Chamber’s latest Leadership cohort holds graduation

WERT AM1220 returns!

Good news for listeners of local radio station WERT: AM1220 is back on the air. It returned to the airwaves late Wednesday morning. The radio station’s previous AM transmitter was damaged during a mid-June wind storm and it took some time for new parts to arrive. Station owner Chris Roberts (pictured above with the new equipment) said the new state-of-the-art transmitter is digital and produces a louder and more clear sound. WERT features an “unforgettable” music format, and other programming elements, including Van Wert High School football and basketball games, plus Ohio State football and basketball games. WERT can be heard on the FM side of the dial as well, at 104.3. Scott Truxell/Van Wert independent

Jeep Jam event has been canceled

VW independent staff

An upcoming event at the Van Wert County Fairgrounds – the Jeep Jam – has been canceled. 

“We regret to announce that, after careful consideration, we’ve made the difficult decision to cancel the Jeep Jam event that was scheduled for Saturday, September 20,” the Van Wert County Fair/Agricultural Society said in a social media post. 

“We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding.”

No reason was given for the cancellation. Among other things, the Jeep Jam was scheduled to feature a cruise-in, awards, food trucks and vendors, and live music. 

Street paving to begin in near future

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

It won’t be much longer before street paving begins in Van Wert.

During Monday night’s meeting of Van Wert City Council, Safety-Service Director Jay Fleming said a pre-construction meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 23, with officials from The Shelley Company, the winning bidder of the $1.1 million street paving contract. Crews should begin working after that, most likely in early October.

More than a dozen city streets are on this year’s Van Wert street repaving list:

• S. Chestnut St. –  from Spencer St. to Main St.
• N. Chestnut St. – from Main to Trinity Friends Church
• S. Tyler St. – from Spencer St. to Main St.
• Greenewald St. – from Harrison St. to Wayne St.
• Maplewood Drive – from Ervin Rd. to Spencer
• S. Vine St. – from Spencer to Main
• E. Crawford St. – from Walnut St. to Wayne St.
• Cherry St. – from Greenewald St. to Gleason Ave.
• Biltmore Ave. – Woodland Ave. to the dead end
• Green St. – from Biltmore to Gay St.
• Gay St. – from Woodland Ave. to the dead end
• N. Franklin St. – approximately 420 feet north of Sycamore St.
• S. Walnut St. – from Hospital Drive to Ervin Rd. (chip and seal only)

Homeschooling on the rise in Ohio

By Megan Henry/Ohio Capital Journal

More Ohio students are being homeschooled now than during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The number of Ohio students being homeschooled was trending upward pre-pandemic, spiked to about 51,500 students during the COVID-19 pandemic and dipped back down slightly. 

But homeschooling recently saw another surge with about 53,000 homeschooled students during the 2023-24 school year, according to data from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce. 

The number of homeschooled students in Ohio, according to the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce: 

• 2023-24: 53,051 students 
• 2022-23: 47,468 students 
• 2021-22: 47,491 students
• 2020-21: 51,502 students
• 2019-20: 33,328 students
• 2018-19: 32,887 students
• 2017-18: 30,923 students

There were about 3.1 million home schooled students nationwide in 2021-22, quite the jump from 2.5 million in spring 2019, according to the National Home Education Research Institute. 

“Home schooling was already on a slightly slower upward trajectory, and had been for a number of years,” said Douglas J. Pietersma, research associate at National Home Education Research Institute. “What COVID did, from our perspective, is just infused it.” 

He expects the number of home schooled students to keep growing. 

“It’s not going to put public schools out of business or anything like that, but it’s going to be a slow growth that is certainly going to be measurable over time,” Pietersma said. 

Remote learning during the pandemic made parents become more aware of what was being taught in schools, said Melanie Elsey, Christian Home Educators of Ohio’s legislative liaison. 

Two vehicle crash…

One person was taken to OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital after a two-vehicle crash at Lincoln Highway and U.S. 224. The Van Wert County Sheriff’s Department and Van Wert Fire Department responded to the scene at approximately 3:45 p.m. Tuesday. Check back later for more details. Bob Barnes/VWFD photographer

City’s final brush pickup is next week

VW independent staff

The City of Van Wert’s final brush pickup of 2025 is scheduled to begin on Monday, September 15, according to Mayor Ken Markward. Residents must have brush out by 7 a.m. that day.

• Place the brush by the curb and do not place it near poles, trees, etc.
• The city will not pick up limbs larger than four inches in diameter or more than four feet long.
• The city will not pick up brush that has been left behind by a professional tree trimmer or private contractor. If a homeowner utilized a trimming service, they are responsible for disposing of the tree.
• Brush placed in bags or boxes will not be picked up.
• The city will not be picking up leaves during brush pick up.

Indictment issued in late July accident

VW independent staff

A Van Wert County grand jury has indicted a woman in connection with a late July accident that claimed a Van Wert man.

