Crestview Bd. approves long list of personnel items

State releases tornado funding assistance

VW independent staff/submitted information

COLUMBUS — $5 million is now available to support local governments and eligible non-profit organizations impacted by the tornadoes in Logan and Auglaize counties on March 14.

In early April, Governor Mike DeWine authorized that the funding be made available from the State Disaster Relief Program. The Ohio Controlling Board approved the release of the funds on Monday.

The SDRP is a reimbursement program that can be used in instances where storm damage amounts do not meet the threshold for federal assistance. The program is intended to provide supplemental state assistance to local governments and eligible non-profit organizations for costs associated with debris removal, emergency protective measures, and permanent work.

On March 21, DeWine requested that FEMA and the Small Business Association conduct a damage assessment on impacted homeowners, renters, and businesses in the 11 Ohio counties impacted by the March 14th tornadoes and severe storms. On March 29, DeWine requested a Presidential Disaster Declaration to assist the disaster survivors and businesses with their recovery.

Elks Lodge makes Scout donation

Submitted information

Van Wert Elks Lodge 1197, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks recently donated $125 to the Black Swamp Area Council, Boys Scouts of America. The donation is part of the annual Friends of Scouting fund raising campaign.

The Black Swamp Council, which is headquartered in Findlay, covers 13 counties. It provides two camps, Camp Berry near Findlay and Camp Lakota near Defiance for the scouts to hold activities at and attend summer camp. The Friends of Scouting campaign contributions help the council fund camping programs, adult and youth training programs.

For 100 years, the Boy Scouts of America has been instilling the values embodied in the Scout Oath and Law, the Scout Motto, “Be Prepared” and the Scout Slogan, “Do a Good Turn Daily.” The council provides scouting programs to 6,300 youth.

The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks has a history of supporting Boy Scouts. Many lodges nationwide sponsor scout troops and provide a location for them to meet as well. The Elks provides monies annually to the scouts for camping equipment and helps to sponsor camping trips as well.

Gas prices fall, could rise again though

VW independent staff/submitted information

Average gasoline prices in Ohio have fallen 12.1 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.39 per gallon on Monday, according to GasBuddy’s survey of 5,345 stations in Ohio. Prices in Ohio are 17 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and stand 20.7 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. The national average price of diesel is down 1.2 cents in the last week and stands at $4.01 per gallon.

In Van Wert, gas prices ranged from $3.27 at Party Mart, Pak-A-Sak on S. Shannon, and Murphy USA, to $3.46 at Brookside on W. Main St. Self-serve unleaded was $3.39 at Ohio City Express and Willshire RoadDog, and $3.60 per gallon at Convoy Quickmart.

According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Ohio was priced at $2.39 per gallon while the most expensive was $3.99 a gallon, a difference of $1.60 a gallon.

The national average price of gasoline has risen 3.1 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.60 per gallon on Monday. The national average is up 14.2 cents per gallon from a month ago and stands 5.5 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.

“With Iran’s attack on Israel over the weekend, the stakes couldn’t have been higher for a major potential impact on oil and gasoline prices,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “With the attacks largely thwarted and mostly unsuccessful, and with Iran signaling that their attack will be the end of their response, the risk to crude oil has diminished, and the situation is thankfully likely to de-escalate going forward. If Israel, which has promised to respond with further attacks, indeed does press on, it could certainly still push oil prices higher. However, motorists can expect other factors to influence what they’re paying at the pump.”

Mobile food pantry set for next Tuesday

Submitted information

West Ohio Food Bank, a United Way of Van Wert County agency, will be distributing shelf stable food and produce at Trinity Friends Church, 605 N. Franklin St., Van Wert on Tuesday, April 23, from 12-2 p.m. or until the food is gone. This mobile food drive will be a drive-thru only event.

You must have valid photo identification in order to receive food, only two households per vehicle, and must be at least 18 years of age.

Anyone with questions should call the United Way of Van Wert County office at 419.238.6689.

