Voter turnout low, along with candidacy interest

Bond violation, other hearings held

VW independent staff

Five criminal hearings were held in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court between Friday, October 31, and Wednesday, November 5. Judge Martin D. Burchfield presided over each of the hearings.

Bond/probation violations

Ernie Ginter, 24, of Van Wert, admitted to violating his bond by failing a drug screen. Judge Burchfield revoked his prior bond and set new bond at $10,000 cash or surety. A pre-trial conference was scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, November 26. Ginter is charged with grand theft of a motor vehicle, a fourth degree felony.

Mary McVicker, 37, of Payne, admitted to violating her probation by failing to appear to the probation department and failing to engage in treatment. She was sentenced to 90 days jail and was given credit for 16 days already served.

Jordan Jackson, 31, of Lima, admitted violating to his bond by failing to attend a court hearing. He was released on a surety bond, then signed a time waiver in open court. A pre-trial conference was scheduled for 8:30 a.m. December 10. Jackson is charged with three counts of theft, fifth degree felonies and two additional counts of theft, both first degree misdemeanors.

Change of plea

Chloe Morefield, 21, of Van Wert, changed her plea to guilty to an amended indictment of domestic violence, a first degree misdemeanor. She was then sentenced to one year of community control, 90 days of electronic house arrest with an alcohol monitor and 30 days in jail at a later date. She must undergo mental health and substance abuse assessment and any treatment; and was ordered to pay court costs.

Competency hearing

Tabatha Thornsberry, 37, of Van Wert, was found competent to stand trial after an evaluation at Court Diagnostic in Toledo. A pre-trial conference was scheduled for 9 a.m. Wednesday, November 26. Thornsberry is charged with harassment with a bodily substance, a fifth degree felony, and assault, a felony of the fourth degree. 

Ohio House passes House Bill 433

VW independent staff/submitted information

COLUMBUS — State Representatives Roy Klopfenstein (R-Haviland) and Sarah Fowler Arthur (R-Ashtabula) have announced that the Ohio House of Representatives passed House Bill 433, legislation to modernize the state’s amusement ride inspection fee structure.

“This legislation isn’t about raising fees,” Rep. Klopfenstein said. “It’s about making sure every operator pays their appropriate share so that Ohio’s amusement ride safety program can continue to operate effectively and efficiently.”

Under current law, all amusement rides, regardless of size, complexity, or inspection time, are charged the same permit fee. As a result, small operators of inflatables and portable rides have been subsidizing the cost of inspecting larger, more complex attractions such as roller coasters and major amusement park rides. House Bill 433 establishes a new fee structure that more accurately reflects the time and cost required to inspect each ride type, ensuring a fair and sustainable system for both regulators and operators.

House Bill 433 now moves to the Ohio Senate for consideration.

Honoring veterans…

As part of their Senior Capstone Project, Mrs. Switzer’s senior English classes at Van Wert High School placed 300 flags at the entrance to the school campus to honor Van Wert County’s veterans, active-duty forces, and first responders.  Members of the VFW post 5803 Auxiliary were in attendance to pass out R.A.P. (random act of patriotism) cards and patriotic bookmarks. Photos submitted

Majority of school tax issues pass in Ohio

VW independent staff/submitted information

COLUMBUS — Ohio voters approved 66 percent of the school tax issues on Tuesday’s general election ballot, according to unofficial results compiled by the Ohio School Boards Association (OSBA). The passage rate marks a 15-point increase from last year’s general election, when 51 percent of issues passed.

Renewal proposals, which maintain current tax levels, saw overwhelming support, with 55 of 60 passing for a 91.7 percent success rate, however, new money levies remain a challenge. Just 33 percent of new requests passed, up from last year. Voters approved 15 of 45 new levies, four of seven substitute levies, and three of nine bond issues. In total, 74 of 114 issues statewide were approved.

“A school board doesn’t place a levy on the ballot lightly,” said Tom Hosler, OSBA chief executive officer. “Each question represents months of discussion about how to meet student needs while respecting a community’s ability to pay. When a levy is rejected, it isn’t failure — it’s feedback. That exchange between schools and voters is the essence of local government and democracy.”

Hosler added that the results reflect a shared purpose that transcends ballot outcomes.

“For those celebrating, this moment honors partnerships districts have with their communities,” he said. “For others, it’s a chance to listen, reset and prepare for the next step. Across Ohio, boards and voters alike are united by a shared goal — doing what’s best for students.”

While the results are complete, they have not yet been officially certified by the Ohio Secretary of State’s Office.

Final local November 4 election results

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

Van Wert City Council will have three new members in 2026.

Two of the newcomers will fill at-large seats – Dewaine Johnson, who collected the second highest vote total (924) and Hall Block, who finished third with 812 votes and secured the final open seat. Incumbent At-Large Councilwoman Jana Ringwald garnered the most votes, 1,039. Kirby Kelly finished fourth in the five-way race with 584 votes and incumbent At-Large Councilwoman Judy Bowers finished fifth with 554 votes. Incumbent Councilman At-Large Jeff Kallas did not seek re-election.

The third new council member will be Eric Hurless, who ran unopposed in the fourth ward. He’ll replace Bill Marshall, who chose not to run again.

Incumbent First Ward Councilman Jeff Agler, Second Ward Councilman Greg Roberts, and Third Ward Councilwoman Julie Moore ran unopposed.

