Van Wert man found dead near Delphos

VW independent staff/submitted information

Van Wert County Sheriff Thomas M. Riggenbach issued a statement early this morning that said his office is investigating the recovery of a body in Washington Township, in the eastern portion of the county.

Sheriff Riggenbach said his office received a call at approximately 7:30 p.m. Thursday about a deceased individual in a wooded area of Washington Township. Deputies responded to the scene and were met by members of the Delphos Police Department and the Delphos Fire Department. Based on the information and items collected at the scene, deputies identified the deceased as Adam J. Purdy, 48, of Van Wert. No information has been released yet about the manner of death.

The incident is under investigation and anyone with information about Purdy’s recent activities is asked to contact the Van Wert County Sheriff’s Office at 419.238.3866, submit tips using the Van Wert County Sheriff’s Office app, or visit the agency’s website by clicking here and clicking on the “Submit a Crime Tip” link. Anyone reporting information can remain anonymous.

Citizens can also report information by contacting Van Wert County Crime Stoppers via text or phone at 419.238.STOP. Citizens can also remain anonymous when reaching out to Crime Stoppers.

Storm brush pickup starts on Monday

Submitted information

A reminder that due to strong winds over the weekend and Monday, the City of Van Wert has scheduled a special brush pick-up. All brush must be placed by the curb by 7 a.m. Monday, March 23.  

• 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 ten 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 pick up leaves during brush pick up.

Klopfenstein explains E15 legislation

VW independent staff/submitted information

COLUMBUS — State Representatives Roy Klopfenstein (R-Haviland) and Josh Williams (R-Sylvania Twp.) held a press conference on Wednesday to introduce new legislation that would require the sale of E15 blended fuel at all Ohio Turnpike service facilities.

“As a farmer, I understand the importance of E-15,” Representative Klopfenstein said. “Ohio is home to seven ethanol plants that together purchase 233 million bushels of corn annually from over 5,300 family farms across the state. However, only about 200 of Ohio’s more than 5,000 gas stations offer E-15. This fuel is typically more than 25 cents cheaper per gallon than traditional gasoline and is compatible with nine out of 10 vehicles on the road today.”

“At a time when America’s national security is inseparable from our energy security, biofuels represent a practical, homegrown solution,” Representative Williams said. “By investing in E15 and expanding biofuel access, we are strengthening rural economies, creating jobs, and reducing our reliance on foreign energy sources. The Ohio Fuel Affordability Act is about more than fuel it is about supporting the people who power our state, lowering costs for Ohioans, and ensuring that our energy future is built right here at home.”

This bill would require the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission (OTIC) to do the following:

• Contract with authorized fuel retailers to ensure E15 is available, with installation or retrofitting costs treated as turnpike projects and funded via revenues, bonds, state taxes, or federal grants
• Report annually on installation progress, costs, and certification of E15 availability, beginning with the first comprehensive financial report before July 1, 2027
• Conduct a feasibility study within 12 months on the potential expansion of biodiesel fuel infrastructure at turnpike service facilities, including cost and infrastructure analysis

This bill awaits a number and committee assignment.

Oratorical contest winners…

The Optimist Club of Van Wert held its annual oratorical contest earlier this month at CHP Home Care & Hospice in Van Wert. Students from Crestview and Lincolnview schools presented speeches on the topic, “The Moment I Realized I Belonged – My Definition of Community.” Three students from Crestview were this year’s winners. Mackenzie Kreischer was first place, Makala Miller was second, and Devin Berridge placed third. The students received medallions and prize money of $300, $200, and $100 respectively. Aiden Bockrath, Grayson Bennett, and Mackenna Germann from Lincolnview also participated in the contest. The top two winners have the opportunity to participate in the zone competition and move on to the regional, district, national, and international contests through Optimist International to compete for scholarships. Photo submitted

Group ends push for referendum

By Megan Henry/Ohio Capital Journal

Opponents of Ohio Republican lawmakers’ attempt to ban intoxicating hemp products and change the state’s voter-passed recreational marijuana law failed to collect enough signatures to put a referendum on the ballot this year to block it.