Eggerss Stadium work

Workers at Alexander & Bebout took advantage of Monday’s great weather to dig up and remove old sanitary sewer lines from behind Eggerss Stadium. The work is part of Phase II of the massive renovation project at the downtown stadium. The second phase will include new restrooms and a new concession stand. VWCS photos

Outdoorsmen hosting youth event

Submitted information

MIDDLE POINT — The Van Wert County Outdoorsmen will host a youth .22 rifle challenge match on starting at 9 a.m. Saturday, April 20. This free match is open to all youth between the ages of 7-18.

The club will have firearms and ammunition for the youth to use, however, if you have your own, you may also use that. Parents and guardians must be present during this program. All instructors and range safety officers are NRA certified for the safety of all participants.

Pre-registration is required and can be done by calling 419.203.8662 after 5 p.m. today through Friday.

This program is funded by The Friends of the NRA and the Van Wert County Outdoorsmen Association. For more information and details, go to vwoutdoorsmen.com.

OhioHealth donates to clock project

VW independent staff/submitted information

OhioHealth has donated $6,000 to Historic Main Street Van Wert to provide the final funding needed to bring the National Bank Clock project to completion. It’s a significant part of a major revitalization project to transform downtown Van Wert.

Located on the corner of Main and Washington Streets, the clock is an iconic piece of local history. Last year, Main Street Van Wert set out to raise $60,000 to fund the clock restoration and now, OhioHealth has helped the non-profit meet that goal.

“I am honored to announce our enthusiastic support and funding for the renovations of the historic clock, symbolizing our commitment to preserving Van Wert’s rich heritage,” said Joy Bischoff, President of OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital. “This collaboration between OhioHealth and the Van Wert community exemplifies our dedication to both preserving the past and building for the future.”

OhioHealth acquired Van Wert Hospital in March of 2023, with the goal of becoming integrated into the community.

“We appreciate OhioHealth for closing the gap on the fundraising efforts. We got through the finish line, and we couldn’t be more excited,” said Main Street Van Wert Director Mitch Price said.

Restoration work is being done by Smith’s Bell and Clock Service of Camby, Indiana. The clock was disassembled last June and the original estimate for completion was said to be 8-12 months.

The iconic clock, which has been in the same spot since 1923, previously ran on a mechanism that was largely underground. Those parts are still there but once it’s back in place, the clock will run via the internet and will be more accurate than ever, keeping time with atomic time. Other enhancements will include LED lighting with color changing capabilities for various holidays and other events. Stained glass panels that say Van Wert National Bank will remain on the clock.

Five boys named finalists for award

VW independent staff/submitted information

Five area boys have been selected as finalists for the 2024 R.K. Thompson Self Reliance Award, according to Breanne Sudduth, Keri McClure and Anthony Adams, co-chairpersons of the Van Wert Service Club’s selection committee. The program provides cash awards to Van Wert County High School seniors who best exhibit the trait of self-reliance. These awards are designed to seek out and honor the student who does the best with what he has.

This year’s boys finalists include: Keldyn Bill, son of Heather Replogle; Andrew Deitemeyer, son of Shawn and Jennifer Deitemeyer; Jackson Dunlap, son of Matt Dunlap and Kristen Price; Derek Sellers, son of Mike and Erinn Sellers and Rylan Sempkowski, son of Curtis Sempkowski Jr. and Jennifer Porter.

Bill is a senior at Van Wert High School where he was a member of the Cougar Football program. Following graduation, Keldyn plans to attend college while continuing to compete in football. Work experience includes time at Walmart, Ragers and experience at the waste water treatment plant through the C.E.O. program.

Deitemeyer is a senior at Van Wert High School where he is a member of National Honor Society, student council and Service Pack. Andrew also completes on the Cougar football and track and field teams. Following graduation, Andrew plans to continue his education and attend college. Work experiences include time with Deitemeyer Brothers in addition to managing his own mowing, landscaping, and snow removal business.

