municipal Building, Van Wert Municipal Court, and the water and street departments. It does not include public sidewalks.
“I certainly expect the ordinance will be revised to be more clear in terms of consumption and more specific to what property it pertains,” Council President Thad Eikenbary said. “Perhaps comments from the public will give (us) some direction on those revisions.”’
It’s a separate issue, but council members are also expected to discuss a potential ban on recreational marijuana dispensaries in the city limits. If legislation goes before council and is ultimately approved, it would likely mirror existing legislation that prohibits medical marijuana dispensaries in Van Wert. Some municipalities in Ohio have already passed legislation banning recreational marijuana dispensaries.
(more…)POSTED: 04/19/24 at 9:25 pm. FILED UNDER: News