Ohioans for Cannabis Choice would not say how many signatures they gathered. They needed to collect 248,092 signatures and also needed to gather three percent of an individual county’s gubernatorial turnout in 44 of Ohio’s 88 counties to get on the November 3 ballot. 

“Unfortunately, we were not able to overcome a truncated time period to give voters the chance to say no to government overreach,” Dennis Willard, spokesperson for Ohioans for Cannabis Choice said in a statement. 

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost initially rejected the referendum’s summary language in January, but approved it in early February after Ohioans for Cannabis Choice made changes to the language. 

The plan was to submit the collected signatures to Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose on Thursday for him to verify the signatures. This was the deadline to submit signatures since Ohio Senate Bill 56 takes effect Friday and it will ban intoxicating hemp products — including THC-infused beverages. 

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed the bill into law in December after he had been urging the lawmakers to do something about intoxicating hemp products for the past nearly two years.

Auto-pick used to win $60 million jackpot

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

The Luck of the Irish was with someone on St. Patrick’s Day. The odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot are roughly one in 290,000,000, but it happened Tuesday in Van Wert.

The city was buzzing on Wednesday, after someone won a Mega Millions $60 million jackpot. Of course, the top question was “who was it?” It’s entirely possible we’ll never know. It is known that it’s the largest lottery jackpot ever won in Van Wert and Van Wert County.

As first reported by the VW independent, the winning ticket for Tuesday’s drawing was purchased at Tyler’s Short Stop on E. Main St. The winner used the auto-pick option to select the nubmers. The winning numbers were 4-11-18-38 and 50, and the Mega Ball was 24.

The winner has 180 days to claim the prize and has the option to take the prize as an annuity paid over 30 years or take the cash option prize of $27.1 million. After taxes, the winner would take home approximately $1 million annually for 30 years or a one-time lump sum payment of $13.6 million. The winner also has the option of revealing themselves through the Ohio Lottery Commission or claiming the money and staying anonymous through a blind or specialized trust. 

Tyler’s Short Stop isn’t coming away empty-handed. The store will receive a $10,000 bonus for selling the winning ticket.

Mega Millions can be played in 45 states plus the District of Columbia and the U. S. Virgin Islands. Since joining Mega Millions, Ohio has had 22 jackpot winners and 65 second-tier winners of $1 million or more.  
 

Busy day in Common Pleas Court

VW independent staff

A pair of arraignments, three sentencing hearings, a bond violation and two plea changes were among the proceedings that occurred in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court on Wednesday. Judge Martin D. Burchfield presided over each of the hearings.

Arraignments

Charles Cowan, 37, of Van Wert, entered a not guilty Plea to domestic violence, a third degree felony. He was released on a surety bond and was ordered to h ave no contact with the victim. A pre-trial conference was scheduled for 8 a.m. April 8.

Daniel Vibbert, 35, of Van Wert, pleaded not guilty to aggravated possession of drugs and theft, both fifth degree felonies. He was released on a surety bond and was ordered to have no contact with the victim. A pre-trial conference was scheduled for 8 a.m. April 15.

Sentencings

Matthew Daisy, 46, of Rockford, was sentenced to nine months in prison for grand theft of a motor vehicle, a fourth degree felony. He was given credit for 113 days already served and was ordered to pay court costs.

After giving his community control, Jeremy Cole, 35, of Celina, was sentenced to a new sentence of one year of community control, 30 days in jail at a later date for having weapons under disability, a third degree felony, and polluting state land or water, a first degree misdemeanor. He was ordered to undergo  treatment if recommended, and was ordered to pay court costs.

James Jones, 38, of Van Wert, was sentenced to one year of community control, 30 days in jail at a later date, and 50 hours of community service for assault, a first degree misdemeanor. He was also ordered to undergo mental health and substance abuse assessment and any treatment, and was ordered to pay monthly probation fees and court costs.

Parkway staying in MAC; DSJ to decide

Editor’s note: this story has been updated with comments from Delphos St. John’s Principal Adam Lee.

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

ROCKFORD — Just a few days after a special meeting to discuss the topic of conference affliation, the Parkway Local Schools Board of Education has made the decision to stay put in the Midwest Athletic Conference.