Dunlap is a senior at Lincolnview High School where he is a member of FFA and competes on the Lancer varsity baseball team. Other activities include participation in the D.A.R.E. demolition derby, membership at Salem United Presbyterian Church and Bo Jackson Elite Travel Baseball. Following graduation, Jackson plans to attend the Ohio State University majoring in marketing. Work experience includes time with Highpoint/Fireside Capital and Klosterman’s Pizza, while also operating his own power washing business.

Sellers is a senior at Lincolnview High School where he is a member of National Honor Society and FFA and has participated in the Lincolnview band. Outside of school, Derek is a member of Trinity Global Methodist Youth Group and competes in Power Chair Soccer at Turnstone. After graduation, Derek plans to attend the University of Cincinnati pursuing a degree in communications. Work experience includes time with Main Street Van Wert.

AAA: pay attention in construction zones

VW independent staff/submitted information

As warm weather returns, so too do the many road construction zones on streets and highways, as crews work to maintain and repair roadways. April 15-19 is 2024 National Work Zone Awareness Week, and AAA is joining with transportation, construction and traffic safety agencies at the state and federal level, to remind drivers to stay focused and drive with caution in road work zones.

“This week — and really the entire road construction season – is a annual reminder that work zone safety for all road users – including motorists and vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, bicyclists, and highway workers on foot – is extremely important,” said Kara Hitchens, public affairs manager for AAA. “Work zones and highway workers are crucial to upgrading and maintaining our roadways.”

Ohio Work Zone Facts

• In 2023, the Ohio State Highway Patrol website reports there were more than 4,000 work zone-related crashes. Many were property damage crashes.
• Tragically, there were 8 fatal crashes in work zones and another 1,000 people sustained minor to serious injuries.
• The majority of the collisions occurred during the warmer months of May-September with August having the most crashes.
• The Ohio ‘Move Over’ Law requires motorists on four-lane highways to switch to the lane farthest from any stationary vehicle displaying flashing lights, if it is safe to do so, and to slow down. Citations start at $250 fine plus court costs.

AAA has worked to support and help establish “Slow Down, Move Over” laws in all 50 states to protect those at the roadside, including emergency responders, construction crews, and tow truck operators.

Legislators are considering expanding the “Move Over” law in Ohio and increasing fines.

The national theme of this year’s work zone safety recognition period is “Work zones are temporary. Actions behind the wheel can last forever.” Wednesday, April 17 is being recognized as Go Orange Day in Ohio to show support to highway workers and bring awareness to work zone safety.

Marijuana discussion set for next Monday

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

To say they are controversial topics is probably an understatement, but they’ll be discussed during a special “Council of the Whole” meeting in Van Wert one week from today, Monday, April 22.

Two topics are expected to be addressed at the meeting and Van Wert City Council is looking for public input on both of them. One deals with a possible ban on recreational marijuana dispensaries within the Van Wert city limits. The other is an ordinance that, if approved, would prohibit marijuana consumption on city-owned properties, most notably places like parks and the Municipal Building.

A potential ban on recreational marijuana dispensaries was first brought up by Mayor Ken Markward last December and then again last month. He reminded city council that when medical marijuana became legal in Ohio in 2016, a city law was passed that prohibited medical marijuana dispensaries in Van Wert. He also recommended that city council approve a similar ban on recreational marijuana dispensaries, and Council President Thad Eikenbary suggested council members take some time to consider the request and to gather feedback from city residents. He also assigned the matter to council’s Judiciary and Annexation Committee for possible legislation.

While it failed locally last November, the majority of Ohio voters (57 percent) approved the legalization of recreational marijuana, making it legal statewide. The issue also included a provision that allowed any municipality to ban dispensaries. Some cities and towns, including St. Henry, have already approved legislation prohibiting sales.

Any law passed by city council would not affect marijuana grown at home. Currently, Ohio law states up to six cannabis plants may be cultivated at home for personal use.