Crestview BOE, Dube honor state level fall athletes

Sheriff’s Office awarded traffic grant

VW independent staff/submitted information

COLUMBUS — The Van Wert County Sheriff’s office has been named as the recipient of federal funding for traffic safety for federal fiscal year 2026. The money is coming through the Ohio Traffic Safety Office from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to support a wide range of initiatives aimed at reducing traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries.

A total of 195 grants were awarded, including 166 grants to 150 different local agencies in 68 counties and 29 grants to support statewide initiatives.

The grants target key traffic safety priorities, including impaired driving, seat belt usage, speeding, distracted driving, youthful driving, and motorcycle safety – which are among the top contributors to fatal crashes on Ohio’s roadways.

The $48,579.90 grant coming to the Van Wert County Sheriff’s Office is for the Impaired Driving Enforcement and Selective Traffic Enforcement Program to fund overtime enforcement targeting impaired driving, speeding, seat belt use and other high risk behaviors.

The Mercer County Sheriff’s Office received a similar grant for $54,595.66, while the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office was awarded a grant of $46,836,20. A $73,139.78 grant was awarded to the Allen County Sheriff’s Office, and the Lima-Allen County Regional Planning Commission received a $38,500 Safe Communities grant to deliver year-round traffic safety education and outreach at the community level.

“These grants are a strategic investment in the safety of everyone who uses Ohio’s roadways,” said Emily Davidson, OTSO director. “Our goal is to empower communities to take action against the leading causes of traffic crashes and save lives through education, enforcement and innovation.”

The FFY 2026 grant cycle was open to state agencies, non-profits, colleges, universities, hospitals, political subdivisions, and other eligible organizations in counties with high rates of fatal crashes.

Campaign donation…

Central Insurance has completed its 2025-26 campaign for the United Way of Van Wert County, contributing an outstanding $133,007. This total includes $58,007 in employee pledges, matched by a generous $75,000 from the company. As the United Way’s longest-standing partner, Central Insurance’s support extends far beyond financial contributions. Employees actively participate in annual campaigns and fundraisers, and volunteer their time to many other organizations. This dedication directly strengthens the work of the 32 United Way funded agencies that provide essential services and resources to individuals and families throughout Van Wert County. Pictured from left to right are Tracey Lautzenheiser, Central Insurance/United Way board member; Amelia Clouse – Central Insurance/United Way board member; Ashley Bultemeier, United Way Executive Director, and Central Insurance Chairman, CEO and President Evan Purmort. Photo submitted

Additional deer hunting this weekend

VW independent staff

Ohio hunters have another opportunity to take a deer with a firearm during an additional gun weekend, this Saturday and Sunday, December 20-21. Hunting hours will be one half hour before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.

PUCO seeking a new commissioner

Submitted information

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio Nominating Council is seeking applications for the position of commissioner of the PUCO to fill a vacancy for the term commencing on April 11, 2026 and ending on April 10, 2031. Applications must be delivered to the Nominating Council no later than 5 p.m. EST on January 9, 2026.   

The PUCO Nominating Council is a broad-based 12-member panel that screens candidates for the position of PUCO commissioner. After reviewing the resumes of all applicants, the Nominating Council will narrow the list to those most qualified for the position. The Nominating Council will meet to interview the selected applicants and recommend four finalists to Governor Mike DeWine. The governor will have 30 days to either appoint a commissioner from the list or request a new list from the Nominating Council.   

The PUCO is comprised of five commissioners appointed to rotating, five-year terms by the governor. The commissioners are responsible for regulating Ohio’s investor-owned public utilities.   

The full text of the commissioner position posting is provided below. For additional information about the PUCO appointment process visit www.PUCO.ohio.gov.   

Changes looming for hemp, pot laws

By Megan Henry/Ohio Capital Journal

Ohioans in the intoxicating hemp industry fear a bill heading to Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s desk will put them out of business. 

Ohio Senate Bill 56 is on its way to DeWine after Ohio Senate Republicans passed the bill last Tuesday. The Ohio House passed the bill last month after it went to conference committee. 

Ohio’s bill complies with recent federal changes by banning intoxicating hemp products from being sold outside of a licensed marijuana dispensary. If DeWine signs the bill into law before the new year, as expected, the ban could take effect as soon as March.

“This bill is going to put businesses like me and families like me out of business,” said Ahmad Khalil, one of the owners of Hippie Hut Smoke Shop, with locations in Ohio and Washington. 

“Overnight, we’re going to see tens of thousands of people directly impacted, which will ripple effect into 50,000 of families that are also dependent on this person.”

Khalil has been in the hemp industry for nine years. 

“This was my American dream, so to see it get taken away from you, kind of hurts,” he said. 

Jason Friedman, owner of Ohio CBD Guy in Cincinnati, said this is extremely frustrating. 

“My tentative plan will involve eventually closing my East Walnut Hills location resulting in less hours and likely loss of jobs for some of my employees,” he said. 

Instead of a ban, Friedman wants regulations for the hemp industry such as age-gating, packaging restrictions, and testing requirements.

“For the state to say that they are changing their stance to banning from regulating because of what the federal government has done in banning intoxicating hemp in the recent spending bill, makes no sense because marijuana has been illegal federally the whole time,” he said. 