The grand jury indicted Barbara Nickles, 66, of Van Wert on a single count of aggravated vehicular homicide, a first degree misdemeanor. Court records show the indictment was filed last Thursday.

Nickles was initially charged with vehicular assault, a fourth degree felony, and negligent assault, a third degree misdemeanor, but the grand jury opted for a lesser charge.

The accident occurred July 28 outside of Ruler Foods. According to an accident report by the Van Wert Police Department, Nickles was operating a 2023 Cadillac XT5 while in the grocery store’s parking lot and began to accelerate in reverse at a high rate of speed from her marked parking space. The report stated she struck the pedestrian, identified by a family member as Omar Sites, causing him to collide with another parked motor vehicle, which resulted in serious injuries. After striking Sites, Nickles continued to operate her vehicle at a high rate of speed in reverse, causing damage to multiple parked motor vehicles. Sites passed away August 11.

Nickles is due in court Wednesday morning. If convicted of the charge, she faces up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.

Council approves legislation, hears info

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

Van Wert City Council’s Monday night meeting can best be described as a hodge podge meeting, with council members and the administration covering and addressing a variety of topics.

Legislation

Council members heard the first reading of a pair of ordinances that if ultimately approved, would adjust penalties for the city’s junk and rubbish laws.

“Right now, a second conviction of junk and rubbish laws is a misdemeanor of the fourth degree, which would carry potential jail time (up to 30 days),” Law Director John Hatcher explained. “The amendment to the charge takes that away and what it does is replaces with a mandatory minimum fine for multiple convictions.”

The amended legislation reads “If the offender has a prior conviction, the minimum fine shall be no less than $50. If the offender has two or more prior convictions, the minimum fine shall be no less than $100.”

The two ordinances will have two more readings before it becomes official.

Two resolutions had their third and final readings Monday night. One permenately removes the traffic signal at the intersection of S. Market St. and Central Ave., and the other does the same at the intersection of S. Walnut St. and Central Ave. Both intersections have been four way stops since late June and traffic lights are bagged at both. They’ll be taken down by city crews in the near future.

A resolution to amend and establish charges for EMS services and motor vehicle accident rates was approved and will take effect January 1, 2026. 

Expenses paid

Council unanimously voted to pay a pair of “then and now” invoices. One was from Fire Safety Services Inc. for $6,010 for flow testing for the fire department and the other was in the amount of $7,985.96 J&K Communications for radio work for the fire department.

Day of Caring to help those in need

Submitted information

The United Way of Van Wert County has announced the 27th annual Vantage Day of Caring, set for September 26–28. For more than two decades, this event has brought the community together for one of the largest food drives of the year.

Beginning the second week of September, food collection barrels will be placed at businesses, industries, and schools throughout Van Wert County. Community members are encouraged to drop off donations anytime before Thursday, September 25, when the barrels will be picked up and sorted at Vantage Career Center. From there, collected items will be distributed to the Salvation Army, Trinity Friends Church, and the Van Wert Cooperative Ministries Food Pantry.

On Saturday, September 27, and Sunday, September 28, volunteers and Vantage students will host the popular “Stuff the Truck” event at Walmart and Chief Supermarket. Shoppers can help by donating top-needed pantry items at the store entrances from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday.

The Day of Caring also includes opportunities to give back through blood donation. In partnership with the Red Cross and Vantage Career Center, a blood drive will be held at Trinity Friends Church on Friday, September 26, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Appointments can be scheduled at www.redcrossblood.org using the sponsor code VWDOC.

Annual summer camp comes to an end

VW independent staff/submitted information

The YMCA of Van Wert County recently wrapped up another incredible 10-week Summer Camp at Camp Clay, offering children a summer filled with fun, learning, and friendship. Designed for ages 6–12, with opportunities for 13–14 year olds to train as Counselors-in-Training (CIT), the camp continues to be a highlight of the community each year.

Each week featured a different theme, keeping campers engaged with hands-on activities and new adventures. From exploring musical genres and artists to diving into mythology, magic, and plant life, campers experienced a wide variety of learning opportunities outside of a classroom setting. Special weeks included STEM building challenges, pirate adventures, and even a mid-summer Haunted Woods, open to the public. New field trips and games added even more excitement, giving kids experiences they wouldn’t find at home during summer break.

The impact of camp was felt not only by the staff but also by the campers themselves.

“I keep coming back because camp is such a fun place. There’s always something new to do, and it’s easy to make friends,” said Karlye G., 13, a Counselor-In-Training.

“Camp is fun because I get to swim and play all day,” said Vivian, age 6.

“My first year as a counselor, I was told that magic happens at camp,” Camp Coordinator Brittney Boaz said. “That magic is still here every summer through the friendships made, the skills learned, and the memories that last long after camp ends.”

Culligan Water of Fort Wayne was a sponsor for the second year and was able to keep campers hydrated with ten jugs of water provided throughout the season.

For more information on YMCA youth programs, visit www.vwymca.org or call 419.238.0443.