In Middle Point, Tonya Hoghe (70 votes), Lisa Merkle (67 votes), Toni Wisher (57 votes) and Adam Blockberger (56) were elected, while Shane Shugart finished with 44 votes.

There was one mayoral race on the ballot. In Venedocia, Vernon Hobbs defeated P.J. Burnett 26-17. 

School board races

The only contested school board race on the ballot was in the Crestview Local Schools district, with four people seeking three seats. The three incumbents – Brad Perrott, Nan Grace and Lori Bittner won re-election. Grace finished with 712 votes, followed by Perrott (616) and Bittner (585). Challenger John Dowler tallied 427 votes.

All Van Wert County issues approved

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

The only two countywide issues on Tuesday’s ballot in Van Wert County passed by a wide margin.

The overwhelming majority of voters who cast ballots approved property tax replacement levies for Van Wert County Council on Aging. A five-year, 0.25 mill levy was approved 3,394-879, while the other, a five-year 0.2 mill levy that also benefits Delphos Senior Citizens Inc. passed 3,309-911.

“On behalf of the Van Wert County Council on Aging, our Board of Directors and the older adults we serve, I would like to extend a sincere thank you to the residents of Van Wert County for supporting the Council on Aging levies, COA Executive Director Kevin Matthews said. “Your continued trust and commitment mean so much to our agency.”

The results were similar for the Brumback Library’s continuing 0.5 mill replacement levy. It was on the ballot in much of, but not all of Van Wert County and was approved 3,018-834.

“We are so incredibly grateful for the amazing support from our community,” Brumback Library Director Nellie Schmidt said. “Seeing this levy pass with such a strong margin shows just how much Van Wert County values its library and the services we provide. We’re excited to keep growing, adding new opportunities, and continuing to be a place our community can be proud of.”

Deadline near for Marsh trustee applications

VW independent staff/submitted information

A reminder that The Marsh Foundation is seeking a qualified and community-minded individual to fill the position of a retiring trustee. The six-year term for this position will begin on February 3, 2026, and conclude on February 2, 2032. Additional six-year terms may be granted at the discretion of the Judges of the Third District Court of Appeals.

The three-member Board of Trustees governs The Marsh Foundation by providing direction, leadership, and support to the organization. Trustees are responsible for safeguarding the organization’s mission, assets, and future. The ideal candidate will be an engaged leader who demonstrates integrity, sound judgment, and the ability to put the interests of The Marsh Foundation—and the children and families it serves—above all else. Community involvement, strong communication skills, and experience in areas such as education, business, finance, health, law, or nonprofit service are highly valued.

Applicants must submit a resume, a letter explaining their interest in the position and unique qualifications, and at least three references by Wednesday, November 12. Materials may be e-mailed to gmiller@third.courts.state.oh.us or sent by mail to: Third District Court of Appeals Gregory Miller, Court Administrator, 204 North Main Street, Lima, Ohio, 45801.

The Marsh Foundation, located in Van Wert, is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving children and families through group home care, family foster care and adoption, clinical services, and a fully accredited on-campus school for students in grades 2-12. The organization also offers equine-assisted learning and psychotherapy, providing youth opportunities to heal, learn, and grow in a supportive environment.

VWHS parent-teacher conferences set

VW independent staff/submitted information

Van Wert High School Principal Chuck Rollins has announced that 2025-2026 parent-teacher conferences will be held in the high school/middle school commons area from 4-8 p.m. Monday, November 24; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, November 25 (teachers will be on lunch break from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.), and Monday, February 16, from 4:30-7:30 p.m.

Parent-teacher conferences allow parents the opportunity to discuss their son or daughter’s progress with their child’s teachers. Members of the teaching staff welcome and encourage parents to visit the school during the scheduled hours.

Parents should plan to park in the far west parking lots to the back of the high school, and should enter through the high school gym entrance.

Child struck…

Van Wert police and firefighters were dispatched to the intersection of S. Washington St. and Crawford St. at 7:10 this morning, after a child was struck by an SUV. According to Police Chief Doug Weigle, the boy, 12, who attends the Van Wert School at the Goedde, was originally at the school but needed go home. He was walking eastbound on Crawford St and entered the intersection of Washington St. and was struck by the SUV, which was turning south onto Washington St. The boy was was taken to the OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. As of late morning, no charges had been filed. Bob Barnes/VWFD photographer

Various local races, issues on the ballot

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

Today is Election Day throughout Ohio. The polls will be open statewide until 7:30 p.m. Locally, there are just a handful of races on the ballot, but over a dozen issues. Local results will be published on the News page as they become available tonight.

Council races

Five people are running for three Van Wert City Council At-Large seats. Two of the candidates are incumbents seeking re-election: Judy Bowers, who is serving her second term and Jana Ringwald, who is finishing her first term. The remaining three candidates are Hall Block, Dewaine Johnson and Kirby Kelly. Incumbent Councilman At-Large Jeff Kallas is not seeking re-election.

Incumbent Council President Thad Eikenbary is running unopposed, along with three other incumbent council members – First Ward Councilman Jeff Agler, Second Ward Councilman Greg Roberts, and Third Ward Councilwoman Julie Moore. Incumbent Fourth Ward Councilman Bill Marshall is not seeking re-election and will be replaced by Eric Hurless, who is running unopposed. 

Johanna M. Quarles is the only person to file for Van Wert city treasurer.