Parkway recently received an inquiry from the Northwest Conference and on Wednesday, a statement was issued by the school board reaffirming plans to remain a member of the MAC.

“After thoughtful consideration and discussion, the Parkway Board of Education has decided that it is in the best interest of Parkway Schools and its athletes to remain a member of the Midwest Athletic Conference,” the statement said. “As a result, we will not be moving forward with the Northwest Conference’s invitation. This decision reflects what the Board believes is the best path forward for our student-athletes and our district.”

An online poll was offered to district residents and according to Parkway Local Schools Superintendent Laura Young, 663 responded to the question “Overall, do you support the proposal to move from the MAC to the NWC?” 62.7 percent of respondents said no, 30.9 percent said yes and 6.4 percent were unsure.

During a town hall-style Board of Education meeting held on Sunday, Young said all 122 people present were given a paper ballot to vote. All 122 people voted to stay in the MAC.

The statement also noted while the decision brings closure to the question of conference affiliation, it does not mark the end of the conversation about the future of Parkway athletic programs.

“Moving forward, the board is committed to focusing on meaningful growth within our athletic programs,” the statement said. “Our attention will shift toward setting standards renewing and developing policies, programs, and actionable steps that support a growth mindset and elevate opportunities for student-athletes at every level and every age within our district. As we move into this phase, we welcome collaboration from anyone who is ready to work constructively, contribute positively, and be a part of building something stronger for our athletes. Progress requires commitment, effort and a solutions-oriented mindset.”

$60M lottery ticket sold in Van Wert

VW independent staff

There were plenty of smiles at Tyler’s Short Stop on E. Main St. in Van Wert this morning.

That’s because a winning Mega Millions ticket was sold at the store. Not just any winning ticket, but a big winning ticket. That piece of paper with numbers for Tuesday night’s drawing is worth $60 million.

The winning numbers via auto-pick were 4-11-18-38 and 50. The Mega Ball was 24.

An employee at the store and Ohio Lottery officials confirmed this morning that the winning ticket was sold at the store. The employee said it was sold yesterday but he didn’t know who bought it.

Tyler’s Short Stop will get $10,000 for selling the winning ticket, which is believed to be the largest winning lottery ticket sold in Van Wert or Van Wert County. 

The winner will be able to choose between yearly installments – one immediate payment, then 29 annual payments – or the cash option, a lump sum payment of $27.1 million before taxes. The winner will have to redeem the ticket with the Ohio lottery and can choose to take the money, yearly installments or a lump sum, through a blind trust and stay anonymous.

This is a developing story. Check back for more details as they become available.

Willow Bend County Club sale official

VW independent staff/submitted information

Willow Bend Country Club in Van Wert has officially been purchased by KCC Investment Properties LLC of Defiance, which according to a press release, marks the beginning of an exciting new era for the historic course.

Originally built in 1924 and most recently owned by Central Mutual Insurance Company since 1995, Willow Bend is entering 2026 and beyond with renewed vision.

The news release said following the announcement earlier this year, significant progress has already been made. A craft brewery has been established on site, state inspections are complete, and officials are currently awaiting final license approval to finalize the sale.

“We are thrilled to introduce a new chef, Eric Smith, who brings a wealth of experience from Michelin Star restaurants in Chicago,” said the news release, which was signed by Gary Cooper and The Compound Team. “Eric is working alongside Executive Chef Aaron Weible of The Compound to elevate the dining experience through kitchen upgrades, inspired new menu offerings, and a refreshed restaurant atmosphere. Select menu items are already being revamped, and guests will now be able to enjoy 4KD Crick Brewery on tap – with even more to come.”

It also said the restaurant will undergo a full renovation and expansion, with completion anticipated in early 2027. At that time, it will debut under its new name, Town Creek Chophouse.

“The excitement doesn’t stop there,” Cooper said in the news release. “Plans are in place to transform the lower level into a family-friendly entertainment center featuring golf simulators, arcade games, duckpin bowling, the craft brewery, live music stage, and more – creating a gathering space unlike anything else in the area.”