Students join Blue, Red, White clubs

Submitted information

CONVOY — Crestview Elementary has announced the Blue, Red and White Clubs for the first trimester. These academic clubs are based on student grades for third, fourth and fifth graders.

For Blue Club eligibility, students must have all A’s on their grade card during the first trimester. Blue Club members include:

Third grade: Cooper Agner, Lydia Ballard, Amelia Brown, Elliana Cox, Ryleigh Dickens, Selah Geise, Cooper Harmon, Claire Hirschy, Paislee Kreischer, Colt Lichtensteiger, Harper McCoy, Adley Miller, Owen Motycka, Kennedy Orsbon, Etta Schaffner, Rigby Straw.

Fourth grade: Ava Andrews, Jade Burkhart, Braydon Carrier, Violet Flynn, Blakely Hagaman, Kenyan Huston, Zeke Kuhn, Cameron Lyons, Dixie Moulton, Haylen Patton, Henry Schaffner, Nora Semer, Kallen Staten, Flynn Williman, Woodard Young.

Fifth grade: Evelyn Beougher, Zetta Hammons, Abel Harter, Lenox Le, Jep Lichtensteiger, Memphis Miller, Lela Murphy, Nolan Perkins, Oscar Salazar, Lexie Sherer, Maverick Tice, Colby Tyas, Finn Wordan.

Red Club members must have all A’s and B’s during the first trimester. Red Club members include:

Third grade: Cooper Blake, Luke Brown, Beau Bunker, Dallas Clark, Hunter Elliott, Maverick Foreman, Elliott Kreischer, Mila Lyons, Elizabeth Manson, Novalee Mies, Ellix Miller, Kaine Olwin, Davis Roessner, Ellinor Routt, Masyn Runyon, Landon Shaner, Nolan Smart, Branch Springer, Pierce Tate, Sylar Wallace, Caroline Young.

Fourth grade: Aubree Allenbaugh, Ella Berning, Deacon Cochran, August Diener, Addilyn Fair, Avery Fetters, Ruby Grant, Avery Germann, Daniel Hakes, Jenson Holden, Emma Merkle, Lane Miller, Lucille Moser, Nathaniel Mueller, Branson Oakley, Brooklyn Osborn, Aurora Perrott, Hailey Poling, Cooper Roth, Landon Sheets, Nellie Speelman, Max Wallis.

Fifth grade: Anthony Andrews, Annabelle Alford, Zavier Berning, Mason Boyd, Ashley Bunker, Ridge Burley, Maevan Conn, Riley Dickson, Isaiah Esparza, Garrett Grubb, Noah Haley, Koda Hammons, Solomon Hull, Andrew Knueve, Drew Lichtensteiger, Weston Little, Breccan Marquardt, Aiden May, Elliana Metzger, Bryson Ogg, Kale Pugh, Addalynne Ragan, Connor Ream, Camden Roger, Georgia Smazenko, Alivia Speaks, Deklan Speaks.

For White Club eligibility, students must earn all B’s during the first trimester. White club members include:

Third grade: Ophelia Hitchcock

Fifth grade: Kenlie Harting, Pyper Palacios

Christmas Eve church service info sought

VW independent staff

A reminder that churches around Van Wert County are encouraged to submit information about their upcoming Christmas Eve services, including times and any other pertinent information, to editor@thevwindependent.com by this Wednesday, December 17. The complete list will be compiled and published on both the News and Church pages on Friday, December 19. There is no charge for the listing.

De-fense!

Elida’s Jonathan Payne (0) finds himself surrounded by four Van Wert defenders during Friday’s night’s game against the Cougars. After spotting the Bulldogs a first half lead, Van Wert clamped down defensively and cruised to a 61-36 win. A full game story can be found on the Sports page. Bob Barnes/VW independent

Crestview BOE to meet Monday night

VW independent staff

CONVOY — The Crestview Local Schools Board of Education will meet on final time in 2025 and it appears the agenda is light.

Among the items on Monday’s agenda – recognition of state golf qualifier Mathew Dealey, state cross country qualifiers Anna Gardner and Emily Heath and the Division IV state champion boys cross country team.

The board is expected to accept a handful of donations, receive a facilities update from Superintendent Matt Dube and see the list of proposed board meetings for 2026. Board members are also expected to set 6 p.m. Monday, January 12, as the date for the annual organizational meeting, followed by the regular monthly meeting. A memorandum of understanding with the Crestview Employees Association regarding paraprofessionals is scheduled for a vote, and an executive session to discuss personnel is planned as well.

Monday’s meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the multipurpose room.

Friday fire call…

The Van Wert Fire Department responded to a home on W. Maple St. at around 1:40 p.m. Friday, due to an electrical device in the ceiling malfunctioning and briefly catching fire. Upon arrival the fire was out. Firemen checked the surrounding area to make sure it had not spread. There was some damage to the immediate area. Along with the fire department, the Van Wert Police Department, Van Wert County CERT were at the scene. City of Van Wert personnel were called to salt the affected road surfaces of the affected area. Bob Barnes/VWFD photographer